A Jolly Holiday for All!

 
 
Written by Anita
December 27, 2009
 

We got the holiday season off to a jolly good start by joining our friends at the Young Benefactors 20th Annual Jolly Holiday party (featured on GregsListDC). Held at the Smithsonian Castle, this annual gathering is one of YB’s biggest fundraising events. As one of the largest museum-based philanthropic organizations for young professionals in the nation, the Young Benefactors raise funds for the Smithsonian Institution and also volunteer within the community. This event’s proceeds benefited The Smithsonian Associates and Culture4Kids, which provides scholarships for local youth to attend Discovery Theater performances and Smithsonian Summer Camp. The evening included an open bar and a delectable buffet of festive hors d’oeuvres. We couldn’t get enough of the risotto fritters—crunchy golden balls of risotto, served with a zesty roasted red pepper remoulade or the creamy butternut squash soup (served in miniature mugs). We also enjoyed the chunky Chesapeake Bay crab dip, accompanied by crispy pretzel chips and the gooey and jammy baked brie. The evening concluded with a sumptuous dessert bar—heaped with black and white cookies, brownies and blondies, and assorted dessert parfaits (our favorite was the s’mores-inspired one topped with toasted marshmallow.) As we mixed and mingled, Shiseido representatives provided lip gloss touchups and spritzed revelers with the latest fragrances. Santa also was on hand, dancing up a storm, posing for pictures, and giving swag bags to good little boys and girls (and several not-so-good ones!) Missed out on the fun? Then make sure you catch the YB’s next event—a happy hour (they hold them monthly) at Co Co. Sala on January 20. There, we’ll enjoy cocktails and all-things chocolate before heading to the Wizards vs. Mavericks game at the Verizon Center (tip: enter offer code “Smithsonian”).
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