Saturday night at the posh Four Seasons Hotel, the downstairs of the hotel was transformed into a gorgeous array of white lights, beautiful flowers, and dance floor with the most amazing band The Fabulous Fantoms. It was all put together to benefit sick children through the Starlight Children’s Foundation MidAtlantic.

For nearly 30 years, Starlight Children’s Foundation has been the leading organization in the nation providing fun in the hospital, and online for seriously ill children and their families.    Starlight’s core programs help distract children from their pain, help better understand and manage their illnesses, and connect families with others facing similar challenges so that no one feels alone.  Last year, throughout 6 states, Starlight MidAtlantic provided a record 2 million hours of entertainment to more than 200,000 children actively receiving treatment at 154 hospitals.
The event was beautiful. There was both a silent and a live auction. The live auction featured a South African photo safari for two, Churchill Downs VIP Experience, among many others. In addition, bidders could win to donate to sick children and their families like a fun center to a hospital on Starlight Foundations’ waiting list.   There were wiis set up for people to play games, about four open bars, a dance floor with live music and the highlight was the dessert bar.  The dessert bar glistened with jars filled with orange jelly beans, mini-whoopie pies made with blue filling, martian cakes and other delectables.  The crowd was suited in beautiful gowns and tuxes.

Feted that night was Cafe Milano’s owner Franco Nuchese who received the Community Star Award.  He chaired the 2011 Spanish Catholic Center Gala in DC, which raised funds to provide health and other vital services to the Latino community.  He is active among many other charitable organizations including being the Director of the Robert C. Gallo Foundation for AIDS and Virus Research, and contributing to events to help our American military veterans and troops.  His enterprises include Capital Wines, Embassy Row Catering and Sette Osteria restaurant.

Dr. David Nelson, Department of Pediatrics at Georgetown Hospital accepted on behalf of Georgetown Hospital the award of Peter Samuelson Founders Award.
This was a wonderful event with great people for a very important cause. Congrats on a successful event!!