SHOWS OF SUPPORT

73rd Annual Birthnight Supper and Ball

On February 16, 200 guests gathered for the 73rd annual Birthnight Supper & Ball—Mount Vernon’s longest-running fundraiser. This tradition celebrates the birth of our founding father, George Washington, and this year paid special tribute to the women in General Washington’s life, including those who helped preserve his legacy.

Gala cochairs, Karena and Martijn Rasser, welcomed guests, who enjoyed a cocktail reception, seated three-course dinner catered by Design Cuisine, a live auction, online auction, entertainment, and dancing. A highlight of the evening included a birthday toast delivered to General Washington by his beloved wife, Mrs. Washington.

Organized by the Neighborhood Friends, this sold-out event and pinnacle fundraiser raised more than $150,000 to support the restoration of the Mansion. Mount Vernon thanks the many generous supporters who contributed to this event, which proved the most successful gala to date.

Photos by Dan Chung
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Joseph & Christa Doherty, Jacob & Elizabeth Snodgrass, Ann & Joseph Somerset, Mary & Jonathan Biegel, Audra & Matt Gannon

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Karena & Martijn Rasser, Gayla & Scott Keller, Erin & Neil Seifring

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Stacey & Chip Brown

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Neighborhood Friends Steering Committee Cochairs, Tracy & Barry Hutchison

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Chris Massey, Vince & Nicole Sampson

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John and Ruth Huber

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Matt & LeeAnne Murrell, Carmen Trummer

Birthday Dinner

On Saturday, February 22, nearly 200 of Mount Vernon’s generous donors and friends gathered to honor the life and legacy of George Washington on the 288th anniversary of his birth. Highlights of the annual Birthday Dinner celebration included historical addresses by General Washington’s closest confidantes, the Marquis de Lafayette, Dr. James Craik, and Martha Washington; an engaging conversation between patriotic philanthropist David Rubenstein and Pulitzer Prize–winning–author Rick Atkinson; and a heartfelt message on the importance of an educated citizenry from General Washington himself.

Photos by Dan Chung
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Vice Regent for Virginia
Lucia Henderson with Sondra and Jeff LeHew and Sandra and Ted Guarriello

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Joy Ammerman and Denis Franks with Michael and Stephanie Franks

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Liz and George Zoulias

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Jack and Pat Veatch

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Ben and Trillium Rose

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Ken and Heather Eagon