The Spirit of Mount Vernon

The 19th Annual Spirit of Mount Vernon brought together the Washington, DC corporate and government affairs communities with Capitol Hill on a glorious October evening for a socially-distanced celebration on the east lawn. More than 350 guests, including association CEOs, corporate executives, leadership from top consulting firms, and Capitol Hill, came to the estate for Mount Vernon’s largest annual fundraising event.

The evening included a sunset reception with a whiskey tasting bar sponsored by the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States, custom boxed dinners, a fife and drum performance, online auction, and fireworks. Guests received “George Washington for President” buttons for a bit of election whimsy and a nod to our first President’s service.

In a challenging year for the estate and the country, the event generated nearly $600,000 for Mount Vernon’s mission of education and historic preservation, topping last year’s sponsorship and individual contribution support with more than 20 new organizations participating and more than doubling the event’s gold sponsorships. A portion of the evening’s proceeds came from an online auction, which included 12 carefully selected items and experiences open for bidding both to guests at the event and supporters of Mount Vernon across the country.

The 2020 event co-chair leadership included: Michelle Korsmo – President and CEO of the Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America; Mike Sommers – President and CEO of the American Petroleum Institute; Brett Loper – EVP, Global Government Affairs with American Express; and, Daniel Eubanks – Senior Manager, Federal Government Relations with Intuit. In a difficult year for holding in person gatherings, the event co-chairs took on the challenge with thoughtfulness that yielded a successful, special evening for all.

Mount Vernon will celebrate the 20th Anniversary of the Spirit of Mount Vernon on Thursday, October 7, 2021 with a special night honoring past leadership and the event’s unique history.


2020 Event Gold Sponsors:
America Express
American Petroleum Institute
Corn Refiners Association
Ford Motor Company
International Dairy Foods Association
Investment Company Institute
Intuit
National Association of Chain Drug Stores
National Retail Federation
The PNC Financial Services Group
Virginia Distillery Co.
Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America