By Samira K. Azzam, Contributing Editor

From left to right: Janet Waxman, Henry Waxman, Richard Shelby,
Annette Shelby, Mike Oxley, Patricia Oxley, Susan Blumenthal Markey,
Edward Markey. Photo by Amanda K. Gilley

The 31st Annual Ambassadors Ball, held at the Washington Hilton Hotel on September 17, 2009, marked another year of successful fundraising for the Multiple Sclerosis Society and another night of fun and dancing for many of the District’s resident ambassadors, politicians, and professionals.

The black tie gala featured Savannah Guthrie, NBC’s White House Correspondent, as the evening’s host. Aside from the numerous members of the Diplomatic Corps, the evening’s distinguished local guests included: Secretary Elaine Chao (Ball Co-Chair) and Senator Mitch McConnell, Congressman Ed Markey and Susan Blumenthal Markey, Congressman Gregory Meeks and Simon-Marie Meeks (Ball Co-Chair), Congressman Mike Oxley and Patricia Oxley, and Congressman Henry Waxman and Janet Kessler Waxman.

The evening began with an international silent auction—featuring many gifts from local Ambassadors, followed by dinner, international performances, a tribute to the year’s honorees—recognized for their long-term commitment to the organization, a toast to the Diplomatic Corps of Washington, DC, and dancing.

This year’s Ambassadors Ball had almost 750 attendees and raised over $700,000. The Ambassadors Ball has raised over $12 million for the Multiple Sclerosis Society over the last 31 years. [DC]

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