Prelude to the Royal Wedding–Celebratory and Successful!

Beefeaters stand guard outside Peacock Café--Photo credit: metromix.com

Where in DC could you sip a Pimm’s Cup, buy a new hat, and win a tea set donated by Lord Wedgewood of Wedgewood China? YPAC’s Prelude to the Royal Wedding, held April 28,2011.

Thanks to Shoot for Change‘s Walter Grio, Kate and William made the long journey through the U.S. Postal system to join us and were the stars of the evening. Walter Grio shot photos of guests posed with the royal couple after they made their way down the red carpet, past the beefeaters, and into Peacock Café.

Shahab Farivar and Mazier Farivar, the proprietor and co-proprietor and chef of Peacock Café, respectively, added to the revelry with their thoughtful menu choices. They imported the champagne served at the wedding reception at Buckingham Palace, as well as searched out and served the Queen’s favorite cocktail. The small bites they provided sustained guests as they chatted and browsed the raffle items–small chocolate cups filled with fluffy chocolate mousse punctuated the night perfectly.

Guests pose with the Royal Couple--Photo credit: Walter Grio, Shoot for Change

CBCC Advisory Council President and Former DC First Lady, Michelle Fenty spoke words that highlighted the passion that filled the room. She commended the Center for all the work it does, offered lauds to YPAC for their success so far, and urged everyone to continue to support screening women regardless of their ability to pay. However, more notable than her words was the intensity with which she spoke them.

The energy that radiated from Michelle Fenty and through the words she shared inspired others as well. It drove Jennifer Harlow in the months she took the lead planning the event and connecting everyone involved. It showed in the well-dressed ladies who took time to search out hats with which to dazzle us. The beefeaters, with their persistent stoicism and straight-lipped mouths, shared the excitement as well. All involved enjoyed the party, but they also knew something greater was at the heart of the festivities.

Michelle Fenty, CBCC Advisory Council President and former DC First Lady, and Susannah Fox, CBCC Development Director--Photo credit: Walter Grio, Shoot for Change

Michelle Fenty’s speech, spoken with a lilting British accent, did more than remind everyone sipping champagne why we all bought tickets to attend the fun cocktail party. Her speech underscored why Will and Kate’s wedding was the perfect event to dovetail with our fundraiser. Britain’s population suffers from breast cancer just as much as the people of the United States. Each year, the British Embassy holds an event for CBCC precisely because the two countries have both struggled to lower their rates of breast cancer morbidity and mortality.

Further, William’s parents have been devoted to philanthropy for years. Will and Kate promise they will follow suit, tracing Princess Diana’s steps in helping children. They also hope to devote themselves to supporting fallen soldiers and their families and to promoting more sustainable farming practices.

As reporters circulated, taking in details for stories on Georgetown Patch, Georgetown Dish, and metromix, guests bought raffle tickets hoping to win a sophisticated necklace and ring or headband designed by Krista Johnson from Ella-Rue; a beautiful scarf designed by Meena Tharmaratan from Ibhana Boutique; two gorgeous bags designed for CBCC by Liz Stajka; an elegant silver coffee service from Malad Mouawad Dahdan and Malda Boutique; the sophisticated tea set from Wedgewood China; or the handmade, fashion-forward necklace from Lais Lapas . Even as guests filled out tickets to win boutique prizes and spent time in a gorgeous space in uptown Georgetown, the women who have little access to care and little money to pay for needed services were front and center.

The Most Eligible Bachelor is off the market!--Photo credit: Walter Grio, Shoot for Change

Prelude to the Royal Wedding would not have happened if not for Jennifer Harlow and the generous souls at the Peacock Café. Walter Grio’s incredible photos will help our memories live on and for that we are very grateful. We also thank our sponsors, whose funding facilitated the elegance of the night and ensured that the $4,000 raised through ticket sales go to CBCC.

Thank you for making Prelude to the Royal Wedding so successful!