Press dinner a weeklong extravaganza
April 29, 2009
Even though the dinner is next Saturday, the week leading up to it is filled with parties.
Things get started Tuesday night with Running Start’s 2009 Women to Watch Awards, which honors “Meet the Press” executive producer Betsy Fischer, Department of Veterans Affairs Assistant Secretary Tammy Duckworth, White House Deputy Chief of Staff Mona Sutphen and CNBC anchor Erin Burnett.
Former White House Chief of Staff John Podesta and the Center for American Progress are holding a Wednesday night gathering at the Newseum.
Thursday night will feature a version of political “Jeopardy!” hosted by National Journal and The Hotline. The mock game show will be held at the Daughters of the American Revolution Hall and will test several familiar faces, including NBC News White House correspondent Chuck Todd and CNN correspondent Dana Bash, on their political knowledge.
Also on Thursday night, the 30th annual Refugees International gala will honor CNN founder Ted Turner along with Sen. Sam Brownback (R-Kan.) and Rep. Nita Lowey (D-N.Y.). Actor Sam Waterston will serve as master of ceremonies.
The political satire website FunnyorDie.com confirmed to The Hill it’s co-hosting an event, but details were not available as of press time. FunnyorDie.com co-creator Chris Henchy is attending the dinner as the guest of People magazine. His wife Brooke Shields is scheduled to join him.
And the Friday before the dinner has turned into a prime party night. In previous years, the night before was a time to rest and prepare for the big event. But People magazine changed that last year with a high-profile, A-list party. This year it has some competition.
Also throwing a party that night is the Creative Coalition and Capitol File magazine, which will host the D.C. premiere of documentary “Poliwood.”
The same evening, Atlantic Media will host a “
Saturday afternoon features Haddad Media founder Tammy Haddad’s annual brunch. Haddad’s gathering has grown from a few intimate friends to one of the can’t-miss events of the weekend.
But the biggest, most-coveted invitations of the evening are the after-dinner parties. Bloomberg and Vanity Fair, which used to each hold an exclusive bash, have teamed up this year to host an even smaller event at the residence of French Ambassador Pierre Vimont.
“Bloomberg asked if we’d co-host a party and we agreed — given the times, it seemed like a great idea to partner, and we’re delighted to be doing the event with them,” said a spokesman for Vanity Fair.
The guest list is expected to contain about 200 names and is one of the most closely guarded secrets in
“There is greater interest, and much excitement, around this year. We’re really looking forward to it,” the spokesman added.
Capitol File began its own after-party a few years ago and the event has been steadily growing. This year’s party will be at the Corcoran Gallery with a political-heavy guest list including Jarrett, White House social secretary Desiree Rogers, Tim Daly, Ellen Burstyn, Dana Delany, Connie Britton, Matthew Modine, Rashida Jones and Tony Goldwyn. Comedian Wanda Sykes, who is entertaining at the dinner, is also expected to attend.
Courtesy of FGPR
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