Guests mingle during the St. Jude Gourmet Gala in Washington D.C., on February 17.
The 17th St. Jude Gourmet Gala, benefiting St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, showcased some of the finest food in Washington, D.C., on February 17 at the National Building Museum.
Around 600 guests attended the event and raised more than $540,000 for the hospital, helping to ensure that families never receive a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing or food — because all a family should worry about is helping their child live.
The gala has raised more than $5 million for St. Jude in its history.
A highlight of the evening was Carly, a patient's mother, who shared the story of her family’s journey at St. Jude.
Throughout the night guests enjoyed the music of Pop Culture Strings, a string quartet that plays modern pop songs. The group was produced by Andy Kushner Entertainment Design, Inc.
Among the featured auction items were a New York experience that included two passes to a night of the New York Film Festival and gift certificates for two top restaurants.
More than 30 local restaurants participated in a special tasting, during which guests voted on their favorite dishes. This year’s winner was chef Victor Albisu of Del Campo restaurant in Washington, D.C. He was presented with the Taster’s Choice Award by Anne Burrell, a noted chef, Food Network personality and cookbook author.
Sponsors for the St. Jude Gourmet Gala included Blackstone Charitable Foundation, WH Administrators Inc., Airbus, AIG, BlackRock and Everfresh.