Roger and Vicki Sant with Senator Sheldon Whitehouse

Location: Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History

WL EXCLUSIVE – Photos by Tony Powell

DIVING IN: The opening of a spectacular new exhibit showcasing the ocean as a vast ecosystem that is essential to all planetary life. CRUISING ON: Two hundred pals toasted Roger and Vicki Sant for their $15 million endowment at the VIP-only pre-party before floating off to sample an Occasions Caterer’s “sustainable seafood” buffet that included bronzini, barramundi and other exotic fruits de mer. An additional 1,000 guests swarmed in later to view the giant squid carcass and “Phoenix,” a replica of a North Atlantic right whale, that dominate the 23,000-square-foot hall. THE CREW: Commerce Secretary Carlos Gutierrez, Adrienne Mars, Tim Wirth, Philippe Cousteau, Jaylee Mead, Leslie Hayes, Adm. James Watkins, Edward Luttwak, Brent Glass and Cathryn Keller.