Luisa Zarate

Location: Cartier, Tysons Galleria

WL EXCLUSIVE - Photos by Tony Powell

A RARE VIEW: Like the jewels, all eyes were sparkling as guests gathered at Tysons Corner to celebrate “100 Years of Cartier in America” while enjoying an exclusive view of the famed company’s precious jewelry and timepiece collections. Co-hosted by Paula and Robert Hisaoka, the reception benefited the Joan Hisaoka Healing Arts Gallery at the Smith Farm Center, named in memory of the late PR guru. ON DISPLAY: Mirella Levinas, Jack Davies, Kay Kendall, Fariba Jahanbani, Feri Oveissi, Keyvan Sayadian, and Young Kim.

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What We've Learned About Giving: "Be Wary if you hear of a program or idea that is too good to be true. There are no 'silver bullets' that can fix entrenched social problems with one, swift, inexpensive intervention. The real solutions generally come at a problem from multiple approaches, and they take time, money, copious talent, and long-term commitment." - David and Katherine Bradley

When Warren Buffett’s staggering donation of $36.1 billion was added to the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation’s coffers (which already had $30 billion), many proclaimed this to be a new golden age of philanthropy, harkening back to the days of the Rockefeller, Mellon, and Carnegie endowments of countless worthy causes across a broad spectrum of American life. Yet, just a few years later, we are in an economic recession with the contributions of wealthy local residents now shrinking. Some generous donors were hard hit by the Madoff scandal, many others have had major losses in real estate or because of the stock market’s broad decline. As the local supply of capital has fallen for both individuals and private foundations, the need for philanthropy has correspondingly increased. Plus, much giving was directed towards political campaigns in 2008, with many charitable contributions taking a backseat to the historic election. But the tide will turn again.

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WL’s First Look at Washington’s Outstanding Philanthropists and the Driving Forces Behind Local Charities.

Photography Joseph Allen

STANDING, FROM LEFT: Michael Farr, Chairman of the Sibley Hospital Foundation, Kathy Didawick, chair of A Vintage Affair to benefit Children’s National Medical Center, Bob Hisaoka, chair of the Joan Hisaoka Make a Difference Gala to assist those living with cancer, Charlotte Marshall, incoming chair of the Women’s Committee of the Washington Performing Arts Society, James Alefantis, board president of Transformer Gallery, Annie Totah, chair of the 2009 Phillips Collection Gala; SEATED, FROM LEFT: Izette Folger, Chair of the Transformer Auction, Mariella Trager, chair of the Refugees International 30th Anniversary Dinner, and Collette Bruce, incoming president of the Women’s Committee of the Corcoran Gallery of Art.

The Fundraisers

Million-dollar gifts may receive the bulk of media attention, but for many area non-profits, the critical funds to cover daily expenses are raised through events. Gala dinners, cocktail receptions, concerts, and balls all rely upon the energetic leadership of individuals, in the form of chairs and committee heads, who assist with everything from invitation lists to menu planning; and who, most importantly, motivate others to attend or to donate. When it comes to the delicate art of fundraising, here are some of the best.

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