Amb. La Celia A. Prince, Herold E. Doley

Location: The Hilton Washington

WL SPONSORED- Photos by Kyle Samperton

A Diplomatic Affair: For over 30 years, newly arrived diplomats and longtime Washingtonians have been dancing the night away at the annual Ambassadors Ball benefiting the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. This year’s black-tie gala honored Dr. Susan Blumenthal Markey, Patricia Oxley, Annette Shelby, and Janet Waxman, with former Labor Secretary Elaine Chao and Simone-Marie Meeks serving as co-chairwomen. Performances by the Kardelen Turkish Dance Ensemble, a muy caliente Argentine tango show, and classic big band music had guests twirling in their tuxes between bids at the international silent auction. The Guest: Ambassadors of Madagascar (Jocelyn Radifera), Kyrgyzstan (Zamira B. Sydykova), Liechtenstein (Claudia Fritsche), Bulgaria (Latchezar Petkov), New Zealand (Roy Ferguson), Rep. John Dingell and Debbie Dingell, Rep. Doris Matsui, Sen. Richard Shelby and Annette Shelby, Rep. Robert Aderholt, and Toni Gore.

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NBC Universal Vice President Robert Okun, Rep. John Tanner, Larry Burton

Location: National Building Museum

WL SPONSORED - Photos by Tony Powell

THE EVENT: Ten senators and a score of congressmen and their wives served hors d’oeuvres from their favorite recipes, often featuring their states’ products. THE SCENE: While Rep. Jefferson Miller and his wife Vicki’s edible entry didn’t bear a state tag, a deeply appreciative crowd dispatched their Bourbon Pecan Baklava with all speed. Olympic gold medalist Kerri Strug was spotted, along with Kenneth May (FedEx Kinko’s president and CEO, who chairs the March of Dimes’ trustees). Sen. Ben Nelson and Rep. Phil Gingrey emceed. The event is the primary funding source for the Mama & Baby Bus, which provides free prenatal and dental care to pregnant women in Washington. THE GUESTS: Howard Foer, Bart Vandaele, Rep. Phil Gingrey and Billie Gingrey, Lyndon Boozer, Sen. Ted Stevens, Sen. Dick Lugar, Secretary of Labor Elaine Chao, Sen. Pat Roberts, and Franki Roberts, and many more.