34TH ANNUAL AMBASSADORS BALL HONORS CONGRESSIONAL MS LEADERS

Last week, the Society’s National Capital Chapter hosted the 34^th annual Ambassadors Ball at the Ritz-Carlton in downtown DC.  The room was filled with Ambassadors to the U.S., members of the diplomatic corps, Members of Congress, MS Activists and MS financial supporters.

The black-tie gala—which includes a silent auction, dinner, and dancing—is co-chaired each year by the wives of federal legislators.  This year’s co-chairs were: Mrs. Annie Coons, wife of Senator Chris Coons (DE); Mrs. Melodee Hanes, wife of Senator Max Baucus (MT); Mrs. Nancy Camp, wife of Congressman Dave Camp (MI-4); and Mrs. Judy McCarthy, wife of Congressman Kevin McCarthy (CA-22). 

Congressman McCarthy dances with his wife, Mrs. Judy McCarthy, one of the co-chairs of the Ambassadors Ball (Photo credit: Stephanie Green/Bloomberg)

The silent auction was complete with donations from Ambassadors and their spouses including: travel packages, artwork, wines, and dinners at the Embassies; puppies; and sports paraphernalia among an abundance of other items.  The event is not only a fundraiser for the Society’s National Capital Chapter (it has raised more than $15 million over the past 34 years!), but the event honors the Washington Diplomatic Corps and Congressional leaders.  

This year, the National Capital Chapter honored Senator Robert Casey (PA) and Congressman Lee Terry (NE-2). 

Congressman Terry, a member of the Congressional MS Caucus, was honored for his support of MS research initiatives, support of the Lifespan Respite Care Program (a program supporting family caregivers) in 2006, and a co-sponsorship of the National Neurological Diseases Surveillance System Act.  Congressman Terry spoke at the event and shared his personal connection to MS through a story of a lifelong friend who is living with MS and the impact it has had on her, her family, and her community. 

Congressman Terry (Photo credit: Betty Adler Photography)

Senator Casey, a longtime member of the Congressional MS Caucus and a co-chair in the 112^th Congress, was honored for his dedication to the Congressional MS Caucus as well as his support for the Lifespan Respite Care Program, the National Neurological Diseases Surveillance System Act, and MS research funding in both the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs (CDMRP) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH).  

Senator Casey (Photo credit: Tracy Timmester, Timmester Photography)

A special thanks goes out to all of the Ambassadors, Members of Congress, and of course the wives of the federal legislators who co-chaired the event!