From left are Donnie Simpson, former U.S. Rep. Jim Moran, Deborah Warren, Jay Kimmitt, Emily Jones, Bob Jones, and Carol Kimmitt Photo by Jim Craige Photography
The Center for Alexandria’s Children hosted “Boots & Bling: A Western Fling” on Feb. 25 at Blackwall Hitch to benefit its programs for child abuse victims and vulnerable families in Alexandria.
The center’s board of directors specially recognized both Detective Kevin Thomas of the Alexandria Police Department (2016 Outstanding Dedication to Alexandria’s Children) and the law firm of Sutherland Asbill & Brennan LLP (2016 Champion for Children) for their support and commitment to the center and the children who come through its doors to get help.
The event, co-chaired by Kathryn Martin and Jessica Richardson, included live music, signature cocktails and a raffle highlighted by a signed electric guitar from Alexandria’s own Charles Esten, the star of the TV series, “Nashville.”
Among the more than 220 attendees at the Western-themed event, which raised more than $120,000 for the center, were Mayor Allison Silberberg, former U.S. Rep. Jim Moran, and City Councilman Justin Wilson. Many local business leaders supported the effort as well, including Elizabeth Todd of The Shoe Hive, former board member Donnie Simpson of Simpson Development, Alison Teer of The Scout Guide Alexandria, and The Goodhart Group.