The Annual Angel Ball took on a new look this year. The theme of the 2004 Angel Gala was "A Night in Monte Carlo." After guests enjoyed cocktails and hors díoeuvres, they were escorted into the ballroom where they listened to the presentation of the Barbara Pratt Lee Heart of Gold Award and the Golden Halo Award.
The first award went to Michelle DeWakar, who "has given The Center a decade of high-voltage volunteerism. Her qualities of polished, positive professionalism as well as thoughtful leadership have helped steer the Junior Friends toward greater success."
Joan Vogel received the Golden Halo Award; Junior Friends Chair Gwynnen Chervenic acknowledged her contributions, "Recognizing that children are our future, Joan has been a vital, long-time contributor to The Campagna Center in resources, leadership and energy. Joan always remembers to thank others for their work and dedication and now we finally have the opportunity to thank her."
AFTER THE AWARDS, guests enjoyed a buffet dinner. They then shifted their attention to the Blackjack, craps, war and roulette tables. Using "funny money," everybody tried to accumulate the most chips in order to win the grand prize—a trip to Las Vegas. At the end of the evening, it was Conor Crimmins who took that prize. Three other prizes were awarded as well.
Bidding for the full-length mink fur donated by Henig Furs was led at the end of the evening by Alexandria Councilman Rob Krupicka. It was fast and furious for awhile, and then it was down to two bidders—Lonnie Rich and Claudia Kostel. Thanks to the generosity of the donating company, both bidders went home with a fur at the closing bid.
Elizabeth Garstecki, Associate Director of Development, said that there were approximately 225 guests and that everybody seemed to have a good time. She didn't have the final tally of the money raised as of press time.
Event co-chair Tamara Mlynarczyk said, "I thought it was a fabulous evening, and we're hoping that it was a successful fund-raiser for The Campagna Center."