Four hundred revelers gathered in the Grand Ballroom of The Ritz-Carlton Washington on November 21st for John S. Mulholland’s “A Capital Evening XII,” the largest in our young history.
The evening opened with guests bidding on more than 80 Silent Auction items during the reception, which included an open bar and passed hors d’oeuvres, and a crowd clearly in the mood to party as Washington’s Best Gala.
Following the ninety minute reception, guests dined on a sumptuous menu of Manhattan Clam Chowder, Wood Fired Grilled Filet Mignon, and Espresso Chocolate Bomb, prepared by Executive Chef Gavin Pera and Chef de pâtissière Patricia Serry Burton. The meal was complemented with California wines from Proverb. The Foundation also gratefully acknowledges Director of Catering Nita Sharma, Director of Special Events Bonnie Jung, and maître d’hôtel Levy Bruynseels.
Robin and Rick Gordon’s King Orchestra Orchestra had our guests on the dance floor most of the evening. The extraordinary RKO returned by popular demand for their tenth Gala.
The evening was emceed by JSM President S. Patrick Mulholland and the keynote delivered by JSM Founder and Chairman, Brian M. Mulholland. Sherrie Wade of the St. Paul Damascus Honduras Clinic received the John S. Mulholland Lifetime Achievement Award and JSM Director and 2025 Gala Chair Christianne R. Ricchi the Board Member of the Year. Harrison Reeves was honored with this year’s Junior Achievement Award.
Mulholland noted in his remarks that the purpose of the Gala was to celebrate, as like-minded people concerned with food insecurity in our city, the many successes of the past year — but also ensure that this vital mission continues into our thirteenth year. Early indicators are the financial goals for the evening were met.
John S. Mulholland Family Foundation was formed in 2013 to honor the memory and celebrate the life of John S. Mulholland (see bio this site). Since that time, thousands of families have received supplemental food assistance by an all volunteer cadre who operate at less than 3% G&A each year. The Foundation provides fresh produce, dairy, meat and poultry, as well as an assorted of non-perishable food with dignity, respect, and love — and without judgment.
Please enjoy the photos here and feel free to save any of the photos for your personal use. © Copyright 2025 John S. Mulholland Family Foundation, Inc. for commercial use or publication, social media excepted. Please credit Mattox Photography, our official photographer.
