PRESS RELEASE
2019 Sweethearts and Patriot Gala
The Embassy of France in all of its elegance in the Georgetown section of Washington, DC was the location of DC SAR’s 2019 Sweethearts and Patriots Gala. The February 9 event was attended by more than 450 guests in support of the gala’s two beneficiaries, Disabled American Veterans (“DAV”) and l’Association Terre Fraternité. Among the honorary host committee was His Excellency Gérard Araud, Ambassador of France to the United States; The Honorable Charles Rivkin, U.S. Ambassador to France (2009- 2013) and Chairman of the Motion Picture Association of America; Congressman Michael Gallagher (WI); Congressman Michael Waltz (FL); and Jan Cousteau, Co-Founder of Earth Echo International.
Guests mingled and took photos with reenactors of the Marquis de Lafayette, Ben Franklin, Thomas Jefferson and other notable Francophiles between dances to live music and dining on French cuisine and wine.
More than thirty thousand dollars was raised in support of the two beneficiary organizations, DAV and Terre Fraternité. DAV provides a lifetime of support for veterans of all generations and their families, helping more than 1 million veterans in positive, life-changing ways each year. The organization provides nearly 615,000 rides for veterans attending medical appointments and assists veterans with more than 250,000 benefit claims annually. In 2017, DAV helped attain more than $4 billion in new and retroactive benefits to care for veterans, their families and survivors. DAV is also a leader in connecting veterans with meaningful employment, hosting job fairs and providing resources to ensure they have the opportunity to participate in the American Dream their sacrifices have made possible.
Terre Fraternité was organized following the November 2004 bombing of the French detachment at Bouaké (Côte d'Ivoire), which left ten dead and 40 wounded. Under the leadership of General Bernard Thorette, then chief of the general staff of the French Army, the Association Terre Fraternité was born with the aim of supporting those wounded in service of the army, their families, and the families of dead soldiers. Terre Fraternité lives by donations and receives no public subsidy, which leaves it great autonomy.
Catherine Timbers, DC DAR, and Jadan Horyn, DC SAR, co-chaired this 5th annual Gala. The Honorary Co-chairmen were DC SAR President Doug Brooks, DC SAR Secretary Paul Hays, and DC DAR State Vice Regent Cindy Hays.