At the inaugural meeting of the Chevy Chase Giving Group in January 2018, House of Ruth was chosen as the recipient of the attendees’ gifts. Long-time donors hosted the event at their house, turning their anniversary celebration into a way to help women and children around the city. More than 50 showed up on an unseasonably warm evening and enjoyed homemade treats like butterscotch cupcakes and truffle fries. In addition to having a great time, more than $4,500 was raised for the House of Ruth.
Throwing a party for House of Ruth is a tradition that extends back at least to 1993, when the Inaugural Ball for the Not-Well-Connected was held in conjunction with Bill Clinton’s first inauguration. The organizers created the Ball for their circle of friends and acquaintances, most of whom were in their 20s and early 30s, after deciding that trying to get a ticket to a ‘real’ Inaugural Ball was too much trouble. House of Ruth was the recipient of all proceeds from the event. The successful party garnered news coverage as diverse as a BBC interview and a mention in a New York Times article. As one of the creators said when asked about it recently, “A good time was had by all!” Some of the people first introduced to House of Ruth at the Inaugural Ball for the Not Well Connected are still donors – 25 years later!
From an informal gathering of friends to a themed party focused on an event (Winter Olympics fundraiser, anyone?), House of Ruth – and the women and children we serve – is grateful for each donated dollar. If you’d like more information on how to plan a party – or how to attend one! – contact Elizabeth Kiker, development director, at ekiker@houseofruth.org.