A Vintage Affair

On February 22, 2025, A Vintage Affair returned for its 26^th year! This signature fundraising event took place at the Mellon Auditorium and as in years past, guests enjoyed fine wines and cuisines from around the world, along with robust Live and Silent auctions. Items included: sought-after wines, priceless experiences, fine and exclusive dining, and fabulous get-away trips. All while supporting our local treasure, Children’s National Hospital.

Proceeds from A Vintage Affair fund the Founders Auxiliary Board’s Annual Grants and Major Gift Programs. These programs provide critical funding directly to Children’s National’s experts which enables them to expand the horizons of pediatric care. Children’s National stands strong, despite the challenges and demands it has faced, and continues to care for our most precious resource – our kids. Now more than ever, the hospital needs our support.

On behalf of the Founders Auxiliary Board, welcome to the 26th anniversary of A Vintage Affair! Since its inception, this event has raised more than $14 million for Children’s National Hospital. These funds accelerate research, patient services, and community engagement through our Major Gifts & Grants Programs in support of identified needs and requests by Children’s National’s doctors, nurses, and staff.

Ninety years ago, President Franklin D. Roosevelt dedicated the Mellon Auditorium, the site for this year’s A Vintage Affair. This historical site and the world events it has hosted remind us of the importance and impact of service to others. We celebrate this theme through the hard work of our dedicated Board, planning committees, partners, and vendors. I want to especially thank the following: Sponsor Chair and Liaison: Heather Guay Yoo and Kristina Seppala; Live Auction Co-chairs: Namrita Sodhi and Susan Hayes-Long; Silent Chairs: Lisa Blandino, Meredith DeLano, Suzi Henderson, Helen Strong, and Amy Wilczynski; Communications Lead: Jennifer Diamond Haber; and Advisors: Chandrani Ghosh, Julie Raffensperger, and Kathie Williams.

None of this would have been possible without the tireless efforts of our Deputy Chairs, Maya Melhem and Charlotte Safos, for whom I am deeply grateful.

The biggest thanks, though, are to you – our sponsors and guests! Your support is a testament to the impact we can have to elevate the health of children across our region and the globe. Please enjoy thoughtfully curated wines, a wide variety of food, and the company of friends while knowing you are supporting a world-class, pediatric hospital and its team of extraordinary healthcare professionals. Cheers!

Nyla Beth Gawel
Chair, A Vintage Affair 2025