A Night Out: Fight for Children Golf Tournament

What: Fight for Children golf tournament.

Where: TPC Potomac at Avenel Farm.

When: Monday, October 5. There were golf tournament and spa events all day followed by a cocktail reception and dinner.

Ticket prices: $1,000 for a day of golf, $500 for non-golfing events.

Attire: Polos, khakis, and visors galore.

Who: About 100 Washington businesspeople and philanthropists took a swing at the Inaugural Golf Challenge to benefit the Fight for Children organization—better known for its annual Fight Night fundraiser. The event, which raised more than $135,000 for education and health-care programs for local low-income youth, drew a handful of semi-boldface names including former Redskins Brig Owens and Brian Mitchell and actress Gloria Reuben. Musical performances by saxophonist Ski Johnson and the Grammy-nominated R&B singer and DC native Kenny Lattimore closed the night on a smooth note.

The scene: Avenel Farm’s rolling hills and lush greenery provided a picture-perfect setting—and beautiful weather didn’t hurt. While golfers trekked the course, other guests enjoyed an indoor day of spa treatments by Elizabeth Arden Red Door Spas, golf clinics by TPC’s pros, and networking workshops. After a day on the course, golfers and non-golfers came together for low-key dinner, cocktails, entertainment, and awards, including longest drive and straightest drive—a title a grinning Gloria Reuben took home.

A silent auction included such items as a consultation in Saks Fifth Avenue’s designer-shoe salon, a Brian Mitchell-autographed Redskins helmet, and a table for ten at Fight Night 2009. Other prizes came from the day’s many sponsors including GEICO, the Rost Foundation, PNC Bank, and AskMissA.com. A male grooming lounge sponsored by Pray for Men Grooming Salon & Spa and H.I.M.-istry was tucked in the corner of the reception and doled out manicures, facials, and massages until 7:30.

Food: A buffet dinner of grilled chicken, tilapia, asparagus, and mashed potatoes was on the menu as well as desserts such as miniature éclairs and chocolate-dipped strawberries.

Ratings:

Boldface names: 2.5 out of 5
Swankiness: 2 out of 5
Food and drink: 3 out of 5
Overall exclusivity: 3 out of 5
Total score: 10.5 out of 20

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Gwendolyn Purdom