Amb. Nancy Brinker, Rep. Aaron Schock, Miss DC Allyn Rose Front ’12 Komen Gala Kick-Off Reception

WEST END -- The intimate reception hosted on Tuesday evening by the organization’s young professionals and feting the kick-off to this year’s Susan G. Komen Honoring The Promise Gala was literally as sweet as could be.

Held inside the spacious West End home of Chris Edwards and Albert Fonticiella, the pink-tinged celebration boasted a festive ‘chocolate and champagne’ theme. And taking full advantage of Edwards’ family ties to chocolatier Edward Marc, the living room, kitchen, and outdoor deck and patio area were all brimming with every sort of imaginable sweet treat.

Nevertheless, the gourmet goodies took a backseat to the guests of honor in attendance for the occasion, which included Ambassador Nancy G. Brinker, Founder and CEO of Susan G. Komen for the Cure, Congressman Aaron Schock (R-IL), and Miss District of Columbia 2012 Allyn Rose, among many other rising notables.

Beyond the chocolate buffet and opportunity to mix and mingle, guests to the early evening benefit were treated to a colorful parade of drink trays piled high with glasses of champagne courtesy of Design Cuisine, which helped cater the event.

A silent auction table featuring items donated by Chef Spike Mendelsohn’s Good Stuff Eatery and Edward Marc, as well as signed copies of Ambassador Brinker’s book Promise Me, also proved a popular attraction.

Each attendee’s suggested $100 donation for the event also granted access to the upcoming Honoring The Promise Gala at the Kennedy Center on September 28th – a reflection of the organization’s commitment to supporting its younger members who normally wouldn’t be able to afford the standard $500 ticket price.

But even more importantly, the money raised on Tuesday night was earmarked to help provide mammograms to residents of District Wards 7 and 8, which sadly have the highest breast cancer mortality rates in the nation.

Because keeping a promise can be pretty sweet as well.