Receiving Line Ambassadorís Ball Boosts Multiple Sclerosis Research The 24th annual Ambassadorís Ball, held on Oct. 1, attracted a glittering array of diplomats, congressional leaders and business executives. Held at the Grand Hyatt Washington, the Ambassadorís Ball is a salute to the Washington diplomatic corps for their many contributions to the city. It is also an opportunity for diplomats and other city leaders to welcome newly assigned ambassadors to Washington, D.C. The ball raises funds to support the National Multiple Sclerosis Society in its effort to find a cure for MS, a disabling disease affecting young adults worldwide. It is customarily held under the honorary patronage of the president and the first lady, the secretary of state and the congressional leadership. The Ambassadorís Ball has raised more than $8 million for research into the cause and cure of MS and for vital programs and services to help the more than 6,000 people with MS and their families who live in the Washington area. This yearís co-chairs were Susan Bayh and the Rev. Kathleene Card. The traditional toasts were offered by their husbands, White House Chief of Staff Andrew Card and Sen. Evan Bayh (D-Ind.). A benefactor reception was held at the residency of New Zealandís ambassador, John Wood, and his wife Rose Wood. More than 1,200 guests attended this yearís Ambassadorís Ball, including several dozen ambassadors. ìThis is such a great cause. The fight against MS is one we can all support and get behind,î said Ambassador of Israel Daniel Ayalon. Ambassador of Ethiopia Kassahun Ayele said the ball is a great opportunity to get to meet some of his fellow diplomats and support a very important charity. ìThis is an important night for social, but especially for scientific and humanitarian reasons. This is a fine cause,î Ayele said. óJohn Shaw and Katherine Tallmadge Meridian Ball Raises $400,000 On Oct. 4, more than 800 people enjoyed a spectacular early autumn evening at Washingtonís fabled Meridian House for the 34th annual Meridian Ball. The ball provided a memorable evening of fun, splendid conversation and generous support for one of Washingtonís most important institutionsóthe Meridian International Center, which promotes international understanding through the exchange of people, ideas and the arts. The Meridian Ball raised more than $400,000 to fund Meridianís many programs, which include support for foreign diplomats, seminars on global issues, professional exchanges, art exhibits and educational outreach in Washington public schools. Members of the diplomatic corps, Congress, the Bush administration, the Supreme Court, and an array of business and community leaders attended this yearís ball. This year, as in past years, the diplomatic corps played a central role in promoting the ball. The evening began with dinners at 33 embassies and then the festivities moved to the Meridian Center for dessert and dancing. The Washington Diplomat attended a memorable dinner hosted by Yemenís ambassador, Abdulwahab Al-Hajjri, at his residence in the Spring Valley area of Washington. After a delightful cocktail hour, Ambassador Al-Hajjri escorted the guests into his elegant dining room for a buffet meal of traditional delicacies. In good-humored and informal remarks, the ambassador gave a brief history of his nation and encouraged people to visit the ancient city of Sanaa as well as the rest of Yemen, which sits on the southwestern tip of the Arabian Peninsula and is home to one of the worldís oldest cultures. Alma Powell, wife of Secretary of State Colin L. Powell, served as honorary patron of the ball, while Ambassador Donald B. Ensenat, State Department chief of protocol, was the honorary chairman. The co-chairs of the ball were Mrs. Spencer Abraham, Mrs. John Chapoton and Mrs. John Dingell. Ambassador Walter L. Cutler, president of the Meridian Center, welcomed guests as they entered the elegant Meridian House. Prominent guests included Queen Noor of Jordan, Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day OíConnor, Ambassador Ruth A. Davis, director-general of the Foreign Service, and television host John McLaughlin. The magnificent setting of the historic Meridian House, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and its impressive gardens were accentuated by special lighting, elaborate decorations and handsome floral arrangements. Many guests lingered outside in the centerís picturesque gardens, chatting amid the linden trees. A continuing feature of the Meridian Ball is the Young Benefactorís dinner, which was held at the historic White-Meyer House and is designed to acquaint younger audiences with Meridianís activities. ó John Shaw and Katherine Tallmadge