Governor Warner did a good job of speaking about his desire to be part of a centrist coalition if he was hired by the citizens of Virginia. In a rare public attendance was his father and his father-in law.

Capitol Partners for Education is a local non-profit foundation which provides educational opportunities for local students living in a high needs communities. The foundation, unlike any other in the area, focuses not only on the education component, but also funds projects that provide mentorship, peer activities, and empowerment opportunities. This uniquely crafted event took place poolside at the home of local business leaders and CPE supporters Ken and Kavelle Bajaj.

More than 200 guests and 25 students were in for a treat. The event included the charming and comical Washington Wizards announcer Steve Buckhantz — the dinner’s master of ceremonies —as well as live musical entertainment, cocktails, and a three-course meal prepared by Richard. There was also a silent auction. Auctioned items included an original signed version of Harper Lee’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel To Kill a Mockingbird, an exquisite handcrafted 18 karat white gold with diamond and black pendant worth $4,500, and tickets for a Washington National home game

But the most coveted item wasn’t for bids. At the start of the live auction, the auctioneer gave guests including my wife a chance to take a picture with famed chef Richard and walk away with a signed copy of his new cookbook, “Happy in the Kitchen,” for only $100. The line quickly formed on the dance floor, creating a pool of eager guests. All in all, this event for a great cause was a success!