October Event Recap
Red Cross Shows Off Emergency Preparedness

Wednesday, October 18, 2006
Red Cross Building
430 17th Street, NW
Washington, DC

Last Wednesday’s Luncheon was, as usual, a classic and elegant event in typical ISES DC fashion. In fact, thanks to perfect chance, had the opportunity to also sample a classic element of the Red Cross mission—emergency preparedness! Due to a smoking facility oven, the fire alarm sounded about half way through the welcome reception. We were first able to enjoy fabulous hors d’oeuvres, provided by Occasions Caterers, ranging from tiny spring rolls to mushroom pastries as well as delicious cocktails, including a special seasonal pear spritzer. After the alarm, we were calmly ushered outside in the beautiful sunshine to wait for the fire trucks to arrive. While we waited, our host, Sheila Graham of the Red Cross, along with her fabulous event team quickly used their innovation to organize several tours of the buildings in the complex in response to the schedule change. Once the fire trucks arrived, we were invited back into the building and were able to start the luncheon a bit early.

Jessi LaCosta, a public relations, media and communications expert from BlueRio Coaching, presented “Telling Your Story so that others can HEAR it: Public Relations Tips”. A fabulously captivating speaker, she communicated clearly about the do’s and don’t’s of sharing your BEST story and reaching those you want to hear it. Some highlights from her presentation:

• Know your target audience and which media outlets cater to them, so you can target your press releases efficiently.
• Be authentic, ethical and strategic in the way you present your ideas and your stories.
• Create and maintain relationships with key media personnel and keep notes on their likes and dislikes, deadlines and production schedules, etc.
• Become a resource for the media as an expert for your audiences/industry.
• Utilize all forms appropriate for pitching your story:
  • Standard Press Release
  • Public Service Announcement
  • Media Advisory
  • Photo Op/Sound Bite
• Know your brand: all communications should reflect your vision, your mission, and your position in the marketplace.

Email Jessi LaCosta at lacosta@bluerio.net for a copy of presentation and/or samples of releases, pitches, advisories etc.

A special thanks to the Red Cross for the three emergency preparedness kits which were raffled off and were won by Pam Burton, Karen Cox and Mitch Rotker.

Lunch itself was a fabulous affair. Eric Michael of Occasions Caterers designed the menu for us which featured fresh seasonal ingredients. The lunch started with an elegantly arranged lobster trio appetizer with cayenne cheese straws. The offerings, each in beautifully themed miniature dishes, included lobster bisque with truffle foam, chilled vanilla poached lobster with watermelon gelee and warm lobster with corn custard. Our entrée included twin tournedos of beef accompanied by a fondue of vegetables and a butternut squash risotto. Completing the meal was a fabulous dessert of pumpkin crème brulee served in a miniature pumpkin with caramel-orange sauce. Delightful!

A special thanks to Sheila Graham, Rebecca Hunter and the rest of the American Red Cross National Headquarters staff for making us feel truly special and showing off their beautiful historic venue located across the street from the White House, now available for private events. Lunch was served in the breathtakingly beautiful Board of Governors Hall. Dedicated to the concept of “Mercy”, the Red Cross Headquarters building on 17th Street NW was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1965. Its impressive exterior, with a semi-circular driveway and bronze grilled doorways, leads you to an equally striking interior with a marble reception area and grand staircase leading to the Board of Governors Hall, the elegant ballroom on the second floor. Featured in the Governors Hall are three Louis Comfort Tiffany stained glass windows designed to represent the concepts of hope, mercy and faith. The décor was perfectly accentuated with the beautiful autumn flowers of Douglas Rezende of Spot Floral Design. Each table offered a different centerpiece incorporating butterflies, peacock feathers, twisting vine and fall florals in shades of copper and soft shades of rose and orange.

A special thanks to: Marty Janis of Atlantic Valet for donating the expert valet services; Pat Richitt of Entertainment Exchange for providing the lovely entertainment during the cocktail reception; Steve Canning of Steve Canning Photography for shooting the artistic photographs; and, Jenny Lehman of Jenny Lehman Film & Video for capturing it all on video.

Special Thanks to our Contributors!