[ Photoset ] On the heels of a fantastic win, Nationals staff and fans rushed to fancy-up to attend the charitable Washington Nationals Dream Foundation’s annual Gala last night at the Gaylord Resort and Convention Center in National Harbor. An hour long cocktail hour preceded the dinner program and live auction. Guests mingled and chatted with tuxedo’d players and their wives/girlfriends while perusing silent auction items (tons!) to benefit the foundation’s programs such as their work with the Children’s National Medical Center, the Youth Academy, and Neighborhood Initiative. One of the prized live auction items was Adam Dunn’s oopsie “NATINALS” jersey. I had really hoped to bid on it, but that puppy went for around $8,000 (if memory serves, and I think it does). Wowzer!! So the mega-goof ended up being a mega-boost to charity!

This event is the one annual night to see the players and coaches relaxed and engaged. Everyone was charming and friendly, particularly coming off such a great game. I had a great time catching up with Manny Acta and players like Joel Hanrahan, Wil Nieves, Ronnie Belliard, and Jesus Flores (Jesus Flowers!). Ronnie’s hair is definitely cropped short! It’s funny – the only time I ever seem to talk to Belliard is at this annual event and we both nod and comment on the fact another year has passed. And that’s about it! I met Joe Beimel for the first time. Bob Carpenter and Rob Dibble emceed the dinner portion and Dave and Charlie sat in a “booth” on the edge of the conference room with a lit “On Air” sign above them as they announced the players and coaches to the stage. The entertainment seemed improved from last year – a live band sat on stage and performed during intervals. Laser lights blasted across the dining hall. An open bar sat in the back center of the dining hall – dangerous! Those wine glasses were big. Marla Lerner Tanenbaum, the Dream Foundation Chair, updated supporters on accomplishments of the foundation over the past year.

I met Johnny Holliday in person for the first time and introduced myself with a, “what are you, twelve?!” shot. Heehee! Great to finally talk to him! I ended up seated at the same table as Phil Wood. We didn’t talk much, but I tried defending us internet dwellers (probably too much – see comment about large wine glasses above). Might’ve hurt the cause more than helped there! (blush) The whole thing wasn’t quite the same without Robert Fick there…! After the main event was over, some went down to the official bar, the Nationals Pastime, and closed out the night there. I wasn’t missing that this time! It was fun to hang out with Dave and Cheryl Nichols and others. What a spread – very nice club and the center was filled with more food. I couldn’t stay away from some chocolate melt-in-your-mouth drops. Mmmmm!

I tried something new and “tweeted” some of the event – that was actually quite fun! Picture me walking up to people and snapping iphone photos and then scampering away (as best I could in high heels) while furiously typing in a message to go with the twitpic. I was cracking myself up. One Two Three Four Five I was having too much fun socializing, but there more tweets I could have posted:

• Just waved at Stan. He waved back.
• Having a great time with Chartese and her friend talking about Florida
• Awww some of the players have adorable toddler age children (seen leaving)
• Darn, have to be patient and wait to see my MLB licensed photo of JZimm another day
• Jordan Zimmermann is apparently manic about fishing (what do I do with this stuff??)
• Ooooh! Chewing tobacco wrapped in a red bow! (what do I do with this stuff??)

Big props to Andrew who managed to save me a ticket and also donated items for the auction.

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