FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Press Preview: Friday, September 17 Contact: Bethany L. Carter
9am-12noon; Please RSVP to: Director of Marketing
202/646-6109 bcarter@mmart.com
THE WASHINGTON DESIGN CENTER AND SOUTHERN ACCENTS TEAM UP TO RAISE AWARENESS OF THE NATIONAL TRUST FOR HISTORIC PRESERVATION AT OPENING PARTY FOR THE FALL 2004 DESIGN HOUSE™
Opening Party Charity Event Is the First Opportunity for Guests to Preview the Gracious Room Design House
[Washington, DC] – August 30, 2004 - The Washington Design Center and Southern Accents will celebrate the opening of the Gracious Room Fall 2004 Design House™ on Thursday, September 23, 2004. This premiere event is the first opportunity for the public to view the inspirations rooms and have the opportunity to meet the participating design teams one on one. The charity cocktail event will include a silent auction to benefit the National Trust for Historic Preservation. The Gracious Room Design House is the sixteenth Design House developed over the past seven years as a showcase for local design talent and for the luxury furnishings and products available exclusively through Washington Design Center showrooms. The Gracious Room will open to the public on Friday, September 24 and will remain open six days per week through December 18th, 2004.
The Gracious Room Fall 2004 Design House opening party includes hors d’oeuvres, open bars, and a unique silent auction featuring items from Washington Design Center showrooms and weekend get-aways from the Historic Hotels of America. Tickets are $55 per person and valet parking will be available at the front entrance. All silent auction proceeds will benefit the National Trust for Historic Preservation (NTHP). The National Trust for Historic Preservation is a privately funded non-profit organization that provides leadership, education and advocacy to save America's diverse historic places and revitalize our communities. "The Gracious Room Preview Gala offers people a unique opportunity to see the work of some wonderfully talented designers, to be inspired by historical themes and settings, and to support the nationwide efforts of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. We're delighted and honored to once again partner with The Washington Design Center on this exciting event," said Miriam Lenett, Director, Business Development for NTHP. “Merchandise Mart Properties believes strongly in the mission of the National Trust and hope to underscore our corporate support with this partnership.” said James Caughman, Vice President General Manager of The Washington Design Center. For more information on the National Trust for Historic Preservation, please visit their website at www.nthp.org.
The Washington Design Center is a strong advocate of charitable causes in the Washington Metropolitan Area. Proceeds from Design House special events have benefited organizations such as the National Trust for Historic Preservation for more than 7 years. Your support and attendance at the Design House openings and other special events help us to support the community in which we live, work and celebrate the many wonderful things about Washington, D.C.
The Washington Design Center is located at 300 D Street, SW in Washington, DC, above the Federal Center SW Metro Station served by the Orange and Blue lines. To learn more about Design House and all of the special events at The Washington Design Center call 202/646.6118 or visit the Design Center online at www.merchandisemart.com/dcdesigncenter.
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202/646-6118 fax 202/488-3711 merchandisemart.com/dcdesigncenter