The English-Speaking Union Hosts the 2015 Ascot Ball
Saturday, June 13th was An Evening at the Raffles Hotel for guests of the English-Speaking Union’s annual Ascot Ball, an event that raises money for the nonprofit. The non-political organization’s mission is an educational one, working to “provide meaningful cultural and educational programs that enrich the lives of thousands of middle school, high school, and college students nationwide, our members across the country and the greater international community of those teaching, learning and speaking English.”
The evening began with “Singapore Slings” cocktails and hor de oeuvres before a bagpiper led guests in a parade to dinner. The night also included an auction, gambling, and dancing. Chairpersons Priscilla Barlow and Jetta Boschen, along with ESU President Courtney Pitt, were pleased with the evening’s success. It is expected that major sponsors William Blair & Company Foundation, Aaron and Priscilla Barlow, Mary Mills Dunea, and Elizabeth Yntema and Mark Ferguson, along with over 100 guests helped to raise as much or exceeded last year’s proceeds of $25,000.
Notable guests of the Ascot Ball included Deputy Consul General of Great Britain Martin Whalley, John and Judy Bross, Liz and Jeff Sharp, Janet and Rodger Owen, Mary and Allen Carter, Carrie and Duncan Healy, Elizabeth and Mark Dziersk, Amanda and George Sargent, Lori Lennon and Donald Lynch, Laura and Loren Ekstrom, Barbara and Robert Bond, and Anida “Cookie” Johnson Cohen.
