Meridian Ball: One of the biggest black-ties of the year

The Meridian Ball is widely recognized as one of D.C.’s biggest black-tie bashes, attended by public officials including Cabinet members, Supreme Court Justices and members of Congress.  The Ball, now in its 43rd year, celebrated the Meridian International Center, the nation’s premier forum for the advancement of the United States’ public and cultural diplomacy efforts.


Honorary Chair First Lady Michelle Obama, Congressional Chairs Jill Cooper Udall and Linda Mays McCaul, Honorary Sponsor Ambassador Capricia Penavic Marshall, Chief of Protocol of the United States, Honorary Benefactor Mayor Vincent C. Gray of the District of Columbia, Ball Chair The Honorable Mary M. Ourisman and White-Meyer Dinner Chair Susanna Quinn began the evening with formal dinners hosted by 22 ambassadors at their embassies or residences and then a Ball at the Meridian’s White Meyer House with drinks and food stations representing more than 12 nations and regions.