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25 Years of Celebrating Causes and Journalism at the White House Correspondents’ Garden Brunch

April 29, 2018 By Tammy Haddad

It started as an intimate gathering in my backyard in the Palisades in 1993, 25 years ago. I created the Garden Brunch as a way to gather friends from New York and LA who were in Washington for the annual White House Correspondents’ Dinner.

The first Garden Brunch was a salute to a longtime friend and colleague Stephen Rivers, a Hollywood publicist and political activist well known to politicos on both sides of the aisle and Washington reporters. After the invites went out, I was surprised by the amount of RSVPs we received from legends like Tim Russert to Bush 41 White House aide Anna Perez as well as many TV and print journalists.

Late into the party I got a call on my house phone. A voice on the line said, “A secured package is on the way.” A few moments later none other than Barbra Streisand walked in accompanied by the great songwriters Marilyn and Alan Bergman. There were no cameras or paparazzi in those days.

We soon realized the gathering had so much political wattage that we should use this platform to help others while celebrating great Washington journalism. We decided to bring in more than just the country’s top anchors and reporters, but also activists, celebrities, and government leaders, to advocate for their causes.

As part of the weekend, the Garden Brunch has always been about celebrating the free press. And we aim to stay true to our original goal of creating a gathering space for journalists, politicos from both sides of the aisle, and celebrities to mingle prior to the main event. The brunch also provides an opportunity for many of the new faces making their White House Correspondents’ Weekend debut to meet their dinner sponsors.

The Fourth Estate has been well represented at the Garden Brunch. Guests have included Greta Van Susteren, Rupert Murdoch, Wolf Blitzer, Arianna Huffington, David Gregory, Andrea Mitchell, Bret Baier, April Ryan and Gayle King.

Over the years, the event has maintained a bipartisan spirit as presidential administrations have come and gone and the brunch crowd has continued to grow.

One of my all-time favorite moments from the Garden Brunch has to be getting the opportunity to introduce Captain Richard Phillips, who had been captured by Somali pirates, to Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano, who had coordinated his rescue at sea. Another favorite was watching Matthew Morrison, the star of Glee, joining the hottest boy band of the year, The Jonas Brothers, to advocate for finding a cure for epilepsy.

In 2011, the event moved to its new location, the historic Beall-Washington House in Georgetown, the former residence of Washington Post publisher Katharine Graham. Mark and Sally Ein, who have since become co-hosts of the event, now own the home which was the location of many scenes in Steven Spielberg’s film, The Post.

Celebrity spotting at the Brunch doesn’t disappoint. The biggest stars of the day that have been invited to Washington, DC for the weekend often make a pre-dinner appearance at the Garden Brunch.

Since 2017, the dinner has been a lower-key affair due to the change in the White House, which has translated to fewer celebrities making the trek to Washington. Notable guests at the Brunch in recent years have included cast members from HBO’s VEEP, Helen Mirren, Bryan Cranston, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Tony Goldwyn, the cast of Netflix’s House of Cards, Bridget Moynahan, Gerard Butler, Lindsay Lohan, Elle Macpherson, Kerry Washington, Rosario Dawson, Kris Jenner and Woody Harrelson. Luminaries and business leaders have included Travis Kalanick, Joanna Coles, Kevin Plank, Biz Stone, Eric Schmidt, Sheila Johnson and Yuri Milner.

My favorite guests have always been Greta Van Susteren and her husband John Coale. You know her as a TV host, but she is the most loyal friend and has always brought in interesting celebrities who helped us draw attention to our causes. Over the years she has brought everyone from Kim Kardashian and Todd Palin to Lindsay Lohan and Kris Jenner.

Other Garden Brunch co-hosts over the years have included Hilary Rosen, Alex Castellanos, Steve McMahon, Kevin Sheekey, Anita Dunn, Bill Knapp, David Adler, Franco Nuschese, Steve and Jean Case, Constance Milstein, Fred Humphries and Rupert Murdoch’s then-wife Wendi.

The brunch has honored several prestigious organizations in its 25 years with a focus on causes that are making a significant difference in people’s lives. Recently, that list of organizations has included CURE Epilepsy, The White Ribbon Alliance for Safe Motherhood, Blue Star Families, Dog Tag Bakery, Yellow Ribbons United, and NS2 Serves.

This year, we highlighted Wells Fargo’s veteran home donation program and NS2 Serves’ veteran training and hiring programs. The biggest surprise of the event came when ABC News Correspondent Bob Woodruff presented Ret. Army Staff Sergeant Dominic Perrotte with a 100% mortgage-free house. Perrotte, who completed 3 tours of duty in Afghanistan and Iraq and was wounded in 2012 when his vehicle was struck by a roadside bomb, was awarded the home after completing the Wells Fargo and Military Warriors Support Foundation’s Homes4WoundedHeroes’ three-year financial mentoring program.

Other individuals and organizations have been acknowledged for their contributions as well. In 2017, Democracy Fund president Joe Goldman received the Visionary Award for his work in supporting independent journalists. At the 2015 Garden Brunch, American Sniper widow, Taya Kyle, received the Champion Award for her work on behalf of veterans’ families. We are proud to be the only White House Correspondents Weekend event to highlight a non-journalism cause.

Because it’s a brunch, the food being served is very important and the spread at past events has created buzz of its own. From Katherine Kallinis and Sophie LaMontagne of Georgetown Cupcakes, who always donate their finest cupcakes, to the popular donut wall, to specialty cocktails, to the necessary espresso bar that keeps guests buzzing through the weekend, the food at the Garden Brunch has often been the talk of the town.

We also attempt to have fun with social media while spreading the word about important causes. Guests have been invited to write their thoughts on Microsoft PPI displays. Zignal Labs has shared real-time analytics about #WHCD chatter through stunning visualizations on multi-screen displays. A livestream of the event has been broadcast online and also covered by C-SPAN. And guests are always encouraged to share their experiences using the #GardenBrunch and #WHCD hashtags.

It’s an honor to host the Garden Brunch and to be part of this exciting weekend of putting a spotlight on the importance of journalism in America. The White House Correspondents’ Dinner is a special event, and I speak on behalf of my co-hosts in saying that we look forward to being part of the celebration again next year.

Filed Under: 2018 WHCD, News

25th Annual White House Correspondents’ Garden Brunch

April 27, 2018 By WHC Insider

On Saturday, April 28, the 25th Annual White House Correspondents’ Garden Brunch will honor our military veterans who have served the nation at the highest level.

We owe our veterans a great debt, and one important way to give back is to ensure they have the job skills and financial independence needed following their military service.

Saturday’s event will highlight Wells Fargo’s veteran home donation program and NS2 Serves’ training and hiring programs.

The White House Correspondents’ Garden Brunch is hosted by Tammy Haddad, Hilary Rosen & Megan Murphy, Fred Humphries, Mark & Sally Ein, Mark Testoni, Greta Van Susteren & John Coale, Fritz Brogan, Franco Nuschese, and Kevin Sheekey.

Follow the conversation on social media at #GardenBrunch, @WHCInsider, @WellsFargo, @NS2Serves and #NS2ServesVets.

Filed Under: 2018 WHCD, News

2018 WHCD Party List

April 26, 2018 By WHC Insider

There won’t be a shortage of ways to have a good time for the journalists, politicians and celebrities in Washington, D.C. this weekend for the 2018 White House Correspondents’ Dinner. Following is a running list of events scheduled to take place.

Thursday, April 26

  • Washington Women in Journalism Awards (Story Partners and Washingtonian)
  • Great American White House Correspondents’ Dinner Party (The Daily Caller, Entertainment Software Association, International Franchise Association, National Beer Wholesalers Association, Conservative Partnership Institute)
  • Bytes & Bylines (Irish Ambassador’s Residence hosted by Allen Gannett, Eric Kuhn, John McCarthy, Susanna Quinn, Jon Steinberg)

Friday, April 27

  • Toast to the First Amendment (RealClearPolitics, National Restaurant Association, Beer Institute, Distilled Spirits Council)
  • A Celebration of America’s Journalists (United Talent Agency)
  • “Come Together” Washington (British Ambassador’s Residence)
  • Right to Bear Arts (Creative Coalition)
  • Capitol File Party
  • White House Correspondents’ Jam at The Hamilton

Saturday, April 28

  • White House Correspondents’ Garden Brunch (Tammy Haddad, Kevin Sheekey, Hilary Rosen, Fred Humphries, Mark and Sally Ein, Mark Testoni, Greta Van Susteren and John Coale, Fritz Brogan, Franco Nuschese)
  • 2018 White House Correspondents’ Dinner
  • Atlantic Media and CBS News’ Reception
  • No Tie Party (Playboy)
  • NBC News and MSNBC After Party

Sunday, April 29

  • Correspondents’ Brunch (Thomson Reuters)
  • Political Hangover Brunch (CNN)

Filed Under: 2018 WHCD, News

Wells Fargo donates mortgage-free homes to combat-wounded veterans and Gold Star families

April 25, 2018 By WHC Insider

Representatives from Wells Fargo will attend the 2018 White House Correspondents’ Garden Brunch. The event will highlight their efforts to donate mortgage-free homes to combat-wounded veterans and Gold Star families through the Military Warriors Support Foundation’s (MWSF) Homes4WoundedHeroes program. A special announcement will be made on stage during the brunch.

As part of the Homes4WoundedHeroes program, veterans and their families enroll in a three-year financial literacy and family mentorship training program through MWSF and receive the deed to their home upon successful completion. Mentors help them make budgets, manage their finances, and get ready to become homeowners, and also help navigate the many challenges of transitioning to life outside the military.

To date, Wells Fargo has donated over 350 homes, valued at $55 million, to veterans and Gold Star families in all 50 states.

Watch the following video to learn more about the program.

Filed Under: 2018 WHCD, News

NS2 Serves at White House Correspondents’ Garden Brunch

April 23, 2018 By WHC Insider

NS2 Serves is an independent, nonprofit organization that gives back to the community by training and employing veterans in high-tech careers. Mark Testoni, President of SAP National Security Services, Inc., represented the program at the 2017 White House Correspondents’ Garden Brunch in Washington, D.C.

Representatives from NS2 Serves will once again participate in this year’s Garden Brunch where military veterans and their families will be honored.

Follow the conversation on social media with #GardenBrunch and #NS2ServesVets.

Filed Under: 2018 WHCD, News

Flashback to the 2017 Garden Brunch

April 22, 2018 By WHC Insider

We’re only a few days away from the 2018 White House Correspondents’ Dinner and all the festivities of the weekend. As we prepare for another White House Correspondents’ Garden Brunch, we take a look back at last year’s event honoring military veterans and a free and fair press.

The 2018 Garden Brunch will once again honor our military veterans and their families with support from Wells Fargo and NS2 Serves. Follow the conversation on social media using #GardenBrunch.

Filed Under: 2018 WHCD, News

Stormy Daniels’ lawyer to attend WHCD as Associated Press guest

April 20, 2018 By WHC Insider

Photo by CBS via Getty Images

Despite her elevated profile in national media over the past few months, Stormy Daniels has chosen not to attend the 2018 White House Correspondents’ Dinner, even though she has received multiple invitations according to her lawyer, Michael Avenatti.

Avenatti, who has also raised his own profile in connection to Daniels, will attend the dinner as a guest of the Associated Press.

Read more via The Hollywood Reporter: Stormy Daniels Declines Invitations to White House Correspondents’ Dinner

Filed Under: 2018 WHCD, News

Trump to host rally in Michigan on night of White House Correspondents’ Dinner

April 18, 2018 By WHC Insider

Photo Courtesy donaldjtrump.com

President Donald Trump made it clear today that there is no chance he will be attending the 2018 White House Correspondents’ Dinner. His campaign announced that he will instead host a rally in Michigan at the same time the dinner in Washington, D.C. will be getting underway.

Michael Glassner, Chief Operating Officer of Donald J. Trump for President issued a statement:

“While the fake news media will be celebrating themselves with the denizens of Washington society in the swamp that evening, President Trump will be in a completely different Washington, celebrating our national economic revival with patriotic Americans.”

“The president is really looking forward to highlighting the growing success of his economic policies for Michiganders, including historic deregulation and tax cuts that are delivering a pay raise to working families; resulting in record-low unemployment, remarkable reductions in food stamp enrollment, and a return of the American dream for millions of families.”

As previously reported, White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders will represent the administration at the White House Correspondents’ Association’s annual dinner at the Washington Hilton.

Filed Under: 2018 WHCD, News

WHCD Host Michelle Wolf on Kimmel

April 17, 2018 By WHC Insider

Comedian Michelle Wolf, who will host the 2018 White House Correspondents’ Dinner at the end of this month, made an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live where she discussed her thoughts on the upcoming event that President Donald Trump has said he won’t attend.

Her first reaction to the news that Trump had declined the invitation was, “Oh thank God I don’t have to hear Trump eat.”

But that concern didn’t stop her from challenging Trump to change his mind. “I dare you, you poor little man. I’ll give you five dollars if you come.”

Filed Under: 2018 WHCD, News

Five Memorable Moments From White House Correspondents’ Dinner History

April 16, 2018 By Tammy Haddad

The White House Correspondents’ Dinner has generated its share of funny, unexpected and uncomfortable moments over the years. Following are five memorable highlights that played a role in cementing the dinner as a legendary annual event.

1. The George W. Bush and Ozzy Moment
The year was 2002 and the unified spirit that enveloped Washington in the wake of the 9/11 attacks still lingered as the masses gathered at the Washington Hilton for the annual White House Correspondents’ Dinner. President George W. Bush was at the dais, along with several of his cabinet members and other administration officials. The featured entertainment for the evening was comedian Drew Carey and celebrities including Harrison Ford and Christie Brinkley were in attendance. But heavy metal icon Ozzy Osbourne, a guest of Fox News host Greta Van Susteren, was the real draw of the event. His MTV reality television show, “The Osbournes,” was capturing the attention of the country, and even President Bush couldn’t resist the pull of America’s sudden and most unlikely celebrity. “The thing about Ozzy is he’s made a lot of big hit recordings,” Bush said as he gave the singer a shout-out during his remarks. “’Party With Animals,’ ‘Sabbath Bloody Sabbath,’ ‘Face in Hell,’ ‘Black Skies’ and ‘Bloodbath in Paradise’…Ozzy, mom loves your stuff.” Osbourne responded by standing on his chair, arms raised and shouting as the audience howled and applauded.

2. Bill Clinton’s Farewell
The Clinton presidency had its share of drama, and at his final White House Correspondents’ Dinner in 2000, President Bill Clinton was determined to prove he hadn’t lost his sense of humor. Known for being more effective than most at leveraging pre-produced videos, starting with the “Man From Hope” bio produced for his 1992 campaign, Clinton rolled out the tactic one more time for the 2000 dinner. Casting the president as a down-and-out lame duck who has been deserted by nearly everyone in the White House, including his Senate-bound wife, the video showed Clinton aimlessly roaming the halls of the executive mansion, giving press briefings to a sleeping Helen Thomas and pruning shrubs. Still, the president found joy – and success – by the end of the video: discovering eBay, launching golf shots at political opponents’ cars and finding a way to cheat the vending machines for some free ice cream. The crowd of reporters, editors, business leaders and celebrities in the room roared their approval.

3. Stephen Colbert’s Scolding
The mood of the 2006 White House Correspondents’ Dinner was tenser than President Bush’s first dinner in 2001. Cast in the shadow of the ongoing war, the President tried to set the tone by poking some fun at himself alongside Bush impersonator Steve Bridges (who served as Bush’s “internal voice”). However, the post-dinner buzz was focused on Stephen Colbert’s stinging indictment of both the president and the press. Appearing in character, Colbert started out by likening himself to the president, alluding to the perception that both made decisions from their “gut,” not beholden to the “reality” based “factinista.” He then turned his sights on the press, which, as an entity, had recently come under withering criticism for its coverage of the buildup to war. Colbert explained the “rules” of covering the president: “The president makes decisions. He’s the decider. The press secretary announces those decisions and you people of the press type those decisions down. Make, announce, type. Just put them through a spell-check and go home. Get to know your family again. Make love to your wife. Write that novel you’ve got kicking around in your head. You know, the one about the intrepid Washington reporter with the courage to stand up to the administration? You know – fiction.”

4. Obama Takes on Trump
While best known as a reality TV personality in 2011, Donald Trump was also raising his political profile. One of the ways he was doing this was by vocalizing his support of the “birther” movement that questioned the legitimacy of President Obama’s birth certificate. Dipping his toes in the political waters at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, Trump would quickly find himself in the spotlight. As President Barack Obama launched into a roast of Trump that lasted several months, Trump stared straight ahead with a stern look on his face. The presentation included Obama’s “official birth video” (footage from the Lion King), and then Seth Meyers continued lambasting Trump with his own series of jokes. While Trump had hinted at running for president many times over the last few decades, some people suggest this may have been the moment that spurred him to launch his campaign.

5. Reagan Dials Into the Dinner
Donald Trump wasn’t the first Republican president to miss a White House Correspondents’ Dinner. In 1981, Ronald Reagan wasn’t able to attend the annual event, but not for political reasons. He was still recovering from the assassination attempt made on his life just weeks before – at the same location. However, he did phone into the dinner to offer his thanks and brief remarks for the attendees. His advice for the dinner crowd: “When somebody tells you to get in a car quick, do it.” White House Press Secretary James Brady’s wife, Sarah, was in attendance, and Nancy Reagan got on the phone to share a moment. “Sarah, you remember those days in the hospital when you and I had many conversations. And we both agreed that you and I, from now on, had a bond that was very special and that nobody could ever break…I know that both our fellows are going to make it, and I send you and Jim all my love.”

Filed Under: 2018 WHCD, News

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About White House Correspondents Insider

Exploring “behind the scenes” of the most powerful city in the world — Washington, D.C. — and those who cover it.

We track the White House Correspondents’ weekend and all the activities around it, from journalists and media companies to the White House and politicos.

Tammy Haddad is Co-Founder and Editor-In-Chief of WHC Insider and CEO of Haddad Media.

White House Correspondents Insider is not affiliated with or approved by the White House Correspondents’ Association, which is a registered trademark of the WHCA.

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