The Reston/Herndon chapter of FISH (Friendly Instant Sympathetic Help) held its second-ever FISH Fling Gala and Fund-raiser on Saturday, May 5, at Sallie Mae located in Reston Town Center. Due to the success of the first gala and fund-raiser, which enabled the organization to raise its level of assistance to residents in need, it was only natural that a second event take place. "It's like having a wedding every year," said FISH President Marcia Di Trapani, referring to the amount of planning it took to coordinate the event.
The gala was planned and accentuated with an underwater theme to go along with the organization’s name. Before guests entered the event they were greeted by a giant octopus comprised of yellow balloons. Inside the gala both silent auction tables were named after species of fish and featured an array items such as of sports memorabilia, jewelry, art and gift certificates. In the middle of every table lay a fish bowl with a solitary goldfish swimming around. The event in which more than 160 guests attended, featured live music from Difficult Run Jazz Band, catering from various businesses in the area and beverages courtesy of The Wine Cabinet at North Point Village and Whole Foods Market at Plaza America among others. The major sponsors of the event were Griffin-Owens & Associates, Dominion Virginia Power, National Rural Telecommunications Cooperative and Sallie Mae, however the fund-raiser also had several individual sponsors as well. All proceeds of the event went directly to the FISH assistance program.
"FISH is very lucky to have support at all levels of the community." said Lisa Groves who helped organize the event. "We have large corporate sponsors, middle-level companies and smaller merchants represented throughout the entire silent auction. I think it really shows the commitment on the business level but also on the individual level. It's an event for everyone."
During the evening, FISH honored 10 volunteers for their commitment to the organization for more than 20 years. The highlight of the evening was a highly animated live auction with special guest auctioneer Del. Ken Plum. A Caribbean cruise and Redskins preseason tickets were some of the items available for bidding. "FISH Fling is a fun event, raises money for a very important cause," said Plum. "FISH does great work in our community, so I was happy to be part of it, raise money for a good cause and have lots of fun."
The FISH Fling was designed to raise community awareness about FISH, an all-volunteer, non-sectarian, non-profit organization, dedicated to helping Herndon and Reston neighbors meet emergencies and short-term needs for over 37 years. From July 2006 through March 2007, FISH paid out more than $116,000 to assist 4,130 people in 2,115 households, with rent, utilities, medical expenses, furniture, holiday food and transportation.