Refugees International!

Last night we headed to Mellon Auditorium for the 37th Annual Refugees International anniversary dinner. 

Sir Richard Branson was honored with the Humanitarian Award for his efforts around the world on the refugee crisis. We snapped him, right, with RI president Dr. Michel Gabaudan and senior advocate Francisca Vigaud-Walsh.

Before the dinner program, guests enjoyed a lavish cocktail reception with passed hors d'oeuvres. RI Board Member and the evening's emcee, actor Matt Dillon, continued his support for RI, surrounded here by communications director Dara McLeod and Board member Sarah Bacon.

Refugees International has been center stage addressing the current refugee crises. Because of their efforts, more aid will help in desperate situations around the world. Here, RI board chair Eileen Shields West is surrounded by Repsol's Maria Isabel de Luis and Maria Victoria Zingoni.

During the cocktail reception, guests bid on a great silent auction in the Grand Ballroom; we tried for the Tasting Menu dinner for 10 at Fiola Mare. Here, former Gov. Bill Richardson is flanked by Azerbaijan Ambassador Elin Suleymanov and his wife, Lala Abdurahimova.

Guests went to the Grand Ballroom for a delicious three-course dinner featuring an heirloom tomato salad and Coq Au Vin. Here, RI Board member, actor Sam Waterston is surrounded by Caterpillar's Katie Hays, Melissa Russell, and Daniel Russell. 

Commonwealth Academy's Meagan Hawkins, RI board members Michael Hawkins and Tatiana Maxwell, with Michael's wife, Diane Hawkins.