Did you know May is Brain Tumor Awareness month? I didn’t until I spent the evening photographing the Grey Soirée at the historic Hickory Hill in McLean, Virginia. The landmark estate was decorated beautifully and looked even more amazing after sunset. The fundraising gala featured nine-time Grammy award winner Sheryl Crow and cuisine by top chefs from local DC restaurants. The $1 million raised from the sold out event will help bring the National Brain Tumor Society (NBTS) closer to achieving its goal of finding a cure for brain tumors.

“Nearly 700,000 Americans are currently living with a primary brain tumor – including 28,000 children – and an estimated 14,000 people will die because of a primary malignant brain tumor this year. More than any other cancer, a brain tumor can have life-altering psychological, cognitive, behavioral, and physical effects. There are no known prevention or early detection methods, and there is no cure.”

Vendors at the Grey Soirée included AE Events, Susan Gage Caterers, Capital Party Rentals, Sugarplum Tent Company, Frost Lighting DC, All Stage & Sound, Amaryllis Designs, Paces Papers, Unipark Valet, Don’s Johns and United Metro Golf Carts.

And support from Astro Doughnuts & Fried Chicken, Cava Grill, Gypsy Soul, Harth Restaurant, Osteria Morini, Rare Sweets, Susan Gage Caterers and Tico Restaurant.

National Brain Tumor Society is “committed to aggressively driving research toward a cure and improving the lives of people affected by brain tumors. Your support is critical in the fight to defeat this underfunded disease. Wherever you live and however you can get involved, there are many ways to help!”

Please visit National Brain Tumor Society (NBTS) to learn about Ways To Give!

Credit: National Brain Tumor Society

Event Photojournalism by Rodney Bailey at Hickory Hill on May 16, 2015.