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Like many Hollywood celebrities, Louis Gossett Jr. will be in Washington, D.C. for Barack Obama's inauguration. But unlike most, he will have a hand in planning one of the glitzy inaugural balls. The Inaugural Purple Ball, on Tuesday Jan. 20, will benefit the ERACISM Foundation, which was founded by Gosset Jr. in Jan. 2006. The gala will be held at the Fairmont Hotel in the District at 8 p.m.
The ERACISM Foundation tries to improve society by discussing and addressing the negative impact of racism. The Purple Ball gets its name from combining the colors most closely associated with Republicans and Democrats. Its aim is to celebrate bipartisanship and diversity.
According to the Purple Ball web site, "Guests will be surrounded by carefully laid lush purple velvet, crystals and only the best champagne will be served . . . As part of the evening, we will be serving a delicious champagne dinner. We will also be honoring our veterans and troops."
Joining Gossett Jr. on the ball's host committee are Patricia Arquette, Amy Brenneman, Ed Harris, Ashley Judd, Josh Lucas, Amy Madigan, Brad Silberling and Kate Walsh. Ball organizers say the host committee will be in attendance at the ball, along with many other A-list celebrities not announced yet. I have seen Ashley Judd in person so just getting the chance to see her again would be worth stopping by.
As for tickets, they are available but do cost a pretty penny. Purple seating will set you back $2,000, while VIP seating is just one grand. Preferred seating is $500 but it is limited and only available to members of the Armed Forces, labor union, government employees and k-12 teachers.