Harry Jaffe
Fenty rakes in big bucks at birthday bash
By: Harry Jaffe
Examiner Columnist
December 10, 2008
The 2010 mayoral campaign season began Saturday night when Mayor Adrian Fenty celebrated his 38th birthday with a thousand of his closest friends; it may have ended, as well.
What the general public saw was a huge white tent on a tiny street in Forest Hills, a few streets east of Connecticut Avenue. Music blared, wine flowed, the mayor spoke (and spoke), and a good time was had by most. Even the protesters chanting “Mayor Fenty is for sale!” seemed to be enjoying themselves, despite the freezing rain that stung their faces. Traffic became a problem, but most folks were in good spirits.
What the teeming masses missed was the exclusive cocktail reception held in Fenty’s honor 50 yards away in the home of Chris and Karen Donatelli. The tent party was called for 6:30; the young developer opened the doors of his mansion at 5:30 for the monied few.
Before I name names and affiliations, allow me to estimate how much dough Fenty raised — in the house rather than the tent. About 120 people were listed as members of the “senior host committee.” My sources tell me each was supposed to raise $25,000, in person or in bundles. If my sources and math are correct, that adds up to a cool $300,000.
Which leads me to wonder if the coming mayoral campaign is over before it starts. If Fenty can raise more than a quarter of a million bucks two years before the election, can anyone compete? By next Christmas, my guess is Fenty banks more than $1 million.
Essentially, Fenty has run the table before anyone else can even consider getting in the game.
Among the 120 listed as senior hosts were some of the wealthiest Washingtonians. I ran into Nationals owner Ted Lerner as he was leaving — before the masses arrived. Conrad Cafritz, scion of the Cafritz real estate and charitable fortune, also slipped away early. Other brand-name donors included Richard Marriott (hotels), Jim Abdo (development) and Franco Nuschese (Cafe Milano).
The Donatelli manse was thick with developers, of course. Among those on the host committee were Adam Bernstein, Tony Lanier, Chip Ackridge, Bill Alsup, George Calomiris, Chris Smith, Mitchell Schear and Jair Lynch.
Under the tent, where folks could celebrate Fenty’s birthday without paying too much ($50 could get you in), there was more bad news for potential challengers. The crowd was lighthearted, integrated and came from all over town.
As for political support, it was no surprise to see Council Members Jack Evans, Muriel Bowser and Jim Graham listed as event co-chairmen. The three are among Fenty’s core supporters on the council.
But was I dreaming or did I see Ward 7 Councilwoman Yvette Alexander on the stage behind Fenty as he talked about the unfinished business he would handle in his second term? With Alexander’s support on the council, Fenty can count on getting re-elected but also controlling the council, too.
Game over.
What the general public saw was a huge white tent on a tiny street in Forest Hills, a few streets east of Connecticut Avenue. Music blared, wine flowed, the mayor spoke (and spoke), and a good time was had by most. Even the protesters chanting “Mayor Fenty is for sale!” seemed to be enjoying themselves, despite the freezing rain that stung their faces. Traffic became a problem, but most folks were in good spirits.
What the teeming masses missed was the exclusive cocktail reception held in Fenty’s honor 50 yards away in the home of Chris and Karen Donatelli. The tent party was called for 6:30; the young developer opened the doors of his mansion at 5:30 for the monied few.
Before I name names and affiliations, allow me to estimate how much dough Fenty raised — in the house rather than the tent. About 120 people were listed as members of the “senior host committee.” My sources tell me each was supposed to raise $25,000, in person or in bundles. If my sources and math are correct, that adds up to a cool $300,000.
Which leads me to wonder if the coming mayoral campaign is over before it starts. If Fenty can raise more than a quarter of a million bucks two years before the election, can anyone compete? By next Christmas, my guess is Fenty banks more than $1 million.
Essentially, Fenty has run the table before anyone else can even consider getting in the game.
Among the 120 listed as senior hosts were some of the wealthiest Washingtonians. I ran into Nationals owner Ted Lerner as he was leaving — before the masses arrived. Conrad Cafritz, scion of the Cafritz real estate and charitable fortune, also slipped away early. Other brand-name donors included Richard Marriott (hotels), Jim Abdo (development) and Franco Nuschese (Cafe Milano).
The Donatelli manse was thick with developers, of course. Among those on the host committee were Adam Bernstein, Tony Lanier, Chip Ackridge, Bill Alsup, George Calomiris, Chris Smith, Mitchell Schear and Jair Lynch.
Under the tent, where folks could celebrate Fenty’s birthday without paying too much ($50 could get you in), there was more bad news for potential challengers. The crowd was lighthearted, integrated and came from all over town.
As for political support, it was no surprise to see Council Members Jack Evans, Muriel Bowser and Jim Graham listed as event co-chairmen. The three are among Fenty’s core supporters on the council.
But was I dreaming or did I see Ward 7 Councilwoman Yvette Alexander on the stage behind Fenty as he talked about the unfinished business he would handle in his second term? With Alexander’s support on the council, Fenty can count on getting re-elected but also controlling the council, too.
Game over.
