Washington’s Birthday Ball 2025
The Society held its annual Washington’s Birthday Ball celebration on Saturday, February 15th, at The Ballroom at Ellis Preserve in Newtown Square, Pennsylvania.
A spectacular venue served as the backdrop for our grand celebration, which began with a welcoming reception at 6 PM with plentiful hors d’oeuvres and cocktails. At a little before 7:30 PM, members and guests were asked to proceed into the ballroom, where they were greeted by President C. Michael Whelan. Once everyone was assembled, the Society Color Guard, led by Captain Robert J. McNelly, paraded the Standards and Colors into the ballroom, presented the Colors to the President and to the Society members and guests, and following the Pledge of Allegiance and singing of the National Anthem, the Colors were then stacked for display for the evening, and the Color Guard was dismissed from duty, to enjoy the rest of the evening.
Dinner began with a grace given by our Society Chaplain Fr. Tommy A. Thompson (also the Rector of Washington Memorial Chapel in Valley Forge), and we then enjoyed a crisp Wanamaker Salad, during which President Whelan invited up to the stage the Society Vice Presidents and officers to give the Traditional Toasts, as follows:
Secretary J. Kipp Gearhart, IV gave the Toast to The President of the United States
Vice President William F. Forbes gave the Toast to The Continental Forces
Vice President Austin W. Lamac gave The Toast to The Allies of The Continental Forces
Treasurer Kenneth W. MacNeal gave the Toast to Washington’s Officers and Aides-de-Camp
Vice President Joseph T. Coleman had the honor to give the marquee Toast to General George Washington at his birthday celebration.
These distinguished gentlemen returned to their tables, and dinner continued with a delicious short rib and grilled salmon entrée, and after dinner, a wonderful Viennese dessert buffet was served in the atrium and the band Philly Bounce lead the festivities with dancing for all. The event wrapped right at 11 PM, and our portrait of George Washington, watching carefully in the artium, was truly the last to leave the building.
Happy Birthday, George!
