The ladies of Sip With Socialites with Argo actor Scott Elrod.

To say ‘thank you’ does not even begin to touch on how appreciative we are for everyone’s support at the GI Film Festival’s “An Officer and An Auction.”

Thank you for coming to the Embassy of Austria and supporting the GI Film Festival‘s “An Officer and An Auction.” A military date auction has never been so much fun!

The most important aspect of supporting the GI Film Festival is recognizing their impact on helping veterans and active duty service men and women by giving them the ability to share their stories through film. Supporting this great cause is the least we can do to show our appreciation.

To begin, I’d like to thank our courageous bachelors who strutted their stuff on the runway and charmed the ladies in the audience. While it takes great courage to serve our country, nothing beats the adrenaline of being on stage. We loved watching the confidence and fun that radiated throughout the evening.

An Officer and An Auction 2013 Bachelors

A huge thank you goes to WJLA’s Britt McHenry, who graced us with her beauty and personality as our mistress of ceremonies. One must trust a woman who knows her sports and looks good doing it!

Thank you to the handsome actor Scott Elrod from “Argo” and the beautiful Miss DC 2012 Allyn Rose for escorting the bachelors on stage.

Our Emcee, WJLA's Britt McHenry sports reporter. — Our Emcee, WJLA’s Britt McHenry sports reporter.

Andreas Pawlitschek, Counselor of Cultural Affair to the Embassy of Austria and Director of the Austrian Cultural Forum Washington

Hats off to GI Film Festival founders Brandon Millett and Laura Law-Millett.

Sip With Socialites' Vice President Jana Sedlakova with Event Chair Ashley Boalch. — Sip With Socialites’ Vice President Jana Sedlakova with Event Chair Ashley Boalch.

Without the Embassy of Austria being so generous and accommodating to us, this event would not have been possible. Thank you for allowing us to occupy in your beautiful facility.

The MVP award goes to DJ Tom from Prague – I am grateful for you dedicating so much of your time to make sure the music set the tone for the evening. You are awesome!

To my fellow SWS sisters, I thank you all for being so patient and willing to help whenever it was needed, as well as donating items to help us raise as many funds as we could. That really is what this organization is all about.

Bachelor Matt Webb with Miss DC 2012 Allyn Rose

A heartfelt thank you to our sponsors who donated items for our silent auction, including Skinny Tan by Cindy Kemper, Georgetown Cupcake, Presidential Dental Group, McCallan Scotch, Paul Pitcher of Monumental Sports & Entertainment, Nival Salon & Spa, Michelle Gloden Schoenfeld of Renu Med Spa, Social Media & SEO Expert Dimitris Volakis, Dusan and Rachel Grante of Arthur Christine, L2 Lounge, At Home with Victoria Gaither, Washington Institute For Dentistry & Laser Surgery and You Successful You by Jana Sedlakova.

Bachelor David Fernandez and winning bidder Patty Anderson will be dining at Co Co. Sala.

Vicki Golding of CAMMO’s Sony Music Group 4TROOPS gave a spectacular performance.

And lastly, I’d like to send a huge THANK YOU to our sponsors who graciously donated dinner certificates to our handsome military bachelors and their lucky ladies:

Cafe Milano

Fujimar Restaurant

Ping Pong Dim Sum

Co Co. Sala Restaurant and Chocolate Boutique

Rhodeside Grille

TFG – Think Food Group

Kafe Leopold

William Jeffrey’s Tavern

Four Star U.S. Gen. Frank J. Grass (27th Chief of the National Guard), his wife Patricia (on his left) and GI Film Festival Co-Founder Laura Law-Millett (far right).

Looking out and seeing the faces of people who support us each month is inspiring and reassuring, for without the encouragement from you, we could not continue on. Thank you for enabling us to do what we love to do.