An Evening of Luv

The Luv u Project’s annual event, An Evening of Luv was held on Thursday, November 13th at Bethesda Country Club in Bethesda, MD.  Event guests enjoyed an evening filled with great food and wine, special awards, live and silent auctions and updates from The Luv u Project work.  This year’s honoree was Constantine “Gus” Kalaris and the 2025 Luving Heart Award was presented to Melanie “Lesa” Hopkins.  The event reception included a silent auction.  Event guests also enjoyed a dinner, program and live auction. The event concluded with a fun-filled dessert reception.

2025 Event Program highlights included:

• Introduction of An Evening of Luv honoree, Gus Kalars, who was celebrated with a toast
• Presentation of the 2025 Carolyn C. Mattingly Mental Health in the Workplace Awards
• The Luving Heart Award, was presented to Lesa Hopkins

For questions about the 2026 event, please contact Leah Bell at lbell@theluvuproject.org.

Available Sponsorship Opportunities for the 2026 Event:

Presenting Sponsor

$25,000 (tax-deductible:  $23,750)

• Company name/logo on pre-event promotional materials – including Save the Date, social media posts, invitations and all other materials
• Company logo and link to company website on The Luv u Project website
• Full page acknowledgement in event program book
• Company recognition during event program
• One reserved table (10 tickets) in prime location – company name will be displayed on table
• Opportunity for The Luv u Project representative to speak at company hosted event

 Reception Sponsor

$10,000 (tax-deductible:  $8,750)

• Company logo on signage at event reception
• Company recognition during event program
• Company name on The Luv u Project website
• Company name listed in event program book
• One reserved table (10 tickets) – company name will be displayed on table

Table Sponsor

$3,000 (tax-deductible:  $1,750)

• One reserved table (10 tickets)
• Company/group name will be displayed on table

General Ticket

$300 (tax-deductible:  $175)

• One event ticket

If you or your organization would be interested in sponsoring our annual event, please contact Leah Bell at lbell@theluvuproject.org for more details.

Constantine “Gus” Kalaris, 2025 AN EVENING OF LUV HONOREE

The Luv u Project is proud to recognize the 2025 An Evening of Luv Honoree, Constantine “Gus” Kalaris.  Gus is a dear friend of The Luv u Project and has been supportive since the organization was founded.

Gus has donated his time and resources to The Luv u Project and has supported LUP events and programs from the beginning.  His generosity and kindness are felt in all we do.  Gus cares deeply about supporting mental health.

Gus will be introduced at An Evening of Luv 2025.  We are thrilled to celebrate him on this special night!

Thank you to all guests who are making arrangements to travel for An Evening of Luv!  A link to book rooms will be available soon for the 2026 event.

Hotel Accommodations: The Canopy by Hilton, North Bethesda – Room Block Link Coming Soon

Transportation from Hotel to Event:

A shuttle will be provided for guests staying at the preferred event hotel to the Bethesda Country Club for An Event of Luv.  The shuttle will also bring guests back to the hotel at the conclusion of the event.

Nearby Airports:

Reagan National Airport (DCA) – 23 miles from hotel

Washington Dulles Airport (IAD) – 26 miles from hotel

Baltimore Washington Airport (BWI) – 36 miles from hotel

An Evening of Luv 2025 Emcee:

Jeff Stilson

Jeff Stilson has been nominated for 14 Emmys and has won two. He also
directed the documentary “Good Hair,” which won the Special Jury Prize
at the 2009 Sundance Film Festival and received a 2010 WGA screen
nomination for outstanding achievement in a documentary screenplay.
Stilson began his career in show business as a stand-up comedian after
graduating from the University of Washington with a Bachelor of Arts
degree. Besides having his own comedy specials on HBO and Comedy
Central, Stilson, who is the descendent of Finish circus performers, has
made regular appearances on Letterman, Ferguson, Conan, and Leno, as
well as the Australian show “The Panel.” He was also featured as a
correspondent on Michael Moore’s “TV Nation.” He has received his 14
Emmy nominations for comedy writing and producing on “Late Show With
David Letterman,” “TV Nation,” “Politically Incorrect,” “The Chris Rock
Show,” “The Osbournes,” and “Da Ali G Show.” In 1999 and 2002 Stilson
was honored with Emmys for his work on “The Chris Rock Show” and
“The Osbournes.”

Below are the 2025 An Evening of Luv live auction items.  There was a silent auction during the reception.  Thank you to our event auctioneer, Willie Reale.

Wine Lovers Instant Cellar

Wine lovers will be thrilled with this package donated by Gus Kalaris – AXIOS and the Kalaris Family Vineyard, a luxury Napa Valley wine brand. Kalaris’s brands evolved from Gus’ love of the great wines of the world and his passion for producing California wines reflective of the uniqueness and beauty of their terroir. The winner of this package will receive 3 Axios 2021, 3 Worthy 2021,3 Worthy KFV Reserve, 3 Kalaris Merlot 2014, 3 Kalaris Cabernet Sauvignon 2019, 3 Kalaris Pinot Noir 2014, 3 Kalaris Chardonnay 2018 and 3 Philotimo 2015. ALL WITH NUMEROUS SCORES IN THE MID 90’s!

Donated by Gus Kalaris

Bourbon Tasting

The winner of this incredible experience will enjoy a trip to Lexington, Kentucky, the heart of bourbon country. Rich Mattingly will be the winner’s personal tour guide in Lexington and will customize the experience based on the winner.  The winner of this incredible trip will also get the opportunity to visit Rich’s personal bourbon tasting room and will be gifted a bottle of exclusive, allocated Kentucky bourbon.  The package includes a two-night stay at a Hilton or Marriott property in Lexington and a three-day Avis car rental. “When you want the best bourbon experience, you go to Kentucky!” via the bourbon trail.

Dates subject to availability of Rich Mattingly.

Donated by Rich Mattingly and Michelle Ashton

The Verandah Antigua Vacation

Retreat in luxury with 3 water-front suites for up to 10 nights at a truly all-inclusive, adult only, hideaway in Antigua. Superbly located on 30 acres of palm-studded beach front and indented coastlines, The Verandah Antigua is the perfect tropical paradise for your next romantic escape. The Verandah Antigua is an eco-friendly Caribbean beachfront resort with two spectacular white-sand beaches, five pools, nature trails to historic Devil’s Bridge, four restaurants, pickleball courts & fitness center, non-motorized water sports, mini golf, and the world class Tranquility Body & Soul Spa. Perfect for those seeking a romantic hideaway, friends’ getaway or just looking to escape and leave the world behind.

All reservations are subject to a minimum supplement of $160 per person/per night that provides dining, beverages (including alcohol), resort facilities & activities. Government tax/service is additional. Reservations are subject to availability, some restrictions apply.

Donated by Elite Island Resorts

Inside Out

The winner of this star-filled package will receive a framed official movie poster from Inside Out signed by cast members: Lewis Black, Amy Poehler, Phyllis Smith, Mindy Kaling, Pete Docter and more!!! Perfect for your home movie room! Winner will also receive a cameo, a personalized video, recorded by Lewis Black “Anger” to send to any friend or family member for a special occasion. This fun package also includes a case of Lewis Black’s personal wine blend – Lewis Noir!

Donated by Lewis Black

Golf at Congressional

Get ready for a once in a lifetime experience – golf on Congressional Country Club’s Blue Course. This private golf club has a rich history in the Washington DC area and has been open since the 1920’s. Congressional has been home to many PGA Tour events over the years. In addition to representing America for the 2036 Ryder Cup, Congressional will host five Major Championships and two National Championships over the next two decades.

The winner of this package will receive the opportunity to bring one guest along to play on Congressional Country Club’s Blue Course. The winner’s twosome will play with a member. This is a golfer’s dream! Winner will also receive a one-night hotel stay and 2-day Avis car rental.

Dates subject to availability of the member host.

Donated by JC Stanton and Michelle Ashton