Economic Turmoil Hits the Charity Gala Circuit

What has the world come to? Apparently, amid our hand-wringing over bank failures and congressional flailing, the good citizens of Washington are getting stingy with their Franklins. At least one charity is offering a discount to ease the pain of $150+ dinner tickets. The CARMA Foundation, which raises funds for Haitian women and children in need, is offering 50 percent off tickets to the Fete de Kanaval et Mascarade on Oct. 24 at the Carnegie Library. VIP tickets, once $300, are now just $150, and regular admission is a proletarian $75. At the event, you'll rub shoulders with Danny Glover, Marion Barry and 750 other distinguished guests including "government officials, foreign dignitaries, corporate executives, VIPs, music industry entertainers, sports figures and the media."

Tags: economic turmoil, Elites, galas