Released on: April 15, 2008, 7:38 pm

Press Release Author: Concerned Reader

Industry:

Press Release Summary: Reader urges Washington Life to rescind its 2006 honor of
Pilar O\'Leary, whose impropriety at the Smithsonian\'s expense has been reported by
Chicago Tribune, Washington Post, and NYTimes

Press Release Body: April 15, 2008

To:
Washington Life Magazine

CC:
Capitol File
DC Modern Luxury
Washington Times
Washington Post
Amy Argentsinger (personal)

To Whom It May Concern:

In light of the "lavish spending" and abundant impropriety of Pilar O'Leary at the
expense - both fiscally and in reputation - of the Smithsonian Institution, I feel
urged to express my concern for Washington Life's 2006 bestowal of its "Substance
and Style" award to O'Leary.

As a concerned member of the DC non-profit community, I am not only astonished by
O'Leary's actions and the negative attention she has drawn to such a prestigious
institution, but moreover, the role of DC media in its need to glamorize tangential
and even dubious members of our nonprofit community.

In DC, anyone can throw a party so long as a cause is attached. The result is a
mockery of fundraising, and even the causes purportedly helped. Further, this
culture seems to sensationalize philanthropic 'DC social celebrities,' best
idealized by Miss O'Leary and others, such as Andrea Rogers, a Washington Life
regular best known as the brainchild behind the Courage Cup (because impoverished,
undereducated DC youth need polo lessons.), and the "Blondes vs. Brunettes Powder
Puff Football Game" to benefit the Alzheimer's Association.

Indeed, Washington Life saw a stylish young woman, and a trendy cause in Pilar
O'Leavy, honoring her with its award and its Holiday 2006 cover. Is it cliché, or
too obvious to ask: where was the substance behind the style?

Washington Life must revoke its honor placed upon O'Leary. To let this misjudgment
go unnoticed would be disgraceful of Washington Life, and a disrespect to the DC
nonprofit community.

Cordially,

A Concerned Reader


Web Site: http://www.washingtonpost.com

Contact Details: Concerned Reader & DC Resident