While Nantucketers are well accustomed to throwing serious parties, summer residents Roy and Manisha Kapani have taken the concept of entertaining friends and guests to an entirely new level. As chairs of Washington, D.C.’s prestigious Meridian Ball, the Kapanis hosted hundreds of guests for a black-tie affair that raised more than $1.3 million for the Meridian International Center. The sixty-year-old organization is described as a nonpartisan center that strengthens engagement between the United States and the world by connecting global leaders through culture and collaboration. Given the state of global relations these days, their efforts could not have come at a better moment. The honorary guest committee included nearly 250 names along with a ball committee of more than 150 volunteers. The guest list seemed to include practically the entire U.S. government and exceeded the population of Sconset. For those who question Washington’s effectiveness, there is no question that they know how to throw a party. If you are considering inviting the entire island over to your house for a cookout next summer, you may want to consult with the Kapanis first.
HAVING A BALL
