Mount Washington PTA's Progressive Dinner Returns

There was a moment during the Mount Washington PTA's 2012 Progressive Dinner when Vice President of Ways and Means Sharen Steele Herran knew that it was a success. 

"When the first tour ended at the last house, I got a call from [Dinner Chairperson] Nina Zippay, and she said that everyone wanted to wait at the house for the second tour so they could compare notes," Steele Herran said. 

All 45 particiapants of the Progressive Dinner, which traveled to four different Mount Washington homes for dinner and a tour, ended up mingling over dessert at the home of Monique and Rod Austria. 

Steele Herran said the the goal of this year's event is to do an even "bigger and better" Progressive Dinner. 

There will be two van tours leaving from Mount Washington Elementary School between 5-9 p.m. and 6-10 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 23. 

Though the number of tour seats has doubled this year, tickets are still moving fast. Herran said there were only six seats left as of Tuesday, Feb. 19. Admission is $65 for individuals and $120 for couples, with proceeds to benefit Mount Washington Elementary School programs. 

This year's Italian-themed progressive dinner will began at the home of Mount Washington Elementary School Principal Elizabeth Valentino for "apertivos with the Valentinos." It will then move to antipasto and insalata at the Zippay/Andresen residence, where the ingredients will be provided by the Mount Washington Produce Collective. 

Following the appertizers, a modern Italian main course will be served at the modern home of MaryBeth and Graham LippSmith. 

Like last year, the meal will end with dessert, to be served by local architect Liz Herron and husband Warren Christiansen. Herron, who designed the home, will be giving a tour to the diners. 

They'll also be serving as hosts should tour-goers again wish to stay behind and compare notes, like last year. 

"I've warned them and they're ready," Steele Herran said. "They said, "bring it on.'"

More information about purchasing tickets and setting up child-care during the tour can be found here.