Kevin Spacey 'Sends Elevator Back Down'; Star's Foundation Gala At Mandarin Raises $135k For The Arts

SOUTHWEST -- Arts education and programming got a much needed boost over the weekend, with Academy Award-winning actor Kevin Spacey hosting his eponymous foundation's inaugural D.C. gala at the posh Mandarin Oriental hotel.

Photo: Logan Mock-Bunting/kevinspaceyfoundation.com
Inspired by his mentor, the late Jack Lemmon, to leverage his success to 'send the elevator back down' for rising fellow creative types, Spacey founded the UK- based nonprofit back in 2010 with a broad mandate to 'educate and inspire new talent through the creative arts.'

Photo: Zach Wood / REVAMP.com
Indeed, Lemmon's presence was seemingly ever present at Saturday's 'smart casual' fundraiser with posters of his films decorating the banquet room and even his son, Chris Lemmon, in attendance.

Photo: Logan Mock-Bunting/kevinspaceyfoundation.com
Also present was evening emcee Ashleigh Banfield (CNN anchor), House Majority Whip Kevin McCarthy, House Democratic Whip Steny Hoyer, Greta Van Susteren (FOX News commentator), Major Garrett (CBS Chief White House Correspondent), Ed Henry (FOX News Chief White House Correspondent), Chris Matthews (MSNBC commentator), Andrea Mitchell (MSNBC commentator), Washington powerbroker Tammy Haddad, and Spacey's fellow House of Cards cast and crew members Michael Kelly and Beau Willimon.

Photo: Zach Wood / REVAMP.com
Beyond the $1,000/plate (h/t Politico) cost of admission, Saturday's dinner also featured a silent auction fundraising component (a visit to the House of Cards set went for $13,000 according to the Wall Street Journal), as well as a series of cabaret-style performances by Spacey accompanied by the Capital Focus Jazz Band.

Photo: Logan Mock-Bunting/kevinspaceyfoundation.com
All told the night raised some $135,000, which will surely buy a lot of elevator rides to the top.