guests from around the United States and 150 from the local Washington, D.C. area. Invited guests included homeless individuals, people displaced by Hurricanes Katrina and Ike, and others who were nominated as worthy by relatives or organizations. Clothing, shoes, tuxedos and hotel rooms for attendees were provided as part of the invitation. The ball was held at the JW Marriott Hotel, located two blocks from the White House. Presidential Inaugural Luncheon and Fashion Show, held on January 18, 2009 at the Ritz-Carlton. The Voto Latino Inaugural Party, held on January 18, 2009 at Union Station in Washington, D.C., featured appearances by Marc Anthony, Rosario Dawson, Tony Plana and Wilmer Valderrama. Unofficial post-event balls In addition to the official inaugural balls visited by President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama to celebrate the inauguration, various other notable balls and gatherings were held on January 20, 2009 throughout Washington, D.C. and the surrounding region that featured an array of themes, including: Africa on the Potomac Inaugural Celebration held at Crystal Gateway Marriott in Arlington, Virginia. American Music Inaugural Ball held at the Marriott Wardman Park Hotel. BET Inaugural Ball held at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel. Congressional Black Caucus Inaugural Ball held at the Capitol Hilton. Creative Coalition Inaugural Ball held at the Harman Center for the Arts. The George Washington University Inaugural Ball held at the Omni Shoreham Hotel. Human Rights Campaign's Equality Ball held at the Renaissance Mayflower Hotel. Impact Film Fund Ball. Inaugural Presidential Champagne Reception hosted by Keith Ridley, IV & National Association of Colored Women Clubs, Inc Inaugural Peace Ball held at the Smithsonian National Postal Museum. Inaugural Purple Ball held at the Fairmont Hotel. Recording Industry Association of America's Ball for Feeding America Salute to Heroes Inaugural Ball, sponsored by the American Legion to recognize recipients of the Medal of Honor. The ball was started as an inaugural event during President Dwight D. Eisenhower’s first inauguration in 1953. Obama was unable to attend this ball, making him the first president since Eisenhower to not attend. Vice President Joe Biden, however, did attend the ball, and was warmly received by the guests. Notes Inauguration of Barack Obama, Unofficial events First inauguration of Barack Obama Inauguration of Barack Obama, Unofficial Barack Obama-related lists