In 1988, Gwendolyn Cafritz, a prominent figure in Washington, DC society known for her lavish parties, passed away at the age of seventy-eight after battling cancer. As the widow of wealthy real estate entrepreneur Morris Cafritz, she led a philanthropic legacy through the Morris & Gwendolyn Cafritz Foundation, contributing about $6 million annually to local community and arts organizations. She was also a strong advocate of efforts to promote women's rights and civil liberties. Rago/Wright is proud to offer a selection of jewelry from Mrs. Cafritz's private collection to benefit the Foundation.
Mrs. Cafritz was a celebrated hostess in the 1940s and 1950s, competing with Pearl Mesta for Washington's premier socialite title. Her elaborate gatherings at her fifty-seven-room mansion on Foxhall Road NW were attended by political figures, celebrities, and dignitaries. Born in Budapest, Mrs. Cafritz moved to Washington in the 1920s, where she met her husband and became a central figure in the city's social scene. Despite facing declining health in the 1970s, she remained active in philanthropy and continued to host occasional events. She was survived by her three sons and thirteen grandchildren.
The Morris & Gwendolyn Cafritz Foundation continues to work toward improving the quality of life for all Washington, DC metropolitan area residents, particularly in the areas of the arts and humanities, community services, education, and the environment and health. Since its founding in 1948, the Foundation has proudly supported thousands of local organizations.
