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A night at the Swiss Embassy with TIME Magazine and Helping a Hero

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One of the most coveted invitations of White House Correspondents’ Dinner weekend, the Swiss Ambassador’s residence once again drew Washington’s most influential media, business leaders, and decision-makers from both sides of the aisle for a celebration of shared values: free speech, diplomacy, and appreciation of a great party.

Hosted by Ambassador Dr. Ralf Heckner and Dr. Ilaria Macconi Heckner and sponsored by TIME, Mercuria, and Salesforce, the April 26, 2025, event blended Washington diplomacy with Swiss hospitality and highlighted the enduring friendship between the two countries.

Hollywood Stars, Michael Chiklis, Jason Isaacs, Alex Borstein, Ambassador to the Embassy of Switzerland in the United States of America, Dr. Ralf Heckner, Dr. Ilaria Macconi Heckner and President of The Creative Coalition, Tim Daly

This year’s celebration also welcomed Helping a Hero veterans as honored guests, giving them the opportunity to share their stories and raise awareness for the organization’s work to build specially adapted homes for the severely wounded. Helping a Hero was able to amplify its mission and connect with the policymakers, philanthropists, and business leaders who can help it grow.

Non-profit organization, Helping A Hero

Marine Corps veteran Daniel Gilyeat, who lost his leg in Iraq, reflected on the impact of being included: “Being in these rooms, shaking hands, and telling our stories is healing. It shows that America and the entire world community still stands with veterans.”

Army veteran Amon Benjamin added: “This wasn’t just another reception. It was a reminder that we have allies in powerful places who want to see veterans thrive.”

(There were a few celebrities too—notably actor Jason Isaacs, who was trailed all weekend by the “White Lotus” theme song.)

Hollywood Star Jason Isaacs and WHCD Guests

Now a fixture on the White House Correspondents’ Dinner calendar, the event reflects the close ties between the United States and Switzerland—ties that Qorvis continues to advance through our hubs in Washington and Geneva and our long-standing partnership with the Swiss Embassy.

Qorvis's Alex Ertel, CFO Özkan Yilmaz, CEO Matt Lauer, Will Sadler, Camila Zavala, CEO Samatha Sault, Analyst Henry Rogers, COO Maria Abad, Chief of Staff at the International Foundation for Electoral Systems Jean Schindler, Mariam Samsoudine and Lilia Nangong

A few boldface names we spotted:

  • Ambassador Ralf Heckner and Dr. Ilaria Macconi Heckner
  • Former U.S. Ambassador to Switzerland Ed McMullen
  • Amy Klobuchar
  • Dan Crenshaw
  • Steven Horsford
  • Rodney Hood, Acting Comptroller of the Currency
  • TIME’s Jessica Sibley and Massimo Calabresi
  • Axios’s Alex Thompson, who won one of the WHCD awards
  • A host of D.C. influencers including Tony P.
  • Hollywood guests Jason Isaacs, Tim Daly, Alex Borstein, and Michael Chiklis
  • A strong Qorvis contingent!
DC Influencer Anthony Polcari otherwise know as "Tony P"
Qorvis CEO, Matt Lauer and Acting Comptroller of the Currency, Rodney E. Hood
Ambassador to the Embassy of Switzerland in the United States of America, Dr. Ralf Heckner and U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar.
Ambassador to the Embassy of Switzerland in the United States of America, Dr. Ralf Heckner, Dr. Ilaria Macconi Heckner and Qorvis Partner, Technology, Al Black
Qorvis Analyst, Henry Rogers and Friends
WHCD award recipient Alex Thompson of Axios and Guest