The Comité Tricolore Philanthropic Soirée
The Comité Tricolore Philanthropic Soirée is an evening dedicated to philanthropy, humanitarian service, and solidarity within the French-American community in the Washington, D.C., area. Now in its sixth edition and held in memory of Victor Obadia, the Comité Tricolore’s first president, the event recognizes people and organizations whose generosity and service strengthen the community.
The program begins with the presentation of the Victor Obadia Humanitarian Trophy to Stanislas Vilgrain, followed by a cocktail reception featuring booths hosted by Comité Tricolore member associations. Guests can meet representatives, learn about their causes and initiatives, and connect with philanthropists and other members of the French-American community. Cuisine Solutions, Mr. Vilgrain’s company, is the reception’s presenting partner.
When: Thursday, October 29, 2026
Showtimes: Doors open at 6:00 p.m. The award presentation begins at 6:30 p.m., and the event runs until 9:00 p.m. Embassy doors close at 7:30 p.m.
Tickets: General admission early bird: $65.87; Comité Tricolore network association members: $44.52
Venue: La Maison Française, Embassy of France in the U.S., 4101 Reservoir Road NW, Washington, DC 20007
Organizer: Comité Tricolore
Program: The Victor Obadia Humanitarian Trophy will honor Stanislas Vilgrain for his longstanding work in philanthropy and humanitarian action. The subsequent cocktail reception will include association booths for the first time, allowing participating organizations to present their missions and community work.
Awardee: Stanislas Vilgrain was born in Boulogne-Billancourt, France, in 1959 and is the founder and chairman of Cuisine Solutions, a major food manufacturer and pioneer of sous-vide technology in the United States. He holds an MBA in finance from Paris IX Dauphine University and a baking diploma from the École de Boulangerie de Paris. His charitable work has included long-term support for DC Central Kitchen, emergency food assistance after 9/11 and Hurricane Katrina, and a 2022 effort that transported Cuisine Solutions meals from France to civilians in Ukraine. He has also supported the French Embassy, youth rugby, the Comité Tricolore, the French Catholic Church of Washington, and programs expanding opportunities for underserved women and young people. He was named a Chevalier of France’s Legion of Honor in 2015 and an Officer of the Order of Agricultural Merit in 2025.
Reception: Cuisine Solutions is curating the cocktail reception, which is intended to provide a convivial setting for guests, association representatives, philanthropists, and members of the French-American community to meet and exchange ideas.
Entry requirements: Every attendee must have a reservation in their own name, a government-issued photo ID matching the name on the ticket, and an Eventbrite ticket either printed or available on a phone. Guest information can be updated through Eventbrite before the event.
Security: All guests are subject to security screening. Umbrellas, large bags, backpacks, animals, liquids, food, blunt objects, helmets, and other items considered dangerous by Embassy security are prohibited and may be confiscated. Attendees should arrive on time and allow additional time for screening.
Parking: There is no on-site parking. Metered parking is available on Reservoir Road for $2.30 per hour, with a four-hour maximum until 10:00 p.m. Garage parking is available at Georgetown MedStar Health via Entrance 2 at 2800 Reservoir Road NW, at approximately $25 for up to three hours.
Photography: Registration constitutes consent to be photographed or recorded and permits the organizers to use attendees’ image and likeness for promotional and archival purposes.