Early estimates for the turnout at the Pre-WHCD Garden Brunch exceed 500, probably more, as a capacity crowd mingled and mixed in anticipation of the White House Correspondents’ Dinner tonight. The weather — always an issue in D.C. — cooperated, serving up a sunny, if slightly humid afternoon.

Guests included actors Val Kilmer, Christian Slater, Matthew Modine and Dana Delaney; Capt. Richard Phillips of the Alabama Maersk and his wife Andrea; Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano; former Clinton administration official Donna Shalala; David Gregory, Andrea Mitchell and Ann Curry of NBC News, and many others.

The party ran from Noon until 3:00 p.m., when guests started leaving to prepare for tonight’s big event.

Val Kilmer

Shelby Coffey and Ann Curry

BTriplett Uncategorized, Washington Events Christian Slater, Dana Delaney Richard Phillips, David Gregory, Matthew Modine, Val Kilmer, White House Correspondents Dinner

Us magazine reports “Gossip Girl” star Chace Crawford will be at Fox News Channel’s table for the White House Correspondents Dinner. Other Fox News guests include Sarah and Todd Palin, actor Matthew Modine, and anchors Greta Van Sustern, Bill O’Reilly, Glenn Beck, Bret Baier and Chris Wallace.

lrozett WHCD 2009 Guests Bill O'Reilly, Bret Baier, Chace Crawford, Chris Wallace, Fox News, Glenn Beck, Greta Van Sustern, Matthew Modine, Sarah Palin, Todd Palin, White House Correspondents Dinner