If an old friend is going in for hip-replacement surgery, their first botox treatment or a daring new hairstyle to lose a few years, you'd hold their hand. Support is offered appropriate to the need, sensitive to the fact that staving off the effects of aging often requires big attitude, courage and investment.

Built in 1785, Alexandria's historic Lee-Fendall House Museum, the only privately-held museum in the city, was last updated in 1850 and is in need of some major hand-holding. While the house has big attitude and courage, getting old is expensive: the bold campaign needs $1 million.

With both visible and hidden problems, the 220-year-old house is failing in all major categories and the renovations that commenced in 2005 is critical. Executive Director Kristin Miller Lang says, The long-term viability of the Lee-Fendall House is threatened by the failure of its primary structural systems, as well as the deterioration and failure of interior and exterior wood elements, masonry and glass, the breakdown of outmoded mechanical, electrical and climate control systems, and landscape erosion. With $300,000 raised so far, the house is asking Santa for a big gift this year.

Enter Bella Designs. Alexandria jewelry designer Melissa Emerick understands the urgency and is throwing a party for the old house called An Autumn Affair, on Nov. 19 from 1-4 p.m. A nice twist to conventional fundraising efforts, this party places Emerick's colorful, unique creations, combinations of semi-precious stones, crystals, vintage beads, and Italian murano glass, against the graceful backdrop of the old house, melding history and high fashion. Hors d'oeuvres and an hourly raffle complete the festivities.

Miller Lang disclosed that the percentage earmarked for donation, 25 percent of total jewelry sales on Nov. 19, is exceptionally high and is delighted. Emerick, a lover of history and of Old Town said, We hope that everyone will consider doing their holiday shopping knowing that a portion of the proceeds will be going back to a great cause.

Preserving a story
Claire Johnson, a Junior League of Washington docent, volunteers at the house and offered, I have a great interest in American history and the preservation of its stories. Johnson believes that the house, replete with fascinating stories from the Revolutionary War through the Civil War and into the 20th century, absolutely must be maintained, documented and shared with the community. The exquisite, fully restored garden can often be seen playing host to innumerable corporate gatherings and wedding receptions, a great way to bring the community into a place rich with stories.

At a Glance An Autumn Affair at the Lee-Fendall House Featuring Bella Designs November 19, 1-4 p.m. Lee-Fendall House Museum 614 Oronoco Street (703) 548-1789 www.LeeFendallHouse.org