THE head of the Bermuda4Barack campaign is hoping all Bermudians flying to Washington, DC next week for the inauguration of President Obama will join her at a special event with local ties.

American citizen and long-time Bermuda resident Amani Flood (pictured above), who has dedicated this past year to rallying Bermudians' support of President-elect Obama, has invited all locals in the DC area to join her at an inaugural ball hosted by the sister arm of a Bermuda charity.

The Maryland division of the non-profit Passports to College will be holding its inaugural ball at a country club just 20 minutes outside Washington, DC on Tuesday night, when Barack Obama will be sworn in as the 44th US President.

Proceeds from ticket sales to the event will go to Passports to College, which helps high school students secure university admission through college tours, SAT preparation classes, and writing workshops.

Ms Flood, a board member of the Bermuda branch of the charity, hopes Bermudians in Washington for the week will join her and other local Obama supporters to celebrate the historic inauguration.

Next Tuesday's ball follows closely on the heels of last night's local Bermuda4Barack inauguration party at the Fairmont Southampton, where Ms Flood was able to thank all those who helped her group's efforts to "Barack the vote", as she puts it.

"I'm very proud of our efforts here in Bermuda," said Ms. Flood, who was active in encouraging Bermudians with dual citizenship to vote during the election period.

"It has been a tremendous pleasure acting as the head of the Bermuda Barack Obama campaign. I can't believe it has lasted nearly one year!

"When I began this journey in February 2008 I had no idea of the amount of effort it would require, or the enormous support I would receive, or the wonderful people I would meet. It has truly been a life-changing experience for me."

"For those of you who are going up, if you want to party in the company of other Bermudians as well as local people, please join us at this ball when you reach Washington next week," she added. "I will be there."

Bermudians not lucky enough to be flying to Washington are invited to celebrate President Obama's inauguration on Tuesday at the island's newest art gallery and tapas bar. G-135 on King Street in Hamilton will be hosting an Inauguration party starting at 5.30 p.m., featuring live performances by local musical acts including the band Mohawk Radio.

The Passports to College 'Silhouettes of a Dream' Inaugural Ball, in conjunction with the Pink Roses Foundation, will be held at 7.00pm at the Tantallon Country Club in Fort Washington, Maryland. Tickets are $75. To purchase tickets visit www.passportstocollege.org or call Debra Hyman at 1-301-404-9047. Formal attire.