Community Foundation Celebrates Philanthropy
• April 11, 2016

The Community Foundation, which is the largest funder of nonprofits in the Washington region, held its 2016 Celebration of Philanthropy at Arena Stage on March 14. The Foundation’s new President and CEO Bruce McNamer said “from the arts to education, the Horning family has lifted this community,” as he presented Lynne and Joe Horning with the Foundation’s Civic Spirit Award. The evening was highlighted by a variety of performances and artwork. [gallery ids="102400,122677,122682" nav="thumbs"]

A Kickoff for the Blue Hope Bash
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The Sixth Annual Blue Hope Bash will be the first since the recent merger of the Chris4LifeColon Cancer Foundation and the Colon Cancer Alliance. Marsha and Rafik Muawwad hosted a kickoff event on March 30. Joan McCarty and Lynn Ferriero spoke of sponsorship opportunities and auction items to meet the goal of raising $750,000 to knock out colon cancer. Colon cancer survivor Janet Waxman told of her successful battle through the support of her husband, good friends and positive attitude. The Bash will be held at the Fairmont Hotel on Oct. 20. [gallery ids="102401,122681,122676,122663,122669" nav="thumbs"]

Night of Vision: 30 Years with Beyond the See
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The Prevention of Blindness Society of Metropolitan Washington held its annual gala at the Four Seasons Hotel March 19. Sally Ann Pilkerton was the event chair and Doug Kammerer, NBC4 chief meteorologist, the master of ceremonies. The black tie evening honored Andrew Adelson, M.D., with the Professional Service Award, Janet and Hal Morrison with the Community Service Award and Amy L. Bess & Sadina Montani of Vedder Price with the Appreciation Award. Founded in 1936, POB is the largest local prevention of blindness agency in the United States, screening 8,000 children and 5,000 adults for vision problems annually. [gallery ids="102399,122685,122721,122693,122700,122711,122715,122705" nav="thumbs"]

Denmark Hosts the Initiative to Educate Afghan Women
• April 8, 2016

On March 18, Ambassador of Denmark Lars Gert Lose and his wife Ulla Rønberg hosted a reception at their residence to celebrate the Initiative to Educate Afghan Women in conjunction with International Women’s History Month. Christine Warnke and John McCarthy co-chaired the host committee. Keynote addresses were delivered by Mrs. Lael Mohib, wife of the Afghan Ambassador and Founder of the Enabled Children Initiative, and Lyric Winik, author of “We Are Afghan Women: Voices of Hope,” among others.

Future of Nicaragua Foundation: Medical Successes
• March 30, 2016

In 2002, Julia Sevilla — daughter of Nicaraguan ambassador to the U.S. for 36 years, Guillermo Sevilla Sacasa — founded the Future of Nicaragua Foundation to provide the best possible medical care throughout Nicaragua. Guests gathered at the Embassy of Nicaragua Jan. 29 to celebrate the success of programs that include the provision of surgical care for children with facial deformities, dental care and delivery of wheelchairs. Ambassador Francisco Campbell spoke of the foundation’s impact. Guests enjoyed an elegant buffet, music by violinist Cal Morris and the eloquent remarks of the Reverend Bishop Mario Dorsonville, who quoted Pope Francis: “The future is about solidarity.” [gallery ids="102239,129402,129390,129412,129384,129397,129407" nav="thumbs"]

Blue Jeans Ball Raises Funds for Capital Area Food Bank
• March 29, 2016

Supporters of the Capital Area Food Bank donned denim on March 13 to attend the 13th annual Blue Jeans Ball at the Marriott Marquis. Chefs Ruth Gresser, Sherry Yard and Jeff Buben led tastings from 40 area restaurants to raise funds to help the metropolitan area’s largest hunger-relief organization provide good, healthy food to the needy. Scott Thurman of WJLA–ABC 7 and News Channel 8 was the master of ceremonies. Live entertainment was by DJ John Jazz and Miss H.E.R. [gallery ids="117106,117094,117099,117087" nav="thumbs"]

Latino Student Fund’s 16th Annual Gala
• March 24, 2016

Under the honorary patronage of Ambassador of Panama Emanuel González-Revilla, the annual benefit gala of the Latino Student Fund was held at the Organization of American States on March 9, with Leon Harris of WJLA–ABC 7 as master of ceremonies. Marina Levinas Huberman and Teri Galvez co-chaired the evening, which showcased Latino culture and included student testimonials. The auction proceeds are earmarked to make a positive impact on the lives and education of Latino youth. Dick Jung and Ashley and Doug Kollme received awards for their assistance in sponsoring the advancement of Latino students. [gallery ids="117102,117115,117121,117111" nav="thumbs"]

Dana Tai Soon Burgess: ‘Foster Suite’
• March 17, 2016

The exhibit, “Dark Fields of the Republic: Alexander Gardner Photographs 1859-1862,” now at the National Portrait Gallery inspired choreographer Dana Tai Soon Burgess to create “The Foster Suite: The Remains of Loss and Longing,” which his Dana Tai Soon Burgess Dance Company presented in the Gallery’s Kogod Courtyard in two performances Feb. 28. The site served as infirmary during the Civil War where Clara Barton and Walt Whitman attended to the war wounded. At a post-performance reception at NoPa restaurant and bar, Burgess offered a toast to dance. His company will embark on two international tours as a State Department cultural envoy. [gallery ids="117166,117160" nav="thumbs"]

‘Capital Ladies Club’ Lunch at Martin’s
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Gwendolyn C. Russell joined authors Bryan Denson and chef Mike Soper for an afternoon book signing at Martin’s Tavern Feb. 26. Russell, who knows the D.C. scene well, wrote “Capital Ladies Club? under the pen name Gurdie Correll. The plot follows the friendships of four women on the fast track who are eventually forced to confront their inner demons and move forward in the spotlight of our nation’s capital.

Washington Performance Arts Honors Wheeler
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Robin and Jay Hammer co-chaired a special evening of celebration at the Mellon Auditorium on March 5 as Washington Performing Arts honored its President Emeritus Doug Wheeler. Following cocktails and a silent auction, National Public Radio’s Nina Totenberg emceed a program with Children of the Gospel Choir and alumnus bass-baritone Soloman Howard. Chef Nora Pouillon created a menu prepared by Occasions Caterers. President & CEO Jenny Bilfield noted that next year will mark the organization’s 50th anniversary. Violinist Midori performed a tribute performance and auctioneer CK Swett raised impressive sums to support WPA’s artistic and educational arts initiatives. [gallery ids="117150,117155,117143,117164" nav="thumbs"]