Bob Colacello Dishes on Andy Warhol
• May 11, 2015

Pen/Faulkner Founding Friends’ luncheon hosted by Tony Podesta on Aprill 22 featured the Factory insider Bob Colacello, who spoke on the re-release of his book, “Holy Terror: Andy Warhol Close Up.” The current work includes a new introduction reflecting the magnitude of the artist’s acclaim since its 1990 publication. A very young Colacello became the editor of Warhol’s Interview magazine, where he stayed for 13 years. Colacello said he at first felt “like Lana Turner getting the call from MGM.” He spoke of the late Ina Ginsburg’s bringing a certain gravitas to the publication through her vast Washington connections. [gallery ids="102077,134334,134335" nav="thumbs"]

Levine Music in the Air at Nat Geo
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Levine alumni Zak Sander, who has performed on Broadway, and Alyson Cambridge with the Metropolitan Opera headlined the program at the 2015 Levine Gala held at the National Geographic Society on April 29. Founded 40 years to bring the best music education through scholarships to children who could not afford it, today Levine has four campuses and offers instruction in 22 instruments and voice. Gala co-chairs Craig Benson and Robert Crawford thanked supporters for their commitment to the children of Washington and their dreams. [gallery ids="102078,134333,134332" nav="thumbs"]

Princess Michael of Kent Feted Royally & Hungarian Honors
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On April 24, Aniko Gaal Schott and Nash Schott elegantly hosted their friend of long standing, Princess Michael of Kent, at their home on the occasion of her visit to Washington to launch the first two volumes of her Anjou trilogy. The princess lectures on historical topics and regaled the guests with the story of Yolande of Aragon, a powerful and complex woman of her time. Several days later, Hungarian Ambassador Dr. Réka Szemerkényi bestowed the Order of Merit of Hungary, Officer’s Cross, on Aniko Gaal Schott for her outstanding achievements in promoting Hungarian-American relations. A tearful Schott rejoined, “I carry Hungary in my heart.” [gallery ids="102079,134330,134331" nav="thumbs"]

31st Helen Hayes Awards: Happily Split
• April 28, 2015

It was an interesting first try as the Helen Hayes Awards divided honors depending on the ratio of actors in a production working under an Actors’ Equity contact and raced through the presentations at the Lincoln Theatre on Apr. 6. Awardees accommodated to the 30 second acceptance deadline with aplomb. The downside, saved by wonderful late arriving spring weather, was an endless wait for the Howard Theatre to open its doors for the after party. Troopers that the theatre goers are, there was nary a complaint before a stampede to the bars and dance floor.
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Spring Gala Guide
• April 23, 2015

MARCH 30
Signature Theatre’s Sondheim Award Gala
Honoring those who have contributed to the works of Stephen Sondheim and American theater, the evening includes a cocktail reception, seated dinner and performances by Broadway and local artists. Embassy of Italy. Contact Zack Lynch at 571-527-1828 or development@signature-theatre.org.

APRIL 6
Helen Hayes Awards
Since 1985, the Helen Hayes Awards has celebrated outstanding achievement in over 90 professional theaters throughout the Washington metropolitan area. Lincoln Theatre; after party at Howard Theatre. Visit theatrewashington.org.

APRIL 10
National Women in the Arts Spring Gala
This year’s gala celebrates the major exhibition “Picturing Mary, Woman, Mother, Idea.” National Museum of Women in the Arts. Contact Emily McHugh at 202-266-2815 or emchugh@nmwa.org.

APRIL 11
“The Magic of Montmartre”
The gala benefits The Washington Home & Community Hospices’ health care and end-of-life services for area residents. Embassy of France. Contact Fatima Orozco at 202-895-0160.

APRIL 15
March of Dime Gourmet Gala
Members of Congress and their spouses serve samplings of favorite recipes as local chefs judge the cook-off to support the March of Dimes. National Building Museum. Contact Michele Murphy-Hedrick at 571-257-2303 or mmurphyhedrick@marchofdimes.com.

APRIL 17
Corcoran Women’s Committee 2015 Corcoran Ball
The Corcoran Ball is the major fundraising event of the Corcoran Women’s Committee. Proceeds will be used to establish the Corcoran Women’s Committee Scholarship Endowment Fund. The George Washington University Museum and the Textile Museum, 701 21st St. NW. Contact Molly Rolandi at villavespa@aol.com or Saree Pitt at sareepitt@gmail.com.

APRIL 28
Refugees International’s Anniversary Dinner
The annual dinner honors individuals who have demonstrated extraordinary leadership and commitment to humanitarian causes. Mellon Auditorium. Contact events@refugeesinternational.org.

May 1
The Swan Ball
The Swan Ball supports the Washington Ballet’s Community Outreach Programs. Residence of the German Ambassador. Contact Elizabeth Sizer at 202-274-4518 or esizer@washingtonballet.org.

MAY 2
Fashion for Paws 9th Annual Runway Show
The Fashion for Paws Runway Show is a one-of-a-kind luxury brand event to benefit the Washington Humane Society. Fundraising models agree to raise a minimum of $3,000 in 12 weeks leading up to the event. Grand Hyatt Washington. RSVP@washhumane.org.

Partners for the Arts Celebrates at Twin Oaks
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On March 18, Taipei’s Economic and Cultural Representative to the United States, Ambassador Lyushun Shen and his wife Christine Shen hosted Partners for the Arts’ anniversary celebration at their elegant residence Twin Oaks in Cleveland Park. The non-profit founded by Leilane Mehler promotes the careers of emerging opera singers not under management through a variety of outreach activities. The evening gave the artists a platform to let their award-winning voices be heard. [gallery ids="102047,134690,134693,134692" nav="thumbs"]

Celebration of Hope Gala for Cancer Survivors
• April 14, 2015

Hope Connections for Cancer Support’s annual gala was held March 18 at the Park Hyatt, where Judy Deason, a cancer survivor and tireless advocate, received the Celebration of Hope Award. The Partnership Award was given to Capital Elevator Services for its pro bono installation of a chair stair at the historic Beaumont House facility. Winnie Feldman-Lindauer and Diane Malhmood were honored with the Special Volunteer Award for opening a fund-raising thrift shop to support the mission. Hope Connections President and CEO Paula Rothenberg announced that the programs will soon be expanding into Prince George’s County.
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Latino Student Fund 15th Annual Gala
• April 13, 2015

Spanish Ambassador Ramón Gil-Casares, who expressed his admiration for Latino Student Fund’s “commitment to the Spanish community and to youth,” served as the honorary patron of the gala at the Organization of American States March 12. The organization is dedicated to making a positive impact on the lives and education of Latino youth through Saturday classes, merit-based tuition stipends and other programs. Leon Harris of WJLA-ABC7 News emceed at the dinner, which was preceded by a reception and silent auction. [gallery ids="102030,134866,134869,134868" nav="thumbs"]

Night of Vision: ‘For Your Eyes Only’
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The James Bond spy series was the theme of this year’s Night of Vision gala supporting Prevention of Blindness Society of Metropolitan Washington’s sight-saving programs at the Four Seasons March 21. The event included silent and live auctions, a dinner with award presentations and dancing to music by Retrospect. Night of Vision chair Sally Ann Pilkerton presented supporter Gloria Butland, cited as “POB’s fairy godmother,” with the Community Service Award. Gloria quipped, “Honey, if you don’t ask for it, you’re never going to get it.” Wendy Gasch, M.D., received the Professional Service Award.
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Community Foundation’s Anniversary: ‘Here for Good’
• March 26, 2015

On March 16, the Community Foundation for the National Capital held “Here for Good,” a one-of-a-kind fundraising event at the Mead Center for American Theater. Today, the foundation is the largest funder of nonprofits in and around Washington, D.C. Performances included the Double Nickels Theatre Company and Metropolitan Ballet Theatre and Academy. Proceeds benefit the Community Foundation’s Fund for Greater Washington, which supports community investment to make the region “a place where opportunity is available to all.” [gallery ids="118102,118119,118113,118108" nav="thumbs"]