Ann Atkins at the National Press Club
• March 26, 2013

We Will Survive Cancer (WWSC) recently hosted Ann Atkins, author of Eleanor Roosevelt’s Live of Soul Searching and Self Discovery at a sell-out Women’s History Month Lunch and Learn fundraiser at the National Press Club sponsored by Howard Fletcher and TTR|Sotheby’s. Gayela Bynum founded the non-profit WWSC to assist the families of cancer patients. In honor of Women’s History Month, Ann Atkins presented a compelling talk: Eleanor Roosevelt – the Arc of Her Journey. A card at each place setting reminded guests “We Stand Together With the Families. The message is clear: We Will Survive Cancer.” [gallery ids="99232,103684" nav="thumbs"]

Finland Hosts U.S. Suffragists
• March 18, 2013

Placard bearing stern “suffragists” greeted guests to the Embassy of Finland on March 1 where Ambassador Ritva Koukku-Ronde and Joan Bradley Wages, president and CEO of the National Women’ History Museum, hosted a reception for the Suffrage Centennial Celebration. The evening was part of a weekend honoring U.S women who made history by marching in 1913 for voting rights ultimately obtained with passage of the Nineteenth Amendment in 1920. The ambassador spoke of her country’s stellar track record in promoting gender equality. In 1906, the women of Finland gained full political rights and today constitute 50 percent of the Finnish diplomatic corps. [gallery ids="101201,143859,143837,143854,143844,143850" nav="thumbs"]

Manon Cleary’s Loving Tribute at the Arts Club
• March 13, 2013

Washington lost one of its leading artists a year ago when figurative painter Manon Cleary succumbed to the lung disease she had contracted from many years of teaching in improperly ventilated studios. Her husband F. Steven Kijek memorialized his love for her and shed light on her artistry in an Evening with Extraordinary Artist series at the Arts Club Feb. 27. Kijek spoke of the classical precision gleaned through her study of Caravaggio and went on to chronicle the various stages of her work through slide and film. As he tackles five trunks of untouched archives, he hopes to bring Manon’s art to a higher level of recognition, which will require “time, money and connections.” [gallery ids="119486,119462,119469,119476,119479" nav="thumbs"]

Muslim Women’s Association
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Mrs. Fügen Tan, wife of the Ambassador of Turkey, and Rosa Tai Djalal, president of the Muslim Women’s Association and wife of the Ambassador of Indonesia, hosted members and guests at the Embassy of Turkey Feb. 28. Several members took advantage of an optional guided tour to view “The Sultan’s Garden: The Blossoming of Ottoman Art” at the nearby Textile Museum before attending a late morning screening of “Süleiman the Magnificent,” followed by luncheon. Program chair Gamila Karjawally has the daunting responsibility of planning monthly embassy events as MWA, founded in 1960, fundraises for educational scholarships for Muslim women. Other events include the annual Muslim Women’s Bazaar and Ramadan Iftar dinners. [gallery ids="119445,119437,119466,119460,119472,119453" nav="thumbs"]

THEARC Tea
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The Fourth Annual “Wacky & Whimsical Tea to benefit THEARC” was a joyous astronaut-theme afternoon at the Ritz Carlton March 3. NBC4 newscaster Eun Yang served as the event’s honorary chair. Elegantly attired young partygoers and their beaming parents and grandparents enjoyed a sumptuous high tea, silent auction and a variety of creative games for all ages as well as performances by students at THEARC. Under the leadership of Building Bridges Across the River, 11 nonprofit agencies including the Corcoran Gallery of Art, Levine School of Music and The Washington Ballet provide cultural, health, educational, recreational and social service programs “East of the Anacostia River.”
[gallery ids="101203,143892,143885,143906,143878,143911,143871,143916,143923,143898" nav="thumbs"]

Kuwait National Day
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The 52nd Anniversary of the National Day of the State of Kuwait was elegantly celebrated at the Four Seasons Hotel Feb. 20. The prominence of Ambassador and Mrs. Salem Al Sabah was reflected in the presence of many familiar Washington leaders in the always lengthy receiving line. Much important business is conducted after office hours and this was abundantly apparent as guests exchanged greetings while sampling the exquisite international buffet. Global delights included Peking duck, chicken and beef Shawarma, lobster ravioli, crab cakes mini cheese cakes and a chocolate fountain. Departing guests received a chocolate and nut confection to savor the evening.

The Washington Ballet Debuts L’Amour (Love, Baby…)
• February 28, 2013

Love was definitely in the air as the Washington Ballet chose Valentine’s Day to present associate artistic director David Palmer’s world premiere of “Dangerous Liaisons.” The program also included the company premiere of ballet master Elaine Kudo’s “Opposites Distract” and a second world premiere, Amy Seiwert’s “Under Covers.” The titles and costumes (some rather brief) conveyed the emotions. The audience at Sidney Harman Hall seemed inspired as couples hurried home. [gallery ids="119640,119681,119674,119648,119656,119668,119663" nav="thumbs"]

Council on Women’s Leadership Tea
• February 20, 2013

The Council on Women’s Leadership, founded in 2010 at Meridian International Center, develops and raises awareness of opportunities to accelerate women’s leadership, empowerment and entrepreneurship worldwide. The council’s goal of fostering meaningful connections and collaborations could not have been better served than by Bulgarian Ambassador Elena Poptodorova, who hosted a tea at her residence on Feb. 7. A former Member of Parliament, the ambassador spoke proudly of her country’s entry into NATO and the European Union. She said, “I love reaching out to real Washington,” which explains her heartfelt remarks about U.S.-Bulgarian diplomacy as she discussed her nation’s march to democracy. [gallery ids="102585,119699,119685,119705,119694" nav="thumbs"]

Have-a-Heart Luncheon Honors Sitar Arts Center
• February 14, 2013

Sitar Arts Center received the Washington Club’s 2013 Community Service Award at a Feb. 5 luncheon. Club president Priscilla Baker welcomed guests, who viewed a video presentation entitled “Celebrating Kids Arts and Community.”
A student said, “With art, there are no mistakes.” Ambassador Joel Perez spoke of Sitar nourishing leadership. Student Lynn Tiwari played an accomplished piano solo. Reid Dunavant repre- sented Doyle New York which had supported the awards program. Sitar Arts Center provides a safe haven in Adams Morgan where each year more than 700 underserved children and youth explore and study the visual and performing arts in programs provided by local volunteer artists and arts organizations. [gallery ids="101156,141556,141550,141533,141545,141540" nav="thumbs"]

12th Annual Sugar & Champagne Affair
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On Jan. 31, loyal supporters of the Washington Humane Society and their treasured, pawed com- panions joined hosts chef Todd and Ellen Kassoff Gray of Equinox Restaurant at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center. WHS raised a record $100,000 to help D.C. animals. More than 900 humans and uncounted canines honored WHS humane law enforcement officers, animal care and control officers and humane educators. Seven deserving “Humane Heroes,” who have made a difference in the lives of animals in the District were recognized. The event included a VIP Chef’s Tasting Room as well as delicious desserts, generously donated by more than 60 restaurants and a popular doggie Bark Bar. [gallery ids="101157,141591,141547,141586,141554,141581,141561,141576,141568" nav="thumbs"]