Knock Out Abuse Kicks Off at Café Milano
• November 6, 2012

On Sept. 12, Café Milano hosted the ladies of Knock Out Abuse Against Women. Charrisse Jackson-Jordan and Michelle Schoenfeld will co-chair the 19th annual gala where over 750 of Washington D.C.’s most prominent women gather at the Ritz Carlton on Nov. 1 to support victims of domestic violence. In 19 years, co-founders Cheryl Masri and Jill Sorensen have raised over 6.5 million dollars to restore dignity and respect to thousands of victims of domestic violence in the National Capital Area. Leon Harris of ABC7 News said that Saks is a new sponsor this year and will feature “50 shades of red attire.” The evening is a true celebration of the power of women to effect change for the most vulnerable women and children in our community. [gallery ids="102481,120385,120362,120370,120353,120378,120390,120397,120404" nav="thumbs"]

Suri Book Signing
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Suri’s Burn Book, the much-anticipated book version of the popular tumblr, was launched on Sept. 5 at A Bar, the spiffy lounge at Modus Hotel’s newest addition, Avenue Suites. Author Allie Hagan, who calls DC her home, met her ardent fans and signed copies of the book which narrates life from the “point of view” of Suri Cruise. The fashionable guests enjoyed custom Georgetown Cupcakes, a bar menu dedicated to Suri (the Suri Cocktail was made from champagne, St. Germain and edible pearls), and an in-person account of what the author’s lawyers deemed too risky for publication. [gallery ids="100992,132070,132035,132063,132042,132057,132050" nav="thumbs"]

Kara by Erwin Gomez
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Erwin Gomez opened his latest beauty lounge, Karma on 24th Street in the West End, with an overflow reception on Sept. 12. Gomez’ celebrity clients have included Stevie Wonder, Barbra Streisand and Eva Longoria among others. He has partnered in this new venture with Vinoda Basnayake, Brook Rose, Kunal Shah and Charlie Paret. Guests enjoyed Belvedere Lemon Tea cocktails, Terrazas wine and hors d’oeuvres from RSVP Catering before departing with cosmetic laden goodie bags.

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Mitchell & Gold Showcases Tina Palmer’s Art
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On Aug. 29 fans of artist Tina Palmer were fortunate not only to view her newest art at Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams, with a more than generous 30% of sales donated to the Washington Humane Society, but also to sample some of the best gallery food ever provided by Purple Onion Catering, an all “people food” event including the chocolate doggie bones. Tony Cord recognized all those who contributed to this special event honoring an artist whose work was selected for the model condo at Trump World Tower in Manhattan. [gallery ids="102476,120549,120541,120554" nav="thumbs"]

After Dark @ THEARC
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Art insiders and supporters “crossed the bridge” on Sept. 15 in specified “after dark chic” attire for the seventh anniversary celebration of THEARC. Following a sun dappled reception, guests enjoyed a program that included young dancers from the Arts and Technology Academy in Rock My Soul choreographed by Alvin Ailey, The Washington Ballet’s Brooklyn Mack dazzling in Le Corsaire and SE Washington native Denise Graves’ bewitching renditions of Summertime and Habañera. Mayor Vincent Gray presented Gina Adams of FedEx Corporation with the Building Bridges Across the River award for her ongoing commitment to the community. [gallery ids="100989,131906,131921,131898,131928,131889,131935,131881,131941,131914" nav="thumbs"]

LUNGevity’s Musical Celebration of Hope
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Gala Chairs Sharon Bradley, Jamie Dorros and Rhonda Wilkins continued the work of Grace Bender, who chaired last year’s first LUNGevity Gala. The event took place on Sept. 15 at the Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium where guests were greeted by mariachis. Events by André Wells was responsible for the exquisite floral displays and overall elegance. LUNGevity Foundation is the nation’s largest lung cancer-focused nonprofit led by Andrea Stern Ferris, who lost her mother Pat Stern to the disease. California Congresswoman Lois Capps was honored with the Face of Hope Award for her tireless efforts to raise awareness and change health policy. [gallery ids="102480,120448,120443,120436,120424,120417,120409,120393,120401,120431" nav="thumbs"]

Washington Area Concierge Association Charity Gala
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The Washington Area Concierge Association (WACA) held its 20th Annual Charity Gala “Sunglasses at Night” at the Hamilton on Aug. 26. Black and white sunglasses courtesy of the National Aquarium awaited guests. The evening featured a silent auction with plenty of hotel and restaurant temptations. Radio personality Tommy McFly emceed and introduced Arlington native Amy Wilcox and her Nashville band. WACA is donating the evening’s proceeds to The John B. Campbell Hospitality Scholarship, Les Clefs d’Or and Les Clefs d’Or Foundation and The Capital Area Food Bank. [gallery ids="100957,130738,130731,130703,130726,130720,130712" nav="thumbs"]

Ambassador George W. Haley Honored
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On Aug. 25 Special Chair, H.E. Blaise Cherif, Ambassador of Republic of Guinea; World Ebony Network Board Chairman, Col. US Army (Ret) Frank E. Underwood, and many distinguished guests gathered at the Women’s National Democratic Club to celebrate the 87th birthday of Ambassador Haley and to summon people of African ancestry to find their identity and rebuild a stronger black family. A moment of levity among the many tributes and presentation of the Ambassador George W. Haley Inaugural Award for distinguished service was that the ambassador and his wife Doris share the same birthday although she playfully chides that it was a different year. [gallery ids="100958,130728" nav="thumbs"]

Silver Plume Gala
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The Washington Area Concierge Association honored its superstars with the presentation of the Silver Plume Awards July 29. The event, which was co-sponsored by Where magazine and the Occidental Restaurant, began with cocktails on the restaurant’s terrace before guests proceeded inside to enjoy a feast highlighted by filet mignon and a jumbo lump crab cake. Luis Colmenares, head concierge at the Hotel Monaco and current WACA president, graciously accepted his award as “Concierge of the Year.” [gallery ids="100936,129906,129853,129899,129861,129892,129870,129886,129878" nav="thumbs"]

First Annual “Botox and Locks” Event
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On July 30, hairstylist Luigi Parasmo and plastic surgeon Dr. Ayman Hakki of Luxxery Medical Boutique hosted their first annual “Botox & Locks” event at the Luigi Parasmo Salon, which opened this April on Wisconsin Avenue. The beauty gurus partnered for a night of glamour offering discount treatments to guests who enjoyed delicious hors d’oeuvres from Lebanese eatery Neyla. Washingtonian’s Kate Bennett, former Miss D.C. Jen Corey and Gilt City D.C.’s Marissa Schneider celebrated with their favorite beauty men who make certain the ladies look their best.
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