Dress for Success 10th Anniversary Celebration
• October 17, 2012

For ten years, the Dress for Success, Washington, D.C., affiliate has assisted more than 10,000 women to gain the tools not only to land the job but to keep the job. Supporters gath- ered at Hotel Palomar Oct. 10, as achievers paid tribute. Sen. Mary Landrieu, D-La., cleared her schedule to speak of her involvement and pride that in America we help women to move up the ladder in contrast to the opposition to educating women in the less-developed world. The nonprofit provides professional clothing for women to succeed in the workforce and the mentoring to “dress from the inside.” [gallery ids="101025,135816,135812" nav="thumbs"]

Dana Tai Soon Burgess & Co. 20th Anniversary Fete
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upporters and friends from the arts, diplomatic, business and philanthropic communities celebrated the 20th anni- versary of Dana Tai Soon Burgess & Co. and the world premiere of Caverns at a Sept. 21 reception at George Washington University. The event was hosted by Ambassador of the Philippines Jose L. Cuisia, Jr. The acclaimed company has performed worldwide, often under State Department sponsorship. [gallery ids="101024,135806" nav="thumbs"]

U.S. Against Alzheimer’s Network Reading of ‘Surviving Grace’
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George Vradenburg beamed as he hailed his wife Trish as “the most glorious playwright on the face of the earth.” The audience at the Phillips Collection fortunate to attend a reading of Act I of “Surviving Grace” on Oct. 10 clearly agreed. The play, cleverly infused with wit, was read in the capable hands of Diane Rehm, Marilu Henner, Dan Glickman, Meryl Comer, Terry Moran and Stephen Schmidt. The evening’s message hit home as George Vradenburg urged the rapt audience to talk about Alzheimer’s, give it wisdom and resources and activate personal and professional networks to mobilize the nation to seek a cure. The evening raised $150,000 toward that goal. [gallery ids="102487,120255,120250,120262" nav="thumbs"]

Celebrating Sibley’s ‘Hope & Progress’ at the Four Seasons
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Sibley Memorial Hospital celebrated its 12th Annual Celebration for Hope & Progress at the Four Seasons Hotel on Oct. 13. The elegant black tie evening was chaired by Georgetowners Niloofar Razi Howe and David Howe. In her eloquent patient testimonial, CBS News’s Lara Logan said, “No one at Sibley ever says no.” That quality of caring was evident in the support that augured Sibley to triumph as a “national, innovative, commu- nity hospital” in the vanguard of health care. [gallery ids="102486,120279,120260,120272,120268" nav="thumbs"]

Thelonious Monk International Jazz Drums Competition
• October 11, 2012

The star-studded “Women, Music and Diplomacy” Gala honoring former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright at the Kennedy Center on Sept. 23 showcased not only award-winning Jamison Ross, who took the $25,000 first place price and recording contract, followed by Justin Brown and Colin Stranahan, but an “only in Washington moment” of Tipper Gore and Albright jamming with the best. If that were not enough, actress Helen Mirren who quipped, “I can say that I know a queen when I see one” shared the stage with luminaries including Institute Chairman Herbie Hancock, Wayne Shorter and special guests Chris Botti and Aretha Franklin, who garnered her well-deserved “Respect.” [gallery ids="101004,133558,133552,133548" nav="thumbs"]

Cirque du Soleil’s ‘Totem’ Splashes and Soars
• September 21, 2012

Cirque du Soleil’s latest extravaganza, “Totem,” burst onto The Plateau at National Harbor Aug. 15. The international troupe of Olympic stature defied gravity in breath-stopping feats conveying the “Totem” theme that life is born of water. The production traced evolution through myths that bridge earth and sky. First night attendees enjoyed complimentary circus treats as well as edible mini orchids holding chicken salad and platters of omnipresent cupcakes at intermission. The must-see wonderment continues through Oct. 7. [gallery ids="102475,120576,120558,120568,120583,120597,120590" nav="thumbs"]

Third Annual Green Fair at Fairmont Touts Local Efforts
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On Aug. 17, Fairmont Washington, D.C. held its third annual Green Fair in the hotel’s Colonnade Room showcasing the eco-efforts of many DC-based organizations as well as the hotel’s own green program. Exhibitors included Capital Bike Share, EcoFriendly Foods, U.S. Green Building Council and World Wildlife Fund and Zipcar. There were honey tastings from the rooftop hives of the hotel, which is committed to waste management, energy and water conservation. [gallery ids="100950,130384,130380" nav="thumbs"]

Ris Hosts Femivore Awards
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In conjunction with Eat Local First, a campaign to make locally-grown food more accessible to the D.C. community, on July 16 Ris restaurant hosted a happy hour reception celebrating women leading the local food movement. Three finalists vying for a $1,000 award spoke of their initiatives. Lauren Biel and Sarah Bernardi of DC Greens, which promotes school gardens, won the prize. Mitch Berliner, co-founder of Central Farm Markets, generously donated $500 to runners up Allison Sosna of PINES and MicroGreens and to Kathryn Warnes and Lisa Jordan of Taste of Place. [gallery ids="100920,129161,129154,129142,129150" nav="thumbs"]

Red Carpet DC at the Embassy of the Czech Republic
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The weather may have been steamy but so was the gala vibe as Ambassador of the Czech Republic Petr Gandalovi? welcomed guests on July 19 for a “Red Carpet DC” event showcasing work by photographer Patrick Ryan and insider comments from legendary movie critic Arch Campbell. The evening was a prelude to Mutual Inspirations Festival 2012—Miloš Forman celebrating the accomplishments of the transatlantic film industry. Arch shared stories of waiting for stars to arrive, and Patrick hailed his own work as “a fun gig.” There was lots of glam. [gallery ids="100921,129198,129192,129157,129186,129166,129181,129174" nav="thumbs"]

Dana Tai Soon Burgess & Co. Celebrates at Mie n Yu
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Dana Tai Soon Burgess & Co. (DTSB), the Washington area’s premier modern dance company, celebrated its 20th anniversary season at a summer “friendraiser” on July 10 at Mie N Yu Venetian Bar on M Street. Among those in attendance were board members and donors, members of the Dance Giving Circle which is providing financial support to the company, government officials, dancers and other friends of the nonprofit dance company [gallery ids="100922,129217,129188,129210,129197,129205" nav="thumbs"]