American News Women’s Club Roast & Toast of Candy Crowley

September 21, 2012

The American News Women’s Club celebrated 80 great years as members and guests gathered
at the National Press Club to “Roast & Toast” CNN’s chief political correspondent and
anchor of “State of the Union” Candy Crowley. Host Kimberly Dozier of AP led Dana Bash,
Molly Boyle, Governor Bill Richardson and Judy Woodruff in a hilarious roast of Candy,
culminating with the presentation of the ANWC Award for Excellence in Journalism — the
“Why? What?” Sculpture: a tribute to inquiring minds, created by noted sculptor Lolo Sarnoff.
The annual gala funds scholarships to outstanding young women majoring in journalism. [gallery ids="102465,120836,120844,120856,120828,120850,120862" nav="thumbs"]

Rick Rickertsen Hosts Michael Saylor’s ‘The Mobile Wave’


On June 28, VIPs from the technology
and philanthropic worlds converged on Rick
Rickertsen’s Georgetown home (the former carriage
home for Mary Todd Lincoln) to celebrate
Microstrategy’s chairman and CEO Michael
Saylor upon publication of his book, “The Mobile
Wave.” Guests sipped cocktails in the gardens
and then gathered indoors from the sweltering
heat to hear Saylor wax poetic on the future of
technology and education. Guests included Jack
Davies, Jim and Michael Kimsey, Carol Joynt
and Bill Dean. [gallery ids="102464,120860,120870,120852,120865" nav="thumbs"]

‘Diplomatic Gardens’ at City Tavern


Kitty Skallerup drew an enthusiastic crowd as guests responded to her invitation to celebrate “Diplomatic Gardens of Washington,” the stunning new book by photographer Ann Stevens and her husband Giles Kelly, a former U.S. diplomat and author. The crowd fit comfortably into the City Tavern Club June 19 and eagerly waited for signed copies as they enjoyed good company. Several diplomatic spouses, including the wives of the ambassadors of Germany and Italy, who enjoy the lovely gardens featured in the book, were present to share their good fortune. [gallery ids="100883,127541,127533,127525,127557,127517,127562,127567,127508,127573,127549" nav="thumbs"]

Women Who Rock Reception


On Sept. 13, the Board of Trustees of the National Museum of Women in the Arts hosted a reception celebrating Women Who Rock Vision, Passion, Power. Chair of the Board Wilhelmina Holladay welcomed guests to the groundbreaking exhibition organized by the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum in Cleveland that illustrates the importance of women in the world of popular music. The gowns and artifacts run the gamut from Ma Rainey to Lady Gaga. The museum’s 25th anniversary fall benefit on Nov. 4 will honor Melissa Etheridge, coincidentally celebrating her 25th anniversary in the music business. [gallery ids="100988,131859,131851,131874,131843,131880,131834,131886,131892,131866" nav="thumbs"]

Jonathan Butler’s Musical Journey

August 10, 2012

The Four Seasons Hotel invited friends on May 29 to the first of an ongoing “Windows On A Journey” initiative. South African singer, songwriter and composer Jonathan Butler inaugurated the series. The multi Grammy Awards artist presented a musical journey through his compelling life story. The cabaret setting enhanced his program. He is the first black artist to play on a white radio station in South Africa and said, “My weapon was love.”
[gallery ids="100847,126559,126554,126533,126548,126542" nav="thumbs"]

Washington Humane Society’s 25th Bark Ball


DC’s premiere black-tie event with four-footers as featured elegantly attired guests filled the Washington Hilton June 2. Megan Hilty, the star of NBC’s musical drama “Smash,” attended with an adoptable dog escort. Anissa Grossman and Beth Viola co-chaired the 2012 Bark Ball committee. ABC7 News senior political reporter Scott Thurman emceed at the dinner program with a live auction followed by dancing. The evening raised record funds to support WHS critical programs and services that benefit thousands of homeless, lost and abused animals. [gallery ids="100849,126604,126596,126588,126619,126580,126624,126572,126629,126636,126610" nav="thumbs"]

With ‘The Music Man,’ Innocents at Risk Honors Septime Webre


Innocents at Risk’s founder Deborah Sigmund offered yet another wonderful idea for the sixth annual “Evening To Benefit Innocents at Risk” at Arena Stage June 8 as guests enjoyed receptions before and after the enchanting “Music Man.” Sigmund called the evening’s honoree Septime Webre, artistic director of the Washington Ballet, our very own “music man” with his outreach to the community through DanceDC programs and THEARC. Sen. Scott Brown (R-Mass.) was honorary chair, and the emcee was Pamela Brown of ABC7/WJLA-TV and News Channel 8, who has championed the organization’s efforts to combat human trafficking. [gallery ids="100850,126649,126665,126641,126672,126633,126679,126625,126686,126657" nav="thumbs"]

Princesses for a Day at VIP Pink Party


Some little girls living with cancer got the VIP Pink treatment June 2 in the garden at the Ritz-Carlton Georgetown, where they had a chance to escape reality for a few hours. The girls have a parent who is fighting cancer. They were deservedly pampered with music, manicures, make-up, a delicious candy bar, photos and even a photo shoot with Miss D.C., Sarah Elizabeth Hillware. Charity Chicks U.S. and We Will Survive Cancer co-hosted the uplifting event. [gallery ids="100851,126708,126700,126723,126692,126728,126683,126734,126673,126742,126716" nav="thumbs"]

A Centennial Celebration of Friendship


International Student House (ISH), along with Ambassador Ichiro Fujisaki of Japan and the National Cherry Blossom Festival (NCBF), celebrated dual centennials of Japan’s gift of cherry trees to Washington June 1 and the 100th anniversary of ISH’s historic main building at Dupont Circle.  Not deterred by the torrential downpour, guests gathered in the mansion’s great hall for Japanese food and music performed by members of the Washington Toho Koto Society.  NCBF donated a cherry tree for ISH’s garden commemorating the friendship between the U.S. and Japan and ongoing educational exchanges.  ISH welcomes graduate-level students from around the world.
[gallery ids="100852,126743,126729,126737" nav="thumbs"]

YMCA Anthony Bowen Spring Luncheon


Patrons at Café Milano June 9 must have thought a fashion show was about to begin as an elegant crowd assembled to herald the YMCA goal of youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Angie Goff, news anchor of NBC4, emceed the luncheon which included a special video presentation. Gwen Russell was acknowledged as “the glue of the YMCA” for her unstinting support. Luncheon co-chair Pat Skantze was unable to attend, but her co-chairs Marsha Muawwad, Carole Margaret Randolph, Marsha Smith were presented with bouquets for their dedication. [gallery ids="100853,126797,126791,126747,126785,126780,126756,126764,126772" nav="thumbs"]