Celebrating Countess Gertrude d’Amecourt at 102
• August 10, 2012

While London was toasting Queen Elizabeth II at her Diamond Jubilee, Washington celebrated as well. On June 2, Princess Selene Obolensky welcomed friends and four generations of the honoree’s family to toast Countess Gertrude d’Amecourt, who at 102 years continues to exude her well-known charm. The elegant doyenne was serenaded at the piano by John Gardecki and surrounded by admirers. [gallery ids="102457,121011,121019,121024,121029" nav="thumbs"]

Dress for Success Rooftop Soirée
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The weather was perfect as supporters of Dress for Success D.C. gathered at the Martini Sky Bar of the Beacon Hotel June 5. The organization partners with more than 200 referral agencies in our area to prepare women to succeed in the workforce. “We help the woman from the inside and the outside,” said executive director Megan Goffney. A professional women’s group mentors clients after they find employment. “We help you arrive as good as you look,” Goffney added. Since 2002, more than 10,000 women have been “suited” for work. [gallery ids="102458,121004,120980,121009,121022,120988,120996,121015" nav="thumbs"]

The Spirit of Nooristan
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Newly elected French President François Hollande was needed at the G-8 Summit at Camp David so Ambassador Delattre could not be present at his residence on May 18 to welcome supporters of Nooristan’s “Evening of Hope” on May 18. However, guests were fortunate to hear insider remarks by special guest Madame Christine Lagarde, Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund; Marc Grossman, U.S. Special Envoy to Afghanistan and Nooristan Foundation President Marie Kux. Against daunting odds, the Nooristan Foundation is many teaching Afghan women to read and write, while instilling them with an entrepreneurial spirit to help take control of their household resources. [gallery ids="100827,125557,125529,125550,125537,125545" nav="thumbs"]

Trees for Georgetown Growing
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Patrick McGettigan welcomed supporters of Trees for Georgetown to his house on N Street’s historic Cox Row, May 16. A committee of the Citizens Association of Georgetown, Trees for Georgetown is an all-volunteer group that has, since 1989, planted nearly 2,000 trees, contracted watering services and provided preventive maintenance for at-risk trees. Trees for Georgetown partners with the D.C. Urban Forestry Administration and Casey Trees in an innovative program to plant residential street trees. Each tree costs about $800 to purchase and plant, funded entirely through gifts and grants. The group is eager to enlist young members. [gallery ids="100828,125580,125575,125553,125568,125563" nav="thumbs"]

Spellbound by ‘The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe’
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In a glorious collaboration, Imagination Stage and The Washington Ballet have made magic with their own “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.” The spell was cast at the June 22 opening, replete with reception, and will continue to delight audiences through August 12. Jean-Marie Fernandez, Anne Marie Parisi-Trone and Evonne Courtney Connolly were the “Lion Ladies,” ensuring funding for the voyage through the wardrobe. Morgann Rose is a daunting wicked White Witch and designer Eric Van Wyk’s inspired lion puppet Aslan had the audience aroar. Please bring your nearest and dearest of every age to this inspirational marvel.

‘A Night of Broadway Stars’ Honors Ted Leonsis and Covenant House at THEARC
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Broadway stars lit up THEARC (Town Hall Education Arts Recreation Campus) in Anacostia June 20 to honor the multi-faceted Ted Leonsis and to benefit Covenant House Washington, which provides protection and mentoring for at-risk and homeless young people. Leonsis said, “We can do well while doing good.” Mayor Vincent Gray and Linda Mercado Greene were honorary co-chairs. Acclaimed composer and lyricist Neil Berg produced the performance, which featured Broadway headliners in such mega hits as “Phantom of the Opera” and “Les Miserables.” The evening also showcased Covenant House Washington youth, who garnered a standing ovation. Guests enjoyed a pre-performance reception and mingled with the stars for desserts afterwards. [gallery ids="100870,127318,127311,127303,127296,127288,127281,127333,127273,127340,127265,127347,127257,127353,127325" nav="thumbs"]

Women in Government Salute Duke Ellington High School
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On June 12, Duke Ellington School of the Arts and the Maryland Writing Project were the beneficiaries chosen by Women in Government Relations at a reception and program “Experience the Arts” at the National Museum of Women in the Arts. The group promotes arts programming for students in the metro area. The evening featured remarks by legendary Ellington School co-founder and former Washington, D.C. school board chair Peggy Cooper Cafritz, who urged guests to “join us as we continue to stretch and become the best in our class in the world.” She said that Ellington graduates may not go on to stardom but would become good citizens. [gallery ids="100871,127375,127341,127368,127350,127364,127357" nav="thumbs"]

Prêt–à-Papier at Hillwood
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As is to be expected at Hillwood, every detail exuded elegance for the June 14 opening gala of Prêt- à -Papier, showcasing the exquisite designs of Belgian artist Isabelle de Borchgrave. The evening was under the patronage of honorary chair Jan Matthysen, the Ambassador of Belgium. The stunning paper reinterpretations of gowns covering several centuries are displayed in the Adirondack Building and the Hillwood Mansion, the former home of Marjorie Merriweather Post. Hillwood president Ellen Charles greeted dinner guests and said, “My grandmother would be so pleased to welcome you here.” [gallery ids="102459,120965,120949,120984,120990,120957,120973,120978" nav="thumbs"]

2012 RAMMY Gala Gives a Nod and ‘Hats Off’ to Restaurants and Chefs
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The Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington honored the Washington restaurant scene at its “Hats Off to Restaurants” gala, held June 24 at the Marriott Wardman Park hotel. Guests were encouraged to don their most elegant millinery for the 30th annual black-tie event. President Lynne Breaux hailed “responsible hospitality” in her opening remarks for award recipients who were recognized for multiple categories of excellence, concluding with the presentation of Chef of the Year to Vikram Sunderan of Rasika in Penn Quarter. Party-goers enjoyed a reception, awards presentation, dinner reception and danced until the wee hours. [gallery ids="102460,120947,120941,120960,120935,120927,120920,120913,120883,120905,120900,120891,120953" nav="thumbs"]

Del Frisco’s Grille Opens with Style
• July 30, 2012

On July 12, Del Frisco’s Grille held a lavish reception at its prime Pennsylvania Avenue location, which officially opened July 14. Music and cocktails greeted arriving guests who enjoyed mouthwatering hors d’oeuvres including samplings from a copious raw bar. The Dallas-based group counts 32 restaurants across the country. Executive chef Rob Klink promises market-fresh ingredients on a menu featuring prime steaks, seafood and twists on American comfort cuisine. The spacious indoor space and patio should be a popular destination for locals and visitors alike. [gallery ids="102470,120640,120679,120686,120661,120655,120674,120648,120669,120621,120613,120631" nav="thumbs"]