‘Select’: WPA’s 2012 Art Auction Gala
• March 8, 2012

The Washington Project for the Arts, a non-profit promoting excellence in contemporary art throughout greater Washington, celebrated its “Annual Art Auction Exhibition and Gala,” March 3 for “Select,” which opened Feb. 11 with works of more than 100 local and national artists on display and available for purchase. [gallery ids="100527,119414,119407,119387,119400,119395" nav="thumbs"]

Choral Arts Chases the Winter Blues
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Choral Arts supporters, old and new, came out March 1 on an unexpectedly balmy evening to chase away the winter blues at the George Town Club with the music of […]

WINNter Affair Benefits The Children’s Inn at NIH
• March 7, 2012

The first event for the Young Ambassador’s Council of The Children’s Inn at NIH raised nearly $30,000 at the House of Sweden Feb. 25, as hundreds of young professionals danced to live music and enjoyed an evening of cocktails and hors d’oeuvres. The Inn is a non-profit, cost-free haven for families with seriously ill children undergoing treatment at Bethesda’s National Institutes of Health. [gallery ids="102439,121380" nav="thumbs"]

The Fairmont Hosts ‘Sip, Sample and See’
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Luckily, everyone came hungry and thirsty to the Fairmont on March 1, as the hotel unveiled its refurbished entertaining emporium. Regional vice president and general manager Mark Andrew introduced a choreographed dance routine by Fairmont staff worthy of a tryout for “Dancing with the Stars.” The hotel has long been known as a wedding venue, and the evening’s offerings only heightened expectations for happily-ever-afters. [gallery ids="102438,121387,121399,121405,121394" nav="thumbs"]

Turkey Showcases Designer Nedret Taciroğlu
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Some guests arrived rain soaked, but Ambassador Tan thanked Teresa and Nuri Yurt of Toka Salon for ensuring that models were groomed to perfection as they showcased the elegant designs of Nedret Taciro?lu during an Feb. 29 evening reception at the Turkish Embassy. He termed the internationally acclaimed designer one of Turkey’s “greatest talents.” Ms. Taciro?lu, who created an 18-piece collection for former First Lady Nancy Reagan, also produces a line of fashionable home accessories. [gallery ids="100524,119316,119273,119308,119281,119303,119290,119297" nav="thumbs"]

TheatreWashington Announces Nominees for the 28th Helen Hayes Awards
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On Feb. 27, theatreWashington announced nominees in 26 categories for the 28th Helen Hayes Awards to be presented Apr. 23 at the Warner Theatre. President and CEO Linda Levy and board chairman Victor Shargai said, “Theatre in Washington is a mirror of its heart and soul.” Washington ranks second only to New York in the number of productions mounted each year by nearly 80 professional theater companies. TheatreWashington is the only organization dedicated solely to promoting, representing and supporting all segments of Washington’s professional theater community. [gallery ids="100523,119285,119246,119278,119255,119272,119265" nav="thumbs"]

Kuwait’s National Day
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Ambassador and Mrs. Salem Al-Sabah celebrated the 51st anniversary of the National Day of the State of Kuwait and the 21st anniversary of its liberation during Desert Storm at the Four Seasons Hotel Feb. 21. As the many guests waited to greet their hosts, they could admire the towering floral designs by Daniel Espejel of Flowers by Daniel. The buffets were laden with truly global cuisine — Middle Eastern lamb, pastas, crab cakes and spectacular choices of sweets. [gallery ids="102436,121439,121431,121468,121482,121456,121448,121462,121475" nav="thumbs"]

Have a Heart Luncheon Honors Georgetown Ministry Center
• February 24, 2012

The Washington Club’s sixth annual “Have a Heart” Luncheon honored the Georgetown Ministry Center Feb. 14 for outstanding and compassionate service to homeless individuals in our community. A video presentation by Nelson A. Cuellar showcased the fundamental services and opportunities for social interaction that the GMC provides in a clubhouse setting adjacent to Grace Church. Keynote speaker Dr. Roland J. Koshes spoke of treatment of mental illness in the homeless and indigent. Event chair Arden Batch presented an award to GMC executive director Gunther Stern, who in turn gave her a crystal heart. [gallery ids="100505,118271,118258,118267" nav="thumbs"]

It’s ‘Valerie Wilson’s World’ at the Jefferson
• February 23, 2012

The Book Room of The Jefferson hotel was the ideal setting to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Valerie Wilson Travel and for the author to introduce her latest travel book “Valerie Wilson’s World: The Top Hotels & Resorts, Second Edition” at a Feb. 15 cocktail reception. Dubbed a “power broker” in the industry, Travel Weekly ranked her New York-based firm the 29th largest U.S. travel management company. As a heart attack and bypass survivor, Wilson is committed to the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women initiative ,which is receiving a portion of the proceeds from book sales. [gallery ids="100506,118292,118287,118275,118281" nav="thumbs"]

Maslenitsa at the Russian Embassy
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Maslenitsa, Orthodox Mardi Gras, was celebrated on Feb. 17 as The Ambassador of the Russian Federation and Mrs. Sergey Kislyak welcomed guests with bliny and other traditional Russian fare. Vladimir Tolstoy was Honorary Chair of the evening, which benefits the mission to help the neediest of the Russian Orthodox Cathedrals of Saint Nicholas and St. John the Baptist. The evening with entertainment by the Samovar Russian Folk Ensemble and dancing to Four Season Dance Group included a silent auction, raffle and great support for preserving ethnic ties and national traditions. [gallery ids="100512,118823,118817,118804,118813" nav="thumbs"]