Trees for Georgetown
• May 18, 2011

Georgetowners treasure their “village” and nowhere is the spirit more prevalent than the greenery that abounds under the watchful eyes of dedicated volunteers of Trees for Georgetown. They plant empty tree boxes and water unstintingly. On May 11, Jill and Rock Tonkel opened their exquisitely landscaped grounds for a tribute as their son frolicked and guests enjoyed fabulous hors d’oeuvres from Susan Gage. To his astonishment, staunch supporter and famed designer Frank Randolph held the winning ticket for a stunning tree box. Betsy Emes thanked the major the major donors, chief among them Casey Trees. [gallery ids="99685,99686,99687,99688,99689,99690,99691,99692" nav="thumbs"]

Eivind & Hans Benefit Children’s National Hospital Center
•

The sun shone down on May 12 as guests joined Eivind Bjerke and his son-in-law Hans Kalset to inaugurate their stunningly redecorated hair salon in upper Georgetown in support of Children’s National Medical Center. In acknowledgement, Eivind quipped “I’m happy to see many big wigs tonight.” He gave special thanks to underwriter Amb. Julie Finley and Diana Goldberg, whom he dubbed “the Queen of Children’s Hospital.” Ambassador Strommen of Norway was clearly pleased to honor a Norwegian business east of North Dakota or Minnesota. All proceeds will go to the hospital’s Cancer Medical Care Fund supporting medications that families might otherwise not be able to afford. A former patient, Kate Kiernam, now a junior at Stoneridge, spoke of the wonderful care she had received. It was an elegant evening. [gallery ids="102516,102517,102518,102519,102520,102521,102522,102523" nav="thumbs"]

Keith Lipert Spring Sale
• May 12, 2011

On Apr. 26, Keith Lipert invited special pals to his eponymous boutique on M Street for a Spring Clearance Party. Guests imbibed champagne as they browsed for fabulous deals on treasures up to 50 percent off. [gallery ids="99664,106014,106018" nav="thumbs"]

Honoring Barbara Gordon
•

Colombian Ambassador and Mrs. Gabriel Silva threw open the doors of their stunning Dupont Circle residence on Apr. 29 to join with Secretary General of the Organization of American States and Mrs. Jose Miguel Insulza and The Friends of the Art Museum of the Americas (AMA) in a tribute to Barbara Gordon honoring her lifetime dedication to the arts and philanthropy. The evening included a chef’s tasting table prepared by Chef Michel Richard, a silent auction featuring Latin American artists living in our area, a piano recital by Edvinas Minkstimas and dancing to Latin music by DJ Panama. Ambassador Luigi Einaudi, expressing his belief that “politics are shaped by culture,” said “Barbara gets it.” Funds from the evening will support the work of the AMA. The honoree serves as First Chairman Emeritus of the museum. [gallery ids="99665,106019,106035,106031,106024,106028" nav="thumbs"]

Spring Soirée on Book Hill
• May 4, 2011

Despite the rather chilly temperature, there was joy in the air on Book Hill behind the gloriously restored Georgetown Library late in the afternoon on May 1 as families gathered to support the Georgetown Library and Book Hill Park. Local merchants were generous in their donations including the special team at Bacchus. Highlights were the canapés supplied by the recently opened Book Hill Café with Chef/GM Matthew Mohler and Cordon Bleu pastry chef Deborah Stewart in attendance. These privately raised funds constantly enhance Georgetown’s unique quality of life. [gallery ids="102557,119959,119949,119955,119941" nav="thumbs"]

Puro Café
•

Puro Cafe celebrated the opening of their patio with a wine tasting on Apr, 27. Owner Rashid Hassouni invited members of the Georgetown BID, the Citizens Association of Georgetown and Georgetown Business Association to join him. Despite warnings of severe weather, the skies remained calm as guests enjoyed great wines and hors d’oeuvres on the spacious patio. [gallery ids="102556,119977,119972,119957,119982,119965" nav="thumbs"]

Al Tiramisu Promotes Italian Cuisine
• April 20, 2011

The weather outside was frightful but inside Al Tiramisu restaurant on Apr. 16, it was only sunshine and Italian cuisine at its authentic best. To celebrate the 150th anniversary of the unification of Italy and the 15th anniversary of his Dupont Circle restaurant, chef/owner and enchanting host Luigi Diotaiuti launched the first in a series of cooking classes featuring 20 regions. Each class will feature insights into the history, culture, inhabitants, food and wine through a hands on cooking demonstration and three course repast with wine pairings. Saturday’s program focused on Sicily with baked sardines and a molded pasta dish highlighting eggplant followed by stuffed cuttlefish. The wines were the region’s stellar offerings. The next event will be May 21 showcasing Sardinia. The program will conclude with an anniversary feast in the fall. [gallery ids="99646,105279,105286,105283" nav="thumbs"]

Wellness Community Celebration of Hope Gala
•

Susie Dyer and Liza Marshall co-chaired the Fifth Annual Celebration of Hope Gala supporting The Wellness Community of Greater Washington, DC (TWC-DC). The event was held at The Fairfax Hotel on Apr. 7 and honored former Board Chair Barbara Bey, who received the Celebration of Hope Award. Specialties, Inc. was honored with the Partnership Award. TWC-DC offers people with cancer and their loved ones a free of charge professional program providing emotional support, education and hope. Board Chair Scott Ogden said “we help participants help themselves.” President & CEO Paula Rothenberg echoed that sentiment noting “the roller coaster of emotions.” [gallery ids="99647,105284,105290,105288" nav="thumbs"]

Embassy Chef Challenge 2011
•

Now in its third year and growing exponentially, Cultural Tourism DC’s Embassy Chef Challenge was a hit at the Ronald Reagan Building on Apr. 12. Ann Scoffier chaired the friendly culinary competition. Proceeds support an awareness of the city’s myriad cultural offerings. Barbara Harrison of NBC4 emceed the program, remarking “boy does it smell good in here.” Mayor Vincent Gray, who did not eat heartily the night before, said “I invite everyone here to go to jail with me” and continued “it is time for justice to come to the District of Columbia. Enough is enough.” Lars Beese of the Royal Danish Embassy received the Judges Choice Award while Jose Luis Fernandez of the Embassy of Peru captured the People’s Choice Award for his outstanding ceviche. Throughout May, Passport DC, with over 60 embassies and 100 cultural institutions participating, will offer an unforgettable global journey throughout our city. [gallery ids="99648,105289,105315,105311,105307,105294,105303,105299" nav="thumbs"]

Second Family, Inc. Awards Dinner
•

Supporters of Second Family, Inc. (SFI) gathered upstairs at Café Milano on Mar. 18 at a dinner honoring Shahin Mafi, MBA, CEO of Home Health Connections, and Betty Rainsford, RN, PAC, Second Family Pediatric Medical Specialist and Education Advocate. Sisters Shilda Frost and Marion Hailey founded SFI in l998 as a non-profit providing care in a home-like environment for special needs children. SFI currently has expanded to seven homes on two Maryland campuses. MC Mike Walter termed their work “unconditional love in motion.” [gallery ids="99213,103484,103495,103492,103489" nav="thumbs"]