Washington Women and Wine “Shoemania” at Saks Chevy Chase
• April 20, 2011

On Apr. 4, members of Washington Women and Wine held a Wine, Women and Shoes “Shop til You drop” Spring Celebration in the shoe department at Saks Fifth Avenue, Chevy Chase to support Dress for Success-DC. Dress for Success (DFS) is an international non-profit organization promoting the economic independence of disadvantaged women by providing professional attire, a network of support and career development tools. Since 1997, DFS has served more than 550,000 women around the world. Saks partnered corporately with Napa Valley’s St. Suprey Vineyards and Winery which provided a “shoemmelier.” Guests enjoyed wine and hors d’oeuvres while admiring the latest shoes with a portion of purchases benefiting DFS. [gallery ids="102555,119973,119981,119984" nav="thumbs"]

The Fairmount Celebrates Weddings
• March 16, 2011

On Mar. 1, The Fairmont Washington, D.C. held its 5th annual Sip & Sample event showcasing wedding and social trends for the season.  The Colonnade Room, where over 1000 weddings have taken place, was filled with wedding planners, clients and future brides-to-be.  Kelly Jenkins of Capital Decor and Events and Rose Rabin of Party Rentals decorated with gorgeous floral arrangements, unique table settings, creative lighting and new seating options. Hitched provided a bridal fashion show as The Fairmont featured new wedding fare including cakes, menu tastings and cocktails creations.  The annual event is the brainchild of the hotel’s Director of Catering Bob Mikolitch. [gallery ids="99619,105104,105111,105108" nav="thumbs"]

Helen Hayes Awards Nominations
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On Feb. 28, the 2011 Helen Hayes Awards Nominations were fittingly announced in the Helen Hayes Gallery at the National Theatre where the actress saw her first play. Chairman of the Board Victor Shargai termed Washington theatre amazing and said that it not only entertains, it transforms. He went on to announce that No Rules Theater Company and Factory 449 would each receive the 2010 John Aniello Award for outstanding emerging theater company. The Folger Theatre’s three productions all received nominations for outstanding resident play. President and CEO Linda Levy Grossman said the organization will be undergoing significant changes in coming months. A Helen Hayes stamp will be official released at the 27th Helen Hayes Awards of Apr. 25. [gallery ids="99618,105094,105110,105106,105099,105103" nav="thumbs"]

Earth, Wind & Fire Honors Duke Ellington School of the Arts
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In preparation for their 40th Anniversary Concert Celebration which raised $500,000 for the Duke Ellington School of the Arts at the Kennedy Center on Feb. 24, the legendary band held a master class at the school the preceding day. For over four decades, Earth, Wind & Fire has captivated audiences through its blend of soul, funk, gospel, blues, rock, and jazz. The concert was the latest installment in the Performance Series of Legends that has featured David Chappelle, Denyce Graves and Stevie Wonder as a revenue source for the school. Founded in l974, Duke Ellington is the only D.C. high school that provides pre-professional arts training and college preparation to more than 500 talented area students and can boast a 98% graduation rate with 95% of its seniors being accepted into colleges, universities and conservatories.
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Unique Learning Center Honors Sheila Johnson
• January 13, 2011

Philanthropist and businesswoman Sheila Johnson was honored at the Unique Learning Center’s Model of Excellency Dinner at the Marriott Wardman Park on Nov. 18. Guests enjoyed a rousing performance by the Washington Performing Arts Society’s Men and Women of the Gospel Choir. Ms. Johnson said “thank you for inspiring the kids.” Student speaker Ricco Cloyd, Syracuse University class of 2011, movingly recounted the support he has received saying “I think ULC is a family to me.” A video presentation stated “we love our kids and, beyond that, our kids love us.” For the past 28 years ULC has worked in the Shaw community to change the lives of children who would otherwise slip through the cracks of the public school system. [gallery ids="99571,104842" nav="thumbs"]

Sugar Plum Bazaar
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The Women’s Committee of The Washington Ballet held the first annual Sugar Plum Bazaar at the Ballet Studio on Wisconsin Avenue, which is currently wrapped in a bright red bow. The event, highlighted by a VIP cocktail reception on Nov. 20, was chaired by Christina Grigorian and Beth Kohlhoss with temptations provided by Zenith Art Gallery, Sullivan’s Toys and Tracy Suk Designs among other vendors. [gallery ids="99572,104855,104844,104851,104847" nav="thumbs"]