Marion Bryce Award
• November 6, 2012

Bessie Phillips receives the Marion Bryce Award for Volunteer Service from Michael Kahn, the Artistic Director of the Shakespeare Theatre Company, at the Sidney Harman Hall in Washington on Aug. 23.

After Dark @ THEARC
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Art insiders and supporters “crossed the bridge” on Sept. 15 in specified “after dark chic” attire for the seventh anniversary celebration of THEARC. Following a sun dappled reception, guests enjoyed a program that included young dancers from the Arts and Technology Academy in Rock My Soul choreographed by Alvin Ailey, The Washington Ballet’s Brooklyn Mack dazzling in Le Corsaire and SE Washington native Denise Graves’ bewitching renditions of Summertime and Habañera. Mayor Vincent Gray presented Gina Adams of FedEx Corporation with the Building Bridges Across the River award for her ongoing commitment to the community. [gallery ids="100989,131906,131921,131898,131928,131889,131935,131881,131941,131914" nav="thumbs"]

LUNGevity’s Musical Celebration of Hope
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Gala Chairs Sharon Bradley, Jamie Dorros and Rhonda Wilkins continued the work of Grace Bender, who chaired last year’s first LUNGevity Gala. The event took place on Sept. 15 at the Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium where guests were greeted by mariachis. Events by André Wells was responsible for the exquisite floral displays and overall elegance. LUNGevity Foundation is the nation’s largest lung cancer-focused nonprofit led by Andrea Stern Ferris, who lost her mother Pat Stern to the disease. California Congresswoman Lois Capps was honored with the Face of Hope Award for her tireless efforts to raise awareness and change health policy. [gallery ids="102480,120448,120443,120436,120424,120417,120409,120393,120401,120431" nav="thumbs"]

Washington Area Concierge Association Charity Gala
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The Washington Area Concierge Association (WACA) held its 20th Annual Charity Gala “Sunglasses at Night” at the Hamilton on Aug. 26. Black and white sunglasses courtesy of the National Aquarium awaited guests. The evening featured a silent auction with plenty of hotel and restaurant temptations. Radio personality Tommy McFly emceed and introduced Arlington native Amy Wilcox and her Nashville band. WACA is donating the evening’s proceeds to The John B. Campbell Hospitality Scholarship, Les Clefs d’Or and Les Clefs d’Or Foundation and The Capital Area Food Bank. [gallery ids="100957,130738,130731,130703,130726,130720,130712" nav="thumbs"]

Ambassador George W. Haley Honored
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On Aug. 25 Special Chair, H.E. Blaise Cherif, Ambassador of Republic of Guinea; World Ebony Network Board Chairman, Col. US Army (Ret) Frank E. Underwood, and many distinguished guests gathered at the Women’s National Democratic Club to celebrate the 87th birthday of Ambassador Haley and to summon people of African ancestry to find their identity and rebuild a stronger black family. A moment of levity among the many tributes and presentation of the Ambassador George W. Haley Inaugural Award for distinguished service was that the ambassador and his wife Doris share the same birthday although she playfully chides that it was a different year. [gallery ids="100958,130728" nav="thumbs"]

Silver Plume Gala
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The Washington Area Concierge Association honored its superstars with the presentation of the Silver Plume Awards July 29. The event, which was co-sponsored by Where magazine and the Occidental Restaurant, began with cocktails on the restaurant’s terrace before guests proceeded inside to enjoy a feast highlighted by filet mignon and a jumbo lump crab cake. Luis Colmenares, head concierge at the Hotel Monaco and current WACA president, graciously accepted his award as “Concierge of the Year.” [gallery ids="100936,129906,129853,129899,129861,129892,129870,129886,129878" nav="thumbs"]

First Annual “Botox and Locks” Event
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On July 30, hairstylist Luigi Parasmo and plastic surgeon Dr. Ayman Hakki of Luxxery Medical Boutique hosted their first annual “Botox & Locks” event at the Luigi Parasmo Salon, which opened this April on Wisconsin Avenue. The beauty gurus partnered for a night of glamour offering discount treatments to guests who enjoyed delicious hors d’oeuvres from Lebanese eatery Neyla. Washingtonian’s Kate Bennett, former Miss D.C. Jen Corey and Gilt City D.C.’s Marissa Schneider celebrated with their favorite beauty men who make certain the ladies look their best.
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Getting Glitzy at the Georgetown GalaNovember 1, 2012
• November 1, 2012

The 2012 Georgetown Gala, ?Putting on the Glitz,? and put on by the Citizens Association of Georgetown, returned to the Russian Embassy Oct. 26, with vodka, caviar, champagne, a dinner buffet and a live auction ? and, of course, dancing and more dancing, this time to the tunes of Big Ray and the Kool Kats. Hundreds of residents, business leaders and politicians were also there to honor Pamela and Richard Hinds for their work on historic preservation and public safety. Gala co-chairs were Nancy Taylor Bubes, Michele Evans and Patrice Miller. Sponsors included ?community pillars,? Long & Foster, Exclusive Affiliate of Christie?s International, Vornado Realty Trust & Angelo Gordon & Co. on behalf of the Shops at Georgetown Park, along with M.C. Dean, Inc., MRP Realty, Washington Fine Properties (Nancy Taylor Bubes), Western Development Corporation, EagleBank and the Georgetowner.

Unlike last year, Mayor Vincent Gray could not stay for the dancing ? there was a hurricane coming, after all.

Navy Memorial Celebrates Its 25th Anniversary (photos)
• October 24, 2012

The U.S. Navy Memorial celebrated its 25th Anniversary with a special dinner held at the Edison Electric Institute and 701 Restaurant on Oct. 12 that was followed up the next day with a special rededication ceremony held on Memorial Plaza. Special guests included Chief of Naval Operations, Admiral Jonathon W. Greenert; Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPON) Michael D. Stevens; William Conklin, Architect of the Navy Memorial; and veterans of the USS Davis who presented a wreath in memory of those who served.

The U.S. Navy Memorial, between 7th and 9th Streets on Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W., honors the men and women who have taken the oath to defend the Constitution of the United States by serving in the sea services. The Navy Memorial includes both a commemorative public plaza and a Naval Heritage Center. The plaza is a round ceremonial amphitheater paved in granite to form a 100-foot diameter of the world. Surrounding the deck of the plaza are fountains, pools, flagpole masts and sculptural panels depicting historic achievements of the sea services. A symbolic statue of a lone sailor stands watch near the edge of the plaza.

View pictures of the event by clicking on the photo icons below. [gallery ids="101021,135673,135681,135690,135697,135704,135711,135718,135725,135732,135739,135746,135666,135660,135653,135778,135604,135772,135766,135760,135612,135620,135626,135633,135640,135646,135753" nav="thumbs"]

Chefs to Meet, Food to Taste at MetroCooking Show
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On Nov. 5 and 6, part of the Washington Convention Center was occupied, not by any protesters, but by the Metropolitan Cooking and Entertaining Show. The 25,000 guests at the happily overwhelming annual food party got a chance to see food stars Paula Deen, Guy Fieri and Giada De Laurentiis along with such local chefs as Michel Richard and Mike Isabella — and sample products from food companies: beef, sausage, pasta, gelato, chocolates, cookies, cheese, pizza, dipping and rubbing sauces, peanuts . . . you name it. Also, on hand were entertaining experts like CherylStyle with presentations. [gallery ids="100410,113360,113352,113346" nav="thumbs"]