Avenue Suites Brings New York Chic to Pennsylvania Avenue
• June 18, 2012

Conrad Cafritz, Chairman of Modus Hotels, welcomed fortunate guests to a preview of Avenue Suites and the West End’s newest outdoor cocktail destination A Bar. Guests enjoyed lychee martinis accompanied by tempting nibbles. DJ Neekola was joined by New York-based electric violinist Sarah Charness. Highlights were the sun dappled patio and a second floor suite draped in chocolates and desserts where guests could win a weekend stay at Avenue Suites, chef’s tasting at Marcel’s and a gift card to A Bar. [gallery ids="100761,123198,123161,123193,123168,123188,123174,123182" nav="thumbs"]

Ball on the Mall
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The L’Enfant Society hosted its annual “Ball on the Mall” on May 5. The event, co-chaired by Christian Gullott and Marissa Mitrovich of the L’Enfant Society, and sponsored by Time Warner, Inc., and HBO Verizon, raises money for the Trust for the National Mall, a nonprofit partner of the National Park Service, which cannot fund necessary repairs due to budget cuts. Dressed to impress, guests dined and danced, and as they exited the event, were greeted by a full moon peeking out from behind the Washington Monument, as if to serve as a reminder of why they were there. [gallery ids="100803,124508,124478,124502,124495,124487" nav="thumbs"]

Patriotic Arts Education Celebration Fete
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The D.C. Arts and Humanities Education Collaborative held its spring event “Patriotic Arts Education Celebration Fete” at the Lincoln Restaurant, where more than 150 arts education enthusiasts turned out to support the mission of providing access to arts and humanities for all of D.C. public school students. Honorary co-chairs included Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton, Representatives John Lewis and Louise Slaughter as well as D.C. Schools Chancellor Kaya Henderson. [gallery ids="100802,124482,124476,124469" nav="thumbs"]

Washington Fine Properties Cup
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At Virginia’s Gold Cup races, May 5, rider Ross Geraghty and trainer Joseph Delozier are awarded the Washington Fine Properties Cup by Tom Anderson (center) along with Dana Landry, Marc Schappel and William Moody (behind), thanks to their horse, Lake Placid, owned by Irvin Naylor. This fourth race of about 2.5 miles held a purse of $25,000, of which the winner received $15,000.

Mexico’s Noche de Pasión
• June 8, 2012

The Ambassador of Mexico and Mrs. Veronica Valencia-Sarukhan, Washington Ballet Artistic Director Septime Webre and co-chairs Pilar Frank O’Leary de la Cruz Ernst choreographed a fabulous evening on May 11, Noche de Pasión, celebrating the world premiere of Noche Latina. Guests gathered on the Rivers restaurant terrace alongside the Kennedy Center before the ballet performance and then proceeded to the Mexican Cultural Institute’s “Café Pasión” for dinner and margarita-fueled dancing. The event raised scholarship funds for Spanish dancers. [gallery ids="102454,121108,121085,121069,121096,121077,121053,121091,121061,121102" nav="thumbs"]

Suited for Change Turns 20
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Barbara Camens, president of Suited for Change, welcomed guests to Suited for Spring, a 20th anniversary luncheon held at the Capital Hilton May 10. SFC partners with more than 70 community organizations that refer clients for assistance in professional attire and job readiness training. TV reporter Jummy Olabanji interviewed SFC client Ivana Willis, who said SFC mentoring gave her confidence to reenter the work force. Willis now holds a permanent position as an administrative assistant at the American Psychological Association. [gallery ids="100809,124662,124654,124641,124649" nav="thumbs"]

D.C. Arts’ Cuisine des Artistes 2012
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Meridian International Center was a logical venue on May 10 for the D.C. Arts Center to present the Herb White Award to multi-media maverick Bill Warrell, whose life “goes all up and down Georgia Avenue.” Restaurateur White was unstinting in his support for adventuresome artists. The honoree said, “We are all cultural warriors.” The event celebrated the creativity of D.C.’s visual and culinary artists. Collaborations included “Hieronymus Borscht” and Frittata Kahlo.” Founded in 1989 in Adams Morgan, the D.C. Arts Center provides a gallery and black box theater where emerging artists can hone their craft. [gallery ids="100810,124688,124680,124658,124674,124667" nav="thumbs"]

Tickled Pink, IX
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Mothers and daughters modeled Lilly Pulitzer’s spring and summer lines at a tea and fashion show benefitting Make-A-Wish Mid-Atlantic at the Fairmont Washington on May 12. President and CEO Maura Harty said over 700 volunteers help make wishes come true. T.J. Morales shared that his wish to go to Disney World with his family had brought respite from the debilitating effects of cancer treatment. DC Magazine was the media partner and Alexa Rubin of American Girl Washington DC hosted a craft table where young ladies could create a special Mother’s Day gift. Guests departed with Lilly goodie bags. [gallery ids="100811,124711,124702,124729,124693,124735,124685,124741,124676,124747,124720" nav="thumbs"]

Will On The Hill
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Shakespeare Theatre Company’s 9th Annual Will on the Hill [gallery ids="99743,99744,99745,99746,99747,99748,99749,99750,99751" nav="thumbs"]

WCO’s ‘Samson et Dalila’ at Lisner
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Anthony Walker, artistic director and conductor of the Washington Concert Opera, presented “Samson et Dalila” at Lisner Auditorium May 13. Principals Frank Porretta, Michelle DeYoung and Greer Grimsley accompanied by the splendid orchestra and chorus brought the audience to its feet. At the cast party and dinner following at the Arts Club of Washington, the maestro hailed WCO as “a small company with a big heart and big aspirations.” The WCO has presented more than 40 operas in a concert format and offers educational programs to introduce school-age children to the world of opera. [gallery ids="100812,124771,124737,124764,124745,124758,124753" nav="thumbs"]