Social Scene

Mary Bird • April 14, 2015

Hope Connections for Cancer Support’s annual gala was held March 18 at the Park Hyatt, where Judy Deason, a cancer survivor and tireless advocate, received the Celebration of Hope Award. The Partnership Award was given to Capital Elevator Services for its pro bono installation of a chair stair at the historic Beaumont House facility. Winnie Feldman-Lindauer and Diane Malhmood were honored with the Special Volunteer Award for opening a fund-raising thrift shop to support the mission. Hope Connections President and CEO Paula Rothenberg announced that the programs will soon be expanding into Prince George’s County.
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Robert Devaney • April 13, 2015

Neighbors, volunteers and benefactors gathered at the George Town Club March 12 to cheer the new season of Concerts in the Park, a program of the Citizens Association of Georgetown. Concerts are slated for May 17 (Rebecca McCabe) and June 14 (Father’s Day) at Volta Park — and July 12 at Rose Park. [gallery ids="102027,134909,134904,134906,134908" nav="thumbs"]

Georgetowner •

Showing up for the fourth time at the Gridiron Club dinner, President Barack Obama proved himself a more than able comic-in-chief, joking about Hillary Clinton’s email snafu and D.C.’s partial legalization of marijuana. Also at hand were Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker and Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe, doing stand-up for the Republicans and Democrats, respectively.

Put on by the Gridiron Club and Foundation, formed by newspapers and news services in 1885, the evening of fellowship demands that journalists and politicians call a truce and mock themselves. There were also musical skits by press members. The U.S. Marine Band was there, and everyone sang “Auld Lang Syne” at the end. The 130th annual dinner was held March 14 at the Renaissance Hotel on 9th Street NW with photographers, reporters and onlookers waiting in the lobby. [gallery ids="102028,134900,134898,134896,134894,134892,134890,134888,134886,134884,134878,134882,134880,134902,134903" nav="thumbs"]

Charlene Louis •

On Saturday, March 14, the Washington, DC Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc. celebrated 75 years of empowering children, families and the community at a fundraising black-tie gala at the Ritz-Carlton on 22nd Street. The event raised money for the Town Hall Education Arts Recreational Campus (THEARC) and the Jack and Jill of America Foundation. Established in 1938 in Philadelphia, Jack & Jill of America, Inc. provides social, cultural, and educational opportunities for African-American youth between the ages of two and 19. [gallery ids="102029,134876,134870,134877,134874,134872" nav="thumbs"]

Mary Bird •

Spanish Ambassador Ramón Gil-Casares, who expressed his admiration for Latino Student Fund’s “commitment to the Spanish community and to youth,” served as the honorary patron of the gala at the Organization of American States March 12. The organization is dedicated to making a positive impact on the lives and education of Latino youth through Saturday classes, merit-based tuition stipends and other programs. Leon Harris of WJLA-ABC7 News emceed at the dinner, which was preceded by a reception and silent auction. [gallery ids="102030,134866,134869,134868" nav="thumbs"]

Mary Bird •

The James Bond spy series was the theme of this year’s Night of Vision gala supporting Prevention of Blindness Society of Metropolitan Washington’s sight-saving programs at the Four Seasons March 21. The event included silent and live auctions, a dinner with award presentations and dancing to music by Retrospect. Night of Vision chair Sally Ann Pilkerton presented supporter Gloria Butland, cited as “POB’s fairy godmother,” with the Community Service Award. Gloria quipped, “Honey, if you don’t ask for it, you’re never going to get it.” Wendy Gasch, M.D., received the Professional Service Award.
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Georgetowner •

S&R Foundation opened the gardens at historic Evermay Estate on 28th Street March 29 for its annual Easter Egg Hunt. Neighborhood families – and especially the children – celebrated spring fun with crafts, face painting, a visit from some Easter friends – and of course, an expansive Easter Egg Hunt around the grounds for a chilly March afternoon of festive fun

Imagination Stage and S&R Foundation teamed up to offer a special musical and theatrical rendition of the Terry Bear Picnic. Treats were provided by Georgetown Cupcake and Whole Foods Market on WIsconsin Avenue.

Georgetowner • April 9, 2015

The seventh annual D.C. Capital Stars at the Eisenhower Theater at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts April 1 brought in more than $1.1 million to support its services, including high school and college counseling college scholarships. Yousef Al Otaiba, Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates to the United States, was the presenting sponsor of the event. First prize winner was dancer Jiamond Watson, 17, a junior attending Duke Ellington School of the Arts: he won the $10,000 scholarship grand prize. Donald Graham, D.C.-CAP founder and former board chair, was given a Lifetime Achievement Award.

Celebrity Judges headlined an “Idol”-style competition: audience members voted using handheld devices and the celebrity judges commented on each performance. Winners were determined 50 percent by judges’ input and 50 percent based on audience vote. Judges were: Tony-winning tapper Savion Glover, Broadway and film star Alyson Reed, musician and long-time Billy Joel bandmate Mark Rivera.

The winners — 10 finalists, singers, dancers, and musicians, ranging in ages 15 to 17 from D.C. public and public charter schools — performed and competed for college scholarships.

1st prize winner: dancer Jiamond Watson, 17, a junior attending Duke Ellington School of the Arts, won the $10,000 scholarship grand prize.

2nd prize winner: rapper-singer-ukulele player Carlos Hood, 18, senior at Woodrow Wilson High School, won a $6,000 scholarship.

3rd prize winner: pianist Jennifer Li, 17, senior at Woodrow Wilson High School, won a $4,000 scholarship.

The remaining runners-up each received $2,000 scholarships. (View audition videos and read essays written by the top 10 finalists at dccap.org/gala.)

The evening’s special honoree: Donald Graham, founder of D.C. Capital Stars and former board chair, was given a Lifetime Achievement Award for “making tens of thousands of D.C. students’ college dreams come over the past 16 years.”

ABC7/WJLA News anchor Leon Harris was master of ceremonies.
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Georgetowner •

On March 24, the City Club of Washington and Christine Warnke hosted the Initiative to Educate Afghan Women celebrating International Women’s Month and honoring people and organizations that empower women through education and leadership training. Since 2002, the Initiative has partnered with U.S. colleges to provide undergraduate degrees and leadership training to 67 Afghan women who now hold leadership roles in the economic and social development of their homeland.
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