Social Scene

Georgetowner • January 16, 2015

The American Ireland Fund hosted its 22nd Annual National Gala and honored Vice President Joe Biden with its Peace Award March 13 at the National Building Museum.
Among the other speakers: An Taoiseach Enda Kenny T.D., Prime Minister of Ireland, and former Sen. Chris Dodd. Norah O’Donnell, co-anchor of “CBS This Morning,” served as mistress of ceremonies.
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Georgetowner •

On March 18, the Fashion Group International of Greater Washington, D.C., Region hosted its inaugural Rising Star awards event, honoring Washington, D.C.’s emerging talent at Fabio Trabocchi’s Casa Luca.

Rising Star 2014 Winners:

Accessories
Camille Gabriele, Camille Gabriele Designs

Beauty
JoElle Lee, JoElle Skin Care

Interior Design
William McGovern, McGovern Design Studio
Jewelry
Sophie Blake, Sophie Blake NY
New Media
All Things Fashion DC

Menswear
Pranov Vora & Philip Soriano, Hugh & Crye

Photography
Violetta Markelou, VM Photography

Stylist
Ariella Toloza, Ariella Faith

Womenswear
Tashia Senn, Tashia Senn Design

Mary Bird •

Ambassador of the Republic of Bulgaria Elena Poptodorova and her husband Georgi Petrov celebrated the National Day of the Republic of Bulgaria, which falls on March 3, at the Organization of American States on March 5. The ambassador expressed her appreciation to the musicians for the beautiful rendition of the countries’ national anthems. She called the occasion a day of optimism and acknowledged U.S. government representatives, members of the armed services and the diplomatic corps. She cited Bulgaria’s membership in NATO and the European Union and thanked civil society and Washington society for their consistent friendship.? [gallery ids="116970,116961,116980,116985,116997,116991" nav="thumbs"]

Mary Bird •

On, Feb. 12, the eve of yet another storm that closed the Federal Government the following day, Cynthia Howar hosted an enthusiastic gathering at her home studio for a wine and cheese reception to celebrate her new works of art “Paintings from the Brandywine Valley, Cuba, and Provence (2013).” The artist sells her works and notecards of her paintings from her studio and online. She was recently included in the Citizens Association of Georgetown Art Show at the House of Sweden. [gallery ids="101651,145214,145209,145216" nav="thumbs"]

Georgetowner •

Some cool gals got together Feb. 15 to celebrate the 40th birthday of Norah O’Donnell, co-anchor of “CBS This Morning,” and wife of D.C. chef and restaurateur Geoff Tracy. The group took over the second floor of Cafe Milano, the spot where first lady Michelle Obama celebrated her birthday last year. [gallery ids="117004,117001" nav="thumbs"]

Mary Bird •

Ambassador and Mrs. Salem Al-Sabah welcomed their guests to the 53rd Anniversary of the National Day of the State of Kuwait at the Four Seasons Hotel on Feb. 20. Exquisite floral arrangements adorned the ballroom where food stations offered an international display of temptations. Buffet tables were laden with the very best of the Middle East, Asia, Italy and the U.S., featuring mini lobster rolls, crab cakes and so much more. The dessert treats would take a season of MasterChef programs to reproduce. [gallery ids="101652,145205,145203" nav="thumbs"]

Mary Bird •

The James Beard Foundation (JBF) was recognized by the Destination & Travel Foundation with the 2014 Spirit of Hospitality Award at a gala dinner held at the Convention Center on Feb. 11. JBF President Susan Ungaro accepted the award presented annually to individuals and organizations that show exceptional commitment to the travel and tourism industry. Former Chief of Protocol Capricia Marshall called the JBF “an invaluable partner to the U.S. Department of State/Office of Protocol as it launched its global Diplomatic Culinary Partnership in 2012” recognizing the power of dining and culinary arts as an important tool of diplomacy. [gallery ids="101653,145201,145197" nav="thumbs"]

Mary Bird •

On Feb. 4, Sir Peter and Lady Westmacott hosted a reception at the British residence honoring Alexandra Villard de Borchgrave, Founder of the Light of Healing Hope Foundation, with special guest of honor Hollister “Holly” Petraeus. The Foundation distributes books of hope to wounded veterans and bereaved military families. The Ambassador lauded British and American cooperation in aiding the military wounded. Alexandra expressed her appreciation to everyone who has brought comfort and healing through their support of the Foundation. In accepting a certificate of appreciation, Mrs. Petraeus said her strong suit is a deep knowledge of the military family and encouraged sending “a message of beauty and hope to those who need it most.” [gallery ids="101637,146036,146021,146025,146029,146033,146038" nav="thumbs"]

Mary Bird •

The Humane Law Enforcement Officers, Animal Care and Control Officers and Humane Education team members of the Washington Humane Society (WHS) were honored at this year’s Sugar & Champagne Affair hosted by Chef Todd Gray and Ellen Kassoff Gray at the Ronald Reagan Building on Feb. 5. Canine guests enjoyed a Bark Bar as they accompanied their beaming humans to the general reception with sweets from DC’s top pastry chefs. The privileged ones came early to enjoy the exclusive VIP chef’s tasting room. Tommy McFly of 94.7 Fresh FM Radio emceed the festivities which directly benefit the animals and programs of the WHS. [gallery ids="101638,146004,145999,146019,146016,146013,146007" nav="thumbs"]

Mary Bird •

The Dana Tai Soon Burgess Dance Company, now in its 22nd anniversary season, presented Modern Dance Concert: Four By Burgess to an enthusiastic audience at Kennedy Center’s Terrace Theater Feb. 7 – 8. The program included Homage, which Burgess created as choreographer-in-residence at the National Portrait Gallery in conjunction with the Dancing the Dream exhibition, and Relevant Elegy, commissioned by the National Gallery of Art as part of Diaghilev and the Ballets Russes. Following the opening performance, Ambassador of Gabon Michael Moussa-Adamo hosted a reception where he extolled his country as “the last Eden” and said he will work with the State Department to bring the troupe to Gabon. [gallery ids="101640,145990,145985,145981,145977,145971,145968,145963,145959,145992" nav="thumbs"]