Social Scene

Georgetowner • September 12, 2013

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society held its annual Man & Woman of the Year Grand Finale Awards Gala at the Ritz Carlton in D.C. earlier this past month. This is the 22nd year for the event, which aims to bring cancer awareness to the public, put an end to such diseases and overall improve the lives affected by the illnesses. Fox 5 News’ Laura Evans hosted the gala. LLS with the 19 honored men and women raised over $1.145 million for cancer research. [gallery ids="101384,153772,153764,153769" nav="thumbs"]

Mary Bird •

On July 17, more than 60 of Washingtonian magazine’s 100 Very Best Restaurants offered samplings to more than 2,000 guests at the AT&T Best Of Washington party at the National Building Museum. The annual event supported the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s research to find cures for cancer of the blood. For more than 30 years, Washingtonian readers have voted for the best people, places and services in the area. Participating restaurants included Bibiana, Bourbon Steak, Central Michel Richard and Et Voila! alongside ever so many specialty cocktails, beers and wines. [gallery ids="101416,154957,154942,154949,154943,154947,154953,154956" nav="thumbs"]

Georgetowner •

AFI Docs with Audi had a gala screening of the documentary, “Herblock: The Black & White” on June 20. The screening was part of the 2013 AFI Docs Film Festival, which ran from June 19 to 23. “Herblock” is directed by Michael Stevens, produced by George Stevens, Jr, and recalls the story and reach of the political cartoonist and his 55 years at the Washington Post. A panel on Humor in Politics, full of film makers, producers and writers, was also hosted the day of the screening. This was the 11th edition of the AFI Docs, previously known as Silverdocs.

Georgetowner •

The 5th Annual D.C. Newsbabes Bash for Breast Cancer took over the Hamilton June 27. Gals dressed in hot pink, mauve or purple. Guys were happy to join in or simply cover the frisky event. WUSA’s JC Hayward, a cancer survivor, joked about asking her doctor to lift up her other breast. While wearing the identical dress as younger news colleague Lesli Foster, the 69-year-old Hayward called her a “hussy.” All in good, clean fun with the other TV stations’ newswomen to benefit the Howard University Cancer Center–at least $10,000, so far. [gallery ids="101382,153747,153742,153737,153732,153726,153759,153719,101383,153763,153713,153767,153753" nav="thumbs"]

Mary Bird •

Carol Schwartz, a three-time candidate for mayor and the only Republican candidate since the restoration of home rule to garner more than 30 percent of the vote, teamed up with news personality J C Hayward to support the Animal Rescue League (WARL) at Schwartz’s art-adorned Kalorama glamour apartment on June 26. J C quipped “we went to Costco last Sunday” as a guest shot back “Thelma and Louise.” Given the state of the art WARL facilities, it was no surprise to hear “our pets live better than some people.” Matt Williams summed it up when he said WARL is “a regional resource with a national impact.” [gallery ids="101381,153716,153685,153712,153691,153708,153697,153703" nav="thumbs"]

Mary Bird •

On June 25, Ambassador of Hungary György Szapáry hosted a kickoff reception at his residence for the Smithsonian Folklife Festival which this year showcases Hungary’s heritage, culture and artistic traditions. He thanked Hungarian-born Aniko Gaal Schott who had found and decorated the residence. Deputy Prime Minister Dr. Tibor Navracsics expressed his appreciation to loyal supporters of the arts Adrienne Arsht, Ina Ginsburg, Nina and Philip Pillsbury and Ann and Bill Nitze. Smithsonian Under Secretary for History, Art and Culture Richard Kurin said over 100 Hungarians had been busily erecting “a new monument on the Mall” for the Festival which will run through July 7. [gallery ids="101380,153688,153660,153683,153666,153679,153673" nav="thumbs"]

Mary Bird •

On behalf of Northern Trust, NWMA Trustee Joanie Stringer welcomed guests to “American People, Black Light, Faith Ringgold’s Paintings of the 1960s” at NMWA on June 18 to hear “a great artist and a marvelous storyteller” discuss her artistic trajectory in conversation with co-curators Thom Collins of the Miami Art Museum and Tracy Fitzpatrick of the Neuberger Museum of Art. The 49 forceful and at the time often controversial works chronicling the start of the Black Revolution will be on display into November.
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Mary Bird •

The Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington (RAMW) chose “Restaurants in Bloom” as the theme of its 31st annual gala at the Marriot Wardman Park Hotel on June 23. Over 1600 foodies heard RAMW President Kathy Hollinger welcome them with “the best just keeps getting better.” Fox 5 News meteorologist Sue Palka emceed. Clyde’s of Georgetown, started by Stuart Davidson who said “I would rather dine in a saloon than drink in a restaurant,” received the Honorary Milestone Award. Chinatown’s Linda Lee accepted the Duke Zeibert Capital Achievement Award saying “thank you United States, the land of opportunity” and much more. The awards honor the accomplishments of the region’s restaurants and foodservice community.
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Georgetowner •

The American News Women’s Club honored Barbara Walters with the “Excellence in Journalism” award at a Gala Award Luncheon at the National Press Club on June 21. ANMC President Ginny Daly noted that the club was established in the 1930s, when “strong, smart, savvy women” were not admitted to the National Press Club. Master of ceremonies Norah O’Donnell said Oprah considered Walters a role model and that Fidel Castro said she had given him his most difficult interview. Presenter Ted Koppel called her “the single best reporter that I ever competed against.” The accolades continued and in her remarks Walters said, “I hope in the not too distant future that I will be interviewing the first female president,” adding, “I have my own teeth and faith in the future.”

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Robert Devaney •

More than 160 neighbors and supporters attended the 18th annual Friends of Volta Park cocktail party June 7 — always a fun affair — raising more than $25,000 toward its annual goal of $50,000 to help with park expenses. Mayor Vincent Gray, Councilmember Jack Evans and Deputy Police Chief Patrick Burke were among the guests. The group will hold Volta Park Day in October; check VoltaPark.org. [gallery ids="101398,154117,154104,154113,154110" nav="thumbs"]