Social Scene

Robert Devaney • September 12, 2013

The Light The Night Awards Party celebrated the outstanding achievements of volunteers who raised more than $2.23 million dollars during 2012 Walks throughout the Washington metropolitan area for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, which funds blood cancer research worldwide and provides free information and support services. Teams and sponsors met Jan. 31 at the House of Sweden and skated afterwards at Washington Harbour’s ice rink, one of Georgetown’s newest and most popular additions. [gallery ids="101176,142707,142691,142703,142698" nav="thumbs"]

Mary Bird •

The Women’s Board of the American Heart Association Greater Washington Region held its 64th Annual “An Affair of the Heart” luncheon, chaired by Christie Swanson, Feb. 13 at the Marriott Wardman Park Hotel. The “fashion meets philanthropy” event benefits heart research and education and is the oldest continuously held fundraiser of any nationally recognized nonprofit group. Saks Fifth Avenue Chevy Chase presented spring 2012 fashions. Cindy Jones donated stunning floral centerpieces in honor of her late mother Ruth Atchison. [gallery ids="100504,118270,118233,118263,118241,118256,118249" nav="thumbs"]

Georgetowner •

The 15th annual Greater Washington Heart Ball filled the National Building Museum Feb. 23 with the region’s most prominent physicians, corporate, health care and community leaders — along with music of the Persuasions and a live performance of Christopher Janney’s “HeartBeat” as well as a younger “Heart After Dark” party. Also honored was the U.S. military through the “Heart Heroes” program. Ball chair was Matt Voorhees, CEO and co-founder of Anybill. One item in the lively live auction included a 1986 Rolls Royce Silver Spur, valued at $30,000. Proceeds benefitted the American Heart Association. Heart disease remains the No. 1 killer of people in the United States; it kills more people annually than the next five causes of death combined. [gallery ids="101177,142729,142723,142717,142740,142710,142745,142750,142704,142755,142735" nav="thumbs"]

Robert Devaney •

Elizabeth Webster, staffer for At-large Councilman Vincent Orange, helps to look after business development in D.C., including persuading film crews to shoot here. So, her going to Los Angeles during Academy Awards week just seemed to be part of the job. The difference is that she believes so strongly in bringing more production work to D.C. that she funded the trip herself; no taxpayer money involved.

Sporting a Sue Wong wardrobe, Webster and friends made the scene at several parties throughout the weekend, all revolving around the Feb. 24 awards ceremony in the Dolby Theatre on Hollywood Boulevard. She met with actresses, celebrities and other notables, chatting up D.C. as a great film locale and staying out during Oscars night until 4:30 a.m., Pacific time. Webster was back in D.C. Tuesday morning for an all-day District Council hearing.
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Georgetowner •

The Hip-Hop Inaugural Ball II, hosted by La La Anthony and Terrence J, honored and celebrated the hip-hop community’s role in the 2012 presidential election on Jan. 20 at the Harman Center for the Arts. Artists and entertainers Wayne Brady, Rosario Dawson, John Legend, 2 Chainz, MC Lyte, Doug E. Fresh, Swizz Beatz, Marsha Ambrosius, along with many others, were in attendance. [gallery ids="101140,140657,140642,140653,140648" nav="thumbs"]

Mary Bird •

For Washington antique lovers, the New Year launches with the Washington Winter Show (WWS) founded in 2009 by former Trustees of the Washington Antiques Show to raise funds for local charities serving needy children and families in our area. The 2012 beneficiaries are Fight for Children, The Bishop John T. Walker School for Boys, Starlight Children’s Foundation, THEARC and the St. John’s Community Services. The Jan. 5-8 events at the Katzen Arts Center at American University kicked off with a preview night party of “Celebrating the White House,” this year’s theme with Caroline Kennedy serving as Honorary Chair. The Loan Exhibit showcased “Treasures of the First Families” curated by Leslie Jones. Forty-five leading US and European exhibitors displayed period furnishings and decorative arts, vintage jewelry, porcelains, ceramics, silver and architectural garden accents. When former White House Florist Nancy Clarke was unable to present her program, former White House Pastry Chef Roland Mesnier saved the day as well as charming his scheduled audience the following day. He told wonderful insider tales of accommodating a series of quite determined First Ladies and signed copies of his five books chronicling a stellar career. WWS included appraisals, guided walks by Frank Babb Randolph, John Peters Irelan and Andrew Law as well as appraisals and jazz by the Levine School of Music Faculty Jazz Band. [gallery ids="100460,115657,115628,115479,115599,115570,115541,115496,115489" nav="thumbs"]

Mary Bird •

On Nov. 14, the National Women’s History Museum (NWHM) honored living legends at the Second de Pizan Honors Gala in the Amphitheater of the Ronald Reagan Building. Named in honor of Christine de Pizan, the first Western woman to write about women’s history in 1405, this year’s honorees were legendary photographer Annie Leibovitz; renowned poet, author and playwright Dr. Maya Angelou; former U.S. Senator and former President of the Red Cross Elizabeth Hanford Dole, and Pulitzer Prize-winning author Richard Rhodes in recognition of his promotion of women’s rights. Joan Bradley Wages, CEO and President of NWHM, hailed the honorees as leaders “who represent the best in their respective areas in today’s world.”

Mary Bird •

At the Shakespeare Theatre Company’s star studded Harman Center for the Arts Annual Gala on Oct. 15, F. Murray Abraham received the prestigious Will Award honoring his significant con- tribution to classical theatre in America. Tributes were read from Kevin Spacey and Abraham’s “Amadeus” co-star Tom Hulce. Jerry Stiller brought down the house calling the actor’s tirade to upgrade his room a “better performance in a London hotel than in ‘Amadeus.’ ” After the program that included performances by the Paul Taylor Dance Company, Bill Irwin and Ted Van Griethuysen in a scene from King Lear and a surprise appearance by Christine Ebersole, guests joined in a “cel- ebration parade” to the National Building Museum for dinner and dancing at a Gala After Hours. [gallery ids="101039,136292,136287,136282,136264,136277,136270" nav="thumbs"]

Mary Bird •

Shepherdstown, West Virginia, honored its fetching canines with the first annual DogFest on Aug. 17 and 18. Opening day events included a Dog Day 5K race, dog training tips, a hot dog eating contest sponsored by Food Lion and a dog show sponsored by Petco. The furry participants strode the red carpet before a benevolent panel of judges as Roman Holton emceed categories including Cutest Dog, Most Talented Dog, Biggest Heart and Best in Show, won by Hershey, a stunning labradoodle. A paw print logo on shops and restaurants welcomed attendees with dog-themed merchandise and menu items. Bistro 112 offered hush puppies and French Poodle martinis.
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