Social Scene

Robert Devaney • February 14, 2013

The Nationals’ Young Benefactors Off- season on Ice fundraiser skated around Washington Harbour’s ice rink and Nick’s Riverside Grill Feb. 7, thanks for mascots Teddy Roosevelt and Screech. Amid the donors and influencers at Nick’s was Mike Rizzo, general manager of the Nationals, being thanked for last season and getting ready for spring training. The night raised funds for the Nationals Dream Foundation, which benefits the Neighborhood Initiative and two new non-profits: the Washington Nationals Youth Baseball Academy and the Washington Nationals Pediatric Diabetes Care Complex at Children’s National Medical Center. [gallery ids="102583,119737,119743" nav="thumbs"]

Mary Bird •

Sitar Arts Center received the Washington Club’s 2013 Community Service Award at a Feb. 5 luncheon. Club president Priscilla Baker welcomed guests, who viewed a video presentation entitled “Celebrating Kids Arts and Community.”
A student said, “With art, there are no mistakes.” Ambassador Joel Perez spoke of Sitar nourishing leadership. Student Lynn Tiwari played an accomplished piano solo. Reid Dunavant repre- sented Doyle New York which had supported the awards program. Sitar Arts Center provides a safe haven in Adams Morgan where each year more than 700 underserved children and youth explore and study the visual and performing arts in programs provided by local volunteer artists and arts organizations. [gallery ids="101156,141556,141550,141533,141545,141540" nav="thumbs"]

Mary Bird •

On Jan. 31, loyal supporters of the Washington Humane Society and their treasured, pawed com- panions joined hosts chef Todd and Ellen Kassoff Gray of Equinox Restaurant at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center. WHS raised a record $100,000 to help D.C. animals. More than 900 humans and uncounted canines honored WHS humane law enforcement officers, animal care and control officers and humane educators. Seven deserving “Humane Heroes,” who have made a difference in the lives of animals in the District were recognized. The event included a VIP Chef’s Tasting Room as well as delicious desserts, generously donated by more than 60 restaurants and a popular doggie Bark Bar. [gallery ids="101157,141591,141547,141586,141554,141581,141561,141576,141568" nav="thumbs"]

Georgetowner •

The venerable George Town Club, known for members involved in business, politics and diplomacy, invited hundreds of the younger set of Georgetown to jazz up its menus, decor and programs Feb. 1. “Come Celebrate The George Town Club . . . and see everything this gem has to offer,” read the invitation that drew in the 20-, 30- and 40-something crowd in hopes of getting a rejuvenating rush of fresher ideas and new members. The historic dinner club, founded in 1966, boasts a site at Wisconsin Avenue and Volta Place with links back to George Washington, Pierre L’Enfant and the founding of Washington, D.C. [gallery ids="101158,141616,141582,141612,141589,141607,141596,141602" nav="thumbs"]

Mary Bird •

Marshall Coyne brought a new level of luxury to the nation’s capital when the Madison Hotel opened in 1963. Over the years, the hotel has welcomed presidents, kings, prime ministers and celebrities. It has now been acquired by Loews Hotels & Resorts and at a late morning reception on Feb. 1 officially became the Loews Madison Hotel. Loews Hotels & Resorts president and CEO Paul Whetsell, joined by Loews Madison Hotel’s managing director Jim Horsman, welcomed guests and acknowledged banquet waiter George Caracamo, who was at the hotel when the doors opened. He and fellow staff members joined in toasting 50 years of the property “being a preeminent part of Washington, D.C.” [gallery ids="101159,141613,141608" nav="thumbs"]

Mary Bird •

TheatreWashington announced the 29th Helen Hayes Awards nominees at the National Theatre’s Helen Hayes Gallery on Feb. 28. The awards celebrate 84 professional theatres which have made D.C. an internationally recognized cultural venue that attracts more than two million audience members annually. As no one could do better, board chair Victor Shargai exhorted theater lovers to “keep producing, take risks and go to a show.” The awards will reach their rightful recipients on Apr. 8 at the Warner Theatre. [gallery ids="101160,141655,141614,141650,141645,141620,141640,141628,141634" nav="thumbs"]

Mary Bird •

There was no lull in conversation as Meridian International Center and THIS for Diplomats honored embassy social secretaries at White-Meyer House on Feb. 5 for their valuable role in promoting cultural diplomacy. MIC president and CEO Stuart Holliday thanked “the people who make Washington work.” THIS president Phyllis Kaplan said social secretaries have provided the best link in welcoming incoming diplomats. Meridan board chair James Blanchard reported the representation of 61 embassies at the early evening reception. Chief of Protocol Capricia Penavic Marshall acknowledged Diane Brown, representing Tiffany, as “fellow soldiers in the event battlefield.” White House Social Secretary Jeremy Bernard hailed “a gathering or peers and friends.” [gallery ids="101161,141675,141647,141671,141654,141665,141660" nav="thumbs"]

Robert Devaney • February 12, 2013

The fourth annual Georgetown art show opened at the House of Sweden with a festive Feb. 7 reception which once again packed the gallery with admirers and artists. The show, put on by the Citizens Association of Georgetown, ran through Feb. 10 and exhibited visual artists who live or work in Georgetown. Most works were on sale; a few were on loan from private collections. The show was designed by Jennie Buhler and chaired by Laura-Anne Tiscornia. [gallery ids="101155,141535,141512,141530,141519,141526" nav="thumbs"]

Nico Dodd • February 7, 2013

Last Thursday, Jan. 24, the Greenbrier’s Upper Lobby hosted Cocktails with Carleton, a private cocktail reception at the Greenbrier’s D.C. concierge at 1427 H St., NW. At the event were hotel curator Carleton Varney, president of Dorothy Draper & Co., Greenbrier president Jeff Kmiec and the staff of the Upper Lobby. The Upper Lobby, which opened in November 2012, is a new concept by the hotel designed to attract travelers to the Greenbrier resort. The staff of the Upper Lobby can work with guests to book Greenbrier vacations, rounds of golf and other attractions. Guests of the Greenbrier can even book door-to-door transportation from the Upper Lobby to the Greenbrier Resort. The hotel is looking into opening offices like this one in New York, Chicago and Atlanta.

The Upper Lobby is decorated in the Greenbrier’s signature style in vibrant colors and bold contrasts. On the walls are photos of many of the resort’s distinguished guests over the years.

Hotel owner Jim Justice could not be at the event because was he was coaching high school basketball. Justice coaches both the men’s and women’s basketball teams at Greenbrier East High School.
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Nico Dodd • February 1, 2013

On Saturday, Jan. 19, Members of Congress, Californians and fashionistas gathered at the Ritz Carlton on 22nd Street for the California State Society’s Inaugural Luncheon and Fashion Show, presented by the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising. After a reception, attendees ate lunch and heard speeches from people such as Sen. Dianne Feinstein and the Very Rev. Gary Hall, of the Washington National Cathedral. A fashion show featuring the work of FIDM students dazzled attendees. [gallery ids="101141,140681,140675,140668,140694,140662,140699,140703,140654,140709,140688" nav="thumbs"]