Greenbrier Hosts Cocktails with Carleton
• 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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California State Society Inaugural Luncheon & Fashion
• 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"]

43rd Annual Russian New Year’s Eve Ball
• January 17, 2013

The Russian New Year’s Eve Ball, under the patronage of the Ambassador of the Russian Federation and Mrs. Kislyak, was held on Jan. 11 in the Grand Ball Room of the spiffily updated Mayflower Hotel. Washington’s old guard gathers at this special event to honor tradition upheld by Princess Selene Obolensky, who expressed the hope that “the young people will continue the ball.” Elegantly attired guests of all ages were entertained by the Washington Balalaika Society, Sydney’s Orchestra and the Kalinka Dance Ensemble of Baltimore. The evening benefits the “Children of Berezichi” residing in two boarding schools for special children in the Russian Federation where the Obolensky-Saltykoff Fund, Inc. assists them in completing their high school educations.
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Washington Winter ShowJanuary 16, 2013
• January 16, 2013

?The Thrill of the Chase: Antiques of the Sporting Life? was the theme of this year?s Washington Winter Show held at the Katzen Art Center Jan. 10 to 13. The opening night reception was a joyous first peek at the Loan Exhibit Sporting Pastimes: Art & Objects of Leisure, drawn largely from the National Sporting Library and Museum in Middleburg, as well the treasures of 45 exhibitors. Mason Bavin and Anne Elmore served as WWS co-chairs with Ambassador of France Fran?ois Delattre and Mrs. Delattre as honorary diplomatic chairs and owner of Triple Crown winner Secretariat as honorary chair. At a Jan. 11 lecture and luncheon, Madame M?n?hould de Bazelaire, Director of Cultural Patrimony for Herm?s, presented Chic Le Sport, tracing Herm?s? sporting spirit showcased in the museum above the Faubourg St. Honor? landmark of elegance. On Jan. 12, David Frei, television co-host of ?Westminster: America?s Dog Show,? gave a spirited talk on the history of the Westminster Kennel Club. He presented a video of champions and shared how he and his wife Cherilyn have pioneered work with therapy dogs. These were only the highlights of several wonderful days of events that this year benefited the Bishop John T. Walker School for Boys, THEARC and the Founders Board of St. John?s Community Services.

New Year’s Eve 2012
• December 20, 2012

New Year’s Eve and 2013 is fast approaching. You could attend a boring party or ring in the New Year with style. Check out these fun events around the capital region.

Tony & Joe’s and Nick’s Riverside Grill New Year’s Eve on the Potomac
Located near the Potomac and the new ice skating rink, Tony & Joe’s and Nick’s Riverside Grill will be hosting their annual New Year’s Eve party, 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. There will be live entertainment from two local DJs and the Josh Burgess Band; food and drink are included with a ticket. Guests must be over 21 years of age and should dress to impress. Tickets prices will increase when there are 1,000 tickets left. So, purchase yours today on either TonyAndJoes.com or NicksRiversideGrill.com.

First Night Alexandria
This family event will be held at historic venues throughout Old Town Alexandria, including 100 live performances, the Annual Fun Hunt, kid’s entertainment and games, finishing with fireworks over the Potomac at midnight. The Fun Hunt begins at 2 p.m. and continues to 5:30 p.m., and prizes will be awarded to first, second, and third place teams for both children and adults. For the full schedule and tickets, go to FirstNightAlexandria.org.

A Jazz New Year’s Eve: Freddy Cole & The Dizzy Gillespie All-Star Big Band
The Kennedy Center will host this Jazz New Year’s Eve event, in the Terrace Theater. Freddy Cole, pianist and vocalist, will return performing with the Dizzy Gillespie All-Star Big Band, lasting 75 minutes with no intermission. After the performance, enjoy dancing, a countdown to the New Year, and a balloon drop in the Grand Foyer; all included with the concert ticket. Tickets are $75 and still available at Kennedy-Center.org

The Act at Howard Theater
The Howard Theater will host their first New Year’s Eve party, “The Act,” a theatrical masquerade ball. The burlesque themed party will include dangling aerialists, pop violinists, fire breathers, and much more. Top 40, house, and hip hop tunes will be played by celebrity DJs DJ Biks & Spinser Tracey. The event will commence at 9:30 p.m., with a balloon drop and live feed to Times Square at midnight. Tickets can be purchased at NewYearsEveDC.com, and call 202-246-3362 for table reservations.

Capitale
Capitale, which opened this past September, will be hosting a New Year’s Eve countdown party at its “Hogwarts-meets-Hollywood” venue. The event, starting at 9 p.m. with open bar, will feature DJ EPX spinning mash-ups of Top 40, dance, and house music. For more information, visit CapitaleOfDC.com, or call 202-962-3933.

Big Night D.C.
Tickets for Big Night DC are already on sale. Last year, more than 7,000 guests attended ringing in 2012. Located at the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center in National Harbor, Md., the event will include several open bars, 15 themed dance areas, five dance floors, party favors, food, world-class DJ lineup, and more. The event begins at 9 p.m. and lasts until 3:00 a.m. Purchase your tickets and book a room today at BigNightDC.com.

007 Licensed to Thrill Thunderball
D.C.’s only James Bond themed New Years Eve Gala will be hosted at the Washington Plaza Hotel. Celebrate the 50th anniversary of Bond and 2013 in style — with martinis, a mock casino, a live band, DJ, open bars, and buffets and desserts. The event includes a “007 Alter-Ego” Singles Mixer. Purchase tickets and get more information at EuroNetInternational.com.

Bourbon Steak New Year’s Eve Diner
Bourbon Steak, located in the Four Seasons Hotel in Georgetown, will be hosting two seatings on New Year’s Eve. The first seating will be a four course menu, 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. The second seating is six courses, and the table is yours for the night, 8:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. which includes a champagne toast. Reserve your table on the website at BourbonSteakDC.com, or call the restaurant at 202-944-2026

Peacock Café 4-course Dinner
The Peacock Café, located on Prospect Street, NW, will be serving two set dinners with a prix-fixed, four-course dinner menu on New Year’s Eve. The first dinner set will begin serving dinner at 5 p.m. at $50 per guest. The second dinner set will begin at 8 p.m. and is priced at $65 per guest. Both dinner sets will offer special pricing on champagne. For reservations, please call 202-625-2740. For more information, visit Peacockcafe.com

Keswick Hall New Year’s Eve Celebration
Keswick Hall will have several things to do on New Year’s Eve. The Palmer Room will serve a four-course tasting menu, 6 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., sparkling wine toast, and live music. The cost is $65 for adults and $20 for children, ages four to twelve. Fossett’s will serve a six course menu, with sparkling wine toast, at $89 per guest, 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Reservations are required for both seatings and can be made at 434-923-4363.

Kelley Charms the Crowd at Library Booksigning
• December 19, 2012

The Georgetown Public Library on R Street had about a hundred extra readers past its regular hours Dec. 5 as supporters of the D.C. Public Library Foundation and Friends of the Georgetown Library waited in line to greet author Kitty Kelley and have her sign her latest book, “Capturing Camelot: Stanley Tretick’s Iconic Images of the Kennedys.”

Along with other local businesses, major sponsors for the event were Ilo Salon and Terry Bell and TTR Sotheby’s and Julia Diaz-Asper.

Kelley, who lives six blocks from the library and is a longtime supporter herself, donated an outside bench in honor of her late husband Jonathan Zucker, M.D. Recalling her years growing up in “a noisy Irish-Catholic family,” the biographer said she always thinks of a library “as a haven of quiet.” Kelley added that her mother would punish her by taking away her library card. She also thanked those at the reception who received a copy of the new book for their $100 donation to the foundation and also enjoyed food and refreshments from Martin’s Tavern, Clyde’s, Paolo’s, Manny & Olga’s, Macaron Bee, Patisserie Poupon, Sprinkles Cupcake and Cafe Bonaparte.

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Designer Anna Weatherley Opens Her Studio
• December 14, 2012

Members of the Women’s Committee of the National Museum of Women in the Arts were privileged to enjoy a holiday toast and open house hosted by international Hungarian-born designer Anna Weatherley at her Arlington studio on Dec. 6. In time for holiday gifting, they had a firsthand look at her special collection of Hungarian porcelain and signature jewelry. The designer trained talented painters in Budapest to create her collection of hand-painted porcelain sold in 400 stores including Neiman Marcus and Bergdorf Goodman. First lady Laura Bush commissioned magnolia-patterned china for the private quarters of the White House. [gallery ids="101097,137989,137984,137972,137979" nav="thumbs"]

Volunteering the Holiday Cheer
• December 12, 2012

In addition to exchanging gifts with family and friends, helping the less fortunate is another great way to spend time during the holidays. D.C. is filled with many volunteer opportunities that can enrich your holiday season.

Georgetown Ministry Center Coat Drive. Georgetown Ministry Center, located at 1041 Wisconsin Ave., NW, serves the homeless in the winter. Several Georgetown businesses, including the Georgetowner, have teamed up to warm up the community with a coat drive. Winter coats can be dropped off at the Water Street Gym, 3255 K St., NW. You can also organize a drop off at your own place of employment – contact trish@waterstreetgym.com. Water Street Gym will be collecting coats through Jan. 31, 2013. Last year, the drive collected over 90 coats for the homeless, according to the Georgetown Ministry Center’s blog. Hats, gloves, scarves and other warm winter items are also welcome donations. Please help homeless people in our community by supporting this worthy cause.

The Holiday Project, a nonprofit serving DC, Maryland, Virginia and Delaware, brings cheerful holiday spirit to those in nursing homes and hospitals. You can get involved by donating funds or participating in a one of their Christmas visits. For a list of dates and more information, visit www.holidayproject.org.

The Cathedral of St. Matthew is once again sponsoring their Adopt-a-Family program. This program has given helped hundreds of families over the years by providing them with clothing, household items, furniture, and toys. Volunteers are needed to interview families, organizes wish lists and help wrapping and distributing gifts. To get involved, email socialjustice@stmatthewscathederal.org.

The Morris Cafritz Center for Community Service is organizing a day of volunteering on December 25. Opportunities include visiting seniors, organizing Christmas parties, preparing food, serving meals, caroling or playing music, donating blood and spending time with Children. There are special projects for both families and small groups. Visit www.dcjcc.org to sign up.

The Capital Area Food Bank takes volunteers as well as monetary donations. For those wanting to do even more, the Food Bank also has information about organizing your own food drive. More information can be found on their website, www.capitalareafoodbank.org.

Food & Friends supports those with cancer, HIV/Aids and other illnesses by preparing and delivering specialized meals. Holiday volunteer opportunities include helping with meal delivery Dec 25 – Jan 1 and kitchen assistance Dec 24 – Jan 3. For more information email dpitz@foodandfriends.org or visit
www.foodandfriends.org.
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The Beltway of Giving: A Gift of Philanthropy
•

The trees are trimmed, the lists are made and the holiday party planning is underway, but what some might call the most wonderful time of the year can be a hardship for others less fortunate. The good news is that 24 percent of U.S. households report that they give during the holiday period according to Indiana University’s Center on Philanthropy, a time when many organizations need the most support.

I’ve spent this year coining the Beltway of Giving to encourage each of you to make giving a part of your life throughout the year. We’ve introduced you to some well-deserving non-profits and advocacy organizations across the District, from Fair Chance to Brain Food, and many more.

To conclude the year, I thought it was appropriate to ask the most charitable ladies I know in D.C. – businesswomen, mothers, social butterflies and philanthropic mavens who commit to giving 365 days a year through their charity work and fundraising for organizations – what local nonprofits they will support this holiday season and why. These women are giving the gift of philanthropy.

“I plan to support the Washington Jesuit Academy. There are so many issues concerning the plight of young men of color and they do an excellent job preparing them to be positive citizens. They engage men across the city to support their efforts through volunteerism. Most people lead busy lives and these men are committed to helping young boys excel in school.” Christal Jackson, Share Our Strength www.wjacademy.org

“I am passionate about the DC Metro Chapter of the Twelve Days of Christmas, Inc. We have a direct impact on children in our community. Without us, the children we serve would not have school supplies during the school year or gifts at Christmas.” Nicole Venable, Bockorny Group www.twelvedaysofchristmasinc.org

“Cancer Prevention is a year-round journey. It is important to remember, even when the weather gets cold, and we’re not running around on the beach. Just a $10 donation can cover the cost of a prostate exam or $25 a skin cancer screening. The Prevent Cancer organization provides information on the eight preventable cancers and holiday contributions can help us stop cancer before it starts!” Katherine Kennedy, Availor Group www.preventcancer.org

“Lucky Dog Animal Rescue rescues dogs from high-kill shelters in Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina and D.C. They have partnered with low-income and rural area shelters to save hundreds of highly-adoptable dogs that are euthanized each month due to overpopulation problems. The organization does not have a shelter so they solely rely on the volunteers to foster the pups until they are released to a good home. I truly believe in the organization, there is nothing better than saving the life of a defenseless, loving animal!” Lydia Arshadi, Capitalize LLC
www.luckydoganimalrescue.org

“Young Invincibles, led by D.C. resident Aaron Smith, is an organization that seeks to amplify the voices of young, low-income Americans and expand opportunity for the millennial generation. They developed a free mobile app to help persons, aged 18 to 34, take control of their health, wherever they may be. They are one of the winners of the director’s choice prize for the IGNITEgood Huffington Post millennial impact. Many organizations are investing in engaging millennials, but few are tackling the issues facing millennials on a national level. YI is doing that and doing it well.” Natalie Braga, Ignite, goodyounginvincibles.org
“I support the Adventure Theater – Musical Theater Center in Glen Echo, Maryland – the oldest children’s theater in the D.C. area. They recently celebrated 60 years, and not long ago, produced their first African American play ever – Mirandy and Brother Wind. The play is part of their African American Adventures series, created by the theater’s director after he discovered the theater had never produced a black children’s play.” Tracey Webb, Black Gives Back
www.adventuretheatre-mtc.org

“The Chris4Life Colon Cancer Foundation was founded by Michael Sapienza who lost his mother Christine to the disease. Since its inception, the foundation has fought from a grassroots level against this preventable cancer, starting in D.C. and expanding to other major markets. A few little known facts are that colon cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths for men and women combined and that colonoscopies not only discover cancer, but can also stop cancer.” Pamela Lynne Sorensen, Pamela’s Punch
www.chris4life.org

“I work at CityDance as a dance and production instructor. What inspires me the most about CityDance is the high level of quality attained in all our departments. From our Community Programs, which span 24 sites in the area, to our School and Conservatory at Strathmore, which is home to nearly 500 students, CityDance aims to create opportunities to present, teach and educate about all genres of dance, at all levels, to our community, through our broad range of programs.” Sarah Ewing, City Dance. www.citydance.net

“I support Horton’s Kids because they are an organization that nurtures the dreams and desires of children. I think success messages are very important to mental stability. Horton’s Kids makes sure that kids in Ward 8, one of DC’s most underserved communities, are confident and well rounded by exposing them to opportunities and programs.” Adra Williams, Otim Williams
www.hortonskids.org

“The Junior Council of Children is the perfect avenue for young professionals in our city to engage in philanthropic efforts. More importantly, it is a group in support of Children’s National Medical Center, where no sick child is ever turned away regardless of their ability to pay.” Amanda Burke, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation
www.dcchildrensfoundation.com

Jade Floyd works for the Case Foundation and is a frequent volunteer and host of fundraising events across the District supporting arts, animal welfare and education programs.

Fairmont Tree Lighting
• December 7, 2012

WTOP’s Bob Madigan was master of ceremonies at the Fairmont Washington D.C.’s ninth annual tree lighting ceremony Nov. 29. Mayor Vincent Gray and Councilmember Jack Evans, who encouraged holiday shopping in D.C., attended. Guests were asked to bring an unwrapped gift for Toys for Tots. There were crafts for children with American Girl, a raffle, entertainment and family photos with Santa and Rudolph in front of the gingerbread village created by Fairmont’s pastry chef Rebecca Kinsella, which took 120 hours to create. [gallery ids="101082,137341,137338" nav="thumbs"]