Social Scene

Mary Bird • August 10, 2012

The Four Seasons Hotel invited friends on May 29 to the first of an ongoing “Windows On A Journey” initiative. South African singer, songwriter and composer Jonathan Butler inaugurated the series. The multi Grammy Awards artist presented a musical journey through his compelling life story. The cabaret setting enhanced his program. He is the first black artist to play on a white radio station in South Africa and said, “My weapon was love.”
[gallery ids="100847,126559,126554,126533,126548,126542" nav="thumbs"]

Robert Devaney •

Tudor Place Historic House and Garden — one of Georgetown’s and Washington’s greatest gems­­ ­— fended off the rain and hailed its great benefactor, Austin Kiplinger, at its 20th annual spring garden party on May 23. The major social event raised major money for the Tudor Place Foundation, which maintains the 31st Street property and offers numerous educational and historical programs to the public. Tudor Place was the home of Martha Washington’s granddaughter and six generations of her descendants, the Custis-Peter family. As the honoree and media executive Kiplinger, who received a painting of Tudor Place, summed up the event by smiling at the esteemed crowd and saying: “My cup runneth over.” [gallery ids="100826,125540,125513,125534,125528,125522" nav="thumbs"]

Mary Bird •

Newly elected French President François Hollande was needed at the G-8 Summit at Camp David so Ambassador Delattre could not be present at his residence on May 18 to welcome supporters of Nooristan’s “Evening of Hope” on May 18. However, guests were fortunate to hear insider remarks by special guest Madame Christine Lagarde, Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund; Marc Grossman, U.S. Special Envoy to Afghanistan and Nooristan Foundation President Marie Kux. Against daunting odds, the Nooristan Foundation is many teaching Afghan women to read and write, while instilling them with an entrepreneurial spirit to help take control of their household resources. [gallery ids="100827,125557,125529,125550,125537,125545" nav="thumbs"]

Mary Bird •

Patrick McGettigan welcomed supporters of Trees for Georgetown to his house on N Street’s historic Cox Row, May 16. A committee of the Citizens Association of Georgetown, Trees for Georgetown is an all-volunteer group that has, since 1989, planted nearly 2,000 trees, contracted watering services and provided preventive maintenance for at-risk trees. Trees for Georgetown partners with the D.C. Urban Forestry Administration and Casey Trees in an innovative program to plant residential street trees. Each tree costs about $800 to purchase and plant, funded entirely through gifts and grants. The group is eager to enlist young members. [gallery ids="100828,125580,125575,125553,125568,125563" nav="thumbs"]

Georgetowner •

The May 18 closing gala marked the end of more than a year-long event series commemorating the 160-year anniversary of the University of the District of Columbia. Amid the opulence of the Mayflower Hotel, UDC President Allen Sessoms thanked all those whose dedication and talent have helped to pave the way for a renaissance within the District’s only public university. [gallery ids="100830,125585" nav="thumbs"]

Mary Bird •

As is to be expected at Hillwood, every detail exuded elegance for the June 14 opening gala of Prêt- à -Papier, showcasing the exquisite designs of Belgian artist Isabelle de Borchgrave. The evening was under the patronage of honorary chair Jan Matthysen, the Ambassador of Belgium. The stunning paper reinterpretations of gowns covering several centuries are displayed in the Adirondack Building and the Hillwood Mansion, the former home of Marjorie Merriweather Post. Hillwood president Ellen Charles greeted dinner guests and said, “My grandmother would be so pleased to welcome you here.” [gallery ids="102459,120965,120949,120984,120990,120957,120973,120978" nav="thumbs"]

Mary Bird •

The Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington honored the Washington restaurant scene at its “Hats Off to Restaurants” gala, held June 24 at the Marriott Wardman Park hotel. Guests were encouraged to don their most elegant millinery for the 30th annual black-tie event. President Lynne Breaux hailed “responsible hospitality” in her opening remarks for award recipients who were recognized for multiple categories of excellence, concluding with the presentation of Chef of the Year to Vikram Sunderan of Rasika in Penn Quarter. Party-goers enjoyed a reception, awards presentation, dinner reception and danced until the wee hours. [gallery ids="102460,120947,120941,120960,120935,120927,120920,120913,120883,120905,120900,120891,120953" nav="thumbs"]

Mary Bird •

In a glorious collaboration, Imagination Stage and The Washington Ballet have made magic with their own “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.” The spell was cast at the June 22 opening, replete with reception, and will continue to delight audiences through August 12. Jean-Marie Fernandez, Anne Marie Parisi-Trone and Evonne Courtney Connolly were the “Lion Ladies,” ensuring funding for the voyage through the wardrobe. Morgann Rose is a daunting wicked White Witch and designer Eric Van Wyk’s inspired lion puppet Aslan had the audience aroar. Please bring your nearest and dearest of every age to this inspirational marvel.

Robert Devaney •

Well, these babes ain’t no blushing types. Washington’s on-air glam reporters and anchors put on a rubicund show — it gets bigger and better every year — to support the fight against breast cancer. The fourth annual D.C. NewsBabes Bash for Breast Cancer pinked it out June 19 at the Howard Theatre to gather $18,000 in donations for George Washington University’s Mammovan. Some of the boys in the TV and radio newsrooms were allowed to attend as “Men in Pink” for the first time. A few hundred others joined the fun.

TV media personalities included cancer survivor Jennifer Griffin, Pamela Brown, Alison Starling, Angie Goff, Rebecca Cooper, Brianna Keilar, Eun Yang, Britt McHenry, Anita Brikman, Lesli Foster, Doreen Gentzler, Andrea Roane and Sue Palka. Some of the guys included Bob Madigan, Leon Harris, Derek McGinty and Ed Henry. NBC News’s Andrea Mitchell was the night’s honoree. [gallery ids="102461,120875,120886,120881" nav="thumbs"]