Social Scene

Georgetowner • August 10, 2012

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"]

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"]

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.

Mary Bird •

Broadway stars lit up THEARC (Town Hall Education Arts Recreation Campus) in Anacostia June 20 to honor the multi-faceted Ted Leonsis and to benefit Covenant House Washington, which provides protection and mentoring for at-risk and homeless young people. Leonsis said, “We can do well while doing good.” Mayor Vincent Gray and Linda Mercado Greene were honorary co-chairs. Acclaimed composer and lyricist Neil Berg produced the performance, which featured Broadway headliners in such mega hits as “Phantom of the Opera” and “Les Miserables.” The evening also showcased Covenant House Washington youth, who garnered a standing ovation. Guests enjoyed a pre-performance reception and mingled with the stars for desserts afterwards. [gallery ids="100870,127318,127311,127303,127296,127288,127281,127333,127273,127340,127265,127347,127257,127353,127325" nav="thumbs"]

Mary Bird •

On June 12, Duke Ellington School of the Arts and the Maryland Writing Project were the beneficiaries chosen by Women in Government Relations at a reception and program “Experience the Arts” at the National Museum of Women in the Arts. The group promotes arts programming for students in the metro area. The evening featured remarks by legendary Ellington School co-founder and former Washington, D.C. school board chair Peggy Cooper Cafritz, who urged guests to “join us as we continue to stretch and become the best in our class in the world.” She said that Ellington graduates may not go on to stardom but would become good citizens. [gallery ids="100871,127375,127341,127368,127350,127364,127357" nav="thumbs"]

Robert Devaney •

Georgetown Village celebrated its first major corporate sponsor and thanked Wells Fargo Bank for its $10,000 donation June 21 at the N Street home of Thomas Nigra, M.D., and his wife Jane. The Nigras’ house once belonged to Averell and Pamela Harriman, legends in the circles of Washington power. In honor of their spirit, the Harriman House lives on in their name and contains much of the previous owners’ original furnishings along with its red den, classic drawing room and pool.

Georgetown Village is a non-profit membership organization providing services and programs in the Georgetown area so older residents can live better and longer in their homes. Among its services are transportation of appointments, grocery shopping, computer and cell phone help, gardening and household help. Volunteers and helpers are welcome: visit www.Georgetown-Village.org. [gallery ids="100872,127371,127365" nav="thumbs"]

Robert Devaney •

Allyn Rose, a 24-year-old University of Maryland graduate and paralegal studying constitutional law, won the Miss D.C. title June 17 during a competition at the University of the District of Columbia. Rose, who lost her mother to cancer, has picked the Judy R.O.S.E. Method of Breast Cancer Prevention as her platform for the Miss America Organization. A former Miss Maryland USA, Rose will represent D.C. at the Miss America 2013 pageant in Las Vegas in January. Her talent is listed as artistic roller skating.

The winner and top five finalists are awarded a scholarship from the Miss D.C. Scholarship Organization [gallery ids="100873,127378,127373" nav="thumbs"]

Pamela Burns •

On May 3, Marymount University held its annual student fashion show and reception. “Portfolio in Motion 2012” was presented by the university’s fashion merchandising and design students. The evening featured a showcase of garments designed, made and modeled by students and alums in an evening that transported the attendees through a lovely “Gilded Forest.” One of the many highlights of the evening was the presentation of the 2012 Designer of the Year Award to Eileen Fisher. Fisher was selected for this award because of her long history of outstanding fashion designs, fair labor practices and commitment to the empowerment of women. [gallery ids="100800,124453,124434,124448,124442" nav="thumbs"]