Shen Yun
• February 11, 2011

Shen Yun Performing Arts opened its return tour to the Kennedy Center with a by invitation program on Jan. 25. The troupe, which was founded in New York in 2006, has assembled world-class dancers, choreographers, singers and musicians to reclaim and renew the divinely-inspired cultural heritage of China. The performance was followed by a reception with the artists. [gallery ids="99601,105034,105036" nav="thumbs"]

RAMW at the Mexican Cultural Institute
• February 10, 2011

The theme of this year’s Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington’s 2011 gala, Carnevale da Cuisine, was announced at a Fiesta Night at the Mexican Cultural Institute on Jan. 24. Mexico showcased the cuisine of Executive Chef Pati Jinich executed by Main Event Caterers. RAMW President Lynn Breaux hailed the “warm and toasty environment on a cold night” as guests partied contentedly. The gala will be held at the Marriott Wardman Park Hotel on June 26 with awards granted to 16 categories of local culinary and beverage superstars.

K Street Kate Boast Bash!
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K Street Kate celebrated her latest accolades at The Mighty Pint on Jan 18 after being named “DC’s Favorite Social Butterfly” by The Washington Post and “Glambassador” by Glamour Magazine. Congrats Kate! [gallery ids="99599,105031,105028" nav="thumbs"]

Sugar and Champagne
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The Tenth Annual Sugar & Champagne Affair, the brainchild of Chef Todd and Ellen Gray of Equinox Restaurant, took place at the Ritz-Carlton on Feb. 1. It is one of the happiest events of the year as pets and their families come together to honor The Washington Humane Society’s Humane Law Enforcement Officers, Animal Control Officers and Humane Educators. Holly Morris of Channel 5 saluted the honorees who “make this a better community for us and our animals.” Over forty restaurants participated in what Ellen Gray termed “the best sugar high.” A record number of attendees sampled mobile restaurant treats from food trucks including Cap Mac and Red Hook Lobster Pound before proceeding to the ballroom to enjoy confections and savories from Marcel’s, Restaurant Eve, The Source and Bourbon Steak among many others accompanied by wonderful wines.
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Sugar Plum Bazaar
• January 13, 2011

The Women’s Committee of The Washington Ballet held the first annual Sugar Plum Bazaar at the Ballet Studio on Wisconsin Avenue, which is currently wrapped in a bright red bow. The event, highlighted by a VIP cocktail reception on Nov. 20, was chaired by Christina Grigorian and Beth Kohlhoss with temptations provided by Zenith Art Gallery, Sullivan’s Toys and Tracy Suk Designs among other vendors. [gallery ids="99572,104855,104844,104851,104847" nav="thumbs"]

Washington Ballet Fashionistas
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Barbara McConaghy Johnson and Staci Capuano co-chaired Runway en Relevé Troisieme, the third annual fundraising fashion event of the Women’s Committee of the Washington Ballet at Bloomingdale’s Chevy Chase, on Nov. 12. Company dancers, with members of the Women’s Committee, Board of Directors and Jeté Society, modeled fashions capturing the 60’s look of Mad Men. The evening’s Parisian theme heralded Jackie Kennedy’s triumph of European fashion and diplomacy. The raffled “Grand Prix” was a Las Vegas package highlighted by a stay at the Cosmopolitan Hotel, the newest member of the Marriott Autograph Collection. [gallery ids="99554,104575,104571,104559,104567,104563" nav="thumbs"]

Unique Learning Center Honors Sheila Johnson
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Philanthropist and businesswoman Sheila Johnson was honored at the Unique Learning Center’s Model of Excellency Dinner at the Marriott Wardman Park on Nov. 18. Guests enjoyed a rousing performance by the Washington Performing Arts Society’s Men and Women of the Gospel Choir. Ms. Johnson said “thank you for inspiring the kids.” Student speaker Ricco Cloyd, Syracuse University class of 2011, movingly recounted the support he has received saying “I think ULC is a family to me.” A video presentation stated “we love our kids and, beyond that, our kids love us.” For the past 28 years ULC has worked in the Shaw community to change the lives of children who would otherwise slip through the cracks of the public school system. [gallery ids="99571,104842" nav="thumbs"]

Washington Women & Wine
• November 19, 2010

Washington Women & Wine wisely decided to salute the organization’s 11th anniversary on Nov. 8 by “Dining with Dionysius” at Kellari Taverna. Emmy Award winning news anchor and film maker Mike Walter was the master of ceremonies. His film entitled Breaking News, Breaking Down, winner of the 2010 Cannes Independent Film Festival, explores how journalists pursue breaking news, from 9-11 to Katrina, without forethought of how it impacts them personally. He quipped that a sequel might be entitled Drinking Wine, Feeling Fine. Guests enjoyed a true Greek banquet paired with a special selection of the finest classic Greek wines. The organization now numbers 300 members who enjoy an array of special events including visits to vineyards locally and abroad. Executive Chef Anthony Acinapura said “I’m either cooking or on the phone getting fish here–out of the water to the airport.” [gallery ids="99558,104615,104604,104612,104609" nav="thumbs"]

The Washington Ballet’s Romeo + Juliet
• November 17, 2010

Elizabeth Gaither and Jared Nelson were the star-crossed lovers in The Washington Ballet’s Nov 4. performance of Shakespeare’s, Prokofiev’s and Septime Webre’s Romeo + Juliet at the Kennedy Center. The production launched the 2010-2011 season – UNTAMED! At a post-performance reception for Balletomane Society members held at the Guarisco Gallery, Artistic Director Septime Webre thanked the dancers. He spoke of the magic times when ballet, choreographer and music all come together and said “we are transported and we had those moments tonight.” He concluded “Romeo and Juliet is about love. Please raise your glass to love.” [gallery ids="102506,120201,120193,120226,120220,120209,120215" nav="thumbs"]

Knock Out Abuse Gala
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The 17th Annual Knock Out Abuse Against Women Gala took place at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel on Nov. 11. Andrea Roane of WUSA 9 emceed. This year honored television pioneer and Daytime Emmy Lifetime Achievement Award winner Agnes Nixon with the Aggie Award for her lifetime contribution of bringing social issues to the forefront of America’s consciousness. New York Times best selling author of Crazy Love Leslie Morgan Steiner was the keynote speaker. KOA was co-founded by Jill Sorensen and Cheryl Masri to help women and children suffering from domestic violence. Activist and philanthropist Sarah Guinan Nixon chaired the evening, hailing it as “a true celebration of the power of women to effect change for the most vulnerable women and children in our community.” What 17 years ago began as a dinner party among 20 friends has raised close to $7 million and is today a city-wide celebration of 750 women. [gallery ids="99556,104584,104596,104589,104593" nav="thumbs"]