Will Award for Julie Taymor, Presented by Helen Mirren, at Harman Gala
• November 6, 2015

“Imagine: Shakespeare” was the theme of the Harman Center for the Arts Annual Gala Nov. 1. Chairman of the Shakespeare Theatre Company’s board of trustees Mike Klein presented the Sidney Harman for Philanthropy in the Arts Award to JM Zell Partners, Ltd. for its continuing support of STC’s programs. Actress Helen Mirren came specifically to honor Julie Taymor, who received the William Shakespeare Award for Classic Theatre from Michael Kahn, artistic director of the Shakespeare Theatre Company.

The performance began with selections from the company’s upcoming production of “Kiss Me, Kate” and was capped by original “The Lion King” cast member Tsidii Le Loka’s show-stopping rendition of John Lennon’s “Imagination.” Guests then continued on to the National Building Museum for dinner, dancing and other performances. The annual gala benefits the artistic and community engagement programs of the theater company. [gallery ids="102351,125510,125498,125515,125477,125520,125492,125469,125505,125485" nav="thumbs"]

‘Imagine’: André Wells as Drum Major and Other Cosplay on Halloween
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On Halloween, event planner André Wells hosted his fifth annual costume party. Each year, the who’s who of Washington, D.C., gather and dress up creatively for this highly anticipated party. Spilled Milk catering and Design Foundry provided a pop-art atmosphere and fine cuisine to complement the “Imagine” theme of this year’s fete in the Carnegie Library at Mount Vernon Square. Wells’s grand entrance included the entire Eastern High School marching band with him as the drum major bursting through the crowd with excitement, which parted like the Red Sea to let the parade through the building.
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Trish and George Vradenburg Honored at Arts for the Aging 27th Annual Gala
• November 5, 2015

“Creating New Horizons” was the theme of AFTA’s Oct. 27 event, hosted at the Society of the Cincinnati’s Anderson House. The late Lolo Sarnoff, a Swiss-German artist, scientist, entrepreneur and philanthropist, founded AFTA to bring the arts and provide life-enhancing and innovative experiences to impaired, vulnerable and isolated older adults. Olga and Bob Ryan co-chaired the evening. The Phillips Collection Director Dorothy Kosinski presented the seventh Annual Sarnoff Award to Trish and George Vradenburg for their dedication to addressing the impact of Alzheimer’s disease and their lifelong engagement in the arts. AFTA teaching artists provided entertainment. [gallery ids="102343,125569,125558,125564" nav="thumbs"]

Mayor’s Awards Go to Smith, Cafritz, Kuno and Ueno
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The 30th Annual Mayor’s Arts Awards were held Oct. 29 at the Historic Lincoln Theatre. D.C. Commission on the Arts and Humanities chair Kay Kendall and interim director Lisa Richards Toney presented the first award for Impact on Culture and Humanities to Arena Stage Artistic Director Molly Smith, who said, “This city is the juice that carries me forward.” Georgetowners and doctors Sachiko Kuno and Ryuji Ueno were awarded for Visionary Leadership. D.C. Mayor Muriel Bower presented the Award for Lifetime Achievement to the tireless Peggy Cooper Cafritz, who enthused, “The mayor has had the vision and has executed my dreams.” Young tap dancer Luke Spring received a standing ovation. [gallery ids="102342,125571,125565" nav="thumbs"]

The Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary of Washington, D.C. Fashion Show Luncheon
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The Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary of Washington, D.C., held its 66th annual event at the Ritz-Carlton at Tysons Corners Nov. 30. Tony Perkins and Sue Palka of Fox 5 News were returning emcees for the elegant, loyal supporters of programs that include Turning Point Center, which meets the needs of young homeless mothers and their children, as well as Camp Happyland, where children from low-income families can flourish. Outgoing SAWA President Debra Push expressed her appreciation to so many and especially Associate Area Commander Major Jacqulyn Reckline. Stylist Barbara McConaghy Johnson outfitted the stunning models with the latest fashions from Bloomingdale’s. [gallery ids="102341,125572" nav="thumbs"]

Touchdown for Lombardi Gala
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The 29th Annual Lombardi Gala to benefit Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center was held at the Washington Hilton Oct. 24. The evening began with a cocktail reception and silent auction followed by dinner, raffle, award presentations and dancing. The Margaret L. Hodges Leadership Award, named for the gala’s founder, was presented to Washington Area Lexus Dealers for their generous support, including this year’s raffle of a new 2015 Lexus RC 350 F Sport with proceeds to benefit cancer research. The 2015 NFL Players Association Georgetown Lombardi Award went to Cincinnati Bengals player Devon Still for his dedication to and support of his daughter Leah, who is fighting neuroblastoma. [gallery ids="102340,125578,125574" nav="thumbs"]

Bowling for—and Hope for Henry
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Hope for Henry—a non-profit set up to offer children with cancer a more normal living situation (with fun and games, too) at Children’s National Medical Center and MedStar Georgetown University Hospital—held a Oct. 27 bowling benefit at Pinstripes on Wisconsin Avenue. Along with VIPs and the Georgetown Cupcake sisters, newcomer Sid Mashburn pitched in, too—and everyone had fun and great food. [gallery ids="102339,125582,125599,125606,125589,125594" nav="thumbs"]

CAG’s ‘Georgetown After Dark’ Shimmers
• November 4, 2015

The Citizens Association of Georgetown held its annual gala, “Bar 1878: Georgetown After Dark,” Oct. 23 at the Four Seasons Hotel. With neighbors and friends in the hundreds, food, drink and dancing ruled the night to the music of the BroadSide Sound band.

Spin through the photo carousel below (click to enlarge) and view more photos from the Georgetown Gala.

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October Galas: PEN/Faulkner, Book Hill Park, Night Nouveau
• October 15, 2015

October 1

K9s for Warriors Gala

Proceeds underwrite the selection and training of shelter dogs to become service animals for returning members of the military suffering from post-traumatic stress and/or traumatic brain injury as a result of post-9/11 military service. The Hamilton. Visit k9sforwarriorsgala.com.

October 2

Paint the Town Red

This “red-tie” event, hosted by Pulse DC, the young professionals committee of the American Heart Association’s Greater Washington Region, supports the mission of building healthier lives free from cardiovascular diseases and stroke. Whittemore House. Visit dcpulse.org.

2015 CulturalDC Gala

This event supports CulturalDC’s efforts to create opportunities for artistic innovation, connecting artists, arts organizations, developers and government agencies to facilitate economic and cultural vibrancy in the Washington area. Dock5@Union Market. Call 202-315-1305 or email info@culturaldc.org.

Stars of the Russian Chamber Art Society

Washington’s Russian Chamber Art Society celebrates its 10th anniversary with a gala concert featuring five rising young vocalists singing Russian art songs. Also performing will be violinist Victor Danchenko, clarinetist Julian Milkis and domra-accordion duo Tamara Volskaya and Anatoly Trofimov. Embassy of Austria. Visit thercas.com.

October 5

PEN/Faulkner Celebration

This evening of readings by diverse writers benefits the PEN/Faulkner Award for Fiction and the PEN/Faulkner Writers in Schools program. Folger Shakespeare Library. Contact Elizabeth Gutting at 202-898-9063 or egutting@penfaulkner.org.

October 7

Friends of Book Hill Park Fundraiser

This event, run by the Friends of Book Hill Park, a volunteer organization, will raise funds for the replacement of the benches and landscaping of the upper-tier circle at Book Hill Park, the historically significant park behind the Georgetown Library. Home of Mike and Cheryl Naeve. Email jasper@ttrsir.com.

October 10

Night Nouveau

This year’s theme of Night Nouveau, a social gathering for young professionals, is “Game of Thrones.” DJ Kristian Nairn, who plays Hodor, will be on hand. Halcyon House. Email David Corson at d.corson@sandr.org.

October 15

Chris4Life Cancer Foundation Blue Hope Bash

The Blue Hope Bash, featuring inspirational stories from survivors, will benefit the foundation’s search for a cure for colon cancer though research. Four Seasons Hotel. Contact Michael Sapienza at 703-749-1680, ext. 100, or sapienza@chris4life.org.

October 16

47th Annual Meridian Ball

The ball supports Meridian’s mission of promoting global leadership. Guests dine at ambassador-hosted dinners or Meridian’s White-Meyer House before convening for dessert, dancing and conversation at Meridian House. Meridian International Center. Contact Olivia Odorieux at 202-939-5892 or odoriuex@meridian.org.

October 17

National Italian American Foundation 40th Annual Gala

The NIAF Anniversary Gala is part of a three-day celebration that includes special receptions, events and Expo Italiana. After dining at participating restaurants, guests will join Joe Piscopo and friends to celebrate Frank Sinatra’s 100th birthday. Washington Marriott Wardman Park Hotel. Call 202-387-0600 or email information@niaf.org.

Hope & Progress Gala

The 14th annual gala benefits the New Sibley, cancer programs at Sibley Memorial Hospital and the hospital’s commitment to provide state-of-the-art, compassionate and personalized medical care. Four Seasons Hotel. Contact Kristen Pruski at 202-537-4257 or KPruski@jhmi.edu.

October 18

Mark Twain Prize for American Humor

Eddie Murphy will be the recipient of the 18th annual Mark Twain Prize for American Humor in a gala performance taped for national broadcast. The event helps support the Kennedy Center’s year-round educational and artistic initiatives. Kennedy Center Concert Hall. Call 202-416-8335 or email mtp@kennedy-center.org.

October 23

Georgetown Gala 2015

This year’s Citizens Association of Georgetown event, “Bar 1878: Georgetown After Dark,” will highlight Georgetown’s unique combination of history, style and allure. The Gala Committee Chairs are Tricia Huntley, Leslie Maysak and Jennifer Altemus. Local band Broad Sound will perform. Four Seasons Hotel. Visit cagtown.com/gala2015.

LUNGevity Foundation’s Musical Celebration of Hope Gala

This New Orleans-themed gala, featuring dinner, an awards presentation and dancing, supports lung cancer research and programs that will save lives and offer new hope in treatment and survivorship. Andrew Mellon Auditorium. Contact Carol Perline at 240-454-3104 or cperline@LUNGevity.org.

October 24

29th Annual Lombardi Gala

The 29th Annual Lombardi Gala will benefit the Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center. Awards will be presented to remarkable individuals for their fight against cancer. All proceeds go directly to Lombardi for cancer research, education and treatment. Washington Hilton. Contact Sharon Courtin at 202-687-3866 or sc830@georgetown.edu.

Washington International Horse Show President’s Cup Party

At this celebration, guests will watch WIHS Equitation Finals and Olympic-level show jumping during the $125,000 Presidents Cup Grand Prix. Verizon Center. Contact Nara de Sá Guimarães at 202-525-3679 or nara@wihs.org.

Blessing of the Animals Showers Love on St. John’s Georgetown Parish
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It was a happy, rainless occasion as pets and their families gathered on the lawn at St. John’s Church Georgetown Parish on Oct. 4, the Feast Day of St. Francis of Assisi, for the annual Blessing of the Animals. Adoptables came from Capitol Canines and the Washington Humane Society. Following a brief service, Rector Gini Gerbasi and Associate Rector Sarah Duggan blessed each animal and remembered the departed. Courtney Stamm of Cheeky Puppy furnished pet treats and G’town Bites on O Street made certain that the two-legged were well fed.
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