Social Scene

Robert Devaney • April 23, 2015

Season 4 of HBO’s “Veep” premiered April 11 at Dog Tag Bakery on Grace Street. Hosted by Roy and Kelley Schwartz, the get-together benefited the non-profit bakery and social enterprise — co-founded by Connie Milstein and Rev. Rick Curry, S.J. — that helps veterans with disabilities develop leadership skills and business know-how in coordination with Georgetown University.

During the viewing party of the Washington show — which stars Julia Louis-Dreyfus as Selina Meyer, a fictional vice president and now president — Curry told the crowd to help with whatever they could: “As Mother Theresa said of donations: ‘Not enough.’ ” Of the baked goods and hors d’oeuvres, he added, “You come to a bakery to be happy. And with my connections, there are no calories in here whatsoever.”

Also on hand was benefactor and Georgetown alum John Gossart, known for his Ride Scout app, who said that the Jesuits have gotten a lot of his money. “Not all,” Curry quipped. Of veterans, Gossart said that they “don’t know how to fail.”
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Mary Bird •

On March 18, Taipei’s Economic and Cultural Representative to the United States, Ambassador Lyushun Shen and his wife Christine Shen hosted Partners for the Arts’ anniversary celebration at their elegant residence Twin Oaks in Cleveland Park. The non-profit founded by Leilane Mehler promotes the careers of emerging opera singers not under management through a variety of outreach activities. The evening gave the artists a platform to let their award-winning voices be heard. [gallery ids="102047,134690,134693,134692" nav="thumbs"]

Robert Devaney •

The city’s largest women’s homeless shelter held its powerhouse annual gala, chaired by Jill and Nathan Daschle, March 24 at the Ritz-Carlton, raising more than $800,000 and bringing together Washington’s political women and neighborhood women. House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi presented the Founder’s Award to Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.) and Nicole Boxer, who directed “How I Got Over,” a documentary about 15 women at N Street Village. White House advisor Valerie Jarrett presented the Steinbruck Award to three women who turned their lives around: Rachel Panay, Pertrina Thomas and Dorothy Young. [gallery ids="102043,134720,134723,134718,134722" nav="thumbs"]

Georgetowner •

Tyler Jeffrey of Beasley Real Estate, the Art Registry, Bozzuto, Havenly and Bitches Who Brunch got together March 18 at the Penthouse at the District on S Street, along with art by Dominique Fierro and Maggie O’Neill, and celebrated art and design in D.C. and springtime.
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Georgetowner •

Held at the Washington Convention Center March 28, Leukemia Ball was set to raise at least $3.1 million for the fight against leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease, and myeloma. Along with emcees Lindsay Czarniak and her husband Craig Melvin, comedian Howie Mandel and musician Michael Cavanaugh entertained 2,000 attendees, who enjoyed dinner, a silent auction and the Mercedes-Benz raffle — all to benefit the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, National Capital Area Chapter. [gallery ids="102046,134696,134694,134697" nav="thumbs"]

Mary Bird • April 14, 2015

Hope Connections for Cancer Support’s annual gala was held March 18 at the Park Hyatt, where Judy Deason, a cancer survivor and tireless advocate, received the Celebration of Hope Award. The Partnership Award was given to Capital Elevator Services for its pro bono installation of a chair stair at the historic Beaumont House facility. Winnie Feldman-Lindauer and Diane Malhmood were honored with the Special Volunteer Award for opening a fund-raising thrift shop to support the mission. Hope Connections President and CEO Paula Rothenberg announced that the programs will soon be expanding into Prince George’s County.
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Robert Devaney • April 13, 2015

Neighbors, volunteers and benefactors gathered at the George Town Club March 12 to cheer the new season of Concerts in the Park, a program of the Citizens Association of Georgetown. Concerts are slated for May 17 (Rebecca McCabe) and June 14 (Father’s Day) at Volta Park — and July 12 at Rose Park. [gallery ids="102027,134909,134904,134906,134908" nav="thumbs"]

Georgetowner •

Showing up for the fourth time at the Gridiron Club dinner, President Barack Obama proved himself a more than able comic-in-chief, joking about Hillary Clinton’s email snafu and D.C.’s partial legalization of marijuana. Also at hand were Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker and Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe, doing stand-up for the Republicans and Democrats, respectively.

Put on by the Gridiron Club and Foundation, formed by newspapers and news services in 1885, the evening of fellowship demands that journalists and politicians call a truce and mock themselves. There were also musical skits by press members. The U.S. Marine Band was there, and everyone sang “Auld Lang Syne” at the end. The 130th annual dinner was held March 14 at the Renaissance Hotel on 9th Street NW with photographers, reporters and onlookers waiting in the lobby. [gallery ids="102028,134900,134898,134896,134894,134892,134890,134888,134886,134884,134878,134882,134880,134902,134903" nav="thumbs"]

Charlene Louis •

On Saturday, March 14, the Washington, DC Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc. celebrated 75 years of empowering children, families and the community at a fundraising black-tie gala at the Ritz-Carlton on 22nd Street. The event raised money for the Town Hall Education Arts Recreational Campus (THEARC) and the Jack and Jill of America Foundation. Established in 1938 in Philadelphia, Jack & Jill of America, Inc. provides social, cultural, and educational opportunities for African-American youth between the ages of two and 19. [gallery ids="102029,134876,134870,134877,134874,134872" nav="thumbs"]

Mary Bird •

Spanish Ambassador Ramón Gil-Casares, who expressed his admiration for Latino Student Fund’s “commitment to the Spanish community and to youth,” served as the honorary patron of the gala at the Organization of American States March 12. The organization is dedicated to making a positive impact on the lives and education of Latino youth through Saturday classes, merit-based tuition stipends and other programs. Leon Harris of WJLA-ABC7 News emceed at the dinner, which was preceded by a reception and silent auction. [gallery ids="102030,134866,134869,134868" nav="thumbs"]