Social Scene

Robert Devaney • May 27, 2014

An impressive group of supporters gathered at Tudor Place for the Rose Park Fall Party Oct. 24.

“The vision for Rose Park reflects a clean, safe and attractive natural open space where families gather and play, neighbors walk their dogs, commuters pass through, and sports are played,” the groups says. Rose Park is between P Street and M Street, NW, bounded by 26th and 27th Streets and by Rock Creek Parkway. Its facilities include three tennis courts, a basketball court, a baseball diamond, two playground areas and substantial open space. Friends of Rose Park, Inc. is a volunteer non-profit, dedicated to Rose Park. It works with the neighborhood, the D.C. Department of Parks & Recreation and the National Park Service to make Rose Park a valued community resource.
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Robert Devaney • May 23, 2014

The Georgetown Senior Center — which meets three times a week at St. John’s for lunch as well as social and educational programs — held its spring fundraiser May 1 at the 35th Street home of Penny Farthing and Andrew Miller. Attendees enjoyed food and drinks in the elegant, historic house and talked of Georgetown history and the house itself being used in films, such as “The Pelican Brief.” Old- and new-comers are always welcome at the center. [gallery ids="101742,141929,141932,141917,141920,141925" nav="thumbs"]

Georgetowner •

The Phillips Collection held its classy and splashy gala May 16 at the Dupont Circle landmark for its show, “Made in the USA: American Masters from the Phillips Collection, 1850-1970,” and to recall the vision of its founder, Duncan Phillips. After dinner amid the artwork and a slew of art lovers, influencers, politicians and business persons, the after party moved to Anderson House for all to let their hair down. The gala raised more than $750,000 for the art gallery. [gallery ids="116440,116459,116464,116434,116446,116470,116453" nav="thumbs"]

Georgetowner •

Nearly 200 well-wishers gathered at the Newseum on Pennsylvania Avenue May 6 to help the Asian Republican Coalition celebrate its inaugural kick-off. Speakers included John Ying, ARC chairman, Tom Britt, ARC vice chairman, Sen. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, and Sen. Pat Toomey, R-Pa. ARC, it states, “is comprised of individuals of Asian ancestry, mixed ethnic heritage and those vested in the Asian community through family or close personal relationships, business, education or other cultural reasons.” [gallery ids="101741,141940,141934,141941" nav="thumbs"]

Georgetowner •

The D.C.Volunteer Lawyers Project — which works to protect women, litigate for them and get them out of domestic violence situations — saluted its main benefactor, Adrienne Arsht, at the Japanese ambassdor’s residence May 15. Arsht rounded out her contributions to DCVLP by completing her donation to $1 million and said the group “stands up against evil.” Georgetowner Leslie Morgan Steiner, author of “Crazy Love,” spoke of the benefits of women “having an advocate” in a city with more lawyers per capita than any other. Also, at hand was supporter, Vice President Joe Biden, who gave an impassioned speech against men who abuse women — “the worst sin” — and told the group it was “a lifeline.” [gallery ids="116485,116475,116479,116461,116468" nav="thumbs"]

Georgetowner •

Singer/songwriter Vusi Mahlasela, known as “The Voice” of South Africa, was flown in to headline the Washington Performing Arts 2014 Gala and Auction at the Marriott Wardman Park Hotel on May 10, the 20th anniversary of Nelson Mandela’s inauguration as President of South Africa. Ambassador Ebrahim Rasool and Mrs. Rosieda Shabodien served as Diplomatic Chairs. The ambassador hailed the organization’s Embassy Adoption Program which teaches D.C. public school students about other cultures. The live auction raised about $135,000 for scholarships to summer camps featuring Children of the Gospel, Step Afrika and Capital Jazz.? [gallery ids="101740,141959,141954,141961,141944,141950" nav="thumbs"]

Georgetowner •

Shahin Mafi hosted the first anniversary celebration for Partners for the Arts at a May 17 reception, featuring prizewinners of Partners’ 2013 Vocal Awards Competition. The operatic program included baritone Jeffrey Baumgardner’s moving “Soliloquy” from “Carousel.” The vocalists were accompanied by pianist Frank Conlon. President Leilane Mehler said, “Thank all of you who embraced our mission so generously.” Partners for the Arts encourages and promotes the careers of emerging singers not under professional management.
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Georgetowner •

More than 400 guests attended the 6th Annual Embassy Chef Challenge, benefiting Cultural Tourism D.C., at the Ronald Reagan Building May 15.

Chef Jiraporn Bunlet from the Thai Embassy won the Judges’ Choice Award for her spicy salmon salad, and chef Roman Shchadrin from the Russian Embassy won the People’s Choice Award for his salmon ice cream (not quite a dessert).

Former Chief of Protocol Capricia Penavic Marshall served as honorary gala chair and hailed “cultural diplomacy in action.” Board chair Tim Cox quoted Mayor Vincent Gray, who termed “culinary diplomacy as food for thought.” Fifteen embassies participated and were judged by Washington’s food elite, including Washington Post food reporter Tim Carman and cookbook authors Joan Nathan and Amy Riolo.
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Georgetowner •

Noche de Estrellas/Night of the Stars celebrated the artistic vision and youth education initiatives of GALA — Group of Latin American Artists — May 13. Guests enjoyed a rooftop reception, featuring paella and other delectables, before a program that honored the late entrepreneur Michael Kappaz, philanthropist Malan Strong and Quin Tango chamber tango quintet. As an Argentine, GALA co-founder Hugo Medrano said that the group’s songs “explain the tango as a culture.” The entertainment also included soprano Elisa Córdova, performance artist Alina Collins Maldonado and Paso Nuevo, a project that helps at-risk Latino youth. Following a spirited live auction, guests enjoyed a champagne toast and dessert. [gallery ids="101745,141886,141890,141877,141883" nav="thumbs"]

Georgetowner •

On May 10, Washington Animal Rescue League President & CEO Bob Ramin welcomed “supporters both two- and four-legged” to WARL’s celebration of 100 years of providing animal welfare services to companion animals and their guardians in the National Capital area. Guests and their canine companions at the Fairmont Hotel gala enjoyed a reception, dinner, awards ceremony and dancing. Washington Post reporter and dog lover Jackie Kucinich emceed the evening. Best-selling author Nora Roberts and auto dealership executive Dottie Fitzgerald were Centennial awardees. WARL enters its second century with plans to expand its services in a building which it has acquired next to the shelter. [gallery ids="101744,141897,141892,141899" nav="thumbs"]