Visionaries for the ‘Love of Sight’
• May 9, 2014

The Foundation Fighting Blindness, a nonprofit driving sight-saving research, honored Ryuji Ueno, M.D., co-founder of Sucampo Pharmaceuticals, Inc., and Timothy Olsen, M.D., of Emory University, with the organization’s Visionary Award, in recognition of their longstanding commitment to helping patients with eye diseases. More than 225 guests attended the 12th Annual D.C. “For the Love of Sight” Visionary Awards Dinner April 1, at the downtown Ritz-Carlton, raising $320,000 to benefit research. [gallery ids="116798,116805,116813,116789,116818,116823,116829" nav="thumbs"]

Washington Ballet’s ‘Peter Pan’
• April 25, 2014

In his remarks to the Washington Ballet’s presentation of “Peter Pan” at the Kennedy Center, Septime Webre, who choreographed the ballet in 2001, said he was “happy to see it take flight again.” The audience was enchanted at the April 17 performance as Peter danced by Jonathan Jordan and Wendy danced by Maki Onuki took to the air and foiled the treacherous Captain Hook embodied by a dashing Luis Torres. The Darlings’ beloved pet Nana and the crocodile were scene stealers. A number of dancers and ballet supporters enjoyed an after party on the POV Rooftop Terrace at the W Hotel. [gallery ids="116729,116741,116736" nav="thumbs"]

Smithsonian Craft Show Preview Night
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The Preview Night of this year’s Smithsonian Craft Show took place at the National Building Museum on Apr. 9. The several-day show is widely regarded as the country’s most prestigious juried show and sale of American sculptural object and design featuring over 120 artists. This year’s highlight was the presentation of the first Visionary Award to metal sculptor Albert Paley and furniture artist Wendell Castle as artists who have risen to the pinnacle in the world of sculptural arts and design.

Children’s Ball Dazzles, Raises Record $10.7 Million
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At the Ritz-Carlton in the West End on April 11, the black-and-white formal theme underlined the benefit for the Children’s National Medical Center — raising a record $10,734,300 at its eighth annual Children’s Ball. [gallery ids="101720,142985" nav="thumbs"]

Dumbarton Oaks Park Conservancy Fete at Evermay
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The Dumbarton Oaks Park Conservancy marked the renewed park known as Georgetown’s “Secret Garden.” The group of community and environmental leaders enjoyed another Georgetown treasure, Evermay, on April 16. [gallery ids="101719,142989" nav="thumbs"]

Washington Area Concierge Award at Malmaison
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Georgetown was the focus of WACA’s General Membership Meeting at Malmaison on April 15. WACA President Leslie Valtin thanked the Popal family for hosting. Julie Sanders presented the sixth La Lumière award to Jeff Morgan of the five-star Four Seasons Hotel. Morgan, a past WACA president, has been recognized as Concierge of the Year. Presentations included those made by the Georgetown BID, fourth-generation restaurateur Billy Martin of Martin’s Tavern, the Circulator and The Georgetowner editor-in-chief Robert Devaney. WACA’s annual gala will be held at the Hamilton on Aug. 17 with a theme of “A Night in Nashville.” [gallery ids="101718,142994,142990" nav="thumbs"]

11th Annual Blue Jeans Ball
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Yet again the denim-focused food fest and party filled the Marriott Wardman Park Hotel April 13 — all to benefit the Capital Area Food Bank. [gallery ids="101716,143025,143027,143020" nav="thumbs"]

Fashion for Paws: 8th Annual Runway Show
• April 24, 2014

It was a fashionable evening for canines and their special people as they gathered at the Omni Shoreham on Apr. 12 to benefit the Washington Humane Society. WHS President and CEO Lisa LaFontaine noted that “we have touched the lives of 43,000 animals a year.” The event chaired by Dr. Ashley Gallagher with Co-Masters of Ceremonies Scott Thuman and Dr. Katy Nelson featured models who had raised a minimum of $5,000 each as they and their pooches paraded before a sell-out crowd. [gallery ids="101715,143028,143038,143034" nav="thumbs"]

N Street Village
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N Street Village, the social services agency that provides shelter and support to homeless and low-income women, held its annual gala at the West End’s Ritz Carlton March 21. The upbeat, always joyous event brought together women who benefitted from the non-profit, volunteers and benefactors, especially those in government and media. Comcast’s Melissa Maxfield and A.B. and Jill Cruz were gala co-chairs; Byron and Kim Dorgan were honorary co-chairs. Founders’ Awards were given to Sen. Mike Enzi (R-Wyo.) and his wife Diana, and also to Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.). [gallery ids="100727,120805,120801" nav="thumbs"]

N Street Village Celebrates 40 Years
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One of D.C. most effective and loved non-profits helping women get back on their feet and into life, N Street Village benefits with help from influential local and national leaders and everyday people. It was a joyful event April 9 with Sweet Honey in the Rock on stage.