Night of Vision April 2014
• April 11, 2014

The Prevention of Blindness Society of Metropolitan Washington, the nation’s largest local prevention of blindness agency, hosted its 28th Annual Night of Vision gala on March 29 at the Four Seasons. Doreen Gentzler of NBC News4 emceed. Ophthalmologist Richard A Garfinkel received the 2014 Professional Service Award, and American Girl series author Valerie Tripp received the 2014 Community Service Award. The event’s theme, “Celebrity Sightings,” combined Hollywood décor and an auction that included over 100 celebrity-related items such as athletic memorabilia, autographed photos and celebrity eyeglasses. A live auction featured luxury travel and group dinners at the residences of the ambassadors of the Philippines and Egypt.

Maureen Dowd and Alec Baldwin on the Arts
•

Georgetowner and New York Times columnist Maureen Dowd was introduced by her friend Alec Baldwin March 24 for the Americans for the Arts — Nancy Hanks Lecture at the Kennedy Center.

Dowd spoke of funding for the arts with her trademark wit, but she first spoke to Baldwin, saying, “… I’m so happy that you’re back in public life, even if it’s only for tonight. More than anyone I’ve ever met, you’re in love with the arts. You are celebrated in the arts community both for your incredible talent and your incredible generosity — not only with the millions you’ve given but with your own time and fierce lobbying efforts. And now that you’ve played a caustic, Irish, Pulitzer-Prize-winning New York newspaper columnist on ‘Law & Order,’ you can come write my column anytime you want. I’d like to see you take on Ted Cruz and Paul Ryan.”

Dowd then launched into her lecture: “It is a great honor to deliver the Nancy Hanks Lecture. I am humbled both by my theme and by my predecessors. And I must candidly admit I was quite surprised to be asked to give a lecture on the arts. The arts, after all, ruined my life. My love life, that is.”

Later, everyone met at 701 Restaurant on Pennsylvania Avenue. (As requested by publicists, no media were allowed to ask Baldwin questions during the VIP media cocktail hour.)

The 2014 Spring Washington, D.C., Gala Guide
• March 26, 2014

MARCH 29

The 28th Annual Night of Vision
Benefiting the Prevention of Blindness Society of Metropolitan Washington, this black-tie gala features dinner, dancing silent auction and the presentation of service awards. Four Seasons Hotel. Call 202-234-1010, or visit youreyes.org/events/night-of-vision.

APRIL 1

4th Annual Great Ladies Luncheon & Fashion Show
Saks Fifth Avenue presents a designer runway show and luncheon to benefit the Alzheimer’s Drug Discovery Foundation. The Washington Ritz-Carlton. Call 212-901-8011, or visit alzdiscovery.org/events/events/upcoming.

12th Annual ‘For the Love of Sight’ Visionary Awards Dinner
Foundation Fighting Blindness honors Ryuji Ueno, M.D., of Sucampo Pharmaceuticals, Inc., and Timothy W. Olsen, M.D., of Emory University. Ritz-Carlton, Washington, D.C. Call 202-530-4672 , or visit blindness.org.

National Building Museum Honor Award Gala
The National Building Museum will honor Mrs. Laura Bush and the National Trust for Historic Preservation in recognition of their commitment to preserving the nation’s architectural and built heritage at its annual Honor Award gala. Mrs. Bush and Stephanie Meeks, president and CEO of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, will accept the award. National Building Museum. Call 202-272-2448 x3458, or visit www.NBM.org.

Women and Wine IX
Join Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center at the Ninth Annual Women & Wine event for an evening of briefings, given by top scientists and physicians from Georgetown Lombardi on the latest breakthroughs in breast cancer research. The event has an extensive silent auction with a section sponsored by Tiffany & Co. Four Seasons Hotel. Call 202-687-3866, or visit www.lombardi.georgetown.edu/events/WomenWine.

APRIL 3

“Camp David” Red Carpet Premiere
Join honorary chairs former President Jimmy Carter and former first lady Rosalynn Carter and the Arena Stage artistic team for the world premiere of “Camp David.” Before the show, guests will enjoy a VIP reception and three-course seated dinner with private remarks by President Carter. After the show, mingle with the cast, artistic team and guests during dessert. Arena Stage at the Mead Center for American Theater. Call 202-600-4176, or visit arenastage.org.

LGW’s 2014 Innovative Leadership Awards
Leadership Greater Washington annual spring event honors Julie Rogers of the Eugene & Agnes E. Meyer Foundation and Barbara B. Lang, CEO of the D.C. Chamber of Commerce. The Fairmont Hotel Georgetown. Call 202-465-3200, or visit LGWDC.org/annual-spring-event.

APRIL 7

Signature Theatre Sondheim Awards
The black-tie event starts with cocktails, followed by a seated dinner and presentation of the Sondheim Award to orchestrator Jonathan Tunick. Embassy of Italy. Call 571-527-1828, or visit signature-theatre.org/2014-sondheim-award-gala.

APRIL 9

32nd Smithsonian Craft Show Preview Night Party
Celebrate the “Quest for the Best,” mix and mingle in a relaxed atmosphere and get an early opportunity to see the exhibitors’ works before public viewing. National Building Museum. Call 888-832-9554, or visit smithsoniancraftshow.org.

APRIL 10

Tango with the Stars
The Chamber Dance Project’s inaugural fundraiser, “Tango with the Stars,” features an evening of South American food and entertainment on One Metro Center’s rooftop terrace. Performers include Del Campo’s Victor Albisu, Lost Boy’s Kelly Muccio and Francisco Lopez Achaval, the cultural attaché of Argentina. One Metro Center. Call 202-499-2297, or visit chamberdance.org/gala.

APRIL 11

The 2014 Children’s Ball
The theme of the eighth annual Children’s Ball, a signature event of Children’s National Health System, is “Dream a Little Dream” and a very special evening to help improve the health of children here and around the world. Ritz-Carlton, Washington, D.C. Call 301-565-8500, or visit giving.childrensnational.org.

APRIL 12

Fashion for Paws
The Fashion for Paws Runway Show is a one-of-a-kind luxury brand event to benefit the Washington Humane Society. Fundraising models agree to raise a minimum of $5,000 in the weeks leading up to the event and walk with their pet on the runway. Omni Shoreham Hotel. Call 202-683-1822, or visit washhumane.org/f4p.

APRIL 13

2014 Blue Jeans Ball
Don your favorite denim for the Capital Area Food Bank at D.C.’s exclusive charity and tasting event, the Blue Jeans Ball. Enjoy the region’s finest cuisine, dance to live entertainment and participate in a silent and live auction. Washington Marriott Wardman Park. Call 202-529-1767, or visit capitalareafoodbank.org/blue-jeans-ball.

APRIL 23

Folger Gala: Shakespeare’s 450th Birthday
The Folger Shakespeare Library’s annual gala is its largest, most significant fundraiser of the year, providing vital support to its cultural and educational programs. As one of Washington’s most elegant social evenings, the gala is attended by leaders of the social, business, government and diplomatic communities. The Folger Shakespeare Library. Call 202-675-0377, or visit Folger.edu.

APRIL 25

59th Annual Corcoran Ball
The Corcoran Ball is the major fundraising event of the Corcoran Women’s Committee and has netted millions of dollars since 1956. Proceeds from the ball will benefit Corcoran Access, a multi-year project to digitize the Corcoran’s renowned collection. The Corcoran Gallery of Art. Call 202-639-1700, or visit corcoran.org/ball.

National Museum of Women in the Arts Gala
Join chair Annie S. Totah for “Nine Thousand and Nine Hundred Nights.” Inspired by the number of nights in NMWA’s 27 years and the Moroccan city of Marrakesh, the gala will feature an evening of cocktails, a silent auction, dinner and dancing. The honorary chair is Her Imperial Majesty Empress Farah Pahlavi. National Museum of Women in the Arts. Call 202-266-2815, or visit nmwa.org/support/fundraising-events/spring-gala.

April 30

Refugees International Dinner
The 35th anniversary dinner will honor Rep. Ed Royce, R-Calif., Seri Bakkar, M.D., chef José Andrés and actor Forest Whitaker. Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium. Call 202-828-0110 ext. 207, or visit refugeesinternational.org/events/35th-anniversary-dinner.

May 3

The White House Correspondents’ Dinner
The White House Correspondents’ Association dinner is traditionally attended by the president and first lady as well as other senior government officials and members of the press corps. Parties, before and after the main event, fill the long weekend. Joel McHale will be the entertainer. The association is celebrating its centennial year. The Washington Hilton. Call 202-266-7453, or visit whca.net/dinner.htm.

May 4

Kennedy Center Gala for Michael Kaiser
This year’s gala will pay tribute to Kennedy Center President Michael Kaiser with a special concert performance of the classic musical “Camelot.” The co-chairs of the gala are Katherine and David Bradley, Tim Keating of the Boeing Company and Laysha Ward of Target. Expect cocktails on the River Terrace, dinner on the Roof Terrace, “Camelot in Concert” in the Concert Hall and a post-show party. Call 202-416-8338, or visit kennedy-center.org/programs/specialevents/gala.

MAY 7

March of Dimes Gourmet Gala
The 32nd Annual March of Dimes Gourmet Gala is a fundraising dinner with a unique Capitol Hill flavor. More than 40 Washington notables, including Senators and Representatives, are expected to participate in this competitive cook-off as celebrity chefs, preparing and serving their favorite dishes. National Building Museum.Call 571-257-2308, or visit marchofdimes.com/marylandmetrodc.

MAY 16

Washington Ballet’s Jazz Ball
With gala chair Reginald Van Lee and honorary chair Wynton Marsalis, the Jazz Ball will celebrate the Washington Ballet’s donors and outreach programs that fulfill its three-part mission: world-class performances, dance education and community engagement. The Duke Ellington School of the Arts. Call 202-274-4518, or visit washingtonballet.org.

Phillips Collection Annual Gala and After Party
The 2014 Annual Gala celebrates the exhibition, “Made in the USA: American Masters from the Phillips Collection.” The Phillips Collection. Call 202-387-6522, or visit phillipscollection.org/support/annual-gala.

MAY 31

S&R Foundation’s Washington Awards Gala
Attend the grand unveiling of Halcyon House in Georgetown, new headquarters of the S&R Foundation, and future home of the Halcyon Incubator, for an elegant, fun-filled evening, with dinner by chef Eric Ziebold and music by this year’s awardees. Halcyon House. Call 202-298-6007, or visit washingtonawards.org.

JUNE 7

Washington National Opera Ball
This celebration of opera and culture will be held under the patronage of His Excellency Kenichiro Sasae, the Ambassador of Japan, and Mrs. Sasae. On the evening of the ball, guests will enjoy intimate dinners, hosted by ambassadors around the city, before coming together for dessert, dancing and performances. The Residence of the Japanese Ambassador. Call 202-416-8496, or visit kennedy-center.org/wno/programs/operaball.

Myra McPherson’s ‘Scarlet Sisters’ Feted
• March 16, 2014

Red boas were sported at the Cosmos Club March 4, as William Dunlap, Linda Burgess and publisher Twelve Books hosted a celebration of Myra MacPherson’s latest book, “The Scarlet Sisters: Sex, Suffrage and Scandal in the Gilded Age,” which chronicles the notorious Victoria Claflin Woodhull and Tennessee Clafin. The honoree thanked “the women who brought us to the second floor and even became members” of the Cosmos Club in the 1980s, perhaps less in recognition of their merits than the club’s fear of losing its liquor license. McPherson’s son Michael Siebert spoke proudly of his mother’s accomplishments. The party’s guest list was a Who’s Who of Washington journalists. [gallery ids="101672,144609,144614,144616" nav="thumbs"]

Heroes Curing Childhood Cancer Gala
• March 14, 2014

The 6th Annual Heroes Curing Childhood Cancer gala took place at the Four Season Hotel on Feb. 22. The evening hosted over 400 guests who gathered to raise funds for pediatric cancer patient care and research at Children’s National. The 2013 gala provided the Dream Clinic in oncology at Children’s National. This year’s gala will benefit the psycho-social support team in the center for cancer and blood disorders.
Photos By Tim Riethmiller [gallery ids="101666,144708,144715,144712" nav="thumbs"]

Heroes Curing Childhood Cancer Gala
•

The 6th Annual Heroes Curing Childhood Cancer gala took place at the Four Season Hotel Feb. 22. More than 400 guests gathered to hep raise funds for pediatric cancer patient care and research at Children’s National Medical Center. The 2013 gala provided the Dream Clinic in oncology at Children’s National, and this year’s gala will benefit the psycho-social support team in the center for cancer and blood disorders.

Gwen Russell Celebrates Birthday — and ‘Rebirth’
•

Franco Nuschese of Café Milano hosted a birthday bash for public relations maven Gwen Russell at the Georgetown hot spot. During the birthday dinner, a festive table ran the length of the upstairs Wine Room. Offering the first toast, Gina Adams referred to Russell’s recent surgery, announcing “2014 is cancer free,” and said guests were celebrating “not only a birthday but a rebirth.” For dessert, coconut birthday cake was eagerly devoured, as Nuschese toasted, “Gwen has always been in our family.” Russell happily added: “No family secrets will be shared.” [gallery ids="101671,144628,144623,144617,144630" nav="thumbs"]

The Wacky & Wonderful Tea for THEARC
•

The 5th Annual Tea on March 9 at the Ritz-Carlton Washington, D.C., had a circus theme to the delight of a sell-out crowd. The Levine at THEARC String Ensemble serenaded on the stairwell. Magician Eric Hennings delighted, and there were games and entertainment for all ages. For the third year, NBC4’s Eun Yang emceed and noted that, with nearly 50 percent of D.C. children living east of the Anacostia River, THEARC offers “the best the city has to offer in one location.” Washington Ballet @ THEARC dance instructor Ralph Glenmore introduced student Kennedy Jackson before the Washington Ballet Youth Ensemble performed “Garden of Colors.” [gallery ids="101665,144742,144722,144717,144725,144730,144734,144739,144745" nav="thumbs"]

Draft’s Defensive Team: Lung Cancer Awareness
• February 27, 2014

“Almost nobody knows that November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month,” said Chris Draft, former linebacker for the Washington Redskins. “It’s not just a smoker’s disease. Anyone can get lung cancer.”

Draft’s wife, Keasha, a nonsmoker, was one such victim. She was diagnosed with stage IV lung cancer in December 2010. The couple then launched Team Draft at their wedding in November 2011. One month later, Keasha lost her fight to lung cancer at age 38.

Lung cancer kills more people than breast, prostate, colon, liver, kidney and melanoma cancers combined. Yet many people remain frighteningly unaware of the disease. The stigma that it is “a smoker’s disease” has negatively impacted the amount of personal and financial support dedicated to lung cancer research.

Chris Draft has made it his mission to educate the public about lung cancer. He is the leader of the Chris Draft Family Foundation, which has a specific lung cancer initiative, Team Draft. This organization is leading a national campaign to “Change the Face of Lung Cancer.”

The personal inspiration of the foundation drives Draft to visit cancer centers around the country — he’s been to about 90 so far — and to advocating and to educate.

“We’re fighting for people and creating hope,” Draft said. “We focus on the survivors, bringing images of their smiles and laughter — those are the faces of lung cancer.”

Team Draft is carrying out a Survivor at Every Stadium initiative, which launched last year. The goal is to focus on survivors of the disease, educating attendees of sporting events nationwide.

On Nov. 4, Team Draft dubbed the Monday night football game — the Green Bay Packers vs. the Chicago Bears — a Lung Cancer Awareness Game. Lung cancer survivors helped raised the American flag at the beginning of the game and were recognized in the fourth quarter.

Draft was at the John P. Murtha Cancer Center at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Md., Nov. 6. The Murtha Center at Walter Reed partnered with Team Draft, the Department of Veterans, Lung Cancer Alliance and the Vietnam Veterans of America to hold its second annual Lung Cancer Screening Initiative. Veterans or beneficiaries were evaluated for lung cancer risk.

“Early detection, in any cancer, is the best first step,” Draft said. “Because of early detection, more people are living longer and living stronger.”

“We will continue to advocate for this stigmatized disease, continue to support survivors, and continue to educate people,” he said. Team Draft continued its work at the Nov. 10 Tennessee Titans and Jacksonville Jaguars game, another Lung Cancer game, to keep on spreading the word. “We hope to change the face of lung cancer,” Draft said.

March of Dimes Signature Chefs Gala
•

The 17th annual Signature Chefs Gala of DC provided fabulous tastings from over 20 leading chefs paired with wine from top local wineries and inventive cocktails. The March of Dimes celebrated 75 years of research, vaccines and breakthroughs to benefit babies. Emcee Leon Harris, Anchor/ABC7/WJLA-TV, urged “help those born too sick or too early.” Signature Chefs has raised $1 million for the cause since 1996. A live auction item with Signature Honorary Chef Jamie Leeds providing a private dining experience fetched $4,000. [gallery ids="101569,148541,148545,148550,148536,148556,148553" nav="thumbs"]