Previewing a Better Understanding
• November 7, 2013

On Sept. 1, artistic director Jameson Freeman hosted an intimate fall preview for the non-profit organization For a Better Understanding of Mankind, also known as FABUM, at his and Dana Tai Soon Burgess’s home in the Palisades. The evening gave a sneak peek into future plans as the organization launches its third year of “original performance projects and artistic programming that explore the human condition.” FABUM’s most recent project, a walk-through theatrical experience, entitled “Dream Wedding,” was produced in June and its youth program “has expanded dramatically with new curriculum and mentors” since launching last year.
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Devotion to Children
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On Aug. 21, supporters of Pro View and Devotion to Children gathered on the balcony of Morton’s Steakhouse on Connecticut Avenue for a happy hour kick-off to Doc Walker’s ProView Event 76, Cards 4 Kids Poker Tournament.

Dan Ruttenberg and Yasmine Bonilla will co-chair the Sept. 21 Texas Hold ‘Em Poker Tournament, which will also take place at Morton’s. Proceeds will be used to help struggling families secure affordable childcare services in the Washington metropolitan area. [gallery ids="101444,153698,153689,153693,153704,153702" nav="thumbs"]

Mixing and Mingling at Citi Open
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The W Washington D.C. rooftop was the hard court on July 28, hosting WTA and ATP tennis celebrities and VIPs. The 2013 Citi Open Player Party opened the P.O.V. rooftop terrace and lounge for guests to get excited about the Citi Open tournament, which began earlier that day. Juan Martin Del Potro, the seventh-ranked player in the world, was among the hundreds of players in attendance. Mayor Vincent Gray was among D.C.-ers mixing and mingling with players. The Citi Open is a part of the Emirates Airlines U.S. Open Series, leading up to the U.S. Open. [gallery ids="101412,154874,154870" nav="thumbs"]

K Street Kate’s 7th
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K Street Magazine’s Kate Michael celebrated the magazine’s seventh anniversary with a “Seventh Inning Stretch” celebration at ArtJamz in Dupont Circle. Attendees sipped Van Gogh Vodka and began painting a blank wall in the studio. When an entire wall at Art Jamz was covered with guests’ artwork, Michael’s white shirt was a blank canvas no more as everyone waited to take a turn at painting her. At this “pay what you want event” a portion of all donations benefited the Washington Nationals Dream Foundation. [gallery ids="101413,154896,154877,154892,154888,154883" nav="thumbs"]

Pink Party Benefits Children’s Inn at NIH
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Girls battling cancer and other serious illnesses were treated to a VIP Pink Party July 27 at the Ritz-Carlton hotel in Georgetown, co-hosted by CharityChicks US and We Will Survive Cancer. The pampering and “all things pink” theme provided a much-needed break from medical treatments and the stress of illness. Guests enjoyed a jazz quartet, specialty cocktails and food and art lessons, overlooking the flower garden. The Inn, which received all proceeds, is a nonprofit “Place Like Home” for families with seriously ill children, who participate in ground-breaking medical research at the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda and who stay as long as needed, free of charge. [gallery ids="119006,119002,118989,118997" nav="thumbs"]

Restaurant Association Power Hour
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Restaurant Association Greater Washington held a “Power Hour” at Nellie’s Sports Bar July 29 to thank the sponsors of the 2013 RAMMY Awards. Nellie’s had garnered the Neighborhood Gathering Place award. The weather cooperated as representatives from Washington’s booming restaurant and hospitality industry gathered rooftop on an unusually pleasant mid-summer evening. RAMW President Kathy Hollinger promised brief remarks as she expressed special thanks to sponsors and volunteers and then drew chuckles with “and now a PowerPoint presentation.” [gallery ids="101414,154933,154894,154929,154899,154926,154908,154914,154919" nav="thumbs"]

Queen’s Toast: Pageantry, Fashion and Philanthropy
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Beautiful faces and bodies took over the posh Barcode Lounge Aug. 3 for “Toast with the Queen” Reception and Fundraiser. Hosted by Mary Amons, formerly of Bravo’s Real Housewives of D.C., and business owner Souny West of W Salon, Touting itself as a collaboration of “Pageantry, Fashion and Philanthropy.” the event that mixed those industries together perfectly. A portion of the ticket sales went to the non-profit, Luke’s Wings, which unites wounded warriors, veterans and heroes with their loved ones when they need them most. [gallery ids="101415,154944,154931,154940,154936" nav="thumbs"]

11th Annual Washington International Piano Artists Competition
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“A Cultural Evening – Welcome Reception” was held at the Georgetown Club on July 24 to launch the Festival of Music 2013 and 11th Annual Competition under the auspices of the Washington International Piano Arts Council (WIPAC). Ambassador Elena Poptodorova and her husband Georgi Petrov hosted the reception in absentia as the ambassador was called to Bulgaria for consultations. Psychiatrist Matthias Fischer of Würzburg, Germany, received the 1st Prize Jury Award and Canadian Thomas Maurice, a Senior Program Manager for General Dynamics in Baltimore, took the 2nd Prize Jury Award at a celebratory dinner at the Fairfax Hotel on July 28. [gallery ids="101419,154918,154922,154913,154921" nav="thumbs"]

“Dream Wedding” at the Arts Club
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FABUM, a non-profit arts organization, recently presented “Dream Wedding,” an immersive, walk-through performance experience that is part of its Dolce Revolution Project series.  Guests moved from the courtyard through the historic Arts Club of Washington, where each room was a unique, repeating scene within the bride’s subconscious.  Afterwards, a special Dolce Revolution party at the nearby, newly renovated Melrose Hotel celebrated the show and FABUM’s continued commitment to producing original performance work in DC that promotes self-realization and explores human nature. 
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Capella Hotel Hosts The Washington Ballet
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Georgetown’s luxurious Capella Hotel hosted friends of The Washington Ballet (TWB) on June 24 at a small reception on the rooftop deck normally reserved for hotel guests. TWB Artistic Director said the Ballet was thrilled to be in partnership with Capella counting them “family members.” The “British Invasion Bash” reception saluted the March 2014 program of Trey McIntyre’s A Day in the Life set to classic Beatles tunes and Rooster by Christopher Bruce, a “Rock Ballet” that showcases the sounds of The Rolling Stones. [gallery ids="101379,153663,153630,153658,153637,153654,153642,153649" nav="thumbs"]