Georgetown Jingle
• January 6, 2014

The sixth-annual Georgetown Jingle was held at the Four Seasons Hotel on Dec. 11. The event, which benefits Georgetown University Hospital’s Pediatric Oncology Programs, highlighted 13 young cancer “Patient Ambassadors” currently receiving care. JDS Designs, Inc., Four Seasons Hotel and the Washington Design Center sponsor the Jingle which has raised $1.7 million for Georgetown Pediatrics. Event chairs Cynthia Bruno and Tamara Darvish with design chair Michael Roberson headed the family fundraiser, featuring the CVS/pharmacy children’s workshop, DC Magazine Sports Lounge, an ice palace, tastings from D.C. metro restaurants as well as entertainment by Ski Johnson and Pamala Stanley. Themed holiday trees and vignettes created by the area’s top designers were on display at the hotel, Nov. 30 through Dec. 12. They were offered for sale in advance at a fixed price or were auctioned to the highest bidder during the event’s silent auction. [gallery ids="100435,114348,114287,114339,114331,114297,114323,114315,114307" nav="thumbs"]

Georgetown Jingle
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The Georgetown Jingle, held at the Four Seasons Hotel on Dec. 15, confirms that there is a Santa Claus, or in this many headed by Event Co-Chairs David Herchik, Richard Looman, Tim Ragan, Joe and Cynthia Bruno. Rehoboth-based Blue Moon provided entertainment, food and beverage. The event benefits Georgetown’s Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center. In the words of Aziza Shad, MD, “The new state-of-the-art Pediatric Blood and Bone Marrow Transplant Unit will forever be a tribute to your years of hard work and support.” The hotel was resplendent with 18 holiday-themed trees and vignettes plus designer Alexa Hampton’s mantel in the hotel lobby with proceeds from sale donated to the Cancer Center to which the Georgetown Jingle has raised more than $1.5 million.

An Evening with Opera Star Elizabeth Futral at the National Museum of Women in the Arts
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The National Museum of Women in the Arts (NMWA) Founder Wilhelmina Cole Holladay welcomed guests to the 2013 Fall Benefit with special recognition of Mary Mochary and Artistic Director Gilan Tocco Corn for their support of the Shenson Chamber Music Concerts funded by the evening’s program, chaired by Barbara Kapusto. The special concerts highlight emerging and established women musicians and composers. Internationally acclaimed soprano Elizabeth Futral accompanied by pianist Myra Huang presented a pre-dinner operatic program. In accepting the Award for Excellence in the Performing Arts, she said it was a great honor and continued “I don’t feel worthy, but I’ll take it. Without further ado let’s eat.” [gallery ids="101593,147434,147439,147429,147442,147447,147450,147457,147455" nav="thumbs"]

Sacred Foods of Italy
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Les Dames d’Escoffier gathered for a holiday luncheon at Al Tiramisu restaurant near Dupont Circle on Dec. 7 to showcase “Sacred Foods of Italy.” Dame Amy Riolo partnered with Al Tiramisu chef/owner Luigi Diotaiuti to lead a gastronomic journey culminating in an elegant buffet of “sacred” foods. Their remarks shed light on culinary traditions that date from antiquity and pre-Christianity to modern times. Luigi is one of the chefs participating in the Department of State’s Diplomatic Culinary Partnership, a cross cultural exchange through food partnering with the James Beard Foundation to bridge other cultures as “everyone speaks the language of food.” [gallery ids="101592,147458" nav="thumbs"]

Ambassador of Italy’s Reception at Villa Firenze for Choral Arts
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On Dec. 5, The Ambassador of Italy and Mrs. Claudio Bisogniero, as the Honorary Patrons of The Choral Arts Society of Washington’s 33rd Holiday Concert and Gala, An Enchanted Christmas, hosted a special reception at their residence Villa Firenze. Guests enjoyed Italian cuisine by Executive Chef Roberto Grazioli. Ambassador Bisogniero introduced a short presentation featuring ten members of the Choral Arts Chorus conducted by Artistic Director Scott Tucker. The audience joined in English and Italian choruses of “Silent Night” in honor of the Year of Italian Culture in the United States. [gallery ids="118507,118519,118525,118512" nav="thumbs"]

Georgetown Village Holiday Party
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Georgetown Village celebrated its second annual holiday party on Dec. 5 at Blake Hall in St. John’s Episcopal Church, Georgetown Parish. In her welcoming remarks Founder & Chair Sharon Lockwood expressed appreciation to President Jessica Townsend and the board and singled out Nancy Taylor Bubes for her generosity to the nonprofit membership organization. She called Executive Director Lynn Golub-Rofano the “heart and driving force beyond our village.” Guests enjoyed a buffet provided by Café Milano. The evening supported programs allowing older adults to remain in their homes as volunteers assist through transportation, household assistance and many activities.
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Women’s Committee of the National Museum of Women in the Arts Holiday Tea
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Mrs. Rosa Batoréu, wife of the Ambassador of Portugal graciously hosted the Women’s Committee of the National Museum of Women in the Arts (NMWA) at a holiday tea at the embassy on Dec. 5. Mrs. Batoréu urged her guests to note two still lives in the dining room by 17th century Portuguese artist Josepha d’Ayala which here exhibited at NMWA. Women’s Committee President Fran Usher presided over a brief meeting calling for auction items for the museum’s spring gala which will be chaired by Annie Totah. The Women’s Committee has a new friend-raising new initiative “Be My Guest’ to introduce others to the museum [gallery ids="118529,118514,118534,118539,118522" nav="thumbs"]

FABUM at The Arts Club
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On Dec. 4th, Jameson Freeman and Nichola Hays hosted friends, arts supporters and patrons for FABUM’s “A Birthday and a Honeymoon” event at The Arts Club of Washington. FABUM, a D.C. non-profit performing arts organization, celebrated the second year since its founding, as well as the success of its 2013 centerpiece show “Dream Wedding.” Actors read a scene from Freeman’s planned 2014 show tentatively titled “See You See,” a new website was launched and students from FABUM’s youth program performed live music throughout the evening.

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Ann Hand “Cheery Holiday Shopping Party”
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Carole Margaret Randolph and Janie McNamara co-hosted an early evening reception at Ann Hand on Dec. 4. The designer’s signature Liberty Eagle has been worn by First Ladies and prominent women internationally. “Santa’s Shoppers” were eager to point friends to all manner of tempting holiday presents. Well known for her philanthropic work, the designer donated 15% of the evening’s sales to MedStar National Rehabilitation Network. MedStar NRH specializes in treating persons with physical disabilities, including spinal cord injury, brain injury, stroke, arthritis and other neurological conditions. [gallery ids="118537,118548,118554,118545" nav="thumbs"]

Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary of Washington DC Christmas Luncheon
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The Dec. 4 luncheon at Columbia Country Club had guests chuckling as special guest Roland Mesnier, Pastry Chef to five presidents, shared insider stories of life in the White House. There were memorable moments and near disasters as he enjoyed rare intimacy with world leaders, the first families and their pets. The event started as Women’s Auxiliary President Debra Push led Christmas carols to set the mood of “fund and fun raising.” Associate Area Commander Major Jacqulyn Reckline said “need knows no season” and spoke of the satisfaction of providing toys to children “looking for a little bit of hope, magic, joy.” Mr. Mesnier graciously autographed several of his books. [gallery ids="118562,118558,118552" nav="thumbs"]