Social Scene

Georgetowner • September 12, 2013

The 5th Annual D.C. Newsbabes Bash for Breast Cancer took over the Hamilton June 27. Gals dressed in hot pink, mauve or purple. Guys were happy to join in or simply cover the frisky event. WUSA’s JC Hayward, a cancer survivor, joked about asking her doctor to lift up her other breast. While wearing the identical dress as younger news colleague Lesli Foster, the 69-year-old Hayward called her a “hussy.” All in good, clean fun with the other TV stations’ newswomen to benefit the Howard University Cancer Center–at least $10,000, so far. [gallery ids="101382,153747,153742,153737,153732,153726,153759,153719,101383,153763,153713,153767,153753" nav="thumbs"]

Mary Bird •

Carol Schwartz, a three-time candidate for mayor and the only Republican candidate since the restoration of home rule to garner more than 30 percent of the vote, teamed up with news personality J C Hayward to support the Animal Rescue League (WARL) at Schwartz’s art-adorned Kalorama glamour apartment on June 26. J C quipped “we went to Costco last Sunday” as a guest shot back “Thelma and Louise.” Given the state of the art WARL facilities, it was no surprise to hear “our pets live better than some people.” Matt Williams summed it up when he said WARL is “a regional resource with a national impact.” [gallery ids="101381,153716,153685,153712,153691,153708,153697,153703" nav="thumbs"]

Mary Bird •

On June 25, Ambassador of Hungary György Szapáry hosted a kickoff reception at his residence for the Smithsonian Folklife Festival which this year showcases Hungary’s heritage, culture and artistic traditions. He thanked Hungarian-born Aniko Gaal Schott who had found and decorated the residence. Deputy Prime Minister Dr. Tibor Navracsics expressed his appreciation to loyal supporters of the arts Adrienne Arsht, Ina Ginsburg, Nina and Philip Pillsbury and Ann and Bill Nitze. Smithsonian Under Secretary for History, Art and Culture Richard Kurin said over 100 Hungarians had been busily erecting “a new monument on the Mall” for the Festival which will run through July 7. [gallery ids="101380,153688,153660,153683,153666,153679,153673" nav="thumbs"]

Mary Bird •

On behalf of Northern Trust, NWMA Trustee Joanie Stringer welcomed guests to “American People, Black Light, Faith Ringgold’s Paintings of the 1960s” at NMWA on June 18 to hear “a great artist and a marvelous storyteller” discuss her artistic trajectory in conversation with co-curators Thom Collins of the Miami Art Museum and Tracy Fitzpatrick of the Neuberger Museum of Art. The 49 forceful and at the time often controversial works chronicling the start of the Black Revolution will be on display into November.
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Mary Bird •

The Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington (RAMW) chose “Restaurants in Bloom” as the theme of its 31st annual gala at the Marriot Wardman Park Hotel on June 23. Over 1600 foodies heard RAMW President Kathy Hollinger welcome them with “the best just keeps getting better.” Fox 5 News meteorologist Sue Palka emceed. Clyde’s of Georgetown, started by Stuart Davidson who said “I would rather dine in a saloon than drink in a restaurant,” received the Honorary Milestone Award. Chinatown’s Linda Lee accepted the Duke Zeibert Capital Achievement Award saying “thank you United States, the land of opportunity” and much more. The awards honor the accomplishments of the region’s restaurants and foodservice community.
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Georgetowner •

The American News Women’s Club honored Barbara Walters with the “Excellence in Journalism” award at a Gala Award Luncheon at the National Press Club on June 21. ANMC President Ginny Daly noted that the club was established in the 1930s, when “strong, smart, savvy women” were not admitted to the National Press Club. Master of ceremonies Norah O’Donnell said Oprah considered Walters a role model and that Fidel Castro said she had given him his most difficult interview. Presenter Ted Koppel called her “the single best reporter that I ever competed against.” The accolades continued and in her remarks Walters said, “I hope in the not too distant future that I will be interviewing the first female president,” adding, “I have my own teeth and faith in the future.”

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Robert Devaney •

More than 160 neighbors and supporters attended the 18th annual Friends of Volta Park cocktail party June 7 — always a fun affair — raising more than $25,000 toward its annual goal of $50,000 to help with park expenses. Mayor Vincent Gray, Councilmember Jack Evans and Deputy Police Chief Patrick Burke were among the guests. The group will hold Volta Park Day in October; check VoltaPark.org. [gallery ids="101398,154117,154104,154113,154110" nav="thumbs"]

Mary Bird •

Helen Hayes Awards nominees and supporters gathered at the Hamilton on March 18 to celebrate their fellow actors, directors, designers, choreographers and producers. TheatreWashington board chair Victor Shargai thanked John and Ginger Latham of the Hamilton and said, “I am so proud to of this community.” He urged, “I want more actors working, designers designing and musicians ‘musicianing.’ ” President and CEO Linda Levy Grossman told the nominees in 26 categories, “We believe in you, in your work in the greater power of the theatre.” The 29th Helen Hayes Awards will be held at the Warner Theatre and JW
Marriott Hotel on April 8. [gallery ids="101216,145031,145009,145026,145015,145023" nav="thumbs"]

Mary Bird •

GALA Hispanic Theatre hosted its annual Noche de Estrellas event on Mar. 12 to honor artistic and civic leaders. Awardees were Betti Brown, founding executive director of the Helen Hayes Awards; Candace Kattar, Founder of Identity, Inc., and Septime Webre, Artistic Director of the Washington Ballet, who expressed his appreciation for “ensuring that there is a Latin voice at the table.” Guests enjoyed a sangria reception, live and silent auctions and performances by flamenco star Edwin Aparicio and GALA’s Paso Nuevo youth among others. Proceeds support Paso Nuevo, GALA’s arts and academic enrichment program for at-risk Latino teens. [gallery ids="145052,145047,145029,145042,145036" nav="thumbs"]

Mary Bird •

Mayor Vincent Gray was the guest speaker at the recent Institute for Education’s “Info Breakfast,” hosted by Ambassador of Finland Ritva Koukku-Ronde. The mayor hailed his administration’s newly released District Sustainability Plan as an example of how the District is moving forward. The Embassy of Finland was the first among 60 embassies that have now signed a sustainability pledge as have all the District’s colleges and universities. For 22 years, the IFE has held regular public policy roundtable discussions with notable public figures in a non-partisan venue to promote the organization’s mission of recognizing and promoting civility and leadership. [gallery ids="101217,145048,145043" nav="thumbs"]