Fair Chance for Youth
• August 15, 2013

Fair Chance’s 2012 Butterfly Bash on Oct. 19 supported the organization’s efforts to create opportunities for low-income DC children and youth. The Butterfly Bash revenues will allow Fair Chance to help speed up and build up 10 youth-serving organizations in the coming year with 350 hours of coaching and support. Supported by honorary chairs, Jean-Marie and Raul Fernandez, a host committee of 160 community members, and more than 35 corporate sponsors, this year’s Butterfly Bash raised more than $325,000 making is the largest in Fair Chance’s 10-year history. [gallery ids="101038,136256" nav="thumbs"]

Pumpkin Fest 2012 at Rose Park
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This Halloween, Friends of Rose Park hosted its annual Pumpkin Fest. This year’s festival was the biggest ever, according to Friends of Rose Park president David Dunning. Children dressed as animals, ghouls and superheroes decorated cookies and took part in two parades around the park. The event coincided with the final farmer’s market of this year. The Rose Park farmer’s market will return in May 2013. [gallery ids="101045,136345,136338,136360,136330,136365,136370,136323,136375,136353" nav="thumbs"]

“Come and Play” Annual Costume Gala
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Andre Wells’ annual Costume Gala, “Come and Play” never ceases to top the year before. 2012’s costume gala, held at Decatur House on Lafayette Square was action packed. Amazing performance by Chelsea Green and The Green Project set the energetic tone of evening and sent guests going wild! Lavish decor, delectable buffets by, photo booths, the fabulous DJ Tye and to top it off, a surprise performance by a marching band!! [gallery ids="101037,136259,136243,136255,136250" nav="thumbs"]

Getting Glitzy at the Georgetown Gala
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The 2012 Georgetown Gala, “Putting on the Glitz,” and put on by the Citizens Association of Georgetown, returned to the Russian Embassy Oct. 26, with vodka, caviar, champagne, a dinner buffet and a live auction — and, of course, dancing and more dancing, this time to the tunes of the Kool Kats. Hundreds of residents, business leaders and politicans were on hand to honor Pamela and Richard deC. Hinds for their work on historic preservation and public safety.

Gala Co-Chairs were Nancy Taylor Bubes, Michele Evans and Patrice Miller. Sponsors included “community pillars,” Long & Foster, Exclusive Affiliate of Christie’s International, Vornado Realty Trust & Angelo Gordon & Co. on behalf of the Shops at Georgetown Park, along with M.C. Dean Inc., MRP Realty, Washington Fine Properties (Nancy Taylor Bubes), Western Development Corporation, EagleBank and The Georgetowner.

Unlike last year, Mayor Vincent Gray could not stay for the dancing — there was a hurricane coming, after all. [gallery ids="101036,136226,136238,136219,136242,136213,136247,136206,136253,136232" nav="thumbs"]

44th Meridian Ball Mixes It Up . . . in a Good Way
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Maybe it is because the Meridian International Center encourages global dialogue and international understanding; maybe it is because it is housed in an old, welcoming mansion on a hill on 16th Street. The Meridian Ball, the 44th on Oct. 12, never fails to delight and bring people together. After the dinners at embassies and in the mansion, crowds met for dancing and catching up, D.C.-style, even as some listened to the Nationals’ final game. Inside, Peter Duchin led his band to quieter fare which also included some Lady Gaga. Outside in the dance tent, DJ Pitch One spun some disco, hip hop tunes as well as the latest — getting upright Washingtonians to do it “gangnam-style.” And congrats to Ashley Taylor Bronczek, who was jetting off on her honeymoon the next morning. [gallery ids="101023,135815,135775,135809,135804,135783,135798,135792" nav="thumbs"]

Fairmont’s Annual Media Scoop Luncheon
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Diana Bulger gathered her media savvy pals for a dishy luncheon in the Fairmont Hotel’s Colonnade room on Sept. 21. Regional vice president and general Manager Mark Andrew called the guests “the voice of our industry,” not difficult while feasting on Maine lobster mac & cheese. Tasked to bring a media scoop, some were juicier than others. JW Marriott’s Mark Indre shared the happy news of his recent union to long term partner and pastry guru Jeff Shorter. Barbara Bahny gave a heads up for the Willard InterContinental’s upcoming musical programs for the holidays. I suggest consulting future tabloids for other tidbits. [gallery ids="102484,120311,120293,120316,120330,120302,120323" nav="thumbs"]

20th Anniversary Nyumbani Gala
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The Nyumbani Home, Kenya’s first and largest facility for HIV+ children, was founded by the late Father Angelo D’Agostino, S.J., M.D., and by current Executive Director Sister Mary Owens, IBVM. Sister Mary recalled the early days as “divine anxiety.” The Children of God Relief Fund hosted the annual fundraising gala at the Ritz-Carlton on Sept. 28. Staunch Nyumbani supporter and renowned director of the Disney Chanel’s High School Musicals Kenny Ortega urged everyone to “muscle up tonight and bid” at the live auction. Nyumbani means “home” in Swahili and generous loyalists Kathleen and Chris Mathews were delighted to learn that a new guesthouse will be named “Mathews House.” [gallery ids="101005,134833,133554,133599,133594,133564,133588,133572,133579" nav="thumbs"]

La Passione di Milano
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Serious shoppers flocked to the Italian Embassy on Sept. 27 to support the Goodwill of Greater Washington 2012 Runway Show & Gala and departed with some incredible bargains. Forget cast- offs! There were designer suits, evening clothes, several furs and very gently worn accessories. The shopping frenzy was fueled by wines and a lovely Italian buffet provided by Geppetto Catering. Guests enjoyed a runway show of fashions available at Goodwill Retail Stores and opera selections by Jen Corey. After attending its free job training program, Nadine Prince said, “Before Goodwill, I never had a set of keys, because I never had any doors to open. [gallery ids="101008,135157,135147,135153" nav="thumbs"]

TheatreWashington’s Sizzling Night with Kathleen Turner
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On Sept. 20, Kathleen Turner, coping with a grueling schedule, gave a bravura 9 p.m. performance at Arena Stage in “Red Hot Patriot: The Kick-Ass Wit of Molly Ivins.” For 75 minutes, she channeled the feistiness of the maverick Texan journalist through the cunning dialogue crafted by theatreWashington Board member Margaret Engel and her sister Allison Engel. A line early in the play set the tone: “If truth be told, and wouldn’t that be a novelty?” She obligingly mingled at a private post-show reception. The evening was more special by being dedicated to Jaylee Mead, a true angel of Washington theater. [gallery ids="102485,120297,120277,120285,120290" nav="thumbs"]

American Marketing Assoc. Networker
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American Marketing Association of D.C.’s September Networker was held at EPIC Smokehouse in Pentagon City on Sept 24. AMADC President-elect Brian Rutter picked three win- ners from the business card fishbowl to win $50 gift certificates (each) from EPIC.
AMADC is the oldest chapter in the country, celebrating its 80th anniversary on Oct. 25 at the Carnegie Science Institute. The national organization is only 75 years old.