Social Scene

Robert Devaney • August 15, 2013

The Ninth Annual Living in Pink luncheon and boutique was held Nov. 2 at the Fairmont Hotel on M Street. Emceed by ABC7-WJLA news anchor Greta Kreuz, the breast cancer research charity event began with a moving song by Lanell Lightfoot and blessing by Msgr. Peter Vaghi. The Living in Pink Award went to Marie Pennanen, M.D., who spoke on the history of medicine, invoking the words of St. Augustine, “hope, anger and courage.” Ward 2 Councilman Jack with his daughters Katherine and Christine presented the Noel Soderberg Evans Award to Paul Ruff, M.D., for his WrinkleErase fundraisers. Keynote speaker was Pamela Peeke, M.D. Founded in 2004 by two-time breast cancer survivor and mother of four, Michele Conley, Living in Pink was created to help find a cure for breast cancer so that the next generation of women will not have to endure the emotional and physical pain of breast cancer surgery and treatment. [gallery ids="101057,136967,136962" nav="thumbs"]

Mary Bird •

Moulin Rouge was the theme of Knock Out Abuse’s Nov. 1 gala at the Ritz-Carlton. The sell-out event, founded by Cheryl Masri and Jill Sorensen as a counterpart to Fight Night, was chaired by Charrisse Jackson-Jordan and Michelle Schoenfeld. This year, it raised more than $600,000 to benefit victims of domestic violence. WUSA9’s Andrea Roane emceed the evening as more than 750 prominent women heard author, model and women’s health advocate Carré Otis speak of her personal experience with abuse. Once the gentlemen of Fight Night joined the ladies, the dance floor jumped to hip-hop star Doug E. Fresh. [gallery ids="101058,137002,136996,136990,136982,137016,136976,137021,137026,136969,137031,137008" nav="thumbs"]

Jade Floyd •

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"]

Nico Dodd •

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"]

Adra Williams •

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"]

Robert Devaney •

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"]

Robert Devaney •

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"]

Mary Bird •

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"]

Mary Bird •

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"]

Mary Bird •

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"]