‘East-West: The Art of Dialogue’
• August 15, 2013

Following its London launch, Egyptian investor, art collector and philanthropist Shafik Gabr was in Washington as his eponymous foundation hosted “East-West: The Art of Dialogue,” a two- part symposium at the Mellon Auditorium on Nov. 27. The foundation draws its inspiration from the 19th-century Orientalist painters as a means to transcend stereotypes and engender empathy. At an evening reception, showcasing the superb art, Dan Shapiro, who moderated the morning program, emphasized the danger of exclusion, the need to build connections and the power of communication. The distinguished attendees included Princess Michael of Kent, Sen. Joseph Lieberman, I-Conn., and former Chief of Protocol Selwa Roosevelt. [gallery ids="102492,120238,120233" nav="thumbs"]

Innocents At Risk
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Innocents At Risk [gallery ids="100843,126508" nav="thumbs"]

American Girl Fashion Show
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Prevention of Blindness Society of Metropolitan Washington presented the Fifth Annual American Girl Fashion Show at the Bolger Center in Potomac, Md. The event featured local models in a runway fashion show of historical clothing as well as a seated tea party reception with party favors, door prizes and special souvenirs. Guests had a photo and autograph opportunity with American Girl book authors Valerie Tripp and Sharon Cindrich. Proceeds benefited POB’s sight-saving children’s programs. [gallery ids="101083,137355,137350,137346" nav="thumbs"]

A Doggie Halloween
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On Oct. 31, the Fairmont Washington, D.C., celebrated our faithful companions at the first annual Howl-o-Ween Trick or Treating in the hotel’s heated courtyard. Spirits were high as the good natured furry guests modeled costumes in exchange for peanut butter doggie biscuits created by the Fairmont’s famed pastry team. Regional VP and general manager Mark Andrew’s delight in announcing the winners for best costume augured that this will become an annual event. Bipeds happily toasted the prize winners with a cup of “Witches’ Brew.” [gallery ids="101055,136943,136913,136938,136920,136933,136927" nav="thumbs"]

Reception for Choral Arts
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Nick and Deborah Smith hosted their 4th Annual Choral Arts cocktail reception Nov. 8 in honor of the 32nd Annual Choral Arts Holiday Concert & Gala to be held Dec. 17 at the Kennedy Center. It was a relaxed evening among fervent supporters. Gala auction items will include two tickets to view the 57th Presidential Inauguration from the Canadian Embassy, an insider Scotch tasting and the promise of Denise Graves calling to wish you happy birthday. Incoming artistic director Scott Tucker acknowledged the beloved Norman Scribner as “learning to catch fire by your fire.” His remarks were followed by an on key holiday sing-along. [gallery ids="101056,136971,136934,136966,136941,136960,136948,136955" nav="thumbs"]

Living in Pink: Stories of Life and Courage Against Breast Cancer
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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"]

Knock Out Abuse Against Women 19th Annual Gala
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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"]

Fair Chance for Youth
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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"]