Getting Glitzy at the Georgetown Gala
• August 15, 2013

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.

The Capital City Ball
• August 9, 2013

The 2012 Capital City Ball took place on Nov. 17 at the historic Washington Club in Dupont Circle. Proceeds from the evening benefited the important and innovative work of Courtney’s House, Global Centurion and Urban Light in the fight against human trafficking and modern-day slavery. The elegant and fun black-tie gala included a cocktail buffet, open bar and silent auction. Guests took to the dance floor past midnight to the sounds of Bittersweet, an 11-piece, high energy dance band. [gallery ids="101072,137179,137156,137174,137169,137164" nav="thumbs"]

Capital City BallAugust 7, 2013
• August 8, 2013

Capital City Ball held a cocktail happy hour on the roof of the Graham Hotel in Georgetown on July 16. Proceeds from the evening benefited Courtney?s House, which provides a safe haven in a loving home environment for domestic sex trafficked girls between the ages of 12 and 18 years of age. Courtney?s House launched in 2008 and was founded by Tina Frundt, a domestic child trafficking survivor who has received several awards for dedicating her life in freedom to help others.

Drive, Eat With Kia at Fiola
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Kia Motors teamed up with Open Table at Fiola restaurant on July 29 for the first-ever debut of its new luxury car, the Kia Cadenza. Select guests were able take the car for a test drive and enjoy a four-course meal, prepared by chef Fabio Trabocchi, the recent recipient of the coveted RAMMY Chef of the Year award. The Kia Cadenza team will head to Boston next for the second in a series of eight showcase events. [gallery ids="101417,154930,154934,154941,154938" nav="thumbs"]