Social Scene

Innocents at Risk

The Georgetowner

July 2008

Photo: Rep. Christopher Smith (R-NJ), Founder, Debbie Sigmund and U.S. Sec. of Commerce, Carlos Gutierrez

Ambassador of Colombia Carolina Barco recently hosted the second annual Evening to Benefit Innocents at Risk at her stunning Dupont Circle residence.  Founder of the nonprofit Deborah Sigmund, who chaired the event with Isabel de la Cruz Ernst, acknowledged that until 2002 she had never heard the phrase “human trafficking.”  She has since worked tirelessly to create public awareness both globally and locally of what is shamefully a burgeoning criminal industry.  The organization counts among its partners the U.S. Department of State and the D.C. Task Force on Human Trafficking.  The evening honored Congressman Christopher Smith, an original sponsor of the U.S. Trafficking Victims Protection Act.  Ambassador Mark Lagon was the special guest speaker.  The program was followed by dinner and dancing. - Mary Bird - Photos by Neshan H. Naltchayan

RAMMYS

The Georgetowner

July 2008

Photo: Chef of the year winner, Eric Ziebold of Cityzen restaurant poses with the Duke Zeibert Capital Achievement award winner, Phyllis Richman , former food critic of The Washington Post.

”Setting the Global Table” was the theme of the 26th annual RAMMY Restaurant Awards Gala, where more than 1600 guests applauded Washington’s chefs and restaurateurs for making the nation’s capital into a worldwide gastronomic destination.  The 2008 award winners were announced at the gala presented by the Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington on June 29 at the Marriott Wardman Park.  Masters of Ceremony Sue Palka of FOX 5 and James Adams of NBC 4 shared the stage with such distinguished award presenters as the Ambassadors of Chile and Iceland. Partial proceeds from the gala benefit the RAMW Education Foundation’s scholarship program which helps area high school students develop viable careers in the restaurant industry by providing scholarships for post-secondary education in hospitality-related fields.  - Mary Bird - Photos by Neshan H. Naltchayan

Feasting for a Cause

The Georgetowner

July 2008

Photo: Chef Enzo Fargione and Septime Webre with happy diners

Washington benefits frequently feature an auction item for fine dining. How privileged to be able to share in one of those special occasions to salute The Women’s Committee of the Washington Ballet.  Artistic Director Septime Webre agreed to be “auctioned off” for the cause with the delicious result that friends recently joined Sally Francis and her husband Mark Seibel at the Chief’s Table at Teatro Goldoni. Fortunately, ballet was not on the evening’s agenda, as Chef Enzo Fargione introduced ten courses of enchantment that precluded levitation. Enzo’s impressive credentials include collaboration with Roberto Donna before revamping the previous Venetian repertoire of Teatro’s Fabrizio Aielli. One could only become inspired as each course rivaled the previous perfection—pasta en pointe! - Mary Bird

Doggies on Parade

The Georgetowner

July 2008

Photo: A respite from the Doggie Parade

Summer heat arrived early on June 28 but that hardly daunted the mommies, soon-to-be mommies, proud daddies, kiddies and elegantly attired doggies who assembled at 10 a.m. to strut their stuff as Friends of Book Hill Park hosted their Fifth Annual Doggie Parade behind the Georgetown Library.  Fortified with doggie biscuits and slurps from amply filled water bowls, Georgetown’s finest furred ones pranced behind Uncle Sam down Wisconsin Avenue to The Dog Spot before heading back uphill for the award ceremony honoring best costume, best trick and the coveted Best in Show Award given in memory of Jack Evan’s Kayla.  There was nary an altercation and community goodwill abounded. - Mary Bird