Social Scene

Cocktails & Cupcakes

The Georgetowner

September 2008

Photo: Tareq and Michaele Salahi

When Debbie Sigmund, the dedicated founder of Innocents at Risk (IAR), learned that Kate Marie Grinold as the newly crowned Miss DC 2008 had chosen to focus her attention on raising awareness of human trafficking, she wasted no time in inviting her to speak at the IAR June 10 gala.  On Sept. 3, Kate and her host committee that included Andrea Rodgers, Wright Sigmund, Winston Lord and April Black, invited friends to the City Tavern Club for a fund raising event featuring cocktails, dancing, a silent auction and 250 cupcakes from Georgetown Cupcake.  Under Debbie’s leadership, IAR has established a public-private partnership with the US Department of State to support the battle as well as working with other NGO’s to provide housing and care for victims around the world. - Mary Bird

Canine Camaraderie

The Georgetowner

September 2008

Photo: WHS beloved official “Mascat” Mr. Pibbs with WHS Adoption Coordinator Hanna Lentz

The Washington Humane Society (WHS) held a reception on Sept. 9 at its Behavior & Learning Center to honor graduates completing the first tier of “Dog Tags,” an animal training certification program for injured soldiers recovering at nearby Walter Reed Army Medical Center.  WHS President & CEO Lisa LaFontaine spoke with pride of the newly instituted program where soldiers teach homeless animals behaviors that will help them succeed in their new homes as their human partners gain skills for future careers in animal training and behavior.  Jan Cousteau, Anissa Grossman and many other board members attended the program which has enjoyed the support of The Joint chiefs of Staff represented by Deborah Mullen, wife of JCS Chairman Admiral Mullen, and JCS Chief of Protocol Commander Karin Vernazza. . - Mary Bird

Herb White “A Taste for Art”

The Georgetowner

September 2008

Photo Renee Butler, Steven Kijek

The Washington Arts Museum (WAM) honored one of the last wishes of Herb White, the renowned restaurateur, real estate developer and devoted arts patron, who passed way in 2004, as his personal collection went on public display at Pepco’s Edison Place Gallery on Sept. 4.  He entrusted that mission to Renee Butler of WAM, providing financial support.  Guest curator Sarah Tanguy, aware that “his aesthetic appetite was always on the lookout,” worked with Herb’s family to assemble works from his homes in Washington and Montevideo, Uruguay.  Sounding a gong that assured attention, Steven Kijek spoke of WAM’s mission to foster a public awareness of this area’s artistic excellence and instill pride of place for Washington artists and patrons.  Herb would have championed his statement that “we are the generation that must preserve the past and present for the future.”  The exhibit runs though Oct. 17 and should not be missed. - Mary Bird

UnCork the Cure!

The Georgetowner

September 2008

Photo “Julia Roberts,” Julia Friedman

Continuing the fight against breast cancer, on Sept. 5 Fox 5 Anchor Holly Fox hosted an evening of wine tasting to raise funds for Team Jean in honor of her Aunt Jean who was recently diagnosed with the disease.  Karen McMullen spread the word to the members of her Washington Women & Wine group and many eagerly joined the festivities at Madame Tussaud’s.  Where else could guests, encouraged to wear pink, mingle with (albeit wax) Founding Fathers, astronauts, athletes and celebrities galore?  The event supported the October Breast Cancer 3-Day Walk, a 60-mile journey for the cause with all proceeds donated to Susan G. Komen for the Cure and the National Philanthropic Trust Breast Cancer Fund. - Mary Bird

Sam Relief

The Georgetowner

September 2008

Photo Sokharey Lek, Bonnary Lek

On Sept. 10, Sambonn Lek, Head Bartender at the Mayflower’s Town and Country Lounge, hosted his “Sam Relief Annual Fundraising Gala” at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel.  CBS International News Correspondent Kimberly Dozier spoke of the near fatal injuries she suffered while reporting from Iraq, citing Sam’s continuing work on behalf of Cambodian children even as attention has moved on to other conflicts.  Mike Walter of WUSA 9 CBS was emcee.  Liz Updike and her daughter Olivia, adopted at 9 ½ months from a Phnom Penh orphanage, attended.  Liz has since funded four schools in Cambodia honoring Sam’s commitment to provide schooling and educational resources to that nation’s impoverished children.. - Mary Bird

Lombardi Doo Wop Concert for Cancer

The Georgetowner

September 2008

Photo Event Co-Chair Paul Schweitzer, Lombardi Director Dr. Louis M. Weiner, Co-Chair Stephen Goldstein

“Dress down” has immediate appeal, particularly for those who daily battle the perils of cancer at Georgetown University’s Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center.  Foregoing the elegance of past galas, this year’s fundraiser hosted by Marvin McIntyre and Family at the Warner Theatre on Sept. 6 honored Ed Geisinger, a Doo Wop fan who succumbed to pancreatic cancer.  In his honor, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center Director Louis Weiner sported blue suede shoes.  A Doo Wop fan, Ed would have appreciated the dancing in the aisles.  Artist Teresa Trap acknowledged that she is a two time cancer survivor.  The co-chairs presented George Michaels with a lifetime achievement award for being “one of Doo Wop’s first jocks.” - Mary Bird