Social Scene

White House Correspondents’ Dinner

The Georgetowner

MAY 2008

Photo: Padma Lakshmi, (Top Chef, Model and author), Pamela Anderson, Ashlee Simpson and fiancé, Pete Wentz

Celebrities at the 2008

White House Correspondents’ Dinner Photos by Neshan H. Naltchayan

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Paws on Parade

The Georgetowner

MAY 2008

Photo: Krista Bullion,  Allison Parent, & Jessica Gibson Photos by Zaid Hamid Photography

This year’s Fashion for Paws at the Italian Embassy hosted by Ambassador and Mrs. Giovanni Castellaneta, was a sell out far in advance.  Only in its second year, the fabulously successful event which benefits the Washington Humane Society, received a special boost from event chairman Michael Saylor who offered to match the donations made in support of the fundraising models. Michael quipped that this was the only event his guy friends wanted to attend so they could look down the runway. Teatro Goldoni donated all food and services.  Fashion Show Producer Aba Kwawu showcased the latest designs from Saks Fifth Avenue Chevy Chase capped by a thunderous finale to “We Are Family.”  In their note also signed by First Lady Laura Bush, Barney and Miss Beasley wrote “we’re sure everyone will PAWsitively have a great time.”  Indeed they did! – Mary Bird

Forum Theatre Presents “The Last Days of Judas Iscariot”

The Georgetowner

MAY 2008

Photo: “Satan” played by Jim Jorgensen, & Richard Fletcher

The invitation read “An evening in Purgatory with drinks.”  On Apr. 20, Forum Theatre gave a special performance of its current work at the H Street Playhouse followed by a reception with Director John Vreeke, Forum Artistic Director Michael Dove and the cast and crew.  Vreeke hailed the work of playwright Stephen Adly Guirgis who “writes plays like musicians write scores.”  The Bible’s greatest villain is on trial in a town called Hope, deep in the heart of Purgatory.  He is catatonic with guilt and can’t defend himself, so the judge, jury, lawyers, and witnesses--from Mother Teresa to Sigmund Freud to Satan--try his case without him.  Along the way, they debate free will, divine intervention, punishment, and redemption.  One audience member hailed the lengthy work, which has garnered glowing reviews, as the “shortest three hours of theatre.”  Judas performs through May 4 at H Street Playhouse, 1354 H Street, NE. – Mary Bird

Caring

The Georgetowner

MAY 2008

Photo: Caring Award winner Dick Grace, Val J. Halamandaris, Zhou Lin Swartz, former Sen. Robert Dole

Only capital letters could convey the love that spread across a ballroom at the Marriott Wardman-Park for the 21st annual Caring Awards Ceremony and Benefit Dinner. The inspiration for honoring the most caring young people and adults came from no less that Mother Teresa, who deemed poverty of spirit in the developed world worse than the poverty wracking the third world.  Val J. Halamandaris founded the Caring Institute in the belief that most problems can be solved if human beings care for one another. As chairman of the board of trustees, former presidential candidate Robert J. Dole greeted the event goers. Young honoree Jami Harper said “thank you for rewarding me for what I do best, community service.” Dallas Jessup remarked “the most difficult place to be is often the right place to be.” Sister Adele O’Sullivan, M.D. noted “how hungry this crazy world is for love.”  It was a truly inspirational evening. – Mary Bird

Strathmore Swung!

The Georgetowner

MAY 2008

Photo: Carol Trawick, Governor Martin O’Malley, Barbara & Aaron Levine, and Ike Leggett

Strathmore Swings!, Strathmore’s annual Spring Gala on Saturday, April 12, 2008, celebrated the great swing music of the 1930s at the Music Center at Strathmore.  Co-chaired by Barry and Olga Scher, Strathmore Swings! featured The Count Basie Orchestra with acclaimed jazz singer Patti Austin in the Concert Hall, and an after party with The Tommy Dorsey Orchestra under the direction of Big Band leader Buddy Morrow on the Trawick Terrace. Funds raised at the gala enable Strathmore to fund artist residencies, master classes, and special arts training for the community, to bring 20,000 students from Montgomery County Public Schools to Strathmore for performances by the National Philharmonic and Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, and to present renown artists and musicians year-round in both the Mansion and Music Center.

WPAS 2008 Gala

The Georgetowner

MAY 2008

Photo: Gilan Corn, Tom McMillen, Farah Pahlavi, Dr. Susan Blumenthal, Annie Totah, Mary Kopper, Mary Mochary - Photo courtesy of WPAS

The enthusiasm is inescapable. Annie Totah and Carolyn Ross Wilson are co-chairs of this year’s gala and auction which will be held on May 10 at the Marriott Wardman-Park. The Diplomatic Patrons are His Excellency the Ambassador of Mexico, Arturo Sarukhan and Mrs. Veronica Valencia-Sarukhan. Mariachis will serenade during the silent auction. Over 800 guests are expected at the gala.  The proceeds raised will help WPAS to continue its tradition of bringing us the world’s best performing artists as well as to enhance the organization’s educational arts initiatives that focus on school children and families throughout the greater Washington community through Concerts in Schools, the Embassy Adoption Program and Enriching Experiences for Seniors among other endeavors. Carolyn Ross Wilson was lavish in per praise for the Women’s Committee and wished to express a personal thank you to everyone involved in preparing the gala. Annie Totah has spent the better part of a year working on the evening which will feature modern dancers from California. She considers this a year for supporters to celebrate the hard work at a night to remember. Bringing in exotic themes with a purple, aqua green and gold palette, she wants the gala-goers to say “Wow” as they enter. She lauds the educational programs and feels that students trained in the arts become disciplined adults.  It is a great compliment that her personal friend Empress Farah Pahlavi is coming from Paris for the event. . – Mary Bird