Washington Life Magazine - September 2015

Page 1

ANNUAL BALLS & GALAS ISSUE: A DEFINITIVE GUIDE TO THE YEAR’S GRANDEST EVENTS

<<

Members of the Young Nelson Society of Washington representing the Washington International Horse Show

+)%6 94 *36 8,) 73'-%0 7)%732

&

PA RT I PA ES! RT PA IE RT S! IE S!

REAL ESTATE NEWS: DC’S SECOND MOST EXPENSIVE HOME SELLS FOR $15M-PLUS PHILANTHROPIST ANNIE TOTAH’S POTOMAC MANSION WORLD CUP WINNERS ALI KRIEGER AND ASHLYN HARRIS DINE & DISH

NORA POUILLON’S MEMOIRS | JOURNALIST EVAN THOMAS ON PRESIDENT NIXON GALA WORTHY GOWNS | THE SMARTPHONE APP THAT HELPS YOU VOTE WITH YOUR WALLET

;6 % - 8 , 63007 63=')

-2 74 -6)( & = *% 7,-3 2

6

SPPW 6S]GI 1SXSVGEVW 7XIVPMRK MW SRI SJ XLI PEVKIWX 6SPPW 6S]GI HIEPIVW KPSFEPP] 0SGEXIH NYWX QMRYXIW [IWX SJ (YPPIW %MVTSVX MR 7XIVPMRK :% 3YV YR[EZIVMRK GSQQMXQIRX MW XS I\GIPPIRGI WIVZMGI ERH GSQQYRMX] FSXL MRXIVREPP] ERH I\XIVREPP] :MWMX YW EX SYV RI[ WXEXI SJ XLI EVX FSYXMUYI JSV XLI FIWTSOI 6SPPW 6S]GI I\TIVM IRGI 7EYRXIV RI\X HSSV XS SYV YPXVE PY\YV] ERH I\SXMG TIV S[RIH FSYXMUYI JIE XYVMRK I\EQTPIW SJ XLI ½ RIWX QSXSVGEVW XLI [SVPH LEW XS SJJIV 6SPPW 6S]GI 1SXSV 'EVW 7XIVPMRK WMQTP] I\UYMWMXI

[[[ 661'78)60-2+ GSQ

4EGM½ G &PZH 7XIVPMRK :%

%8 8 6 %' 8 - : ) 0 ) % 7 ) 3 * * ) 6 7 %:% - 0 % & 0 ) 63007 63=') ;6%-8,

1764

ˆ 7QSO] 5X^ 7MPZIV 7ERH )\XIVMSV

ˆ 'EREHIP 4ERIPPMRK ˆ 'SPSVIH 7XIIVMRK ;LIIP

ˆ 8LI ;VEMXL 4EGOEKI 97

STOCK # R15011

ˆ 'LVSQIH :MWMFPI )\LEYWX

ˆ 1SGGEWMR (EVO 7TMGI -RXIVMSV

ˆ 66 1SRSKVEQW XS ,IEHVIWXW

ˆ 9T 0MX 7TMVMX SJ )GWXEW]

ˆ ,MKL &IEQ %WWMWXERGI

ˆ ,IEXIH :IRXMPEXIH *VSRX 7IEXW

ˆ 2MKLX :MWMSR

ˆ ;VEMXL '' &IWTSOI 'PSGO

1328,

63007 63=') ;6%-8,

STOCK # R15012

14=

1764

ˆ %VGXMG ;LMXI 7MPZIV 8[S 8SRI )\XIVMSV ˆ %VGXMG ;LMXI 2EZ] &PYI -RXIVMSV ˆ 4SPMWLIH 7XEMRPIWW 7XIIP 4EGOEKI ˆ &SH] 'SPSVIH ;LIIP 'IRXIVW ˆ 66 1SRSKVEQW XS ,IEHVIWXW

1328,

63007 63=') +,378

ˆ ,MKL &IEQ %WWMWXERGI ˆ *M\IH +PEWW 6SSJ ˆ 'EREHIP 4ERIPPMRK ˆ 'SPSVIH 7XIIVMRK ;LIIP ˆ ´´ *MZI 7TSOI 4SPMWLIH ;LIIPW ˆ ,IEXIH :IRXMPEXIH *VSRX 7IEXW ˆ (VMZIVW %WWMWXERGI

14=

1764

ˆ 7MPZIV .YFMPII )\XIVMSV ˆ 7IEWLIPP -RXIVMSV ˆ 'EQIVE 7]WXIQ ˆ 2MKLX :MWMSR 7]WXIQ ˆ -RHMZMHYEP 6IEV 7IEXW ˆ 6IEV 8LIEXIV )RXIVXEMRQIRX

STOCK # DAWN

1328,

63007 63=') ;6%-8,

STOCK # R15006

1328,

14=

ˆ 6S]EP &PYI )\XIVMSV ˆ 'VIQI 0MKLX -RXIVMSV ˆ 'EQIVE 7]WXIQ ˆ 'SQJSVX )RXV] 7]WXIQ ˆ 0EQFW[SSP *PSSVQEXW ˆ ,MKL &IEQ %WWMWXERGI ˆ *M\IH +PEWW 6SSJ

1328,

63007 63=') +,378

STOCK # R13011A

1764

%RXMGMTEXMSR MW FYMPHMRK EW XLI PEYRGL SJ E FVIEXLXEOMRK RI[ 6SPPW 6S]GI QSXSV GEV HVE[W IZIV GPSWIV % WIRWYSYW HVSTLIEH XLEX TVSQMWIW E WXVMOMRK WIHYGXMZI IRGSYRXIV PMOI RS SXLIV VIEH] XS IRXMGI ERH I\GMXI HVMZIV ERH TEWWIRKIVW EPMOI 6SPPW 6S]GI (E[R [MPP FI XLI QSWX WSGMEP SJ WYTIV PY\YV] GEVW XLI QYWI JSV IRHPIWW IRGSYRXIVW ERH XLI IQFSHMQIRX SJ IEGL HE]´W RI[ TSWWMFMPMXMIW

ˆ 4ERSVEQMG 6SSJ ˆ *VSRX 6IEV 1EWWEKI 7IEXW ˆ ,IEHW 9T (MWTPE] ˆ 0ERI (ITEVXYVI ;EVRMRK ˆ ,IEXIH *VSRX 6IEV 7IEXW ˆ %GXMZI 'VYMWI 'SRXVSP

STOCK # RP6293

63007 63=') (%;2

ˆ )RKPMWL ;LMXI )\XIVMSV ˆ 1SGGEWMR -RXIVMSV ˆ 'EQIVE 7]WXIQ ˆ %HETXMZI ,IEHPMKLXW ˆ 66 1SRSKVEQW XS ,IEHVIWXW ˆ ,MKL &IEQ %WWMWXERGI

1328,

-QEKIW JSV ZMWYEP VIJIVIRGI SRP] 7YFNIGX XS 8MIV GVIHMX ETTVSZEP 4E]QIRXW FEWIH SR QSRXL XIVQ TIVGIRX HS[R 8E\ XMXPI XEKW VIKMWXVEXMSR MRWYVERGI TVSGIWWMRK JII RSX MRGPYHIH 7YFNIGX XS GERGIPPEXMSR [MXLSYX RSXM½ GEXMSR JVSQ 66*7

14=

1764 ˆ (SSV 4MTMRK ˆ 4VIWIRXEXMSR /I] &S\ ˆ ´´ *MZI 7TSOI 4SPMWLIH ;LIIPW ˆ 'YWXSQ 9QFVIPPEW ˆ 8LI ;VEMXL 4EGOEKI 97

14=

1764 ˆ 4ERSVEQMG 6SSJ ˆ ;EPRYX &YVV :IRIIV ˆ 7IEX 4MTMRK MR 'VIQI 0MKLX ˆ ´´ 4SPMWLIH ;LIIPW ˆ ,IEXIH *VSRX 6IEV 7IEXW ˆ :IRXMPEXIH *VSRX 7IEXW

14=

38 52

74 90 '328)287 SEPTEMBER 2015 EDITOR'S LETTER

VE Day Anniversary celebration ..............................

- BALLS & GALAS DIRECTORY

Share Our Strength's No Kid Hungry dinner ..............

Your guide to the 2015-2016 social season......

FYIDC INSIDER'S GUIDE ..................................... THE DISH Macon Bistro & Larder......................... WHO'S NEXT Rock the Vote's Ashley Spillane ........

INNOVATORS AND DISRUPTORS Matthew

82

MORE Impact Awards .........................................

FEATURES

Emily Bingham's Book Party .................................. An Evening with Goldie Hawn ...............................

American News Women's Club Norah O'Donnell Roast

David Brooks Book Party ....................................... Gore Vidal screening ..............................................

Colbert's Buy Partisan smartphone app ..................

LIFESTYLES

LIFE OF THE PARTY

FASHION EDITORIAL Dress Rehearsal ............ TREND REPORT Two-Tone Glamour .............. GLITTERATI Jewelry designer Monica Rich Kosann...

Polish Ballet Opening............................................

PERFECT PITCH On Stage ...........................

Carolina Herrera Opening ......................................

TTR Sotheby's Watch and Jewelry reception.............

Newsbash Against Breast Cancer ..............................

L&B's Rolex Basel Collection Preview .......................

Compass DC opening ...........................................

DINE AND DISH Washington Spirit's Ali Krieger,

GEICO Junior Tennis Champions Center Gala .........

WNO's Opera Ball ............................................ Phillips Collection Gala ....................................... Step Afrika Gala ................................................ Hillwood Gala ...................................................

Nationals Dream Gala ........................................

POLLYWOOD

Crystal Dunn and Ashlyn Harris...........................

HOLLYWOOD ON THE POTOMAC

Boys and Girls Club Luncheon ................................

Walt Disney's EarlyYears .......................................

Parties! Parties! Parties!........................................

Ford's Theatre Gala .............................................

WASHINGTON SOCIAL DIARY

Sharon Percy Silver Salute Awards ............................

EVENT SPOTLIGHT

EMBASSY ROW Diplomatic Frontman ................

CharityWorks 100 Point Vintage Wine Tasting.......

Ridenhour Prizes ................................................

OVER THE MOON Saratoga Sojourn..................

CHARITY SPOTLIGHT

Esther Coopersmith BBQ.......................................

Fostering Success...................................................

BOOK TALK

Princess Michael of Kent book party ..........................

Organic Odyssey.............................................

Birds of a Feather Gala ..........................................

HOME LIFE INSIDE HOMES Annie Totah ........................ REAL ESTATE NEWS Home Run! .................... OPEN HOUSE While They're Hot....................... MY WASHINGTON Evan Thomas ......................................................

ON THE COVER clockwise from top left: Olivia Stringer, Justin Batoff, Mallory Lobisser, Whitney Burns and Mo Baptiste of the the young nelson society of washington representing the Washington International Horse Show (photo by Tony Powell); TOP FROM LEFT "Dress Rehearsal" fashion editorial (Photo by Tony Powell, see inside for full credits); Anthony Shriver, Leonard Brown, Russ Ramsey and Ted Leonsis at CharityWorks' 100 Point Vintage Wine Dinner (Photo by Tony Powell); Washington Ballet dancers Ashley Murphy, Kimberly Cilento and Olivia Lipnick for the Balls and Galas photoshoot (Photo by Tony Powell); ABOVE DIOR blue leather bucklestrap sandals ($595), dior.com; VALENTINO My Rockstud Striped Flap Bag, ($3,545); neimanmarcus.com

8

WA S H I N G T O N L I F E

| S E P T E M B E R | washingtonlife.com

T H E I N S I D E R’S G U I D E TO P OW E R , P H I L A N T H R O PY, A N D SO C I E T Y S I N C E 1 9 9 1

EDITOR IN CHIEF

Nancy Reynolds Bagley EXECUTIVE EDITOR

Virginia Coyne SENIOR EDITOR

Kevin Chaffee MANAGING EDITOR

Laura Wainman ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Erica Moody COLUMNISTS AND CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Janet Donovan, Roland Flamini, Patrick McCoy,Vicky Moon, Stacey Grazier Pfarr and Donna Shor ART DIRECTOR

Matt Rippetoe PRINCIPAL PHOTOGRAPHER

Tony Powell CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Ben Droz, Alfredo Flores,Vithaya Phongsavan, Kyle Samperton and Jay Snap

PUBLISHER & CEO

Soroush Richard Shehabi ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER

John H. Arundel ADVERTISING DIRECTOR

Todd Kapner ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES

Denise Rossi BOOKKEEPER

Trina Hodges WEB TECHNOLOGIES DEVELOPMENT

Eddie Saleh,Triposs Mihail Iliev LEGAL

Mason Hammond Drake, Greenberg Traurig LLP INTERNS

Sara Cooper, Hallie Goldstein, Diba Mohtasham, Anika Reed and Selene San Felice FOUNDER

Vicki Bagley CREATIVE DIRECTOR EMERITUS (*)

J.C. Suarès CHAIRMAN, EXECUTIVE BOARD

Gerry Byrne Washington Life magazine publishes ten times a year. Issues are distributed in February, March, April, May, June, July/August, September, November, and December and are hand-delivered on a rotating basis to over 150,000 homes throughout D.C., Northern Virginia, and Maryland. Additional copies are available at various upscale retailers, hotels, select newstands, and Whole Foods stores in the area. For a complete listing, please consult our website at www.washingtonlife.com. You can also subscribe online at www.washingtonlife.com or send a check for $79.95 (one year) to: Washington Life Magazine, 2301 Tracy Place NW, Washington D.C., 20008. BPA audited. Email us at info@washingtonlife.com with press releases, tips, and editorial comments. Copyright ©2011 by Washington Life. All rights reserved. Reproduction or use of editorial content or photos in any manner without permission is strictly prohibited. Printed in the United States. We will not be responsible for unsolicited manuscripts or photographs. *deceased

EDITOR’S LETTER

GRAND AFFAIRS T

he social season is upon us! Each September, to help you celebrate (and give back, because after all, these events are charitable fundraisers) we compile a comprehensive list of the upcoming year’s balls, galas and significant soirées. Our special section showcases stunning portraits of gala organizers and participants by our immensely talented and creative principal photographer Tony Powell. Powell’s vision to inject movement into this year’s photo shoots is evident throughout the feature, from the image of the Washington Ballet dancers captured pirouetting mid-air to that of ABC News producer and Meridian Young Professional chair Ali Weinberg playing the piano as fiancee Josh Rogin looks on. We would be remiss in failing to acknowledge Meridian International Center and the Capella Hotel in Georgetown for serving as beautiful backdrops for our photo sessions, as well as Rent the Runway for providing many of the dazzling gowns. Our feature also highlights the missions of a number of organizations with submitted pieces by such luminaries as former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice on behalf of Boys and Girls Clubs of America and former Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood for the Susan B. Komen Foundation. We know you’ll want to keep this issue as a reference throughout the coming year as we are certain it contains information on the cause that is right for you. Need a proper gown for the ball? Our Arena Stage photo shoot showcases dramatic looks that will surely impress fellow partygoers. When you’re ready to hang up the formal wear, check out our Fall trend report featuring color blocking in black and white. Philanthropist and frequent ball chairwoman Annie Totah is opening her residence to strangers for the first time as a participant in the 59th annual Potomac Country House Tour this October. We got an exclusive sneak peek inside her home, where she has played host to numerous political figures, diplomats and donors to important causes. This month’s book column highlights famed local chef Nora Pouillon and her memoir “My Organic Life: How a Pioneering Chef Helped Shape the Way We Eat Today.” What does one do after snagging a World Cup victory for their country? We found out over a lunch of empanadas and charred veggies with defender Ali Krieger and goalkeeper Ashlyn Harris at Shaw’s

12

newest restaurant, The Royal. Joined by DC Spirit teammate Crystal Dunn, the soccer players chatted about life on the road, living out of a suitcase, playing on the international stage and how they balance time in Washington with national team duties. Just as the presidential campaign is heating up we spoke to Rock the Vote president Ashley Spillane for our Who’s Next column and Matt Colbert, creator of the BuyPartisan app, which allows you to vote with your pocketbook, for our Innovators and Disruptors feature. You will also see coverage of the many events we attended before our readers left on vacation. Among them: the Washington National Opera Ball; the Phillips Collection, Ford’s Theatre,Vital Voices and Step Afrika galas; the Nationals’ Dream Ball and CharityWorks’ 100 Point Vintage Wine Photographer Tony Powell directs our cover stars at the George Washington Statue. Dinner. Check back next month as the fall social season heats up for coverage of numerous WL-Sponsored affairs such as Ambassador’s Ball, After Dark @THEARC, the Joan Hisaoka “Make a Difference” Gala and NOFAS’ International Gala. And, of course, October will bring our annual Ambassadors Directory featuring exclusive features on the diplomatic corps.

Nancy R. Bagley Editor in Chief Readers wishing to contact Nancy Bagley can email her at nbagley@washingtonlife.com

WA S H I N G T O N L I F E

| S E P T E M B E R | washingtonlife.com

FYIDC The Insider’s Guide to Washington BY ANIKA REED

Civil War Battlefield Photography

Explore the past at the National Portrait Gallery’s new exhibit, “Dark Fields of the Republic: Alexander Gardner Photographs 1859-1872.”The show features Gardner’s Civil War battlefield photography as well as sweeping western landscape photos. His most famous work, a “cracked plate” photo of President Abraham Lincoln, will also be on display. Sept. 15-March 13; National Portrait Gallery; www.npg. si.edu/exhibit/exhgardner.html.

Landmark Music Festival

ROCKING THE DISTRICT When it comes to fall music festivals, Washington, D.C. doesn’t usually make the calendar, but this year the District is putting itself on the map, festival wise. With rapper Drake and alt-rock band The Strokes as headliners, West Potomac Park will be at full volume during the two-day event featuring five stages and more than 40 artists. Celebrity chef José Andrés will be curating the food court in partnership with C3 Presents (producers of famed music productions Lollapalooza and Austin City Limits) with proceeds benefiting the Trust for the National Mall’s Landmark Campaign. Sept. 26-27; $105-$150. For the festival lineup visit www.landmarkfestival.org.

Library of Congress National Book Festival

Museum Day Live!

FREE FOR ALL

In the spirit of the Smithsonian Institution’s museums, which have free entry every day, the 11th Annual Museum Day Live! features free entry to participating museums nationwide. Hosted by Smithsonian magazine, the yearly event welcomes guests to experience all the cultural knowledge museums have to offer at no cost. Museums in all 50 states are participating, including many of the District’s non-Smithsonian institutions such as National Museum of Women in the Arts, Dumbarton House, the National Building Museum and Tudor Place. Sept. 26; free with a Museum Day Live! ticket at all participating museums. For more information, visit www.smithsonianmag. com/museumday.

GET YOUR READ ON Grab a book and head over to the Library of Congress’ National Book Festival. The 15th annual event brings together bestselling authors and bookworms alike, with special programming including a poetry slam and a “Great Books to Great Movies” panel. This year’s theme draws on the 200th anniversary of the Library’s acquisition of Thomas Jefferson’s personal collection with Jefferson’s quote, “I cannot live without books.” Sept. 5; 10 a.m.-10 p.m; Walter E. Washington Convention Center; www.loc. gov/bookfest

14

‘The Cerulean Time Capsule’ and ‘Flowers Stink’

PREMIERE PRODUCTIONS

Take out your green thumb for the interactive theater collaboration between the Kennedy Center and the United States Botanic Garden. The duo have created two kid-friendly, theatrically adventurous productions for the fall, “The Cerulean Time Capsule” and “Flowers Stink.” The performances are part of the Kennedy Center’s Theater for Young Audiences 2015-16 season.“The Cerulean Time Capsule” will show from Sept. 12-Oct. 25 and “Flowers Stink” will show from Sept. 26-Oct.24. Both performances are FREE, and are recommended for ages seven and up. For more information, please visit www.usbg.gov/theater.

WA S H I N G T O N L I F E

| S E P T E M B E R | washingtonlife.com

T H E S T R O K E S P H OTO B Y J A S O N M C D O N A L D ; B O O K F E S T I VA L C O U R T E S Y P H OTO ; C I V I L WA R P H OTO “A DJ U S T I N G T H E R O P E S” BY A L E X A N D E R G A R D N E R , A L B U M E N S I LV E R P R I N T, F R O M T H E DA N I E L R . W E I N B E R G L I N CO L N CO N S P I R ATO R S CO L L ECT I O N , I N D I A N A H I STO R I CA L SO C I E T Y; B OTA N I CA L GA R D E N CO U RT E SY P H OTO

A PHOTO TO REMEMBER

FYIDC | THE DISH

ELEVATED SOUTHERN Macon Bistro & Larder serves up comfort food with a French twist BY VIRGINIA COYNE

T

he very first entrée on Macon grounding and our foundations out of Bistro & Larder’s summer dinner the classic techniques of French culinary menu is country-fried goat. cooking, but the food is really inspired It may sound easy to prepare, but it’s largely out of Southern tradition.” anything but, according to executive chef Still, he says, he needed a change Dan Singhofen, who calls his culinary to keep his Chevy Chase clientele and creations “deceptively simple.” curious foodies from around the region “We try to keep frou-frou off the coming back. plate as much we can,” Singhofen says, “There was an appetite, an interest, noting there is “a lot of work that goes in seeing some new and different into making the ingredients taste the way things,” Brown explains. “So, through they do.” that process we decided that the best Take the goat, which comes to the way to do that was to tap someone like restaurant whole. Singhofen, a former chef Dan.” de cuisine at Blue Duck Tavern, breaks it That means that although some of down into large pieces and then braises the restaurant’s original mainstays – them before shredding the meat. He and Brown’s grandmother Essie’s popular his staff then “reduce some of the braising biscuits served with honey butter and Macon Bistro & Larder’s executive chef Dan Singhofen (left) liquid, fold the meat back in and create pepper jelly, decadent deviled eggs with and owner Tony Brown. (Photo by Tony Powell) this pavé, a nice brick of goat.” They chunky bacon bits and fried green cut the pavé into perfect squares, then tomatoes topped with pimento cheese bread, fry and serve it with more braising – have been tweaked and remain on the Macon’s Executive Chef Dan Singhofen and owner Tony Brown. liquid, duck fat dumplings and braised daily menu; others have been moved to Photo by Tony Powell vegetables. once-a-week specials, like the shrimp “It looks like a really simple dish, a take on a goat stew, but the and grits (Tuesdays) and fried chicken (Wednesdays), to allow Singhofen process to get to that point is long,” the Culinary Institute of America- to focus on new, more complex dishes, especially on busy weekend nights trained chef notes. when the restaurant is booked two weeks in advance. Singhofen, who gained a cult following serving offal-rich dishes at his The larder, an old-fashioned term for pantry, serves up Macon’s own restaurant, Eola in Dupont Circle, before closing it in 2013, relishes desserts as well as house-made sea salt caramels (a version of Brown’s own the work – and the challenge – of convincing customers to order non- recipe) and other items to go, including freezer packs of Essie’s biscuits traditional plates, which he calls “push dishes.” and bake-at-home chocolate chip cookie dough. The larder is growing In the push dish category, aside from the goat, is a savory custard and expanding its offerings thanks to the recent addition of pastry chef appetizer made of stinging nettles – spiky-leafed greens that can Jameela Hansen, a Singhofen protégée. temporarily numb you if touched, but are harmless and perfectly edible If it all sounds incredibly rich, it is. But for those counting calories, when blanched. He purées and makes a panna cotta-like custard from the Singhofen insists there are plenty of lighter options on the menu, including nettles then tops it off with country ham, peanuts, radishes and mustard, local greens with strawberries and a buttermilk-cayenne vinaigrette, rendering a deliciously creamy, salty and crunchy dish. chilled cucumber soup made without cream and roasted spring chicken Owner Tony Brown hired Singhofen in February, less than a year after served with wilted mustard greens and horseradish. opening the restaurant in the historic Chevy Chase Arcade Building in Macon’s new lunch service may be the perfect time to sample the May 2014, because he wanted to “evolve” past the basic Southern fare lighter fare. Sit on the patio, order the poussin and a nice, cold drink and and family recipes he’d carried with him from his days growing up in you’ll feel transported to the American South ... or perhaps, to France. Macon, Ga. Mâcon, a small town in Burgundy, France, is his hometown’s Bon appetit, ya’ll. sister city, and Brown’s inspiration for serving up comfort food with a Macon Bistro & Larder, 5520 Connecticut Ave. N.W. 202-248-7807. French twist. “It’s elevated southern at this point,” Brown says. “We get our www.maconbistro.com.

16

WA S H I N G T O N L I F E

| S E P T E M B E R | washingtonlife.com

FYIDC | WHO’S NEXT

WHO’S NEXT Rock the Vote President Ashley Spillane is engaging Millennials in the political process BY ERICA MOODY

S

he reinvigorated the iconic nonprofit group Rock the Vote by spearheading the “Turn Out for What” campaign, a celebrity-packed music video that reached more than 11 million people in the first two weeks and helped process nearly 800,000 online voter registration applications in 2014.With her innovative approach to reaching millennial voters, Ashley Spillane, 31, is on track to make a profound difference in 2016.

WHAT WAS IT LIKE COLLABORATING WITH ARTISTS SUCH AS KENDALL JENNER, LIL JON AND LENA DUNHAM? CAN YOU SAY WHO YOUR NEXT COLLABORATORS WILL BE? DO YOU HAVE A DREAM CELEBRITY WITH WHOM YOU’D LIKE TO WORK? Making the music video “Turn Out for What” with Lil Jon was the most fun thing ever! All of the celebrities who were involved really believe in Rock the Vote’s mission and were so inspiring. We have big plans for 2016. It’s our 25th anniversary and I would absolutely love to do something with Madonna to commemorate the iconic first ad ever made for Rock the Vote, where she wrapped herself in the flag.

18

WHAT WILL GET MILLENNIALS TO THE POLLS IN 2016? WHAT ISSUES WILL INSPIRE THEM TO VOTE? Young people are first and foremost interested in jobs and the economy. They also want to know where candidates stand on important issues like student loans, LGBTQ rights, the environment, immigration, women’s health, criminal justice reform. Times have changed and Millennials are now online, on lots of different platforms, following a lot of different cultural leaders. We’re adapting our programs to meet our peers on platforms like Tumblr,Twitter, Instagram...even Grindr! We’re going to be bold, creative and fearless in our approach to getting young people’s attention this election.

MILLENNIALS HAVE A REPUTATION FOR BEING CIVIC MINDED AND SOCIALLY CONSCIOUS BUT WHEN IT COMES TO VOTING ONLY A FRACTION PARTICIPATE. WHY IS THAT? AND WHAT MIGHT THEIR IMPACT BE IF MORE OF THEM VOTED? You’re right, Millennials are engaged in civic life.We volunteer at record levels, care deeply about issues and vote every day with our likes and retweets. But we’re also frustrated with the state of politics today and the lack of politicians speaking to us directly or getting things done on the issues we care about. On top of that, the voting system in this country is antiquated and a huge barrier to participation. Only half the states allow registration online. Voter ID laws are prohibitive and going to an old courthouse to wait in line seems archaic when you consider we’re filing our taxes online. Campaigns need to engage the youth vote on issues that matter to them and the elections process needs to be adapted to meet the needs of Millennials who have grown

WHEN NOT WORKING TO INSPIRE OTHERS TO BE POLITICALLY ACTIVE, HOW DO YOU SPEND YOUR TIME IN TOWN? ANY FAVORITE SPOTS? I travel a lot in this role, but I love being home in D.C. for a weekend so I can catch a show at the 9:30 Club or spend Friday night dancing at Darnell’s, the best kept secret in Washington. And no other city does brunch quite like D.C.! I love the blueberry pancakes (and the people watching) at Level One’s Disco Brunch and the vanilla french toast curled up in front of the fireplace at the Tabard Inn. YOU ARE ALREADY ACCOMPLISHED AT A YOUNG AGE. WHAT’S YOUR ULTIMATE PROFESSIONAL GOAL? My ultimate professional goal is to be happy, be in service to making things better for my community and to give back as often as possible. And I should say I want to work somewhere that I can listen to awesome music and dance. That part of the job isn’t a myth – it’s a very cool perk.

WA S H I N G T O N L I F E

| S E P T E M B E R | washingtonlife.com

PHOTO BY TONY POWELL , MAKEUP BY VELUXE

BEFORE YOU BECAME PRESIDENT OF ROCK THE VOTE YOU WORKED WITH MANY NOTABLE ORGANIZATIONS SUCH AS THE ATLAS PROJECT. WHAT WAS THE PROFESSIONAL PATH LEADING TO YOUR CURRENT ROLE AND WAS IT ORGANIC OR DID YOU SPECIFICALLY PURSUE A PARTICULAR AMBITION? I’ve always believed in the power of community organizing.When I was nine I organized my little neighborhood to host an ice cream social for the kids and in high school would help organize clothing drives. I never thought of politics as a career, though. In college, I thought I would become a reporter working in the Middle East, but the more inspired I got to fight to make the world a better place, the more natural fit seemed to be politics.

up as digital natives and are used to doing everything online.

FYIDC | INNOVATORS AND DISRUPTORS

VOTING WITH YOUR WALLET A smartphone app turns grocery shopping into a trip to the polls BY VIRGINIA COYNE

Matthew Colbert at startup incubator 1776. (Photo by Joseph Allen)

atthew Colbert is confident he’s created a product that will change the way Americans, and eventually the world, shops. “It’s the next big thing. It really is,” says the entrepreneur of his BuyPartisan app. Within days of launching last year, Colbert’s free app, which allows consumers to scan the bar codes of grocery items with their smartphones to instantly learn the political leanings of the companies’ boards and employees, was already garnering national attention – and criticism. An August 2014 Washington Post editorial stated “we hope BuyPartisan fails,” saying its success would be a sign that Democrats and Republicans “aren’t even willing to do business with one another.” A month later, the app was demonstrated on national television by comedian Stephen Colbert (no relation), who scanned Nutrigrain bars (more Republican) and Starbucks coffee (overwhelmingly Democrat) on his Comedy Central show to the delight of his audience, and was downloaded close to 100,000 times from Apple’s app store. Matthew Colbert, whose company is based at startup incubator 1776, was surprised by the early national attention. “The plan was we were going to get traction in D.C. with a bunch of political geeks who live for this stuff and then we were going to get out there [to the masses] but it has actually been the other way around,” says the former congressional staffer to Democratic Rep. Dick Gephardt. Since then, he has been working out the kinks in preparation for what could be the app’s true test: the presidential campaign season. He has added more information on the political giving of corporations, data publicly available through the Federal Election Commission (FEC), and says he expects to have all of the nation’s Fortune 500 companies linked to his app by the end of September. “Then we will be working with some

M

20

of the 2016 candidates and allowing individuals to see whether what they are buying supports the presidential candidate that they believe in,” Colbert says. That means you’ll be able to tell whether proceeds from the toilet paper you buy from Georgia Pacific, a Koch brothers industry, are helping support Donald Trump or Jeb Bush, or whether shopping at Costco, a Democratic-leaning company, is indirectly funding Hillary Clinton or Sen. Bernie Sanders. Colbert is betting that politically passionate and savvy consumers will make it a habit to scan items before buying them and then keep track of their spending to ensure it’s in A scan of Honey Nut Cheerios shows line with their beliefs through a the CEO of General Mills gives to new platform he’s developing called Republicans 96% of the time EyeSpend. “This is the perfect time to launch products like these,” says former Washington Post publisher Katharine Weymouth, an investor and Colbert adviser. “Consumers deserve and are demanding more information about the products they buy and the companies they are buying from.” Whether consumers will actually stop buying brands they’ve grown up on to make a political impact, however, is yet to be seen. “I want this app to work,” political analyst Jimmy Williams says. “The power of the purse always works.” www.buypartisan.com INNOVATIVE THOUGHTS

WHAT IS YOUR ADVICE TO OTHER ENTREPRENEURS? “Buckle up. Anyone who says it’s an overnight success is leaving out a lot of the story. You need to know why you’re doing what you’re doing. If you don’t know why you’re getting up in the morning it’s much better to get another job, because being an entrepreneur means you’re not going to sleep at night. It’s a marathon. It’s not a sprint.” -Matthew Colbert

WA S H I N G T O N L I F E

| S E P T E M B E R | washingtonlife.com

LIFE OF THE PARTY WL-sponsored and Exclusive Events | Step Afrika Gala, Nationals Dream Ball, Phillips Collection Gala and more!

Capricia Marshall and David Rubenstein at the Opera Ball (Photo by Tony Powell)

WA S H I N G T O N L I F E

| S E P T E M B E R | washingtonlife.com

23

LIFE

of the

PARTY

David Rubenstein, Barbie Allbritton, Adrienne Arsht and Deborah Rutter

THE OPERA BALL German Ambassador’s Residence PHOTOS BY TONY POWELL

LAND OF WOTAN: Blessed by splendid weather and possessing all the requisite glitter that makes it one of the top social events of the year, the Washington National Opera’s 2015 ball featured VIP guests (three Supreme Court justices, members of the Senate and Cabinet, a dozen or more ambassadors), spectacular flowers, colorfully costumed supernumeraries and dramatic lighting on the cascading terraces of the German embassy residence. STURM UND DRANG: “I am a staunch Wagner fan with a soft spot for the heavy, dark and gloomy,” German Ambassador Peter Wittig told the crowd, noting that the evening’s “lighter fare,” including operetta favorites, Broadway show tunes and singing beer songs in the downstairs “Berlin Bar” — please don’t call it a rathskeller — were a far cry from the “Ring Cycle” that the opera will be performing next year.

Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson with Callista and Newt Gingrich

VIEW ALL THE PHOTOS AT WWW WASHINGTONLIFE COM

“Die Walkure” singers Greg Barringer and Stephanie Kara Jordan

Natalia Kislyak, Susan Lehrman and Pari Bradlee

Sachiko Kuno with Nobuko Sasae and Japanese Amb. Kenichiro Sasae

24

German Amb. Peter Wittig

Dr. Robert and Capricia Marshall with Huberta von Voss Wittig

JoAnn and John Mason

WA S H I N G T O N L I F E

Justice Samuel Alito and Martha Ann Alito

| S E P T E M B E R | washingtonlife.com

LIFE

of the

PARTY

Tim and Francie Hester with Meryl and Michael Chertoff Kristin Guiter and Alexandra Kwit

Ann Stock and Dorothy Kosinski

Larry and Janelle Duncan (photo by Paul Morigi, Getty Images)

PHILLIPS COLLECTION GALA AND CONTEMPORARIES BASH Phillips Collection and Union Market’s Dock 5 | PHOTOS BY BEN DROZ

Lindsay Ellenbogen, Eric Fanning, Erin Yang and Henry Ellenbogen DC Councilman Vincent Orange

WHEN IN JAPAN: A sushi conveyer belt, a vintage bus serving shaved ice and tuxedo-clad men acting like teenage boys in the video game lounge is not the typical scene at a Washington gala, but the annual Phillips Collection Gala and Contemporaries Bash always serves up something new. This year’s “Postcards from Japan” welcomed more than 400 cultural, political, diplomatic and business leaders to dine among museum’s masterwork, while paying homage to the influence that a visit to Japan had on the museum’s founder, Duncan Phillips. After enjoying post-dinner coffee and sweet bites in the museum’s first-floor galleries, guests made their way across town to Union Market’s Dock 5 to join hundreds of young professionals at the after party dancing to the beats of a Japanese taiko drum. Numerous guests took the Japanese theme seriously and incorporated it into their attire.

Nancy Zirkin with Marc and Elise Lefkowitz

George Vradenburg

VIEW ALL THE PHOTOS AT WWW WASHINGTONLIFE COM

Michael Yates and Reggie Van Lee

C. Brian Williams and Mayor Muriel Bowser WL SPONSORED

STEP AFRIKA! VIP GALA Dem Raider Boyz Step Squad Blackburn Center at Howard University PHOTOS BY TONY POWELL

STEPPING OUT: Step Afrika!, the first professional dance company in the world dedicated to the art of stepping, celebrated its 20th anniversary with its annual home performance series VIP gala at Howard University. Guests watched a world-premiere dance performance, enjoyed dinner and stayed for a lively after-party. ANNIVERSARY TOAST: “I can’t believe we are looking at 20 years,” founder C. Brian Williams said, adding that he remembered “coming up with a semblance of an idea to offer the culture I lived and loved to my local community — and here we are now, 40-plus countries, 100,000 audience members and 200,000 young students later.”

Jason Turner and Patricia Williams 26

VIEW ALL THE PHOTOS AT WWW WASHINGTONLIFE COM WA S H I N G T O N L I F E

Tina Mather, Monica Scott, Charlotte Cameron and Angela Fox

Darryl and Leslye Fraser with Mia Jones

| S E P T E M B E R | washingtonlife.com

LIFE

of the

PARTY

Hillwood Director Kate Markert and Joan Mulcahy Antonia Gore with Togo and Gail West

Penne Percy Korth Peacock and Andrew Peacock

WL EXCLUSIVE

HILLWOOD ‘INGENUE TO ICON’ OPENING Flower dress

Jan Roosenburg and Nedenia Rumbough

Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens | PHOTOS BY TONY POWELL

Ellen MacNeille Charles

FASHION TREASURE TROVE: Guests sipped cocktails, wandered about Hillwood’s lush gardens and made sure to visit the dasha to admire the spectacular array of finery on display in the new exhibit “From Ingenue to Icon: 70 Years of Fashion from the Collection of Marjorie Merriweather Post.” Worn by the estate’s late owner, the exquisite garments, shoes, hats and accessories run the gamut from elaborate Edwardian-era ensembles and Jazz Age costumes with rhinestones to the impeccable gowns Mrs. Post wore to high society affairs until her death in 1973. “She loved fine workmanship in everything in her life,” Ellen MacNeille Charles said of her famously extravagant grandmother. “I can’t believe she lived that way, but aren’t we all so lucky she did.” VIEW ALL THE PHOTOS AT WWW WASHINGTONLIFE COM

Screech with Marla Lerner Tannenbaum

Brianna Norwood and Michael Taylor

Tripp and Amy Donnelly with Matt Williams and Greg and Stacey Lubar

Gio Gonzalez and Lea Moures

WASHINGTON NATIONALS DREAM GALA Max Scherzer, Casey Janssen, Bryce Harper and Aaron Barrett

Tanner and Amanda Roark with Don Graham 28

Ted and Annette Lerner

Marriott Marquis | PHOTOS BY TONY POWELL

A DECADE OF DREAMS: In the 10 years since the Nationals arrived in Washington from Montreal they have amassed hundreds of Ws, grabbed two NL Division East titles and added several headline-stealing athletes to their roster. But perhaps even more important is what they are doing off the field through their work with the Dream Foundation, which seeks to improve the lives of children in the region by supporting initiatives focused on academics, the arts, nutrition and sports. This year’s gala, which has netted more than $4.3 million to date, drew a crowd of 775 guests and helped to raise more than $600,000. The Nationals’ entire active roster (including the injured Jayson Werth) and coach Ma Williams attended with their spouses and friends to celebrate the accomplishments both of the Foundation and the team. Marla Lerner Tannenbaum, chairwoman of the Dream Foundation and daughter of owner Ted Lerner, announced a new cornerstone program to renovate baseball fields in the Washington area before a bidding war broke out over a trip to travel with the team to St. Louis on the Nationals charter plane, which ended up selling to two winners for $50,000 each. VIEW ALL THE PHOTOS AT WWW WASHINGTONLIFE COM

WA S H I N G T O N L I F E

| S E P T E M B E R | washingtonlife.com

POLLYWOOD The Nexus of Politics﹐ Hollywood﹐ Media and Diplomacy | Hollywood on the Potomac, Sharon Percy’s Silver Salute Awards and more!

Joe Kennedy III and Lauren Kennedy at the Ford’s Theatre Gala (Photo by Tony Powell)

WA S H I N G T O N L I F E

| S E P T E M B E R | washingtonlife.com

31

POLLYWOOD

HOLLYWOOD ON THE POTOMAC

WALT DISNEY’S EARLY YEARS ‘Walt Before Mickey’ stars discuss their roles B Y J A N E T D O N O VA N

Adam Falkoff, Arthur L. Bernstein, Rep. Gus Bilirakis, Richard Bernstein, Armando Gutierrez and Timothy Neil Williams at the “Walt Before Mickey” premiere in Georgetown (Photo by Tony Powell)

T

he magical kingdom of Walt Disney celebrated its 60th anniversary this year with Walt nowhere in sight. Although the cryonics community was hoping otherwise, it was a magic trick that even the famed animator himself couldn’t pull off. (Unsubstantiated rumors have it that Disney is on ice.) We celebrated anyway when Washington Life sponsored an advance screening of “Walt Before Mickey,” a new film about his early years based on the book by Timothy S. Susanin at the AMC Georgetown, followed by a rooftop celebration at the Graham Hotel with cast and crew. What fascinates executive producer Arthur Bernstein about Walt Disney is that he “went from animation to innovation in filming animation, to feature animation and then theme parks. His next step was going to be building a city of the future. When he died, that’s what he was working on in Florida.” We asked Bernstein who he thinks has been as innovative as Disney in recent times. “Steve Jobs,” he replied. “He was an incredible innovator and motivator of his workers and an impeccable businessman – a combination of business and creativity that created an empire.” THE ACTORS ON THEIR ROLES IN THE FILM JODI SWEETIN (of “Full House” fame): I play

Charlotte. The film is really about a period of time in Walt’s life that I don’t think a lot of

32

people are really aware of. They sort of think that Walt created Mickey Mouse and that it was an easy process and the rest is history. Walt, as a young man, really struggled. In the movie, we talk about how he went bankrupt and lost everything and really almost gave up on his dream of being an animator. He had a lot of people in his life who supported and believed in him and encouraged him to keep moving forward. Charlotte Disney was one of those people. She was married to Walt’s much older uncle Robert. She was on Walt’s side and gave a lot of encouragement when times were pretty bleak for him. It’s an important lesson, especially for people in the arts, because they are so often discouraged and told that it won’t happen or that it can’t happen. If it’s what you love, keep going for it. HUNTER GOMEZ: I play Hugh Harman, one

of Walt’s first animators. Being an animator for Walt was a job that was sometimes short-lived and sometimes stressful because he demanded the best and sometimes that put his employees on edge; but at the end of the day, they all had such a love for him because of the product that he created. He created magic. What better role can you ask for? Walt was loyal to a fault. He was one of those guys that when you actually needed him, when you were down on your luck, he was there for you and he’d take care

of you no matter what. The other side of Walt, which the movie touches on, was that he was drill sergeant tough. He expected the best from you and if he didn’t get it, you were in serious trouble. There’s actually this amazing part where it talks about how Walt would keep a timesheet of people logged in and after a certain time he would change the pen from black to red and if you were one of those animators that came in and signed in with a red pen, you were in trouble. TIMOTHY NEIL WILLIAMS : My role is

actually an amalgamation of Fred Harman (Hugh Harman’s brother) and several other characters. Fred Harman only worked with Disney in the very beginning of his career. They combined my character with others who eventually left Disney because of the problem of not being paid. When all of his workers walked out on him he was deeply hurt because in his mind the workers were his family. That was a hard time in his life. He went on a cruise with his wife after the strikes and cried. He cried because he felt his friends and family were deserting him and weren’t appreciating what he had built for them, and that’s fascinating. The movie holds a very special place in my heart – to be in a film that celebrates his perseverance and gifts and to celebrate Americana is an honor.

WA S H I N G T O N L I F E

| S E P T E M B E R | washingtonlife.com

Boyz II Men

Rickey Minor and Rachel Collins

FORD’S THEATRE GALA Ford’s Theatre | PHOTOS BY TONY POWELL

Tommy Tune

ON STAGE: Broadway legend Tommy Tune, bluesy songstress Joss Stone, country powerhouse Martina McBride, international sensation 2CELLOS and R&B favorite Boys II Men dazzled and serenaded the black-tie crowd, including members of the U.S. Senate who managed to the escape an unusual Sunday session to make the performance at the Ford’s Theatre annual gala. Civil Rights activist Diane Nash was presented the 2015 Lincoln Medal by former Attorney General Eric Holder before theater-goers, some on foot and others by awaiting black cars, moved to the National Portrait Gallery for dinner and a chance to mingle with the entertainers.

House Democratic Whip Steny Hoyer

Joss Stone

VIEW ALL THE PHOTOS AT WWW WASHINGTONLIFE COM

House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi and Paul Pelosi

Melissa Maxfield and Melinda Maxfield

Tim McBride, Gill and Linda Goddard, Anita McBride, Lori and David Hess

Diane Nash WA S H I N G T O N L I F E

Bill Detty and Lola Reinsch

| S E P T E M B E R | washingtonlife.com

33

POLLYWOOD Sharon Percy Rockefeller, Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg and John D. Rockefeller IV

Tony Williams with Lisa and Carter Cafritz Sen. Joe Manchin with Justin Rockefeller and John D. (“Jamie”) Rockefeller V

WL EXCLUSIVE

SILVER SALUTE HONORING SHARON PERCY ROCKEFELLER Ritz-Carlton Washington | PHOTOS BY TONY POWELL PUBLIC TV IMPRESARIO: Clifford the Big Red Dog and Cookie Monster were among the luminaries gathering with Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, numerous ambassadors, business titans and other social swells to celebrate Sharon Percy Rockefeller’s 25th anniversary as president and CEO of WETA (and coincidentallylly help raise $2 million for the public television station’s programming). “We could not have done any of this without Sharon’s extraordinary partnership,” noted film documentarian Ken Burns said, adding that her “generosity, smarts and day-today courage” were essential to getting such successful series as “The Civil War,” “The Roosevelts,” “Cancer” and “The National Parks” on air over the years.

Deborah Rutter, Deesha Dyer and Siddhartha Mukherjee

Lucky Roosevelt, Ken Burns and Bonnie McElveen Hunter

VIEW ALL THE PHOTOS AT WWW WASHINGTONLIFE COM

Ingrid Zimmer and Valerie Rockefeller Wayne Judy Lynn Prince and Bob Haiman

John andGwen Antonia IfillGore 34

Clarice Smith

Lola Reinsch and Pat Harrison

Roger Percy and Lorraine Percy

Judy Woodruff and Al Hunt

Laura Rockefeller and Sophie Rockefeller

WA S H I N G T O N L I F E

| S E P T E M B E R | washingtonlife.com

Since 2005,

I NNOCENTS AT R ISK HAS BEEN DEDICATED TO THE FIGHT TO END CHILD TRAFFICKING . O UR WORK COULD NOT BE POSSIBLE WITHOUT THE SUPPORT OF : Gina Adams

The Embassy of Chile

Pamela Johnson & Wes King

The Polaris Project

Airline Ambassadors

The Embassy of Colombia

Roya Kingdom

Barbara Harrison & John Pyles

Cidalia Akbar

The Embassy of Cypress

The Kiplinger Foundation

Ligia Reid

Louise Akerbloom

The Embassy of the Dominican Republic

Senator Mark Kirk

Amy O’Neill Richard,

Sally & Chip Akridge

Shirley Engelhardt

Senator Amy Klobuchar

Ernie Allen

The Embassy of France

Martha & Danny Korengold

The Ricky Martin Foundation

American Airlines

The Embassy of Iceland

Nicholas Kristof

Andrea Roane

American Mothers Inc.

The Embassy of Ireland

Susan Carmel Lehrman

Marion & Bob Rosenthal

The Arena Stage

The Embassy of Luxembourg

Mirella & Danny Levinas

Rakela & Javier Ruperez

Babette, Georgetown

The Embassy of Malta

Marie Therese & John Lowell

Melanne & Bob Sabelhaus

Liliana Baldasseri

The Embassy of Mexico

Stacey & Gregory Lubar

Vicki & Roger Sant

Elayne Bennett

The Embassy of Panama

Rabbi Bruce Lustig

Conchita Sarnoff

Wilma & Stuart Bernstein

The Embassy of Peru

Nora Macoby

Veronica & Arturo Sarukhan

Mary Bird

The Embassy of Romania

Shahin Mafi

Susan Small Savitsky

Speaker John Boehner

The Embassy of Sweden

Shasta & Ray Mahmood

Hafizah Shahryar

Monica Boyd

The Embassy of Switzerland

Marleen & Fred Malek

Shared Hope International

Katherine & David Bradley

Isabel & Ricardo Ernst

The Honorable Caroline Malone

Donna Shore

The Honorable William Brock

Minerva & Flavio Espinal

Marathon Oil Corporation

Jane Sigmon,

Suellen & Melvyn Estrin

Richard Marks

Ashley Taylor & Matt Bronczek

Jack Evans

Anita McBride

Donald W. Sigmund

Pamela Brown

FEDEX

The McCain Institute

Congressman

Dianne & Charles Bruce

Jean Marie & Raul Fernandez

Senator John McCain

Café Milano

Veronica Ferrero

Capitol File

Fiola Mare

Staci Capuano

Sandra Fiorini

Deborah Carstens

Izette & Neil Folger

Congressman James McGovern

Teach for America

Cartier

The Four Seasons Hotel

The Honorable Thomas

The Walton Family Foundation

Catholic Charities

Tina Alster & Paul Frazer

Christ Church, Georgetown

Arleen & Steve Friedlander

Amy & Alan Meltzer

Annie Totah

The Coca-Cola Company

Elizabeth & Michael Galvin

The Meltzer group

Mariella & Michael Trager

Carl Colby

George’s Salon

Emily Miller

Ambassador Melanne Veveer

Julie & Mike Connor

The Georgetowner

Erika Moorehead

Vital Voices

Senator John Cornyn

Edi & Carlos Gutierrez

Marsha Nelms Muawwad

Christine Warnke

Lizette Corro

Erika Gutierrez

The National Center for Missing

Washington Life Magazine

Didi & Walt Cutler

Joan Haas

Danielle DeBenedictis

Carolyn Lamm & Peter Halle

NBAC Corporation

Marcie & Jay Wechsler

Congressman John Delaney

Ann & Lloyd Hand

Neiman Marcus

Congressman Edward

Marilyn Harris

Franco Nuschese

The Honorable Paula Dobriansky

Intermix

Pilar & Bill O’Leary

Robin & Rob Wilder

Janet Donovan

Shamim & Said Jawad

Cres O’Neal

Rhonda & Howard Wilkins

Nancy & Marc Duber

Kareen & Andreas Kakouris

Organization of American States

Judith Willson-Beard

Barbara & Bob Dubiel

Michael Kentor

PEPCO

Senator Ron Wyden

Elie Tahari

The Reverend Stuart Kenworthy

Jania & Phillips Peter

The Woman’s Club

& Sandy Brock

& April Delaney

The Embassy of Belgium The Embassy of Canada

& Fran Kenworthy Janice Kim

Department of State

Department of State

Christopher Smith

& Mrs. Cindy McCain

W. Christopher Smith Jr.

Senator Mitch McConnell

Soroptimist International

& The Honorable Elaine Chao

& Mrs. Donna Mclarty

& Exploited Children

The Honorable Joseph Pitts Congressman Ted Poe

Gina Steinway

Elizabeth Shook Torres

Kim Watson

Whitfield & Connie Whitfield

of Louisville Youth for Tomorrow

POLLYWOOD | EMBASSY ROW

Diplomatic Frontman New diplomatic dean for Washington – Jail time for Pope Francis – U.S. and Cuba drop a diplomatic pretence

CHANGING OF THE GUARD: Ambassador Hersey Kyota of

the Republic of Palau is the new dean of the diplomatic corps, and for the first time in a decade the office is now held by an envoy who actually resides in the nation’s capital. Kyota, who represents the multi-island nation in Oceania, southeast of the Philippines, succeeds Ambassador Roble Olhaye of Djibouti who died in July following a long illness. The dean’s post is held by the longest-serving chief of mission and these days mainly involves representing the corps on cereQueen Letizia and King Felipe VI of Spain with former Queen Sofia. monial occasions — although its occupant sometimes speaks on its behalf or sity, the king’s alma mater. This is King Felinegotiates with the administration with regard pe’s first visit to the U.S. since succeeding his scandal-plagued father last year. Then on Sept. to collective issues. Olhaye, who assumed the post in 2005, was 22, Pope Francis lands at Andrews Air Force the capital’s first long distance dean. He had Base at the start of his American tour, which been Djibouti’s ambassador since 1988 but also includes visits to New York (to address the simultaneously served as his country’s represen- U. N. General Assembly) and Philadelphia. The hottest tickets for the pope’s visit here tative to the United Nations and lived in New York, commuting to Washington only when are seats at the open air mass he will celebrate necessary. An acting dean was appointed to fill at the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conin on those occasions when Olhaye was not ception, and seats in House of Representatives available, which of late had become increasingly when His Holiness addresses a joint session often. Most recently, the acting dean has been of Congress. The pope’s stay in Philadelphia Kyota, the second-longest serving ambassador includes a visit to a prison — now a fixed stop in the capital, who now assumes the full title in most foreign papal itineraries. Ironically, as and its responsibilities. The new acting dean is Pope Francis leaves the U.S. the White House Ambassador of Liechtenstein Claudia Frische, will welcome Chinese President Xi Jinping who has been en poste since 2000. with all the panoply of a state visit — even as human rights groups report increased regime PONTIFF, KING AND PRESIDENT: The (sym- abuses of religious freedom. bolic) revolving doors of the White House will be spinning this month as the president INTEREST SECTIONS NO LONGER: A receives a succession of VIPs. On Sept. 15, King workman was seen early one morning outside Felipe VI and Queen Letizia of Spain start a an imposing building on 16th Street in Norththree-day visit to Washington with a program west Washington exchanging a brass plate that that includes an official call on the Obamas and said “Embassy of Switzerland — Cuban Intera science-related event at Georgetown Univer- ests Section” for one simply stating “Embassy

36

of Cuba.” As U.S.-Cuban relations are normalized after more than 50 years, Cuba’s embassy has, as it were, come out of the diplomatic closet. A similar change had been made at the United States mission on the seafront in a historic part of Havana. But what is an interests section anyway? It’s a mechanism that allows a sovereign state to maintain contact with another state even though diplomatic ties have been formally broken. Under a special agreement a third country (“the protecting power” in diplo-speak) agrees to act on behalf of one or both of the estranged countries. In the case of the U.S. and Cuba, the protecting power was the embassy of Switzerland in both Washington and Havana. Switzerland hosted a large staff of American diplomats in Havana; and in Washington there were almost as many Cubans posing as Swiss diplomats as there were real Swiss diplomats. Currently, the only other special interests section in Washington belongs to the Islamic Republic of Iran, hosted by the embassy of Pakistan. The U.S. interests section in Tehran has Switzerland as the protecting power.

Palau Amb. Hersey Kyota

WA S H I N G T O N L I F E

| S E P T E M B E R | washingtonlife.com

S PA N I S H R OYA L S P H OTO C O U R T E S Y G E O R G E TO W N U N I V E R S I T Y; H E R S E Y K YOTA P H OTO C O U R T E S Y PA L A U E M B A S S Y.

BY ROLAND FLAMINI

POLLYWOOD Diane Straus, Randy Fertel and Kimberly Corbett

Anand Gopal

Tom Drake, Jesselyn Radack, James Risen and Laura Poitras

John Prendergast and Susannah Cunningham

RIDENHOUR PRIZE LUNCHEON National Press Club | PHOTOS BY TONY POWELL WHISTLEBLOWERS WIN: Is honesty really the best policy? At the Ridenhour Prizes Luncheon it is. The 12th annual awards ceremony honored documentary filmmakers and investigative journalists working to protect the public interest by exposing corruption and promoting social justice. Award recipients included Laura Poitras for her documentary “CitizenFour,” which explores the Edward Snowden NSA case; Anand Gopal for “No Good Men Among the Living: America, the Taliban, and the War Through Afghan Eyes”; James Risen for reporting in the New York Times that sheds light on government abuses; and Aicha Elbasri, who disclosed secret documents on the failure of the UN peacekeeping mission to protect millions of civilians in Darfur.

John Neffinger and Ilyse Hogue

Aicha Elbasri

VIEW ALL THE PHOTOS AT WWW WASHINGTONLIFE COM

Matt Wuerker, Nan Aron and Glenn Marcus

Peter Kornbluh and John Cavanagh David Sobel and Beth Critchley

Robert Borosage

38

Katrina vanden Huevel

Sen. Jamie Raskin and Zoe Carpenter

Professor Jerome Dancis, Gary Ratner

WA S H I N G T O N L I F E

| S E P T E M B E R | washingtonlife.com

POLLYWOOD | CHARITY SPOTLIGHT

Fostering Success The Sara Start for Foster Youth helps young adults reach their professional goals BY MARY LANDRIEU

F

40

who cares enough just to ‘show up’ and help you with life’s obstacles, simply because they believe you matter.” The Sara Start Fund works year-round to provide quality programming for young adults like Derrick, but the organization’s value outlasts its workshops. Mentors foster a long-term relationship with their mentees, and serve as reliable resources for professional advice. Throughout its five years, the Sara Start Fund has worked with over 70 current and former foster youth, connecting them with adults who care, and who want to see them thrive. It’s a formula that works – roughly 72 percent of alumni are working in their career field or pursuing an advanced degree. Derrick is one example of a foster youth’s potential, and organizations like the Sara Start Fund offer the assets necessary for their success. Former Sen. Mary Landrieu

homelessness – on the street, instead of on the job. With the help of the Sara Start Fund, Derrick defied the odds. Last month he led his mentee through a full day of career preparation activities during the program’s “Resumania” workshop. Alongside Derrick, Sara Start Fund mentors – who include Hill leadership aides and a best-selling political author – helped their mentees revise their resumes, polish their interview skills and build a LinkedIn profile. One of five workshops, Resumania is also a networking opportunity, where a few years earlier Derrick was able to create his fiveperson circle of support. “You have no idea how important it is to leave foster care and find people who are willing to be there for you – without being paid,” says Derrick. “Everyone needs someone

Mary Landrieu is a former U.S senator from Louisiana and a national leader on foster care and adoption issues. For more information, visit www.sarastartfund.org.

WA S H I N G T O N L I F E

Sara Start Fund Mentor Derrick Riggins

| S E P T E M B E R | washingtonlife.com

PHOTO OF MARY LANDRIEU BY MATTHEW LEHNER. PHOTO OF DERRICK RIGGINS BY ZACK MARSHALL

ive years ago Sara Start Fund for Foster Youth met Derrick Riggins, a survivor of abuse who aged out of foster care and made it to college. He was full of potential, having secured a competitive congressional internship. He worked hard. In every way, Derrick had what it took to succeed – he just needed an opportunity. As is the case with most young adults who age out of foster care, he did not have the financial and social resources to transition into the workforce. Without this support, failing could have been a predicable outcome. The Sara Start Fund helped him network, provided professional development classes and empowered him with a stipend for a business wardrobe. Derrick, who benefited from his time on the Hill, got a job in his career field of choice. A promotion and advanced degree later, Derrick is now a mentor for the Sara Start Fund, the program’s first alumnus to do so. He lives in Arlington,Va. and works for a youth empowerment organization as the Director of Community Government Relations. “I firmly believe that all young persons – especially someone raised in foster care – need five key people in their lives who will keep in touch with them, give them a leg up professionally and talk them through life’s tough decisions. Thanks to Sara Start Fund, I have those five people in my life,” Derrick reflects. “Now I want to be part of someone’s five.” The 400,000 children in foster care in our country are at the top of my priority list. Each year, roughly 29,000 young adults between the ages of 18 and 21 “age out” of foster care and enter adulthood alone, unconnected, and unprepared for the challenges ahead. They are less likely to be employed, and more likely to experience public assistance, incarceration,

POLLYWOOD | BOOKS BOOK TALK

ORGANIC ODYSSEY Nora Pouillon’s memoir takes readers on a personal and historic culinary journey

W

hen Nora Pouillon arrived in Washington, D.C. from Austria in 1965, she was shocked by “how poorly people ate and how unhealthy they were.” There was no fresh produce in the supermarkets, as she was accustomed to seeing in Europe, and everything was prepackaged. Americans bought their groceries for the week instead of daily and shopped at large supermarkets instead of small shops. They rarely spoke to the butcher or bread maker in their town. Finding good food was a solitary endeavor. But the 21-year-old newly married housewife didn’t sit back and accept this state of culinary affairs. Instead she took it upon herself to learn how to cook healthy foods for her family, at a time when “organic” wasn’t even close to being in vogue, and organic foods were difficult to find. Pouillon’s memoir, “My Organic Life” (Alfred A. Knopf, $26.95) written with Laura Fraser, takes readers from the pioneering chef’s childhood to the present day, from life on a farm in a war-ravaged country to the issues she faced as a young chef leaving an unhappy marriage to open up Restaurant Nora, the first certified organic restaurant in the U.S. Food and healthy eating is connecting thread throughout her life and in this memoir of a strong woman determined to raise awareness of food quality and the importance of sustainable and healthy eating. Her cooking adventures, Pouillon says, began out of necessity and turned into a passion. “Washington was really a culinary

42

wasteland. I had to learn how to cook and I realized that cooking was actually the fun part of being a housewife. It wasn’t vacuuming or doing the laundry. With cooking, you need to be creative.” Pouillon started hosting regular dinner parties for her new friends, budget-friendly meals out of their small Tenleytown apartment. These friends then started asking her if she could help them with their own dinners. This soon turned into cooking classes, a small catering business and eventually an offer to open a restaurant at the Tabard Inn. Soon she was in business full-time, leaving her role as housewife to pave the way as an organic chef and businesswoman. Pouillon insisted that the Tabard Inn menu had to be done her way, with the ingredients of her choice, although at the time emphasizing “healthy” was often construed by the public as lacking f lavor. After leaving the Tabard Inn to open Restaurant Nora, friend and backer Sally Quinn advised her to tone down the health food talk, at least until the restaurant was established. “Don’t mention anything about being healthy and natural,” Quinn

cautioned. “That sounds like hippie food, so unappetizing.” Back when Restaurant Nora opened in 1979, the culinary climate in the US was far from sophisticated, but Pouillon made it her mission to take the organic movement mainstream. On her menus she listed the local producers who supplied the ingredients for her dishes; her selections changed regularly with the seasons. These practices are now commonplace in many restaurants, but at the time, it was a radical concept. To those who say organic foods are too expensive to spend the extra money on, Pouillon offers a convincing argument. “It depends on what you want to spend your money on. Americans are still in the mind-set that food has to be cheap, and that’s a killer. A lot of the health issues in this country are enormous and it is because of the food people eat,” Pouillon says, adding that she prefers to spend her money “on food and not on the doctor.” More pesticides are used in conventional foods than ever before, she adds, noting that the situation is getting worse because of genetically modified products. Lucky for us, Pouillon and other organic food advocates are working to change that. “When I discovered the difference between conventional and organic food, I decided to go into organic food because my father always said that health is the most important thing you have in your life,” Pouillon says. “No money in the world can buy it for you so you better preserve it.”

WA S H I N G T O N L I F E

| S E P T E M B E R | washingtonlife.com

P H OTO O F N O RA BY SCOT T S U C H M A N

BY ERICA MOODY

POLLYWOOD

Lesley Jane Seymour, First Lady Michelle Obama and Robin Wright Dr. Tina Alster and Rebecca Cooper Judy Woodruff, Robin Sproul and Cokie Roberts

MORE IMPACT AWARDS The Newseum | PHOTOS BY IMAGELINKPHOTO COM GLOBAL IMPACT: MORE Magazine honored four women who have impacted the global community at the first ever MORE Impact Awards. First lady Michelle Obama, who guest edited the magazine’s July/August issue gave the keynote address, telling honorees “Don’t get tired. Just keep it up. We need you out there.” Actress, activist and small screen first lady Robin Wright, dressed in an elegant grey sheath reminiscent of her “House of Cards” character Claire Underwood, also spoke to the well-heeled luncheon crowd of power women, who included Capricia Marshall, Judy Woodruff, Georgetown Cupcake’s Sophie Kallinis LaMontagne and Katherine Kallis Berman. MORE Editor-in-Chief Lesley Jane Seymour summed up the inspiring event: “When our honorees see something wrong in the world they don’t sit around and complain. They do something.”

Vivian Adhiambo Onano

Margaret Carlson and Pam Stevens

Mariella Trager and Denise Austin

VIEW ALL THE PHOTOS AT WWW WASHINGTONLIFE COM

Lucky Roosevelt, Sylvia Symington and Russian Amb. Sergey I. Kislyak

Natalia Kislyak and Xenia Woyevodsky with Vladimir and Suzanne Tolstoy-Miloslavsky and Susan Carmel Lehrman

70TH ANNIVERSARY OF V-E DAY World War II veterans celebrate with a swig of vodka Embassy of the Russian Federation | PHOTOS BY JEFF MALET SHARED SACRIFICE: Bilateral relations between Russia and the U.S. may be at low ebb these days, but recent headlines did not affect the way citizens of both countries recently commemorated their alliance in World War II. The “Salute to Arts and Culture to the 70th Anniversary of the Allied Victory in Europe” sponsored by the American-Russian Cultural Cooperation Foundation featured cocktails, dinner, film clips, moving tributes and entertainment featuring wartime music and songs that bolstered morale on the battlefields and home fronts. Russian Amb. Sergey Kislyak thanked Americans “with a celebration of the tears in our eyes” for supplying 12,000 tanks, 11,400 aircraft and two million tons of food to the Soviet effort against Nazi Germany, which he added included the sacrifice of as many as 90,000 lives each day during the years of war.

Paul Rodzianko, Princess (Eugenie) Chavchavadze and Edwin Rockefeller

James W. Symington and Michael Fernandez

Susan Eisenhower and Joe Duffey

VIEW ALL THE PHOTOS AT WWW WASHINGTONLIFE COM

44

WA S H I N G T O N L I F E

| S E P T E M B E R | washingtonlife.com

P lease join us in 2015 USO GALA

HONORING THOSE WHO SERVE

Tuesday, October 20, 2015 Walter E. Washington Convention Center

FEATURING A BO UT THE GAL A

Master of Ceremonies Robert Patrick Menu Designed by Chef Robert Irvine More than 1,000 guests will gather to pay special tribute to our men and women in uniform. This star-studded event will recognize honorees selected by the Senior Enlisted representatives from each branch of the armed forces for their extraordinary bravery, loyalty, and heroism as well as two special USO volunteers. 6:00 p.m. Welcome Reception 7:00 p.m. Dinner and Evening Program For sponsorship details, or to purchase tickets, please contact Kelly Carlin at 571-385-1365 or kcarlin@uso.org.

ABO UT THE USO

The USO (United Service Organizations) lifts the spirits of America’s troops and their families millions of times each year at hundreds of places worldwide. We provide a touch of home through centers at airports and military bases in the U.S. and abroad, top quality entertainment and innovative programs and services. We also provide critical support to those who need us most, including forward-deployed troops, military families, wounded warriors, troops in transition and families of the fallen. The USO is a private, nonprofit organization, not a government agency. Our programs and services are made possible by the American people, support of our corporate partners and the dedication of our volunteers and staff.

www.uso.org/gala

POLLYWOOD

Nina Totenberg Bob Taracchi, Donna Batcho and Rob Liberatore

Stephanie Cutter and Neal Wolin

WL SPONSORED

Mike McCurry, Joe Lockhart and Jake Tapper

SHARE OUR STRENGTH’S NO KID HUNGRY DINNER Julianne Gambert and Andy Villabona

Howard Theatre | PHOTOS BY BEN DROZ

SAVE THE SUMMER: To draw attention to the plight faced by the more than 51 percent of public school students below the poverty line, Share Our Strength kicked off the summer with their “No Kid Hungry Dinner” in order to raise awareness to the fact that 22 million children are eligible for school breakfasts. Seeing as how school is often the only place that these children receive meals, summer is the most critical, and dangerous, time for Share Our Strength. The dinner honored Sen. Thad Cochran and former White House press secretary Michael McCurry for their work in trying to lobby Congress to improve the national summer meals program, which hasn’t been updated since 1975. Chefs Caitlin Dysart (2941 Restaurant), Brian Goodman (The Greenhouse Tavern) and Jonah Kim (Yona) served dinner.

Marianna Gray, Denise Grant, and Pam Braden

Amy Nathan and Howard Fineman

Rosemary and Billy Shore

VIEW ALL THE PHOTOS AT WWW WASHINGTONLIFE COM

Eun Yang, Brooke Bronner and Jennifer Isham

Katharine Weymouth and Margaret Carlson

Peter Page and Bosworth Dewey

‘IRREPRESSIBLE’ BOOK PARTY

Molly Bingham and Emily Bingham

Home of Marne Levine & Phil Deutch PHOTOS BY TONY POWELL

ROARING TWENTIES: The “It Girl” of the Bloomsbury Set, Henrietta Bingham was known for bedazzling everyone she met. The Roaring Twenties heiress and socialite’s “greatest achievement was making everyone fall in love with her” Miranda Purves wrote in her New York Times review of the newly released, “Irrepressible: The Jazz Age Life of Henrietta Bingham” (Farrar, Straus & Giroux). Henrietta’s grand-niece (and author of the book) Emily Bingham and her sister Molly Bingham came to Washington for a celebration of the engrossing biography that clarifies much about a fascinating figure and the times in which she lived.

Evan Ryan 46

VIEW ALL THE PHOTOS AT WWW WASHINGTONLIFE COM WA S H I N G T O N L I F E

| S E P T E M B E R | washingtonlife.com

POLLYWOOD

Kevin Roalan, Betsy Kidwell, Nancy Lang and Phil Trupp

Norah O’Donnell and David Dorros

John Greco and Olivia Andrzejczak

A NIGHT WITH NORAH O’DONNELL Mary O’Donnell, Bob Scheiffer, Norah O’Donnell, Francis O’Donnell and Matthew O’Donnell

Amy and Bret Baier with Susan Page

National Press Club | PHOTOS BY JAY SNAP ROAST OR TOAST?: A tradition since 1993, the American News Women’s Club annually selects a woman who represents excellence in journalism at a dinner to raise funds for scholarships. This year’s honoree, CBS “This Morning” co-host Norah O’Donnell, was honored with a roast — which turned out to be more friendly jabs than harsh burn — by fellow journalists Bob Schieffer, Susan Page, Elizabeth Thorp, Andrea Mitchell and Chris Licht. Schieffer wowed the crowd with his creation of a theme song for O’Donnell, “Norah Norah Norah the Explorah” complete with his own dance and twomaraca performance.

: Susanna Quinn and Helena Andrews

VIEW ALL THE PHOTOS AT WWW WASHINGTONLIFE COM

Christina Bethell, Ned Johnson and Sheila Walker

Alan Fleischmann, Natalia Fleischmann, Goldie Hawn, Laura Julia Fleischmann and Dafna Tapiero

Katharine Weymouth and Gail MacKinnon

WL EXCLUSIVE

Jim and Sonia Shelton

AN EVENING WITH GOLDIE HAWN Alan Fleischmann and Dafna Tapiero Residence | PHOTOS BY TONY POWELL MINDFUL ACTRESS: Academy-Award-winning actress and bestselling author Goldie Hawn has spent the last ten years on a mission to reduce stress with natural remedies, especially meditation. The “MindUP” program endorsed by the Hawn Foundation has reached more than 406,000 children since its inception. At an intimate dinner hosted by Alan Fleischmann, behavioral geneticist Sheila Walker, Dafna Tapiero, Willy Walker and other friends, Hawn discussed her vision for MindUP and how to further build awareness in Washington.

Chris Matthews and Ami Aronson

Lou Aronson, Sen. Mark Warner and Tim Shriver VIEW ALL THE PHOTOS AT WWW WASHINGTONLIFE COM

48

WA S H I N G T O N L I F E

| S E P T E M B E R | washingtonlife.com

POLLYWOOD

Barbara Bradley Hagerty and Devin Hagerty David and Katherine Bradley with Blair Miller and David Brooks

Tom Friedman Josh Geltzer and Katherine Boone

WL EXCLUSIVE

‘THE ROAD TO CHARACTER’ BOOK PARTY Constantijn van Oranje-Nassau, Dafna Tapiero and Alan Fleischmann

Bradley Residence | PHOTOS BY TONY POWELL BOOK OF VIRTUES: Atlantic Media Chairman David Bradley and his wife Katherine hosted a book party for New York Times Op-Ed columnist David Brooks. His latest effort, a “treatise on personal morality” titled “The Road to Character,” examines the lives of great thinkers and leaders, including George Eliot, Bayard Rustin and Montaigne, to show how to get on the path towards achieving character. “I wrote this book not knowing if I could follow the road to character,” Brooks wrote in his preface, “but at least I wanted to know what the road looks like and how other people have trod it.” Brooks said that he wrote he book “to save my own soul.”

Steve and Jean Case and David Bradley

VIEW ALL THE PHOTOS AT WWW WASHINGTONLIFE COM

Leon Wieseltier and Diane Rehm

Carol Blue, Andrew Cockburn, film director Nicholas Wrathall and Leslie Cockburn

Carol Schwartz and Lucian Perkins WL HOSTED

Grace Bender, Xavier Equihua and Willee Lewis

Mark and Britton Gore, Celeste Gore, Richard Pawlik and Deborah Gore Dean

‘GORE VIDAL: UNITED STATES OF AMNESIA’ POST-SCREENING PARTY The Graham Georgetown | PHOTOS BY TONY POWELL ACERBIC WIT: The late Gore Vidal (1925-2013) was one of the most iconic as well as iconoclastic writers of the post-World War II era and his ties to Washington include being the grandson of a U.S. senator and a student at St. Alban’s School. It was therefore fitting that various family members and friends would be spotted at a party following a recent screening of the documentary “Gore Vidal: The United States of Amnesia.” Produced by his nephew, Burr Steers (the son of local resident Nina Auchincloss Straight), the film is a most entertaining study of an unforgettable and unyielding lion of America’s culture wars.

Sarah Tanguy

John Peters Irelan and Jay Adams

VIEW ALL THE PHOTOS AT WWW WASHINGTONLIFE COM

50

WA S H I N G T O N L I F E

| S E P T E M B E R | washingtonlife.com

&Galas Balls your guide to The season’s grandest social events photography and art direction by Tony Powell

www.tony-powell.com photographed at the meridian international center and the capella washington, d.c., georgetown makeup artists patty mcfarland & flaminia Garioni hair stylist zina ahniche photographer’s assistants sara cooper, hallie Goldstein, diba mohtasham, anika reed, selene sanfelice & lulu wong evening gownS courtesy RENT THE RUNWAY

After Dark @THEARC

52

Jean-Marie Fernandez, Michelle freeman and kay kendall photographed at meridian house

WA S H I N G T O N L I F E

| SEPTEMBER

2015

| washingtonlife.com

Ambassadors Ball What to expect: The annual MS Society Ambassadors Ball, a premier event in Washington’s fall social season, has raised almost $20 million for the National MS Society’s movement toward a world free of MS. The 37th Ambassadors Ball will welcome diplomats and their spouses to our city and honor the diplomatic corps for its charitable activities and humanitarian endeavors. Attendees will include prominent ambassadors, members of Congress, esteemed business and philanthropic leaders, celebrities and other VIPs. . Date & Time: Tuesday, September 8; 6:30 p.m. Location: Marriott Marquis Attire: Black-tie Event Chairmen: Honorary Chairwoman Capricia Marshall; Co-Chairmen Erica Castro and Brian Rodgers Ticket Price: $500 Sponsorship starting price: $5,000 Contact for information: Katie Boothroyd, Katie.Boothroyd@nmss.org.

After Dark@THEARC What to expect: An elegant and exciting evening celebrating the 10th Anniversary of the Town Hall Education Arts Recreation Campus (THEARC). The evening features cocktails, a program highlighting the impact of THEARC in Southeast Washington, a seated dinner, dancing and entertainment. Date & Time: September 12; 6:30 p.m. Location: THEARC Attire:  After Dark Chic Event Chairmen: Jean-Marie and Raul Fernandez, Michelle Freeman and Kay Kendall and Jack Davies  Ticket Price: $250 Sponsorship starting price: Tables from $5,000-$25,000 Contact for information: Janet Stone, jstone@thearcdc.org, 202 550-8528

National Organization on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome International Gala What to expect: Celebrate healthy pregnancies with Sen. Lisa Murkowski, Canadian Amb. Gary Doer, Qatari Amb. Mohammed Jaham Al-Kuwari, and spirited

WA S H I N G T O N L I F E

| SEPTEMBER

2015

partygoers from the diplomatic corps, Capitol Hill and the philanthropic community. Kick off a spectacular gala season with fantastic food and auction items at the French Embassy. Date & Time: Thursday, September 17; 6:30 p.m. reception, 8:00 p.m. ceremony and dinner. Location: Embassy of France Attire: Black-tie optional Event Chairmen: Kate Boyce Reeder, Sheila Rabaut and Sam Zakhari Ticket Price: : $250 Sponsorship starting price: $1,000 Contact for information: Katelyn Reitz, reitz@nofas.org, 202-785-4585

Joan Hisaoka “Make a Difference” Gala What to expect: An elegant, inspiring and fun evening dedicated to assisting those living with cancer. This black-tie gala includes a silent and live auction featuring soughtafter items and experiences. Dinner includes a four-course meal with wine pairings supervised by James Beard Award-winning chef Eric Ziebold. Date & Time: Saturday, September 19; 5:30 p.m. VIP reception, 6 p.m. general reception, 7:30 p.m. program and dinner. Location:  Omni Shoreham Hotel Attire:  Black-tie Event Chairman: Robert G. Hisaoka Ticket Price: :  $600 Sponsorship starting price:  $3,000 Contact for information:  Vivian Thompson-Goldstein, 202.302.0053, joansdifference@aol.com

Wolf Trap Ball What to expect: Guests literally take center stage at the Wolf Trap Ball, as this one-of-a-kind event takes place on stage at the Filene Center at Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts. This year’s ball, presented in partnership with the Embassy of Italy, features dinner, dancing and a host of activities honoring the arts, culture and cuisine of Italy. All proceeds benefit Wolf Trap’s award-winning arts and education programs. Date & Time: Saturday, September 19; 7 p.m. Location: The Filene Center Stage,Wolf Trap

| washingtonlife.com

Attire: Black-tie Event Chairmen: Hillary Baltimore and Charles L. Prow

Ticket Price: From $750 Sponsorship starting price: $10,000 Contact for information: 703.255.4030, events@wolftrap.org

National Symphony Orchestra Diamond and sapphire Ball What to expect:The National Symphony Orchestra Ball, the single largest social event for the National Symphony Orchestra, traditionally draws leading figures from Washington’s political, diplomatic and cultural sectors. This year’s theme draws upon the symbolism of the NSO’s 85th season – the Diamond and Sapphire Ball. Date & Time:  Sunday, September 20; 6 p.m. cocktails, 7 p.m. concert followed by dinner and the ball Location: The Kennedy Center Attire: Black-tie Event Chairmen: Elise and Marc Lefkowitz Ticket Price: :  $1,000 Sponsorship starting price:  $10,000 Contact for information: Matthew Porter, 202-416-8102, fax 202-416-8325

Mentor Foundation USA International Gala What to expect: Her Majesty Queen Silvia of Sweden will join Mentor Foundation USA in bringing together leaders and philanthropists from around the world who care about the well-being of youth. The evening will feature a banquet-style dinner with an inspiring program and heartfelt performances. Date & Time:  Tuesday, September 22; 6:45 p.m. reception and dinner Location: The Mayflower Hotel Attire: Black-tie Event Chairmen:  Dr. Susan J. Blumenthal Markey and Nancy M. Folger Ticket Price: From $500 Sponsorship starting price: $10,000 Contact for information: www. mentorfoundationusa.org/gala, gala@mentorfoundation.org.

Honoring the Promise What to expect: The Susan G. Komen for the Cure Honoring the Promise Gala

will honor those furthering Komen’s mission to put an end to breast cancer forever. Special guests include Deborah Norville, anchor of Inside Edition, and journalist Joan Lunden. The excitement continues post-ceremony with a Pink Party featuring music from multiplatinum singer-songwriter Matt Goss. Date & Time: September 24,; 7:30 p.m. Location: The Kennedy Center Attire: Black-tie Event Chairmen:  The Honorable and Mrs. Ray LaHood Ticket Price: : From $500 Sponsorship starting price: $2,500 Contact for information: 972-855-4384, honoringthepromise@komen.org.

CharityWorks Dream Ball What to expect: Described as “power philanthropy at its finest,” the CharityWorks Dream Ball brings together top leaders in business, philanthropy and government for an evening of fine dining, live entertainment, dancing and auction bidding on an exclusive array of luxury items and one-of-a-kind experiences.  Date & Time: Saturday, September 26; 6 p.m. Location: National Building Museum Attire: Black-tie Event Chairmen: Mark Lowham and Barry Dixon Ticket Price: : $750 Sponsorship starting price: $1,500 Contact for information: (703) 286-0758, charityworks@aol.com, www. charityworksdc.org.

Under the Lights What to expect: Under the Lights with Cal Ripken, Jr. and Kevin Spacey is a night when sports and entertainment superstars come together to benefit their respective charities.  The evening will consist of musical entertainment, surprise special guests and a lively retrospective on the Hall of Fame and Academy Award-winning careers of two living legends.  Date & Time: Monday, September 28; 7:00 p.m. Location: Mead Center for American Theater

53

USO Gala

By Robert Patrick, Actor/USO Tour Veteran and 2015 USO Gala Master of Ceremonies

W

hen I was invited to host this year’s USO Gala, I was thrilled to accept. Showing my support for the military and their families is something that I am very passionate about. It’s why I’ve  traveled around the world on USO entertainment tours over the past seven years and spent time visiting recovering troops at military hospitals. It’s the least I can do, and it’s the right thing to do. What I love most about the USO Gala is that it is a unique opportunity for us (the American public) to recognize the strength, commitment and courage that fuels our Armed Forces, while celebrating the individual accomplishments of the men and women who are our marines, soldiers, sailors, airmen, guardsmen and reservists. I can’t tell you how many times, while traveling on my USO tours, that troops have thanked me for visiting and saying “thank you” to them. It’s humbling to see how much they appreciate being surrounded by things that remind them of home. This isn’t my first USO Gala, so I know it is going to be an amazing evening. The night will be filled with inspirational speeches, great entertainment and I’m looking forward to being able to spend some time honoring the real heroes of our nation - our troops and their families.

Attire: Cocktail/Business Event Chairmen: Melissa Maxfield, Mark Butler, Rep. Kevin McCarthy and Rep. Steny Hoyer Ticket Price: : From $100 Sponsorship starting price: $5,000 Contact for information: Lindsey Nienstedt, 202-543-9700, lindsey@ kimballstroud.com

Boys & Girls Clubs of America National Youth of the Year Gala

54

What to expect: The National Youth of the Year Gala brings together distinguished alumni and Chairmen Denzel Washington and Secretary Condolleeza Rice, along with dignitaries and Congressional Champions in support of the top candidates for the Boys & Girls Clubs of America representing five National regions, affiliated youth centers and military bases around the world. Sponsored by Disney, this

the region home to new immigrants from around the world. Date & Time: Saturday, October 3; 6:30 p.m. Location: Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center Attire: Black-tie Event Chairmen: Laura and William Kappaz Ticket Price: : $500 Sponsorship starting price: $1,500 Contact for information: Carmen Joya, 202-772-4334, Carmen.Joya@ CatholicCharitiesDC.org

spectacular, star-studded evening honors outstanding young people and recognizes the life changing experiences they have had at Boys & Girls Clubs, concluding with the announcement of the 2015 NYOY winner representing the nearly 4 million young people served by this remarkable organization. Date & Time: Tuesday, September 29; 6pm reception and 7pm dinner Location: National Building Museum Attire: Business Attire Event Chairmen: Secretary Condoleezza Rice, Denzel Washington and Jennifer Lopez Co-Chairs, Congressman Steny Hoyer, Senator Charles Grassley  Special Guests: Debbie Boehner, Monique Mosley, Timbaland Ticket Price: $1,000 Sponsorship starting price: $15,000 Contact for information: Stephanie Polis, spolis@bgca.org or 202-507-6673; http:/nyoy.bgca.org

Human Rights Campaign National Dinner What to expect: Now in its 19th year,

morris k. udall awards dinner What to expect: The Udall Awards Dinner, the Parkinson’s Action Network (PAN) signature fundraiser, celebrates the Parkinson’s community and honors people who have made contributions toward enhancing the lives of people with Parkinson’s disease. Date & Time: Thursday, October 1; 6 p.m. Location Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center, Attire:: Black-tie Event Chairmen: Michael J. Fox, Morton Kondracke and Diane Rehm Ticket Price: $300 Sponsorship starting price: $1,000 Contact for information:Christopher Vance, 202-638-4101 x108, cvance@ parkinsonsaction.org.

Spanish Catholic Center Gala What to expect: This annual event supports Catholic Charities’ Spanish Catholic Center, one of the leading service providers to the region’s immigrant population. The staff fosters a welcoming environment for the people it serves, from those who have always called

WA S H I N G T O N L I F E

the HRC National Dinner is the premiere event in support of LGBT equality. Date & Time: Saturday, October 3; 6 p.m. Location: Walter E. Washington Convention Center Attire: Black-tie optional Event Chairmen: Lynn Fussell and Hudson Young Ticket Price: $400 Contact for information: www. hrcnationaldinner.org

PEN/FAULKNER CELEBRATION What to Expect: A celebration of PEN/ Faulkner’s work in the world of words to benefit the PEN/Faulkner Award for Fiction and the PEN/ Faulkner Writers in Schools program. The evening begins with readings of original compositions written and delivered by diverse writers, followed by a buffet dinner with cuisine from local chefs. Date & Time:  Monday, October 5; 6:30 p.m. reception, 7:30 p.m. readings and 8:30 p.m. dinner Location:  Folger Shakespeare Library Attire: Cocktail Event Chairmen: Sen. Thad Cochran, Ginny Grenham, Mary Haft, Sen. Patrick Leahy, Susan Richards Shreve and Katharine Weymouth Ticket Price:  $500 Sponsorship starting price: $1,000 Contact for information: Elizabeth Gutting, 202.898.9063, egutting@penfaulkner. org

| SEPTEMBER

2015

| washingtonlife.com

Mentor Gala

nancy “bitsey� folger and Dr. Susan Blumenthal Markey photographed at meridian house

WA S H I N G T O N L I F E

| SEPTEMBER

2015

| washingtonlife.com

55

What About Bob? By Jim Abdo

I

f you know Bob Hisaoka, then you know why the Joan Hisaoka Gala is such a wonderful and successful event. I’ve known Bob for over a decade and during that time he has become one of my closest friends. To my wife and kids he’s “Uncle Bob” … thoughtful, generous, fun and the guy who plays a mean game of ping pong. For me, Bob is someone I admire, respect and find inspirational. He is one of the most determined, loyal and disciplined people I have ever met. Because he’s humble to a fault, it gives me great pleasure to shine a bit of light on the special person behind the Joan Hisaoka Gala. In 2008 when Bob’s remarkable sister Joan lost her battle with cancer, Bob created the gala to honor her and to support her dream of assisting those living with cancer. Now in it’s eighth year, the Joan Hisaoka Gala has raised over $8 million to support such organizations as Life With Cancer, The Smith Center for Healing and the Arts and The Brem Foundation to Defeat Breast Cancer. How Bob has done this is nothing short of amazing. He has little or no full time staff.  It’s just Bob, working tirelessly throughout the year, constantly networking, gaining personal and corporate commitments, devising incredibly unique auction items and pulling every detail together for an event that is both flawless and spectacular. The Gala runs like clockwork. The food is perfect, the music divine, and there is a comfortable pace for the entire evening with every detail meticulously choreographed. Every time I experience the Joan Hisaoka Gala I have to remind myself that there’s not a staff of 20 people working throughout the year to make the event so perfect. And while he will purposely give credit to so many others for the event’s success … trust me, it’s really just Bob. He does all this while running his own successful companies, sitting on multiple philanthropic boards and donating time and money to many other charitable organizations. When it’s all said and done, Bob ends up delivering an astounding 83 percent of the gala’s proceeds directly to the beneficiaries, an enviable efficiency level by any standard.    Most of us could never do what Bob does, but we can help him assist those living with cancer.  I encourage you to attend the Eighth Annual Joan Hisaoka “Make a Difference” Gala on Saturday, September 19 at the Omni Shoreham.  For more information contact Vivian ThompsonGoldstein at 202-302-0054 or visit joansdifference@aol.com   And by the way, when you see Bob during the course of the evening, take a moment to thank him for all he is doing …. but don’t challenge him to a game of ping pong.

56

NHFA Noche de Gala Dinner What to expect: The National

Night Nouveau What to expect: Night Nouveau,

Hispanic Foundation for the Arts (NHFA) will hold its 19th annual gala hosted by Jimmy Smits, Merel Julia, Esai Morales, Sonia Braga and Felix Sanchez, with a seated dinner following the reception. Date & Time: Tuesday, October 6; 6:30 p.m. Location: Renaissance Mayflower Hotel Attire: Black-tie Event Chairmen: Ginny Grenham and Lisa Fuentes Sponsorship starting price: $5,000 Contact for information: info@hispanicarts. org, www.hispanicarts.org

angels in adoption What to expect: Members of Congress come together to celebrate adoption at this inspiring event. Korie and Willie Robertson of “Duck Dynasty” return as emcees and singer Rachel Crow Klein of TLC’s “The Little Couple” will be honored. Date & Time: Wednesday, October 7; 6:30 p.m. reception, 7:30 p.m. awards ceremony and dinner Location: Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center Attire: Cocktail Ticket Price: $250 Sponsorship starting price: $1,000 Contact for information: Allison Coble, Allison@ccainstitute.org, 202-544-8500

Bethesda Green Gala What to expect: The sixth annual gala will honor local green champions and feature a seasonal menu with fare from local purveyors, open bar with local beer and wine, silent auction with sustainable gifts and services, live music and more. Date & Time: Thursday, October 8; 6:30 p.m. Location: Bethesda Blues & Jazz Supper Club, Attire: Business Event Chairmen: Veronique Marier Ticket Price: : $100 Sponsorship starting price: $1,000 Contact for information: Dave Heffernan, dvheffernan@bethesdagreen.org.

WA S H I N G T O N L I F E

one of the most talked about social gatherings for young professionals, continues its trend of presenting innovative themes with this year’s “Game of Thrones” theme. Bringing the party to life is DJ Kristian Nairn, better known as his character in the show, Hodor. Date & Time: Saturday, October 10; 8 p.m. Location: Halcyon House Attire: “Game of Thrones”-inspired cocktail Event Chairmen: N/A Ticket Price: :$150 until September 28 Sponsorship starting price: $1,000 Contact for information: David Corson, d.corson@sandr.org.

Inova Summit What to expect: The 2015 Inova Summit is a one-ofa-kind event where guests connect with Northern Virginia’s most respected physicians, community leaders, philanthropists and corporate executives. Inova’s leadership figures will share their vision for the future of health and guests will hear from speakers including Robin Roberts, cancer survivor and anchor for ABC’s “Good Morning America,” and Pulitzer Prize winner Dr. Siddhartha Mukherjee, author of the bestseller “The Emperor of All Maladies.” Date & Time: Saturday, October 10 to Sunday, October 11 Location: Ritz-Carlton, Tysons Corner Attire: Black-tie Event Chairmen: Dr. Gary Mather and Ms. Tina Mather Ticket Price:  $1,000 Sponsorship starting price: $5,000 Contact for information: Kara Burke, 703289-2077, Kara.Burke@inova.org

Chris4Life Colon Cancer Foundation Blue Hope Bash What to expect: An evening of hope, inspiration and celebration will feature live entertainment, speeches from VIP’s, dinner, signature cocktails, a silent auction, celebrity guests and inspirational stories from colon cancer survivors. Proceeds benefit the Chris4Life Colon Cancer Foundation, which is dedicated to

| SEPTEMBER

2015

| washingtonlife.com

Meridian Ball White-Meyer Dinner eric and susanne larsen photographed at meridian house

WA S H I N G T O N L I F E

| SEPTEMBER

2015

| washingtonlife.com

57

finding a cure for colon cancer by funding and facilitating cutting-edge research programs across the nation. Date & Time: Thursday, October 15; 6 p.m. Location: Four Seasons Hotel Attire: Cocktail Event Chairmen: N/A Ticket Price: From $300 Sponsorship starting price: $3,000 Contact for information: Michael Sapienza, 703.749.1680 x100, michael. sapienza@chris4life.org, www. chris4life.org/bluehopebash.

Meridian Ball and Global Leadership Summit What to expect: The Meridian Ball brings together top policymakers, private and public sector leaders, and the diplomatic corps to build relationships and support for Meridian International Center’s mission to promote better global leadership. Guests dine at ambassador-hosted dinners or Meridian’s White-Meyer House before gathering for dessert, dancing and conversation at Meridian House.  Date & Time:  Friday, October 16; 7 p.m. Location: Meridian House Attire:  Black-tie or military equivalent Event Chairmen: Ball Chairmen: Beatrice Welters and Anthony Welters; WhiteMeyer Chairmen: Eric and Susanne Larsen; Young Professional Chairmen: Ali Weinberg and Josh Rogin; Congressional Co-Chairmen: Rep. Eliot Engel and Pat Engel and Rep. Vern Buchanan and Sandy Buchanan Ticket Price: :  Ambassador-hosted Dinner and Meridian Ball: $650; White-Meyer Dinner and Meridian Ball: $450  Sponsorship starting price: $5,000  Contact for information: Olivia Dorieux, 202-939-5892, odorieux@meridian. org.

National Italian American Foundation 40th Anniversary Awards Gala Dinner What to expect: NIAF’s gala attracts

DC CHAMBER OF COMMERCE GALA

nearly 2,000 guests from Italy and the United States. Past honorees and special guests have included Martin Scorsese, Gina Lollobridgida,

Christine Warnke and Donna Rattley photographed at meridian house

58

WA S H I N G T O N L I F E

| SEPTEMBER

2015

| washingtonlife.com

Gianni Agnelli, Roberto Benigni, Lee Iacocca, Sophia Loren, Massimo d’Amore, Robert De Niro, Al Pacino, Leon Panetta, Miuccia Prada and Gianni Versace. Date & Time: Saturday, October 17; 5:30 p.m. reception, 6:30 p.m. dinner and awards Location: Marriott Wardman Park Hotel Attire: Black-tie Event Chairmen: J. J. Cafaro; Honorary Chairwoman: Patricia de Stacy Harrison Ticket Price: $400 Sponsorship starting price: $1,500 Contact for information: Jerry Jones, jerry@ niaf.org, 202-939-3102.

Imagination Stage gala What to expect: This festive evening celebrates the power of creativity to transform lives. Get a glimpse of Imagination Stage’s programming through an original show, while celebrating the recipients of the 2015 Imagination Stage Award: playwright Karen Zacharias and composer Debbie Wicks La Puma.   Date & Time: Saturday, October 17; 6:30 p.m. Location: Imagination Stage Attire: Black-tie optional Event Chairmen: Debbi Jarvis, Lori McFarling and Elizabeth OliverFarrow; Honorary Chairwoman: Lily Eskelsen Garcia Ticket Price: : $250 until August 20 Sponsorship starting price: $1,000 Contact for information: Emily Wilson, ewilson@imaginationstage.org, 301-280-1626.

Hope & Progress Gala What to expect: Sibley Memorial Hospital Foundation’s 14th Annual Celebration of Hope & Progress Gala will benefit Sibley Memorial Hospital, a member of Johns Hopkins Medicine, and its ongoing commitment to provide state-of-theart, compassionate and personalized medical care. Date & Time: Saturday, October 17; 6:30 p.m. Location: Four Seasons Hotel Attire: Black-tie Event Chairmen: Manisha and Roy Kapani; Rory & John Ackerley

WA S H I N G T O N L I F E

| SEPTEMBER

2015

LUNGevity Gala

Paul Stern & Earl Stafford photographed at meridian house

| washingtonlife.com

59

Honoring the Promise: A Night to Celebrate the Fight to End Breast Cancer Forever by ray LaHood,

K

athy and I are honored to join the heroes of the breast movement at the Kennedy Center for Susan G. Komen’s sixth annual Honoring the Promise Gala. We are humbled to serve as gala chairs and to have the opportunity to recognize those individuals making meaningful contributions to Susan G. Komen’s mission to end breast cancer forever. My decades-long relationship with Komen is deeply personal. I grew up in the same central Illinois town as Suzy Komen, whose tragic death to breast cancer inspired her sister, Nancy Brinker, to found one of the most impactful breast cancer organizations on the globe. I have witnessed Susan G. Komen’s growth from a tiny grassroots movement to the world’s largest nonprofit source of funding for breast cancer. Given my own mother’s struggles with this disease, at a time when no one was even talking about breast cancer, I know the value Susan G. Komen brings to the community of survivors and their loved ones. This disease touches every family in America; we all know a cousin, an aunt, an uncle, a mother, a father, or a sister who was affected by breast cancer. That is why the work of Susan G. Komen is so important. While we have made significant progress in the breast cancer fight, we cannot lose momentum. There is still much more to be done in funding research that can lead to breakthroughs in the treatment and prevention of this disease, especially here in our nation’s capital. It is a sobering fact that Washington, D.C. has the highest death rate from breast cancer in the United States — 40 percent higher than the national average. Susan G. Komen’s goal is to change that statistic, both through research and on-the-ground funding programs that ensure everyone has the knowledge and the resources to battle breast cancer, regardless of their economic circumstances. To date, Komen funding has provided more than $35 million for over 300 community grants to local programs in the National Capital Region—including northern Virginia, the District and Prince George’s and Montgomery counties in Maryland—aimed at low-income, minority and uninsured women in areas where breast cancer rates are the highest. Funds raised at this year’s event will help ensure we continue making progress in supporting women and men in the Washington, D.C. region get the breast cancer care and support they need. As our work continues, I hope you will join us in the fight. Help us end breast cancer forever in our nation’s capital and beyond at the Honoring the Promise Gala. To RSVP: ww5.komen.org/HonoringthePromise.aspx.

60

Ticket Price: : $750 Sponsorship starting price: $2,500 Contact for information: Kristen Pruski, 202-537-4257, KPruski@jhmi.edu.

Best Buddies Friendship Walk: Capital Region What to expect: Since 2009, more than 55,000 participants have walked in more than 26 states and three countries, raising more than $5 Million for Best Buddies. Ultimately, the Friendship Walk changes lives, as participants walk for inclusion, friendship, leadership and opportunities for people with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities. Date & Time: Saturday, October 17; 8:15 a.m. Location: The Washington Monument Event Chairmen: Ted Leonsis and his “Best Buddy” Ken Holden Sponsorship starting price: $2,500 Contact for information: Natalie Van Eron, NatalieVanEron@bestbuddies. org, 305-374-2233 x345, www. bestbuddies.org.

Chefs for Equality What to expect: Join the top chefs and mixologists from around the nation, including 12 James Beard awardwinning chefs and eight “Top Chefs,” for a night dedicated to LGBT equality. Date & Time: Thursday, October 20; 7 p.m. Location: The Ritz-Carlton Attire: Festive Event Chairmen: David Hagedorn Ticket Price: $200 Contact for information: www. chefsforequality.org

White Hat Gala What to expect: Leaders

Mark Twain Prize for American Humor What to expect: A lineup of top entertainers will salute Eddie Murphy at the 18th Annual Mark Twain Prize for American Humor awards. The prize, which is named after one of the world’s greatest humorists, will be taped for broadcast nationwide. Date & Time: Sunday, October 18; 8 p.m. Location: Kennedy Center Concert Hall Attire: Black-tie Event Chairmen:  Teena Hostovich and Kim Lawrie Ticket Price: : Sold out Sponsorship starting price: $500 Contact for information: 202-416-8335, mtp@kennedy-center.org.

USO Gala What to expect: Guests will pay special tribute to our men and women in uniform including heroes from each branch of the armed forces and the USO volunteers who support them. Special guests include members of Congress, military leaders, USO corporate sponsors, members of the USO Board of Governors and the media.

WA S H I N G T O N L I F E

Date & Time: Tuesday, October 20; 6 p.m. reception, 7 p.m. dinner and program Location: Walter E. Washington Convention Center, 801 Mount Vernon Place NW Attire: Black-tie or military equivalent Ticket Price: : $1,000 Sponsorship starting price: $7,500 Contact for information: Emily Farwig, 703740-4970, EFarwig@uso.org.

from Washington’s cyber security industry host an evening of entertainment and inspiration benefiting Children’s National Health System. This festive evening will include cocktails, networking, dinner, casino gaming and an after-hours lounge and dance party.  Date & Time: Thursday, October 22; 6:30 p.m. Location: Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium Attire: Black-tie optional Event Chairmen: Paul Innella and David Trout Ticket Price: : $500 Sponsorship Starting Price: $2,500 Contact for information: Cristy Heffernan, 301-565-8424, cheffern@ childrensnational.org.

LUNGevity Foundation’s Musical Celebration of Hope Gala What to expect: This festive New Orleans-themed gala will bring together the Washington, D.C. community for an evening of music, dancing, celebration and inspiration.

| SEPTEMBER

2015

| washingtonlife.com

Choral Arts Gala

Loran BRUEGGEN Aikan photographed at meridian house

WA S H I N G T O N L I F E

| SEPTEMBER

2015

| washingtonlife.com

61

Proceeds support lung cancer research and programs that will offer new hope in treatment and survivorship. Date & Time: Friday, October 23; 7 p.m. cocktail reception, 8:00 p.m. dinner, awards and dancing Location: Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium Attire: Black-tie Event Chairmen: Honorary Chairman: Ted Leonsis; Gala Chairmen: Earl W. Stafford and Paul G. Stern; Vice Chairmen: Bob Norton and Suzy Pence; Dinner Chairwoman: Grace Bender Ticket Price: $500 Contact for information: Carol Perline, 240454-3104, cperline@LUNGevity.org, www.LUNGevity.org/dcgala.

Lombardi Gala  What to expect: The 29th  Annual

CharityWorks’Dream Ball Leah Gansler

photographed in the rye bar the capella

Imagination Stage Gala

Elizabeth Lisboa-Farris and debbi jarvis photographed at meridian house

62

Lombardi Gala will benefit the Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center. This black-tie evening of dinner and dancing features a cocktail reception, the raffle of a 2015 Lexus RC 350 F Sport and an awards presentation to recognize individuals for their contributions to the fight against cancer. All proceeds go to Georgetown Lombardi to support cancer research, treatment and education. Date & Time:  Saturday, October 24; 6 p.m.  Location:  Washington Hilton  Attire:  Black-tie  Event Chairmen: DeMaurice Smith; Honorary Chairman: Brian Katz; Gala Co-Chairmen: Jill Kirkpatrick, Paul Schweitzer and Serten Advisors  Ticket Price: $500 ($200 young professionals 35-and-under)  Sponsorship starting price:  $2,500 Contact for information:  Sharon Courtin, 202-687-3866, sc830@georgetown. edu.

Olympic-level show jumping during the $125,000 President’s Cup Grand Prix. Date & Time: Saturday, October 24; 7 p.m. Location: Verizon Center Attire: Cocktail/Equestrian Chic Event Chairman: Gregory W. Gingery Tickets: $150 Sponsorship starting price: $2,500 Contact: Nara de Sá Guimarães, 202525-3679, nara@wihs.org.

The Chef’s Roast What to expect: The second annual roast will honor chef Tom Colicchio. The evening will also include a tribute to food policy champions in Congress. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Chef Action Network (CAN) and Food Policy Action Education Fund (FPA). Together, they are committed to changing food policies and ensuring the food system is just and fair for all. Date & Time: Monday, October 26; 6 p.m. Location: Union Market Attire: Business/Cocktail Event Chairmen: Chef Action Network and Food Policy Action Ticket Price: : $500 Sponsorship starting price: $1,000 Contact for information: Rachel Berger, 202-547-5797, Rachel.berger@ bhstrategiesllc.com; Lindsey Nienstedt, 202-543-9700, lindsey@kimballstroud. com.

Walk This Way fashion show What to expect: Watch top

The President’s Cup Party at the Washington International Horse Show What to Expect: Cocktails, dinner and

professional male and female athletes walk the runway to take a public stand against intimate partner violence. Funds raised will help to continue the Becky’s Fund’s Men of Code program, which empowers high school athletes and coaches to become leaders in ending violence against women and girls.  Date & Time: Thursday, October 29; 6:30 p.m. Location: Italian Embassy Attire: Cocktail Ticket Price: : From $150 Sponsorship starting price: $5,000 Contact for information: info@beckysfund.org.

world-class equestrian competition highlight this annual celebration. Watch WIHS Equitation Finals and

Harman Center for the Arts Gala

WA S H I N G T O N L I F E

| SEPTEMBER

2015

| washingtonlife.com

What to expect: Following a multifaceted special performance in Sidney Harman Hall, guests will enjoy a gourmet dinner and dancing at the National Building Museum. Date & Time: Sunday, November 1; 6 p.m. performance, 8 p.m. dinner and dancing Location: Sidney Harman Hall and National Building Museum Attire: Black-tie: Ticket Price: From $750 Sponsorship starting price: $5,000 Contact for information: Moriah Lemming, HCAGala@ShakespeareTheatre.org, 202-547-3230 x2330. Going Places Gala What to expect: The annual Going Places Gala celebrates 40 years of dedication and commitment by Higher Achievement scholars, staff and champions. The evening will feature a performance by Higher Achievement scholars and alumni followed by a cocktail reception and buffet dinner. Current scholars and alumni will be joining guests during the reception to speak about their personal experiences in the program. Date & Time: Wednesday, November 4; 6:30 p.m. Location: The Warner Theatre Attire: Cocktail Event Chairmen: Mitchell N. Schear; CoChairmen: James G. Davis, Douglas Donatelli, Sumi Krishnan, Debra Lehman-Smith, Bill McIntosh and Ronald D. Paul Ticket Price: : $250 Sponsorship starting price: $5,000 Contact for information: Beth Sadler, bsadler@higherachievement.org, www.goingplacesgaladc.com.

Knock Out Abuse Against Women What to expect: In its 22nd year, Knock Out Abuse will bring together over 600 influential supporters for an evening of dinner, dancing, auctions and entertainment to celebrate its beneficiaries and the organization’s steadfast commitment to eradicating domestic violence in the community. Date & Time: Thursday, November 5 Location: The Ritz-Carlton Washington Attire: Black-tie Event Chairman: Cynthia Steele Vance

WA S H I N G T O N L I F E

| SEPTEMBER

2015

INOVA Summit Gala

Gary and tina Mather photoraphed at meridian house

| washingtonlife.com

63

47th Annual Meridian Ball

Ticket Price: : $650 Sponsorship starting price: $5,000 Contact for information: Avery Lewis,

Date & Time: Friday, November 6; 7 p.m. Location: National Museum of Women

avery@lindarothpr.com.

National museum of women in the arts Fall Benefit: A Salute to Cole Porter What to expect: A festive evening with

Anthony and Beatrice Welters

A

s a premier nonprofit global leadership organization, Meridian’s mission is to create innovative exchange, education, cultural, and policy programs that advance three goals: strengthening U.S. engagement with the world through the power of exchange; preparing public and private sector leaders for a complex global future; and providing a neutral forum for international collaboration across sectors. As this year’s ball chairmen, Beatrice and Anthony Welters share Meridian’s belief that leaders who have a global view, cultural awareness, peer networks and the ability to collaborate produce better outcomes. With their distinguished record of public service in the United States and in countries around the world, the Welters have placed a special focus on providing education, employment, and entrepreneurship opportunities to underserved youth in marginalized communities. The Welters’ abiding passion for helping young people from underresourced and challenging environments is carried out through the AnBryce Foundation, which they co-founded in 1995. The Welters also established the AnBryce Scholars Program at the New York University School of Law and the AnBryce Scholars at the University of Notre Dame. Both programs assist students of high merit who come from backgrounds of severe economic disadvantage and are the first in their families to attend graduate school. Providing full-tuition scholarships as well as summer employment, mentoring and other enrichment opportunities, the AnBryce programs have enabled nearly 100 young people to obtain their degrees to date. Recognizing the growing need for physical and technical infrastructure as well as new market opportunities outside of the U.S., Mr. Welters has recently turned his focus to Sub-Saharan Africa where BlackIvy Group (he serves as executive chairman) develops infrastructure businesses in Ghana, Kenya and Tanzania. Mr. Welters’ globalization of entrepreneurship in these countries creates jobs and new commercial opportunities for the region. A former U.S. ambassador to Trinidad and Tobago, Mrs. Welters and her husband now serve on the boards of several distinguished institutions, including The Brookings Institution, the Maret School, Loews Corporation, West Pharmaceutical Services Inc. and C.R. Bard Inc.

64

cocktails, dinner and a performance by Amy Burton, soprano, and John Musto, pianist, to benefit the museum’s Shenson Chamber Music Concert Series and education programs. Date & Time: Thursday, November 5; 6:30 p.m. Location: National Museum of Women in the Arts Attire: Business Attire Ticket Price: : $350 Sponsorship starting price: $5,000 Contact for information: Gabrielle Kaufman, 202-266-2815,  gkaufman@nmwa. org.

fight night What to expect: Fight Night, Presented by Under Armour, will bring together 2,000 heavyweights of business, government and philanthropy for an exciting knockout evening featuring live boxing bouts and world-class entertainment. Fight For Children uses event proceeds to provide education and healthcare services to thousands of local children in need. Date & Time: Thursday, November 5; 6 p.m. Location: Washington Hilton Attire: Black-tie Event Chairmen: Kevin Plank and Raul Fernandez Ticket Price: $1,000 Sponsorship starting price: $35,000 Contact for information: Judy Wrench, 202-772-0417.

Fair Chance Butterfly Bash What to expect: More than 700 guests and sponsors enjoy cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, live music and dancing at Fair Chance’s annual soiree, with Catherine Merrill Williams as the honoree. Proceeds support Fair Chance’s efforts to improve the lives of children in Washington’s most underserved communities.

WA S H I N G T O N L I F E

in the Arts Attire: Cocktail Event Chairmen: Anne Mahlum and Mandy Mills Ticket Price: : $175 through October 24 Sponsorship starting price: $2,500 Contact for information: Linzee Feigenbaum, lfeigenbaum@ fairchancedc.org, 202-467-2421.

D.C. Wings of Hope for Melanoma Gala What to expect: The evening will include exquisite food, drinks, live music, dancing and live/silent auctions to help support the Melanoma Research Foundation’s (MRF) mission and their fight against this disease. Date & Time: Saturday, November 7; 6:30 p.m. Location: Trump National Golf Club, Potomac Falls, Va. Attire: Cocktail Attire Event Chairmen: Bill Reilly, Chad MacDonald, Michael Esposito, Steve Wiltse, Bud Wilkinson and Chuck Divone Ticket Price: : $175 Sponsorship starting price: $2,500 Contact for information: Cassie Beisel, cbeisel@melanoma.org

ICON 15 What to expect: This fall fundraising event is a fun evening showcasing the talents of our youth. We expect nearly 400 guests to help make this year’s gala a night to remember. Cocktails and silent auction, dinner and a live auction are followed by a fabulous performance by the five winners of the BGCGW Talent Search (months of competitions at local and regional levels, concluding with the finals at the Kennedy Center Millennium Stage). On display will be original works created by BGCGW aspiring artists and winners of the ICON Visual Arts Competition. Date & Time: Monday, November 9; 6 p.m. Location: Ritz-Carlton, Tysons Corner Attire: Cocktail Event Chairwoman: Teri Galvez Ticket price: $400 Sponsorship starting price: $4,000

| SEPTEMBER

2015

| washingtonlife.com

Contact for information: Terri Johnson, 202540-2323, tjohnson@bgcgw.org Heroines of Washington What to expect: The March of Dimes Heroines of Washington will honor women for their volunteerism. Guests at this awards presentation include CEOs and other high-level individuals from corporations and government agencies. Since 2001, 87 heroines have been recognized and $2.1 million has been raised to support the March of Dimes. Date & Time: Tuesday, November 10; 6 p.m. Location: The Ritz Carlton, Tysons Corner, Attire: Black-tie Event Chairmen: Co-chairmen: Dondi Saunders and Jeana Foster Ticket Price: $300 Sponsorship starting price: $3,000 Contact for information: Kate Leib, 571257-2309, kleib@marchofdimes.org.

The Lab School of Washington’s Awards Gala Honoring Outstanding Achievers with Learning Differences What to expect:  The Lab School of Washington’s annual Gala and dinner dance raises critical funds to continue the mission of the school. The Gala raises awareness about learning differences and recognizes people who have overcome their own learning differences and achieved great heights in their careers and lives. Date & Time: Thursday, November 12; 6:00 p.m. Location: The National Building Museum Attire: Black-tie optional Event Chairmen: Brian and Teresa Byrne and Jim and Alice Taylor Ticket Price: : $250 Sponsorship starting price: $1,000 Contact for information: Mimi Hayes, mimi. hayes@labschool.org;  202-944-2207.

Noche de Pasión 2015 What to expect: A spectacular Latin-themed party featuring live performances from The Washington Ballet, hot dance music and delectable cuisine. Under the gracious patronage of Panamanian

WA S H I N G T O N L I F E

| SEPTEMBER

2015

Ambassador Emanuel GonzalezRevilla and Ms. Luciana GonzalezRevilla, the event will benefit the Washington Ballet’s Latino Dance Fund which supports the company’s education and scholarship initiatives. Date & Time: Saturday, November 14, 2015 7:00 p.m. (VIP reception) 8:30 p.m. (General Admission) Location: Residence of the Ambassador of Panama Attire: Explorer Chic Event Chairmen: Margarita ArroyaveWessel, Lizette Corro, Isabel Ernst, Pilar O’Leary and Janice Pouch Ticket Price: : $275 Sponsorship starting price: $2,500 Contact for information: Washington Ballet Office of Special Events, (202) 3623606, events@washingtonballet.org.

SOME (So Others Might Eat) 29th Annual Gala What to expect: The gala will benefit SOME’s programs, including SOME’s Capital Campaign to develop a site on Benning Road in Washington, D.C. that will include affordable housing, job training and a medical clinic. The event will honor Phebe Novakovic, chairman & CEO of General Dynamics, as SOME’s 2015 Fr. Horace McKenna Humanitarian of the Year. Date & Time: Saturday, November 14; 6:00 p.m. Location: The National Building Museum Attire: Cocktail Event Chairmen: Steve J. Caldeira, Suzanne Clark and Matthew Shay, Ticket Price: : $400 Sponsorship starting price:: $5,000 Contact for information: Ingrid Feigenbaum 202-797-8806 x1129, ifeigenbaum@ some.org, some.org/gala.

Teach for America Gala

Maggie Sheedy and Yolanda Jones photographed on the patio at the capella

Washington Capitals Casino Night What to expect: Caps Casino Night is an evening of delicious food, live music, mingling and gaming with players and coaches, all in the name of charity. Casino Night features a raffle, silent auction with gameused equipment and autographed memorabilia and live auction with once-in-a-lifetime experiences with Caps players and coaches. All proceeds benefit Monumental Sports

| washingtonlife.com

NSO Opening Night Ball

Elise and Marc Lefkowitz photographed in the library at the capella

65

Meridian Ball Young Professional Chairmen ali weinberg and josh rogin photographed at meridian house

NIAF Gala

By Patricia De stacy harisson honorary chairperson

I

t is so timely that NIAF’s 40th Anniversary Awards Gala follows the successful PBS series, “The Italian Americans.” Through this series, which told the stories of our grandparents and great grandparents beyond clichéd stereotypes and included Italian-Americans today, we can follow the trajectory and commitment to enduring values passed on from generation to generation. This is a heritage that focuses on family first which includes so many celebrations and traditions centered on food and music and celebration of life. But, in the not-too-distant past, these celebrations provided the only respite in a week of backbreaking, brutal work. Today’s Italian-Americans are well aware of how much we owe to those men and women who taught us how to live in good and challenging times. However, the NIAF 40 Anniversary Awards Gala is not just a celebration of the past, it is a way forward for a new generation. Although we are all now connecting to one another more and more through technology, this generation is looking for meaning beyond tweets or “likes” on Facebook. They want to know where they fit in the world and understanding their heritage can be their strength for the future. This applies to non-ItalianAmerican youth as well. The NIAF Gala has become a Washington tradition and this year, as a result of the leadership of NIAF’s President John M. Viola, we look forward to welcoming people of all ages, heritage and race to celebrate with us. Come join us and be Italian for a weekend! Visit www.niaf.org/40

66

& Entertainment Foundation. Date & Time: Saturday, November 14; 6 p.m. Location: Sheraton Pentagon City Hotel Attire: Cocktail Ticket Price: : $250-$450 Sponsorship starting price: $2,500 (through $25,000) Contact for information: Elizabeth Pace, Monumental Sports & Entertainment Foundation, epace@ monumentalsports.com.

American Portrait Gala What to expect: The National Portrait Gallery inaugural gala will begin with a cocktail reception in the museum’s historic Great Hall, followed by dinner in the glasscanopied Kogod Courtyard before the presentation of the Portrait of a Nation Prize, recognizing exemplary achievement in the fields of civil rights, business, entertainment, science and sports. Honorees include Aretha Franklin, Carolina Herrera and Hank Aaron. Date & Time: Sunday, November 15, 2015 Location: National Portrait Gallery Attire:Black-tie Event Chairmen: Wayne and Catherine Reynolds Sponsorship starting price: $25,000 Contact for information: Call 202-633-8233

WA S H I N G T O N L I F E

or email NPG_Gala@si.edu.

Signature Chefs Gala What to expect: The March of Dimes 19th Annual Signature Chefs Gala is one of the capital’s premier social events highlighting the city’s culinary masters brought together for an elegant evening of wine, cocktails and dining. Victor Albisu from Del Campo will serve as the 2015 Honorary Chef. Learn more at marchofdimes.org/chefsdc. Event Chairmen: Chris Mullins

Attire: Business Date & Time: Tuesday, November 17; 6 p.m.

Location: Ritz-Carlton, Washington, D.C.

Sponsorship starting price: $5,000 Contact for information: Nicole Dolan at 571-257-2307 or ndolan@ marchofdimes.org.

Youth in Real Estate Luncheon What to expect: The Youth in Real Estate Luncheon was created to pay tribute to local real estate industry leaders, developers, brokers, and architects who have demonstrated a strong commitment to making our community a better place for our youth by making significant contributions to youth and to Boys & Girls Clubs in the

| SEPTEMBER

2015

| washingtonlife.com

metropolitan Washington area. Date & Time: Wednesday, November 18; 11:45 a.m. Location: Marriott Marquis Attire: Business Event Chairmen: Greg Meyer Ticket Price: $500 Sponsorship starting price: $4,000 Contact for information: Daphne Doyle Benbow, 202-540-2320, dbenbow@ bgcgw.org

LBJ Liberty & Justice for All Award Gala What to expect: The Lyndon B. Johnson Foundation will mark the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 at its LBJ Liberty & Justice for All Award gala. This year’s award will be presented to Rep. James Clyburn and former Attorney General Eric Holder. The LBJ award is given to individuals who personify President Johnson’s mission of creating a nation of justice and liberty, where everyone has the opportunity to rise and those in need will not fail. Proceeds from the awards dinner will benefit the LBJ School of Public Affairs Washington Center.  Date & Time: Wednesday, November 18; 6 p.m. reception, 7 p.m. dinner Location: Andrew Mellon Auditorium Attire: Business/Cocktail Event Chairmen: Ben Barnes, Lyndon Boozer, Yolanda Caraway, Carl Davis, Rodney Ellis, Martin Frost, Lloyd Hand. Luci Baines Johnson, Ron Kirk, Marcus Mason, Melissa Maxfield, Joseph O’Neill, Robert Raben, Lynda Johnson Robb and John Valenti Ticket Price: $1,000 Sponsorship starting price: $5000 Contact for information: Lindsey Nienstedt, 202-543-9700, lindsey@ kimballstroud.com.

A Salute to Service Gala What to expect: The Salute to Service Gala honors the men, women and families in the military who help prepare for, respond to and recover from emergencies. Funds raised are transformed into services delivered every day in the community. Motivational speaker and U.S. Army veteran, J.R. Martinez, will emcee the event and music will be provided by

WA S H I N G T O N L I F E

| SEPTEMBER

2015

Sound Connection. Date & Time: Friday, November 20; 7 p.m. Location: Hilton, Tysons Corner Attire: Black-tie or mess dress Event Chairmen: Linda Mathes Ticket Price: $400 (young professionals reception $100) Sponsorship starting price: $2,500 Contact for information: Lisa Futterman, lisa.futterman@redcross.org

UnCorked! An Evening of Extraordinary Wines to Benefit The Neediest Kids What to expect: UnCorked! is the Washington metropolitan region’s only charity wine tasting bringing 90+ point wines from around the world. The evening benefits The Neediest Kids, and delivers delicious fare, fine wines for your holiday season and the opportunity to socialize with the area’s top child advocates. Date & Time: Saturday, November 21, 7:30 p.m. Location: National Museum of Women in the Arts Attire: Cocktail Event Chairmen: Julie Raffensperger and Joan Vassos Ticket Price: : $250 Sponsorship starting price: $750 to $25,000 Contact for information: Katherine Betzer, Major Gifts Officer, 301-365-4480, ext: 14 or kbetzer@nccf-cares.org.

EWG EATS: Know Your Environment, Protect Your Health Gala   What to expect: Join healthy living advocates celebrating efforts to shape environmental health policy, reduce toxic exposures, and provide consumers with information to protect themselves and their families. The inaugural award presentation will include a keynote by New York Times and Amazon best-selling author, wellness activist and cancer thriver Kris Carr, plus a special musical guest performance. Date & Time: Wednesday, December 2; 6:30 p.m. Location:  Carnegie Library at Mount

| washingtonlife.com

Phillips Collection Gala

Qatari Ambassador Mohammed Jaham Al Kuwari photographed at the embassy of qatar

Vernon Square Attire Cocktail/Festive Event Chairmen: Nora Maccoby Hathaway and Elise Museles Ticket Price: $250 general, $500 preferred, Tables starting at $2,500 Sponsorship starting price:  $1,000 Contact for information: Julia Cohen, jcohen@ewg.org or 202-939-9133.

Washington Business Hall of Fame  What to expect: The Washington Business Hall of Fame recognizes the outstanding business leaders who have made the Greater Washington region what it is today. Proceeds from this annual dinner and awards ceremony benefit Junior Achievement of Greater Washington’s innovative financial literacy, work readiness, and entrepreneurship K12 programs, designed to inspire the next generation to navigate their path to the American dream.

Over 100 remarkable laureates have been inducted into the Washington Business Hall of Fame since its founding in 1988 by Junior Achievement of Greater Washington, the Washington Board of Trade and The Washingtonian. Date & Time: Wednesday, December 2; 6 p.m. Location: National Building Museum Attire: Black-tie Event Chairmen: Jerry Carlson Ticket Price: $1,000 Sponsorship starting price: $10,000 Contact for information:  Nora M. Wheeler, 202-777-4485, nora.wheeler@ja.org.

38th Annual Kennedy Center Honors What to expect: The annual Honors Gala has become the highlight of the Washington cultural year, and its broadcast on CBS is a high point of the television season. The

67

The Neediest Kids

By Joan Vassos and Julie Raffensperger

2015 Honorees will be saluted by top performers from New York, Hollywood and the arts capitals of the world. Seated with the President of the United States and Mrs. Obama, the Honorees will accept the thanks of their peers through performances and tributes. The 2015 Honorees are: the Eagles, Carole King, George Lucas, Rita Moreno, Seiji Ozawa and Cicely Tyson.   Date & Time: Sunday, December 8 Location: Kennedy Center Opera House Attire: Black-tie Event Chairmen: Wayne and Catherine Reynolds. Honorary Chairmen: Buffy Cafritz and Ann Jordan. Contact for information: honors@kennedycenter.org.

The Choral Arts SOCIETY Holiday Concert and Gala What to expect: The Choral Arts Annual

R

ecently, The Neediest Kids, a program of The National Center for Children and Families (NCCF), received a touching letter from a Loudon County elementary school social worker about a little girl in first grade. Her class participation and confidence had begun to drop, and the teachers couldn’t identify why. She needed glasses. Her parents could not afford the eye exam and frames, but thanks to The Neediest Kids, they obtained a voucher for an exam and she was able to pick out her own pair of new, pink frames. The social worker describes how the little girl proudly made a point of “matching” every outfit to her new pink frames. Her reading and confidence have both increased significantly since obtaining her new look. While most of our region experiences prosperity - six of the 10 wealthiest counties in America are near Washington, D.C.- there is also great need. In the DMV area, 42 percent of students qualify for free and reduced priced meals (FARMS), a primary indicator of poverty. It is the mission of The Neediest Kids to provide emergency funds to Washington area students so they can get the basic resources they need for the education they deserve. The needs range from winter coats, uniforms, eye exams and eyeglasses, dental/ medical care, school supplies, transportation and more. The Neediest Kids works with Washington, D.C. Public and Charter Schools, the Archdiocese of Washington and Alexandria City, Arlington County, Fairfax County, Loudoun County, Frederick County, Montgomery County and Prince George’s County Public Schools. Since 2013, The Neediest Kids have made integral changes to the lives of 75,000 students, and we need your help to continue to provide them basic necessities. Please attend our UnCorked! wine tasting on Saturday, November 21st to learn about how we’re helping The Neediest Kids in our communities.

68

Holiday Concert and Gala is a highlight of the Washington holiday season and attracts more than 525 of Washington’s most prominent political, business, and cultural leaders. The gala includes a joyous concert, high-end silent auction, dinner and dancing.  All proceeds support the work of Choral Arts Society, one of the nation’s premier choruses, known for its standard of excellence in choral performance and commitment to public outreach and education. Date & Time: Monday, December 14; 7 p.m. Location:  The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts Attire:  Black-tie Event Chairman: Loran Brueggan Aiken Ticket Price: $675, $800, or $1,000 Sponsorship starting price: $8,000 or $10,000 tables Contact for information: Patricia Kramer, pkramer@choralarts.org.

The Russian Ball What to expect: Cocktails, three-course dinner, open bar, musical entertainment and dancing Date & Time: January 9, 6:30 p.m. Location: A private club in downtown Washington, D.C. Attire: Strictly black- or white-tie or

WA S H I N G T O N L I F E

national costume; long ball gowns

Event Chairmen: Professor and Mrs. Paul du Quenoy

Ticket Price: $240 Sponsorship starting price: $240 Contact for information: therussianball@ gmail.com; 202-367-6516.

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater Opening Night Gala What to expect: Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater’s opening night performance is followed by dinner and dancing in the Kennedy Center’s Nations Gallery. Proceeds will support Ailey’s Washington, D.C. programs, including the creation of new works, arts-in-education activities, and scholarships to local dance students who wish to attend The Ailey School in New York. Date & Time: Tuesday, February 2; 7:00 p.m. Location: Opera House, The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts Attire: Black-tie Event Chairmen: Gina Adams, Lyndon K. Boozer, Debra L. Lee Ticket Price: $500 to $1,000 Sponsorship starting price: From $7,500 to $25,000 per table of 10 Contact for information: Ariel Metzger, 202-636-8745, ariel@ campbellpeachey.com or visit www. alvinailey.org/washington-dc-gala.

SOME (So Others Might Eat) Jr. Gala What to expect: The SOME Junior Gala is an evening of cocktails and dancing attended annually by 800 young professionals. Proceeds support SOME’s affordable housing programs for homeless and very lowincome families. SOME is committed to providing dignified, affordable housing that families are proud to call home and where they will thrive. Date & Time: Friday, February 5; 8 p.m. Location: National Museum of Women in the Arts Attire: Black-tie optional Event Chairmen: Mr. Patrick Brennan, Ms. Alden Denny, Mr. Zach Dugan Ticket Price: Tickets start at $80 Sponsorship starting price: $300 Contact for information: Ingrid Feigenbaum, 202-797-8806 x1129,

| SEPTEMBER

2015

| washingtonlife.com

ifeigenbaum@some.org, some. org/jrgala.

Heroes Curing Childhood Cancer What to expect: The 8th Annual Heroes Curing Childhood Cancer Gala is the signature event for pediatric oncology, providing vital support for cancer research at Children’s National Health System. Date & Time: Saturday, February 20 Location: The Ritz Carlton Washington Attire: Black-tie Event Chairmen:Caroline and Chris King and Kerry Iris and Eric Kassoff Ticket Price: : Start at $1,000 Sponsorship starting price: $5,000 to $100,000 Contact for information: Bethany Metzroth, 301-565-8520 or bmetzrot@ childrensnational.org.

The Wacky & Whimsical Tea for THEARC A fun-filled afternoon tea for parents and children that celebrates the children of Washington, D.C. The exciting event offers games and activities; a silent auction and raffle, entertainment and a seated high tea service. Date & Time: March 6; 2 p.m.. Location: Ritz-Carlton Hotel Washington, DC Event Chairmen:  Katelin Haney and Kristine McBrady Ticket Price:  $190 for adults; $60 for children 3-13 Sponsorship starting price: Tables starting at $2,500 Contact for information: Rahsaan Bernard, rbernard@thearcdc.org, 202 889-5901.

Teach For America Gala What to expect: Teach For America teachers, champions, and community partners share stories about their efforts to pave the way for educational equity for all children.

Location: The Omni Shoreham Date & Time: March 8, 2016  Attire: Cocktail Event Chairmen: Maggie and Tom Sheedy; Yolanda and Dale Jones Ticket Price: $1000+ Sponsorship starting price: $10,000/table Contact for information: Allison Cramton, allison.cramton@

WA S H I N G T O N L I F E

| SEPTEMBER

Washington International Horse Show

clockwise from top left: olivia stringer , Justin Batoff, Mallory Lobisser , Whitney Burns and Mo Baptiste of the the Young Nelson Society of Washington with the President of The United States Perpetual Cup presented to wihs by first lady jacqueline kennedy in 19611 photographed at the george washington statue | hair & Makeup by Tiffani Valentin, Valistudios

2015

| washingtonlife.com

69

The Washington Ballet By Morgann Rose, Company Dancer

A

s a longtime dancer with the Washington Ballet, I can attest to the fact that we work hard and we play hard. The Washington Ballet gang knows how to party, but we party with a purpose. In the case of “Noche de Pasión” this fall and our annual gala next spring, our purposes loom large. “Noche de Pasión,” led by Pilar O’Leary and Isabel Ernst along with other co-chairmen and hosts, raises money for the company’s Latino Dance Fund, which supports four programmatic initiatives: creating scholarship opportunities for serious ballet students from Latin America to study in Washington for a full year or for the summer; supporting our award-winning programs for Hispanic kids in the District; hiring exceptionally talented Latino dancers from across the Americas into The Washington Ballet’s Company and Studio Company; and developing and commissioning new works which reflect and celebrate Latino culture and spirit, which is an important part of our national heritage. Our David Bowie- and Queen-themed annual gala in Spring 2016 will celebrate the premiere of our program entitled “Bowie aand Queen” at the Kennedy Center and raises important funds to support our flagship community engagement programs. Those programs include DanceDC, our visionary partnership with District of Columbia Public Schools to provide pre-ballet training during school hours to 2nd and 3rd graders throughout the District. More than 10,000 kids have participated in the program and many have gone on to pursue serious ballet training; EXCEL! Program which provides scholarships for talented kids from DanceDC to begin their serious dance training on scholarship at The Washington School of Ballet; and our exciting and impactful programs at TWB@THEARC in Southeast Anacostia. So, as you’re whirling around the dance floor with us, keep in mind that we’re also working to ensure that the next generation of dancers can whirl and twirl with professional training. Also, don’t miss another opportunity to party with us during the holiday season. Attend the Nutcracker Tea at the Willard Intercontinental Hotel on Sunday, Dec. 13 and enjoy an elegant plated tea in a winter wonderland while supporting The Washington Ballet’s schools and outreach programs. We hope to see you at the theater (and on the dance floor) soon!

70

Ticket Price: $1,000

teachforamerica.org; 202-552-2400 x21124.

Sponsorship/Starting Price: $10,000

Contact for information: Korey Lindesmith, latino student fund gala What to expect: The purpose of the gala is

korey.lindesmith@lls.org or 703-399-2957.

to raise awareness and funding for the LSF’s academic programs that benefit local PreK-12 Hispanic students. It is an evening of celebration, music, cocktails, and cuisine featuring the best of Spanish and Latino culture, and is well-attended by corporate, political, and diplomatic leaders. Date & Time: March 9 Location Organization of American States Attire: Cocktail Event Chairman: Mariana Huberman Ticket Price: $300 Sponsorship starting price: $5,000 Contact for information: Maria Fernanda Borja, 202-244-3438, mfborja@ latinostudentfund.org.

600 supporters helped raise more than $825,000 to support nearly 1,400 homeless women who seek help each year. The gala honor women who have overcome great adversity as well as supporters in the community. Date & Time: Tuesday, March 15 Location: Ritz-Carlton Washington Attire: Business Ticket Price: : $500 Sponsorship starting price: $5,000 Contact for information: Stuart Allen, sallen@ nstreetvillage.org or 202-939-2085.

Innocents at Risk Gala What to expect: Obama

The Prevent Cancer Foundation Annual Spring Gala What to expect: Recognized as one of Washington’s premier events, it attracts more than 900 guests from the business, diplomatic, government, medical, sports, media and social communities. Date & Time: March 11 Location: National Building Museum Attire: Black-tie Event Chairmen: French Amb. Gerard Araud, Sen. Mike Crapo, Sen. Maria Cantwell, Rep Greg Walden, Rep. Joe Crowley Ticket Price: $500 Sponsorship starting price: $7,000 Contact for information: Jessie Edington, Jessie. Edington@preventcancer.org. or 703-519-2119.

Leukemia Ball What to expect: For the past 29 years, the Leukemia Ball has reigned as one of Washington’s largest non-political black tie events and has raised over $52 million for the National Capital Area Chapter of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS). The event features an auction, dinner and the raffle of a Mercedes-Benz. Date & Time: March 12; 6 p.m. Location: Walter E.Washington Convention Center  Attire: Black-tie Event Chairmen: Ed Offterdinger, Baker Tilly and Wayne Berson

WA S H I N G T O N L I F E

N Street Village Gala What to expect: Last year, over

Administration officials, members of Congress, diplomats, corporate and philanthropic leaders will gather to celebrate ten years of raising awareness and protecting women and children at this annual benefit. Date & Time: April 2016 Location: The Organization of American States Attire: Black-tie Ticket Price: $500 Sponsorship starting price: $1,500 Contact for information Lacie, 202-625-4338.

Studio Theatre Gala What to expect: Studio Theatre’s annual gala celebrates the best in contemporary theatre. Held at Studio’s 14th Street complex, this year’s gala will honor long-time special events committee chairwoman Liz Cullen. Date & Time: Friday, April 1; 6:30 p.m. Location: Studio Theatre Attire: Creative black-tie Ticket Price: $450 Sponsorship starting price: $1,000 Contact for information: devo@studiotheatre. org, 202.232.7267

Kennedy Center Spring Gala What to expect: The annual Kennedy Center Spring Gala provides critical funding to support the Center’s performances, education programs and outreach initiatives. This black-tie evening

| SEPTEMBER

2015

| washingtonlife.com

includes an elegant dinner and all-star gala performance and concludes with the ’Til Midnight party, on the Roof Terrace.   Date & Time: Sunday, April 10,Time To Be Announced Location: Kennedy Center Concert Hall Attire: Black-tie

Children’s Ball What to expect: This year, the annual signature event benefiting Children’s National Health System will celebrate its 10th anniversary and will features cocktails, dinner, and a live auction, followed by special entertainment and dancing in the afterhours lounge.  Date & Time Friday, April 15, 2016 Location: The Ritz Carlton Washington, Attire: Black-tie Event Chairmen: To be announced Ticket Price: :  Sponsorship/Starting Price: Packages available from $11,500 to $500,000 Contact for information: Diana Kurnit, 301565-8530 or dkurnit@childrensnational. org.

MedStar National Rehabilitation Network 30th Anniversary Gala What to expect: The formal evening program celebrates the 30th anniversary with Victory Award honorees, including celebrities and former patients who have disabilities and inspire the community with courage in the face of adversity. Date & Time::Wednesday, April 20 Location: National Portrait Gallery Attire: Black-tie Sponsorship starting price: $7,500 Contact for information: Leslie Concha, 202877-1781 or leslie.concha@medstar.net.

Refugees International Dinner What to expect: Refugees International’s annual dinner is an awards ceremony and celebration honoring individuals who demonstrate extraordinary leadership and commitment to humanitarian action. The evening will include a presentation of the McCall-Pierpaoli Humanitarian Award to Sir Richard Branson as well as the Richard C. Holbrooke Leadership Award to an individual or group dedicated to

WA S H I N G T O N L I F E

| SEPTEMBER

2015

improving the lives of displaced people around the world. Date & Time: Tuesday, April 26 Location: Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium Attire:Business/Cocktail Event Chairmen: French Amb. Gerard Araud, Adm. Jay Johnson USN (Ret.) and Sydney McNiff Johnson Ticket Price: : $400 Sponsorship starting price: $1,250 Contact for information: events@ refugeesinternational.org, 202-8280110 ext. 204.

National Museum of Women in the Arts’ Spring Gala Date & Time: Friday, April 29, 2015 Location: National Museum of Women in the Arts Attire: Black-tie Event Chairman: Shahin Mafi Contact for information: Gabrielle Kaufman, 202-266-2815,  gkaufman@nmwa.org.

Catholic Charities Gala 2016 What to expect: The Catholic Charities Gala features dinner, entertainment and dancing. and will culminate in The Enzler Society:Young Professionals after-party. Proceeds benefit Catholic Charities’ efforts to foster a spirit of community through service. Date & Time Saturday, April 30; 6:30 p.m. Location: Washington Marriott Wardman Park Attire: Black-tie Event Chairman: James V. Reyes Ticket Price: $500 individual tickets Sponsorship starting price: $2,000 Contact for information: www. CatholicCharitiesDC.org/Gala or contact Kimani.Superville@ CatholicCharitiesDC.org.

Washington Ballet Noche de Pasión ashley murphy, kimberly Cilento and olivia lipnick photographed in the lobby of the capella

S&R WASHINGTON AWARDS GALA What to expect: The S&R Washington Awards Gala is one of the most innovative annual events in the Washington, D.C. area. Hosted by S&R Foundation, the evening celebrates Washington Award winners with a program for guests that includes world-class dining, an auction and entertainment in an elegant and historic venue. Date & Time: May 2016

| washingtonlife.com

National Organization on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (NOFAS) Gala Fariba Jahanbani, kate boyce and Sheila Rabaut photographed at meridian house

71

boys & girls clubs of america by condoleezza rice

A quote from the United States passport: “Whatever America hopes to bring to pass in the world must first come to pass in the heart of America.” - Dwight D. Eisenhower

A

s secretary of state, I traveled the world and heard the perceptions of America through the eyes of people in faroff places. Often we are admired for our military strength, sometimes for our economic power, but we are always admired for our ability to mobilize human potential. Though Americans are different races, multiple religions and various ethnicities, we remain united by the single ideal that it doesn’t matter where you came from, it matters where you are going. The idea that you can come from humble circumstances and do great things is our great national promise and something that has made us unique for generations. But today, can we really say that this is achievable for every one of our kids? Our reality, today, remains that this great ideal is attainable for some and unattainable for others. This cycle of inequality is perpetuated by our fragile K-12 education system and a lack of options for parents who want their children to succeed. One in five teens fail to graduate on time; increasing to one in four for economically disadvantaged teens; and nearly one in three for certain minority groups. Schools can no longer do the job alone. Extended learning opportunities after school and during the summer are critical to reversing these negative trends. Education leaders, like the Boys & Girls Clubs of America, have developed out-of-school learning opportunities for kids and teens to help them succeed

72

as tomorrow’s graduates and leaders. Boys & Girls Clubs’ national data indicates that consistent engagement in Clubs increases reading proficiency; raises graduation rates and college expectations; and expands learning in STEM and the Arts. For the past 20 years, I’ve partnered with Boys & Girls Clubs through my program, The Center for a New Generation, to keep more kids and teens from underserved communities on track to graduate high school prepared for college, the workforce, the military or public service. This year, I’m joining Denzel Washington and Club alumna Jennifer Lopez, to co-chair Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s 2015 National Youth of the Year Gala in Washington, D.C. This annual celebration showcases our outstanding youth from around the country and brings to life the powerful impact Clubs have on the trajectory of kids’ futures. Our great democracy is only as strong as its weakest link and thus, we must fight for our kids. Every one of them deserves the opportunity to further their future and break the cycle of inequality. And it requires us, through a communitarian spirit of compassion, to support programs like these for them.   Today, I ask you to lend your support to the Boys & Girls Clubs.  Whether monetarily or volunteering with our youth, you can make a difference in our next generations future. Together, we can redefine the opportunity equation, so that school, plus out-ofschool, equals a great future for all of America’s kids.

WA S H I N G T O N L I F E

Location: S&R Foundation in Georgetown Attire: Cocktail Ticket Price: $550 Sponsorship starting price: $6,000 Contact for information: David Corson, d.corson@sandr.org.

A Vintage Affair What to expect: The 19th annual A Vintage Affair will be an evening of exquisite wines paired with inspired cuisine hosted by Children’s National’s Board of Visitors. This evening gathers wine lovers, foodies and Washingtonians for an evening to remember. A Vintage Affair also features live and silent auctions with unique and remarkable offerings including rare wines, exotic trips and one-of-a-kind dining experiences. Date & Time: Saturday, May 7, 2016 Attire: Cocktail Ticket Price: : $400 Sponsorship/Starting Price: $5,000 Contact for information: Melanie McCarty, 301-565-4266 or mmccarty@ childrensnational.org.

CityDance DREAMscape What to expect: An evening of jaw-dropping performances by dance superstars. Previous artists have included Ballet X, Fabrice Calmels (Joffrey Ballet), Charlotte Ballet, Complexions, Michaela DePrince, the Lombard Twins, Brooklyn Mack and Cartier Williams. Wine, dine and dance with the artists at an exclusive post-performance party. Proceeds support CityDance’s free after school DREAM program. Date & Time: Saturday, May 7; 8 p.m. Location: The Historic Lincoln Theatre Attire: Creative cocktail Ticket Price: $150 Sponsorship starting price: $500 Contact for information: dreamscape@ citydance.net.

The Phillips Collection Gala & After Party What to expect: An evening unlike any other in Washington, the gala attracts over 400 cultural, political, diplomatic and business leaders to dine among the Phillips’s masterworks. With the support of many local and national partners, the black-tie event includes a cocktail reception and dinner of international delights. The event raises

| SEPTEMBER

2015

| washingtonlife.com

critical resources for the museum’s award-winning education programs that inspire creativity, foster greater world understanding and provide lifelong learning experiences for more than 48,000 children, teachers and families in the Washington community and across the country.  Date & Time: May 13, 6:30 p.m. Location: The Phillips Collection Attire: Black-tie Event Chairmen:Qatar Amb. Mohammed Al-Kuwari Ticket Price: : $1,375 Sponsorship starting price: $16,500 Contact for information: mvizcaino@ phillipscollection.org.

march of dimes Gourmet Gala What to expect: More than 50 U.S. senators and representatives are expected to participate in this annual competitive cook-off by serving their favorite dishes, drinks and desserts. They will be judged by locally acclaimed professional chefs and will receive awards at the event. Date & Time: Tuesday, May 17, 6:00 p.m. Location: National Building Museum  Ticket Price: $1,500 Sponsorship starting price $5,000 Event Chairmen: Sandy Cornyn and Janet Thompson Contact for information: Tina Cavucci at 571-2572308 or ccavucci@marchofdimes.org.

political satire infused with Shakespearean language and references. Proceeds from this event support STC’s many education, artistic and community engagement programs. Date & Time: June 2016, 6:30 p.m. cocktail reception, 7:30 p.m. performance Location: Sidney Harman Hall Attire: Business Event Chairmen: Tom Davis, Bernie McKay and David Williams Ticket Price $250 Sponsorship Information: Starting at $1,000 Contact for information: WillontheHill@ shakespearetheatre.org or 202-547-3230 ext. 2331.

Step Afrika! VIP Gala What to expect: Join Step Afrika!’s family, friends, artists and alumni for great food, lively conversation and all night dancing to celebrate the unique energy of Washington’s largest African American arts organization. Date & Time: Thursday, June 16; 6 p.m. Location: Atlas Performing Arts Center Attire: Cocktail Ticket Price: $350 Sponsorship starting price: $1,000 Contact for information: Joanne Coutts, deputy director, jcoutts@stepafrika.org 202.399.7993 x 112.

Boys and Girls Clubs of America Gala

misty copeland

photographed at the 2014 bgca gala

Ford’s Theatre Gala What to expect: The Ford’s Theatre Gala features red carpet arrivals, a performance at the historic theater and presentation of the Lincoln Medal to an honoree who exemplifies the lasting legacy and mettle of character of President Abraham Lincoln. The event benefits the Ford’s Theatre Society and its programming.  Date & Time: June 2016 Location: Ford’s Theatre Attire: Black-tie Contact for information: gala@fords.org.

2015-2016

Check washingtonlife.com for photos from all your favorite balls and galas.

Will on the Hill What to expect: The Shakespeare Theatre

Environmental Working Group Gala

Company’s (STC) annual event welcomes Members of Congress from both sides of the aisle and distinguished Washington insiders onto the stage to perform a

WA S H I N G T O N L I F E

| SEPTEMBER

2015

nora maccoby and elise museles

photographed in the presidential suite of the capella

| washingtonlife.com

73

LIFESTYLES

(6)77 6),)%67%0 GET GALA READY WITH THESE HIGH-FASHION BALL SEASON ENSEMBLES

PHOTOGRAPHY TONY POWELL= WWW TONY-POWELL COM WARDROBE WILL LAWRY= ASSISTED BY JOHN SALAS= FOR CAPITAL IMAGE= CAPITALIMAGE@LIVE COM HAIR AND MAKEUP CAROLA MYERS= ASSISTED BY SHIRLEY ZUNIGA AND AMBER LY= FOR CM ARTIST GROUP= WWW CAROLAMYERS COM MANICURE SHAE JACKSON= ASSISTED BY MAKEDA JANIFER= FOR HAVEN BEAUTY LOUNGE= WWW HAVENBEAUTYLOUNGE COM MODELS ALEXANDRA ODENWALD AND ANNA SEMENOVA FOR T H E ARTIST AGENCY MANAGING EDITOR LAURA WAINMAN ASSOCIATE EDITOR ERICA MOODY EDITORIAL ASSISTANTS SARA COOPER= SELENE SAN FELICE AND ANIKA REED PHOTOGRAPHED ON LOCATION AT ARENA STAGE’S MEAD CENTER FOR AMERICAN THEATER

ON ANNA: ALEXANDER MCQUEEN low v-neck dress ($6,395), Saks Fifth Avenue, 5555 Wisconsin Ave., Chevy Chase, MD 20815, 301 657-9000; MIKIMOTO golden south sea 18k yellow gold and diamond earrings ($20,000), ROBERTO COIN 18k rose gold and rudilated quartz ring ($4,900) and ROBERTO COIN 18k white and rose gold and diamond ring ($21,000), Liljenquist &Beckstead the Shops at Fairfax Square, 8075 Leesburg Pike, Vienna, VA 22182, 703-749-1200. ON ALEXANDRA: ESCADA tuxedo jacket with bow detailing ($1,995), CAROLINA HERRERA silk faille skirt ($1,990) and ALEXANDER MCQUEEN knuckle clutch ($4,195), Saks Fifth Avenue, 5555 Wisconsin Ave., Chevy Chase, MD 20815, 301 657-9000; AL CORO 18k rose and white gold diamond pendant ($19,860), AL CORO 18k rose gold chain ($3,530), AL CORO 18k rose gold with brown and white diamond earrings ($10,510) and ROBERTO COIN brown diamond and 18k white gold bangle ($16,800), Liljenquist &Beckstead the Shops at Fairfax Square, 8075 Leesburg Pike, Vienna, VA 22182, 703-749-1200. Photographed in the Arlene and Robert Kogod Cradle.

MONIQUE LHUILLIER gown ($6,500), Saks Jandel, 5510 Wisconsin Ave., Chevy Chase, MD 20815, 301-652-2250; ROBERTO COIN 18k rose gold, mother of pearl and diamond ring ($8,300), BULGARI diva 18k rose gold, mother of pearl and diamond bracelet ($58,000) and ROBERTO COIN 18k white, gold and diamond bangles (price upon request), Liljenquist &Beckstead the Shops at Fairfax Square, 8075 Leesburg Pike, Vienna, VA 22182, 703-749-1200; IBEAUTIFUL MIA ELLIOTT gold bohemian marquise earrings ($150), Bloomingdale’s, 5300 Western Ave., Chevy Chase, MD 20815, 240-744-3700. Photographed in the Arlene and Robert Kogod Cradle

YIGAL AZROUEL fur vest with leather waise ($3,650), Saks Fifth Avenue, 5555 Wisconsin Ave., Chevy Chase, MD 20815, 301 657-9000; ROBERTO COIN 18k white and rose gold and diamond ring ($21,000), ROBERTO COIN 18k rose gold, mother of pearl and diamond ring ($8,300), MEMOIRE diamond and 18k white gold ring ($15,700) and AL CORO 18k rose gold with brown and white diamond earrings ($10,510), Liljenquist &Beckstead the Shops at Fairfax Square, 8075 Leesburg Pike, Vienna, VA 22182, 703-749-1200; SHANA KROIZ sterling silver spotted cuff with 18k gold studs ($2,200) and “Sara’s Tail” cast sterling silver and 18k yellow gold ring ($1,200), www.shanakroiz.com. Photographed in the Arena Stage Grand Lobby.

STELLA MCCARTNEY sheer dress with rhinestone chain ($1,115), Saks Fifth Avenue, 5555 Wisconsin Ave., Chevy Chase, MD 20815, 301 657-9000; IBEAUTIFUL MIA ELLIOTT silver rhinestone choker ($300), Bloomingdale’s, 5300 Western Ave., Chevy Chase, MD 20815, 240-744-3700; SHANA KROIZ sterling silver corinthian hinge cuff with 18k gold studs ($2,800), www.shanakroiz. com; shoes model’s own. Photographed in the Arena Stage Grand Lobby.

ON ALEXANDRA: HERVE LEGER interwoven bandage fringe jacket ($1,590) and ERDEM MORALIOGLU midi-length grid ball skirt ($1,560), Saks Fifth Avenue, 5555 Wisconsin Ave., Chevy Chase, MD 20815, 301 6579000; SHANA KROIZ 18k gold vermeil cuff ($1,100), www.shanakroiz.com; AL CORO brown and white diamond pendant in 18k rose gold ($14,100) and AL CORO multicord chain ($150), Liljenquist &Beckstead the Shops at Fairfax Square, 8075 Leesburg Pike, Vienna, VA 22182, 703-749-1200. ON ANNA: HERVE LEGER PEPLUM TOP ($316), DOLCE AND GABBANA drawing print skirt ($1,695) and ESCADA silk jacket ($3,950), Saks Fifth Avenue, 5555 Wisconsin Ave., Chevy Chase, MD 20815, 301 657-9000; SIERA rose cut diamond ring ($6,300), Liljenquist &Beckstead the Shops at Fairfax Square, 8075 Leesburg Pike, Vienna, VA 22182, 703-749-1200; SHANA KROIZ platinum vermeil cuff ($800) and SHANA KROIZ “Grand Plus Swirl” 18k gold with cubic zirconia earrings ($420), www.shanakroiz.com. Photographed in the Arena Stage Grand Lobby.

LIFESTYLES | TREND REPORT

DEREK LAM Checked jacquardknit top ($1,190); neimanmarcus.com

RAOUL Knit cable-panel tank ($295); saksfifthavenue.com

PHILLIP LIM 31 hour colorblock bag ($795); saksfifthavenue.com

8;3 832) +0%1396

ROLAND MOURET Lilyvick oneshoulder crepe gown ($3,810); neimanmarcus.com

NARCISO RODRIGUEZ Silk crepe de chine jumpsuit ($2,095); net-a-porter.com

Color blocking has returned with fresh geometric angles in everything from accessories to outerwear, and all in black and white. BY ERICA MOODY

SAINT LAURENT Two-tone wool mini dress ($2,150); shopstyle.com

ANYA HINDMARCH Black imperial eyes clutch ($1,450); lyst.com FENDI Two-tone shearling scarf ($1,350); net-a-porter.com

ROLAND MOURET Paddington twotone wool crepe coat ($2,825); saksfifthavenue.com ALEXIS BITTAR Racing stripe hinged cabochon collar ($425); alexisbittar.com GIVENCHY Nadia sandals in black and white leather ($950); neimanmarcus.com 82

NARS Duo eyeshadow ($35); narscosmetics. com WA S H I N G T O N L I F E

| S E P T E M B E R | washingtonlife.com

MODERN KEEPSAKES

Jewelry designer Monica Rich Kosann creates personalized pieces that stand the test of time BY ERICA MOODY | PHOTOS BY TONY POWELL

Monica Rich Kosann Rod Kosann

Denise Rasor, Sherrie Beckstead, Sara Beckstead and Stephen Clarke

T

he Women’s Tower Club of Tyson’s Corner was delighted to spend a morning with Monica Rich Kosann at Liljenquist & Beckstead Fine Jewelers; the award-winning jewelry designer shared advice and provided creative inspiration at the private breakfast to showcase her latest designs and benefit the Washington Humane Society. Washington Life executive editor Virginia Coyne moderated. “My collection is all about storytelling,” Kosann told 60 guests over mimosas and muffins. “We should wear our stories and enjoy them and be proud of them. I love nothing more than working with women and creating one-of-a-kind pieces.” Kosann began her career as a fine arts black WA S H I N G T O N L I F E

and white photographer before going into the jewelry business with her husband ten years ago. Her inspiration for both, she says, comes from a similar place. “I’ve been very inspired by photographers from the camera arts period of the early 1900s. They were really the first who photographed family life but made it beautiful and artistic. At the same time there were a lot of women’s accessories that were beautiful, personalized pieces of jewelry.” Kosann says her creations are meant to be elegant and never go out of style. They tend to be intricate with lots of moving parts and hinges. Some of her very first designs were lockets that have remained a feature in her collections, most

| S E P T E M B E R | washingtonlife.com

recently appearing in her latest line of ceramics. “I would say that lockets are sexy,” Kosann says. “We’ve done a lot over the years to debunk the notion that a locket has to be your mother’s or your grandmother’s. I have Hayden Panettiere and Jordan Dunn wearing them.” But the biggest celebrity surprise of all was spotting her earrings on the cover of Vanity Fair, worn by none other than Caitlyn Jenner. “I literally found out the same time that everyone else found out,” the designer says with a laugh. “I was walking down the street and got a text saying, ‘did you know your earrings are on the cover of Vanity Fair?’ It was definitely a moment.” 83

LIFESTYLES | PERFECT PITCH

ON STAGE BY SELENE SAN FELICE

J

osh Groban just released his new album, “Stages,” in April and will be coming to DAR Constitution Hall in September. The singer took some time out of his busy schedule promoting and preparing for the “Stages” tour to talk to us from his home in New York City.

WASHINGTON LIFE: What was your motivation to create “Stages”? JOSH GROBAN “Stages” is an album of musical theater songs. I always knew that I wanted to make this record at some point in my career. Before I got signed, I was going to school at Carnegie Mellon University for theater. It was my original dream, and still a dream of mine to do some Broadway. But this is a good way for me to express my love for that world and interpret a few songs my way. It felt like the arrangements were right and the stars aligned this year for “Stages” to finally come to fruition. WL: Is it fair for audiences to expect to see you in costumes for each song? JG No, no, there will be no costumes for this tour. Concerts are going to be focusing on the music and on the songs. It’s not going to be me doing all sorts of different characters like a psycho person. It’s gonna be full orchestras in every city that we’re going to and a really loose, wonderful evening celebrating these songs. I don’t like things to be too serious at my shows. I still like to dance and if I feel particularly stir crazy I might throw on a costume, but it will have nothing to do with the song that I’m singing. WL: According to Playbill you started off stages with 35 to 40 songs. Will some of those covers make it on stage for the tour? JG That’s a good question. I think audiences can probably expect a few things that aren’t on the record. Maybe they’re songs we were thinking of putting on the record but didn’t. Maybe they’re songs that we discovered since making the record from that world. But yeah, there will obviously be a lot of songs from “Stages” in the show and there will also be a few surprises as well. Maybe a couple duets.

84

WL: “Stages” does include beautiful duets with Kelly Clarkson, Audra McDonald and Chris Botti. Is there anyone you’ve been wanting to collaborate with that you haven’t yet? JG I would love to sing with someone like Florence Welch. Or Annie Lennox. That’d be a dream for me; she’s got such a great big voice. WL: You tend to be cast as a jerk in your TV appearances, namely as Ed Helms’ brother on The Office. What is that like? JG It’s a lot of fun. It’s great when you can kind of play off of life and you can go into something and play a bizarro version. It’s obviously a good character to play if you’re getting lots of laughs ... It makes my job a lot easier as far as reading the lines with that kind of character. . WL: A few years ago you did renditions of Kanye West’s tweets for Jimmy Kimmel. Would you ever consider doing a hip-hop cover? JG (Laughs) Well, the hip-hop rendition of Kanye West has already been thoroughly planted by Kanye West. We’ve got a lot of great hip-hop artists out there; I don’t think we’re in need of any more. If I have anything to give to the hiphop world it’s a love for karaoke, in which case I am the greatest rapper of all time. Other than that, I think Kendrick Lamar is doing just fine. WL: You recently refused to play a show because the venue was price gouging. Why did you decide to take a stand? JG: One of the biggest letdowns for the

Josh Groban (Photo by James Dimmock)

artist and the fans is when tickets are bought at face value and then resold for ten times that amount and none of that money goes to anybody. It doesn’t go to the venue, it doesn’t go to the artist. It goes to the person selling it. My feeling is that if fans are going to buy a ticket, that’s the price they should pay for it. It shouldn’t be up to a venue to decide. It was just a choice we made, hopefully for the betterment of the fans. Josh Groban will perform on Monday Sept. 14 at 7:30 p.m at the DAR Constitution Hall.

WA S H I N G T O N L I F E

| S E P T E M B E R | washingtonlife.com

Daniel Heider and Timothy Watkins

Robert Higdon and David Deckelbaum

Cynthia Steele Vance, Barry Dixon, Joe Ruzzo and Mark Lowham

wl exclusive

Mollie Thorsen, Becca Thorsen and Jen Pinkston

TTR Sotheby’s Watch and Jewelry Evaluation Reception 3303 Water St. NW | PHOTOS BY TONY POWELL AN EDUCATION IN THE FINER THINGS: Approximately 85 of Sotheby’s most valued local clients gathered in Georgetown to hear about the latest trends in jewelry and watch sales from collection specialists. It was the first time TTR Sotheby’s had hosted an event combining jewelry and watches, part of a recent effort to reach a broader audience while reinforcing the relationship between Sotheby’s auction house and realty company. Held at a $9 million listing, guests mingled on the 3,200-square-foot roof terrace showcasing a 360-degree view of the Potomac River, Key Bridge, Arlington skyline and Georgetown. DJ Lucas provided surprise entertainment for the festivities.

Kimberly Ramsay, Jeff Wilson and Lane Hornfeck

Lisa Driscoll and Len DePas

View all the photos at www.washingtonlife.com

Ashley Fens and Brian Roberts

Ali Tafti, Ron Tahnasma and Hamel Kolahdouzan Anna Le and Sean Lam wl exclusive

ROLEX BASELWORLD COLLECTION PREVIEW

Michael Melton and Joyce Moorehead

Liljenquist & Beckstead – The Shops at Fairfax Square | PHOTOS BY TONY POWELL TIMELESS LUXURY: An exquisite collection of unique timepieces was on view at Rolex’s Baselworld Collection 2015 preview at Liljenquist & Beckstead in Tyson’s Corner, one of 16 U.S. Rolex jewelers selected to host the special preview events. More than 50 timepieces from Basel, Switzerland were on display at the invitation-only event hosted by Liljenquist & Beckstead Fine Jewelers. View all the photos at www.washingtonlife.com WA S H I N G T O N L I F E

| se p te m b e r

2015

| washingtonlife.com

Dana and Michael Landow

Cindy Schmid, Sid Beckstead and Sherrie Beckstead 85

lifestyles | dine and dish

Post Game:

Dishing with the Washington Spirit

World Cup team members Ali Krieger and Ashlyn Harris join Washington Spirit teammate Crystal Dunn to discuss life on the road, winning a championship and locker room dance parties

W

B y L a u r a Wa i n m a n

hen I scheduled lunch at How is it different playing on the Shaw’s latest hit restaurant, international stage versus locally? AK: Playing for your country is so much the Royal, with defender more intense than playing club, because Ali Krieger, goaltender Ashlyn Harris you never know when you’ll have that and midfielder Crystal Dunn, I had no opportunity again. Every single game, you idea how fortuitous my timing was. never know if you’re going to be back, Krieger and Harris, both members of representing your country, your family, the women’s World Cup team, have just your friends. That’s such an honor. returned from a month-long media tour AH: You really can’t replicate playing following their championship, which for your country. Putting that jersey on included going onstage at a Taylor Swift and understanding the responsibility that concert, posing for a Sports Illustrated comes with it and the people who have cover and a ticker tape parade through worn it before you, it’s pretty incredible. the streets of New York City. And then CD: You’re constantly being tested by their Washington Spirit teammate the greatest players in the whole world, Dunn informs me they are all leaving so it’s probably the most frustrating, but on an 8 a.m. flight the next morning Ali Krieger, Laura Wainman, Ashlyn Harris and Crystal Dunn talk soccer the most glorifying environment to be in to head to Boston for a game, which over lunch at The Royal (Photo by Tony Powell) at the same time. will be followed by trips to Chicago, super industrial and up-and-coming, but very Kansas City and Portland. Naturally, before we can even begin to talk soccer the clean and modern and a little different from the Where are your favorite international locations to play? conversation shifts to how to survive living out rest of the city. I kind of dig that style. AK: I love Georgetown with all the shops and AH: I was a real big fan of Australia. I got to surf of a suitcase. cobblestone and row houses. there, go on some pretty incredible hikes, hold a koala and check out the kangaroos.To me, that How often do you travel in an average season? Crystal Dunn: We live on airplanes and in When is your off-season? stuff was pretty priceless. But I love Rio too. hotels. There are years when we have slept in a AK: Because we are all on the national team Clearly all my favorite places are going to be the we don’t really have a break until November cool beach towns across the world. hotel bed more than our own bed. Ali Krieger: I’ve been in the same suitcase for and then we have two weeks in December CD: If there’s water, she loves it! six months. I swear. Six months. for Christmas. If you’re only playing in the AK: Mine was Germany. I had a long stint in CD: It’s crazy, but it’s our life and we love it. NWSL, you’d have from the end of September Frankfurt with my home team. And I really miss through March off but most of the players will it. It’s like my second home. Where do you like to spend time when you are go overseas to play to keep game ready, or they CD: I love Japan. I think the people are amazing. in Washington? They’re such a peaceful culture and it’s just so may have another job. CD: This is only my second season here, so I rare how they have taught themselves over don’t feel like I’ve found my go-to spots yet. But Are the majority of the women on the national these generations to be a peaceful nation. I also I have to say, the museums here are really cool. I team also playing in the NWSL? remember going in the parks and there were haven’t ever been that into museums, but here I AK: All but one. It’s important we all play in 98-year-old people just working out! the league to bring attention to it and draw in find myself saying “let’s go to a museum.” Ashlyn Harris: I like the Navy Yard the best. It’s fans. How do you make yourselves a part of the

86

WA S H I N G T O N L I F E

| se p te m b e r

2015

| washingtonlife.com

Ali Krieger (Photo by Chris Colvin/Washington Spirit)

COMMUNITY WHEN YOU’RE IN A NEW PLACE, WHETHER YOU ARE JUST VISITING OR WHEN YOU ADOPT A NEW CITY AS HOME? AH: We have a lot more interaction with fans than most male sports figures. I think we have a responsibility to make intimate connections with fans. AK: Why do you think that is? AH: It’s because we have to work for people to come to our games. The men just show up and the fans are always there. There’s a culture around say the Nats of enjoying a hotdog and a beer and a good game. Ours is much more family-oriented. WHAT IS THE FUTURE OF THE SPORT FOR WOMEN AND WHERE WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE IT GO? AK: Well, now I feel like it’s been a huge jump forward because we won the World Cup and the final was the most watched game in U.S. soccer history for both men and women’s soccer. We proved that we are worth watching and worth supporting. I feel like we’ve earned that and hopefully this goes to show FIFA that we are worth fighting for, we are worth paying attention to and supporting. AH: The question is now, how do we sustain that moment? AK: Especially at the club level. AH: Yeah. Like how do we keep selling tickets? We’ve sold out all three of our games we’ve played since we’ve been back.The buzz is there, but how do we keep that buzz? SO, WHAT’S THE ANSWER? CD: I think media plays a huge role. The fact that people were able to watch the World Cup made a huge difference. In the NWSL, teams are

WA S H I N G T O N L I F E

Ashlyn Harris (Photo by Chris Colvin/Washington Spirit)

getting some TV games, but if we can continue getting more games on TV, having more soldout crowds, then people are going to be aware of our sport and be on board with progression. YOU’VE ALL ACCOMPLISHED SO MUCH AT SUCH YOUNG AGES. BUT WHAT ARE SOME OF THE GOALS YOU’RE STILL WORKING TOWARDS? AH: I think my next step is the normal life. I’d

“We have to work for people to come to our games. The men just show up and the fans are always there.” love to have a family and be settled a little bit. I don’t get that time to put into relationships and that is what I am looking forward to — the nice big family that I’ve always dreamed of and never had. AK: I agree, we put our career first and foremost and everything else goes on the backburner. But you come to a certain point in your life, after you’ve accomplished such a big dream its time to start focusing on the personal part of it. CD: Let me just say, I’m only 23 so there will be no babies anytime soon for me! I’m at the stage where I’m still trying to define myself through this sport. Our careers take off and theres no slowing it down. It’s about finding myself and getting better, growing as an athlete and working hard every day. ALI AND ASHLYN, HOW HAS LIFE POST-WORLD CUP BEEN?

| S E P T E M B E R | washingtonlife.com

Crystal Dunn (Photo by Chris Colvin/Washington Spirit)

AK: I think I speak for both of us when I say it was such a high, an ecstasy feeling that was so intense and emotional and incredible. And then after that it was just like OK, everyone’s got to go back home and that’s it; it was over. Obviously the momentum carries on for a bit but it was such a high that it was a bit depressing coming off that. Now we are adjusting to normal day to day life and adjusting playing with a team that we missed out on a for several months.That was probably the most difficult part.

Lightning Round: GOOFIEST TEAMMATE? (Ali and Ashlyn both point to Crystal) CD: I don’t know why they are pointing at me! We have such a great group that for me it’s like OK, cool, I can come out of my shell, not that I ever had a shell, and be myself. AH: She literally dances like no one’s around. AK: She’s the best part of walking in the locker-room. WHO WOULD YOU WANT TO PLAY YOU IN A MOVIE? AH: Angelina Jolie. CD: I have to go with her too. I just saw Salt and she is so amazing in that. Love her. AK: I don’t know maybe Mila Kunis? IF YOU COULD SIT NEXT TO ANYONE AT A DINNER PARTY, DEAD OR ALIVE, WHO WOULD IT BE? AK: Either my brother or Oprah. CD: Will Ferrell or someone who is hilarious making everyone almost pee their pants at the table. AH: I would love to sit next to someone like George Washington, someone super old who was super influential. Especially during that time when life was super simple, I’d love to hear about it.

87

WASHINGTON S O C I A L D I A R Y Carolina Herrera Opening﹐ Over the moon﹐ Birds of a feather gala﹐ jtcc gala and more!

Anthony Shriver, Manuela Testolini and Eric Benét at the Charityworks 100 Point Vintage Wine Dinner (Photo by Tony Powell)

WA S H I N G T O N L I F E

| S E P T E M B E R | washingtonlife.com

89

Barry Dixon and Michelle Freeman

Lynn, Zach and Elle Leonsis with Melissa Cook and Ted Leonsis WL SPONSORED

CHARITYWORKS 100 POINT VINTAGE WINE TASTING

Cindy and Jeong Kim

Ted and Lynn Leonsis Residence | PHOTOS BY TONY POWELL REACHING NEW HEIGHTS: The 200 guests in the tented backyard of Ted and Lynn Leonsis’ historic Marwood Estate in Potomac came to eat, drink, and be merry while simultaneously supporting CharityWorks’ 2015 partners: Best Buddies and Yellow Ribbon Fund (YRF). The program began with a moving rendition of the national anthem sung by Marlana VanHoose, a young woman with an intellectual disability who has been an active participant with Best Buddies for many years. Guests were also dazzled by the powerful voices of Glenn Leonard, Joe Coleman and Joe Blunt, former members of the Temptations, the Platters and the Drifters, respectively. Moved by the testimonials of Best Buddies’ Charles Calhoun and YRF’s Sgt. Adam Keys, auctioneers Mark Lowham and Norma Ramsey roused the crowd to raise nearly $300,000 before guests sat down to a six-course dinner complemented by eight rare wines served by expert sommeliers.

Fernando and Liz Murias

Andrew Viola and Sandra Vito

VIEW ALL THE PHOTOS AT WWW WASHINGTONLIFE COM

Edward Scarpone and Daniel Boulud with Jose and Patricia Andres

Mark Lowham, Tori Thomas and Joe Ruzzo

Norma and Russ Ramsey Scott and Patrice Brickman William Newman and Sheila Johnson

Jack and Leah Gansler

90

Anthony andAlina Shriver

Marilyn Pedersen

WA S H I N G T O N L I F E

Tom Baltimore, Karen Schaufeld and Hillary Baltimore.

| S E P T E M B E R | washingtonlife.com

Photo by Tony Powell EVENT SPOTLIGHT

CharityWorks

Nine celebrity chefs orchestrated a six-course dinner to accompany eight rare wines. (Photo by Tony Powell)

100 Point Vintage Wine Tasting TO BENEFIT BEST BUDDIES AND YELLOW RIBBON FUND

An insider’s look at the six-course dinner and wine pairings prepared by a panel of eight of Washington’s celebrity chefs PHOTOS COURTESY OF CHARITYWORKS (UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED)

CANAPÉS SCOTT DREWNO

THE SOURCE BY WOLFGANG PUCK

Chili Wontons with shrimp, crab and spring peas; garlic Quail Skewer with Cilantro Puree JOSE ANDRES

FIRST COURSE

SECOND COURSE

DANIEL BOULUD DBGB KITCHEN AND BAR

ERIC ZIEBOLD KINSHIP

THINK FOOD GROUP

José’s Taco; Jamon Ibérico and American sturgeon caviar

THE OVAL ROOM

Lobster biryani masala; fresh coconut chutney and spiced sheep’s yogurt

Celery root tagliatelle, poached Michigan cherries, licorice both and coffee-toasted mie de pain

Olive Oil Poached Octopus, Moroccan Olives, Lemonade Lemons, Crispy Chickpeas and Vindaloo Emulsion

2010 CHAPOUTIER HERMITAGE CUVEE DE L’OREE

2008 TORBRECK THE LAIRD; 2010 TORBRECK RUN RIG

JOHN MELFI

THIRD COURSE

FOURTH COURSE

ROBERT WIEDMAIER MARCEL’S BRABO BRASSERIE BECK AND MUSSEL BAR & GRILL

CATHAL ARMSTRONG RESTAURANT EVE

DESSERT JEFF BUBEN VIDALIA AND BISTRO BIS

Roasted squab, fennel and salsify cake in a cherry chocolate red wine sauce

Roasted loin of Shenandoah Valley lamb with braised shoulder, peas and mint from Restaurant Eve’s garden and morels

Heirloom carrot cake; saffron chiboust, carrot caviar, malaga gelato and black olive powder

2000 GAJA COSTA RUSSI; LA RAGNAIE BRUNELLO RISERVA

2003 LAFITE-ROTHSCHILD; 1986 MOUTON-ROTHSCHILD

1946 BODEGA TORO ALBALA DON PX CONVENTO SELECCION

WA S H I N G T O N L I F E

| S E P T E M B E R | washingtonlife.com

91

OVER THE MOON

Saratoga Sojourn The horsey set gathers for races, parties and yearling sales BY VICKY MOON

I

t’s always reassuring to focus fashion week in Milan. on the winner’s circle each For what could be called an August at Saratoga and afternoon in France, Caroline and see the indomitable Marylou Bertrand Collomb recently hosted Whitney present the trophy for a small lunch at “Oakwood,” their the $1.5 million Whitney Stakes, circa 1735 house near Warrenton. The founded in 1928. The soon to intimate gathering, to benefit the Mosby be 90-year-old grande dame Heritage Area Association, celebrated was accompanied by her current French/American friendship — most husband, John Hendrickson. She appropriate since the Collombs spend was pretty in pink greeting the part of the year in France. winning Kentucky connections Middleburg writer Marc Leepson of Honor Code owned by Bill spoke about his book, “Lafayette: Farish and Lane’s End Racing Lessons in Leadership from the Idealist and Frank and Mattie Justice’s General,” and Mrs. Collomb spoke Caroline and Bertrand Collomb hosted a luncheon at their home, “Oakwood, “ which Dell Ridge Farm. about her home’s Revolutionary War dates to 1735. (Photo by Vicky Moon) As always, many from connections. The most popular tidbit Middleburg headed north for the annual social illustrious horseman Joseph Keusch. of its history concerns notable visitor Wallis swirl of parties, racing and yearling sales. Peggy Jacqueline Ohrstrom and her daughter, Warfield Simpson, who stayed there in 1925 Steinman hosted a cocktail party at her stately Anjela Guarriello, were in the paddock and all while seeking her first divorce. In 1941, she summer home for friends and supporters of the around town. Maggie Bryant flew up several visited again, well after her marriage to the Marion du Pont Scott Equine Center based in times and, just like the lyrics from the Carly Duke of Windsor, and a hunt breakfast was held Leesburg. John Coles, a master of the Orange Simon song, her hurdle horse naturally won. in their honor.The bedroom where they stayed County Hounds and master of real estate at Plated, trained by Jimmy Day of Berryville, is now a point of interest and it was open to Thomas & Talbot, motored up with Gordie came home first in a $65,000 Allowance race. visitors at the luncheon. Keys. Mia Glickman took a short weekend Now we all need a vacation back home. and stayed at the stately Gideon Putnam with So … for a grand getaway, Matthew her niece, Jacqueline Kent Cooke, the 27- Hannan definitely has the answers. A garden year-old daughter of the late Redskins owner designer based in Millwood,Va., he’s combined Jack Kent Cooke, who visited with old school his love of gardens and travel to find his niche. chums. And Maria Tousimis took time off His landscape work is noted for hues, shades and from her work in the Office of Protocol & shapes using elements to form outdoor settings Special Events at the National Gallery of Art to supplement the owner’s tastes. to join George Grayson. A graduate of William and Mary and At the sales, Katie and Jim Fitzgerald, the Nankai University in Tianjin, China, Hannan’s new owners of “Chilly Bleak” in Marshall, sold garden creations and historic home projects three yearlings, one for pal Bill Backer who have taken him to Old Town, Fredericksburg did not make the trek this year. Others spotted and the Shenandoah Valley. As a luxury travel included Andrew and Janie Motion, as well as specialist, he creates trips with an emphasis on Sean Clancy, who puts out the popular Saratoga garden destinations around the world along Special daily newspaper during the season. And with a focus on art and music. Jacqueline Kent Cooke visited Saratoga for the summer speaking of newspapers, Jan Neuharth, CEO Hannan’s trips have included: Southern races. (Photo by Vicky Moon) of the Newseum, flew up with her husband, the India, the northern Italian Lakes and a trip to

92

WA S H I N G T O N L I F E

| S E P T E M B E R | washingtonlife.com

Esther Coopersmith and Friends of Tyre Founder Maha Chalabi

Carla Jazzar

Ann Van Devanter Townsend

Former Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood and Kathy LaHood, American Committee for Tyre Exec. Dir. Randa Hudome

Rosarita Tarwil

WL EXCLUSIVE

FRIENDS OF TYRE RECEPTION Esther Coopersmith Residence | PHOTOS BY TONY POWELL SAVING TYRE’S TREASURES: Supporters of Friends of Tyre gathered for an “American Barbecue” at the home of Esther Coopersmith at the close of a five-day meeting in Washington to raise awareness of the problems facing the ancient Lebanese city. Guests stressed the importance of protecting the UNESCO World Heritage site from theft and vandalism during a time of acute crisis in the Middle East. “A real solution,” Georgetown University Law School Professor James F. Fitzpatrick noted, “can only be achieved when the entire international community solves the problem together.”

Reem Chalabi VIEW ALL THE PHOTOS AT WWW WASHINGTONLIFE COM

Lynda Webster and Laura Denise Bisogniero

Keiko Kaplan, Susan Eisenhower and Gilan Tocco Corn

WL EXCLUSIVE

PRINCESS MICHAEL OF KENT BOOK PARTY

H.R.H. Princess Michael of Kent and Aniko Gaal Schott

Nash and Aniko Schott Residence | PHOTOS COURTESY ANIKO GAAL SCHOTT

Nash Schott, Brendan Sullivan and Calvin Cafritz

Alexandra de Borchgrave, Michael Pillsbury and Ann Nitze

ROYAL VISIT: Interior designer Aniko Gaal Scho shares “a Hungarian connection” with Princess Michael of Kent, which at least partially explains why the glamorous cousin-in-law of Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II received such a warm welcome when she came to Washington to promote her “Agnes Sorel: Mistress of Beauty,” her novel about the beautiful and enchanting mistress of King Charles VII of France. MEDIEVAL DRAMA: Princess Michael (who signed the books using her first name, Marie Christine) captivated the crowd with tales of “a mad king, knights in shining armor, chivalry and bad behavior” along with descriptions of ba[les that featured “3,000 long bow men so skilled that they could shoot 10 to 12 arrows per minute.” VIEW ALL THE PHOTOS AT WWW WASHINGTONLIFE COM

WA S H I N G T O N L I F E

| S E P T E M B E R | washingtonlife.com

93

Alexandra Noyes, John F. W. Rogers and Alexandra Rogers

Julian Raby, Dame Jillian Sackler, Gillian Anderson and Darren Waterston

Elbrun Kimmelman and Lee Glazer

BIRDS OF A FEATHER GALA Arthur M. Sackler Gallery and Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium PHOTOS BY NEIL GREENTREE AND JOYCE BOGHOSIAN

FLOCKING TOGETHER: Gala co-chairman and actress Gillian Anderson glided into the Smithsonian’s Freer Sackler “Birds of Feather” gala wearing a stunning peacock-embellished gown, adhering to the invitation’s instructions to “strut like a peacock.” The benefit dinner and after-party celebrated American art and the Sackler’s exhibit “Peacock Room REMIX: Darren Waterson’s Filty Lucre,” a re-imagination of James McNeil Whistler’s famed “Peacock Room.” Art lovers, philanthropists, diplomats and artists began the evening with a Champagne reception at the gallery, then stayed late into the night at the Mellon Auditorium for the post-dinner party featuring the band Betty.

Suzi Cordish VIEW ALL THE PHOTOS AT WWW WASHINGTONLIFE COM

C. Braxton and Debbie Moncure, Dorota Schnepf and Polish Amb. Ryszard Schnepf

Dancers Maksim Woitiul, Patryk Walczak, Maria Zuk, Vladimir Yaroshenko, Marta Fiedler and Pawel Koncewoj

Elvi Moore and Polish National Ballet Director Kristoff Pastor

WL EXCLUSIVE

POLISH BALLET RECEPTION Polish Ambassador’s Residence | PHOTOS BY JAY SNAP POLISH DANCERS TRIUMPH: It wasn’t hard to spot dancers from the Polish National Ballet when they arrived at Polish Ambassador Ryszard Schnepf’s party in their honor after a spectacular and critically acclaimed performance at the Kennedy Center. The lithe and limber company members may have been homesick as well as hungry as they made a beeline for the buffet containing pierogi, golabki and other specialties from their native land. “You captured the hearts of both the New York and Washington dance audiences,” said Elvi Moore, founder and president of the group’s U.S. sponsor, the Laurel Fund for the Arts.

Alicia Adams, Roseanna Leney and Robin Kent

Dancers Kristof Szabo and Palina Rusetskaya VIEW ALL THE PHOTOS AT WWW WASHINGTONLIFE COM

94

WA S H I N G T O N L I F E

| S E P T E M B E R | washingtonlife.com

Jonathan Capehart and Tim Lowery Aba Kwawu and Sela Collins

Alma Ramos, Hilary Phelps and Elaine del Cerro

Carolina Herrera

CAROLINA HERRERA OPENING CityCenterDC | PHOTOS BY DANIEL SWARTZ FASHION ICON: Carolina Herrera and Vogue magazine hosted a high-energy cocktail party to celebrate the opening of the designer’s first CH Carolina Herrera boutique in the Washington area. Local style-setters Susanna Quinn, Eun Yang and Fran Holuba modeled dresses from the shop’s current collection while the crowd sipped on Champagne, listened to music courtesy DJ Mia Moretti and browsed the racks. The event benefited the National Portrait Gallery, which will honor Herrera for her achievement in the arts at its first annual gala in November. Asked how style in Washington differs from other cities, Herrera said: “Every city in the world has a different take on fashion…but all women have one thing in common. They always want to look and feel beautiful and feminine.”

Susanna Quinn and Eun Yang

Fran Holuba and Sondra Ortagus VIEW ALL THE PHOTOS AT WWW WASHINGTONLIFE COM

Andrea Roane, Hillary Howard, Kristen Berset, Debra Alfarone, Lesli Foster and Erica Grow

Dagmar Benesova and Lauren DeMarco

Michael Lastoria and Steve Chenevey

Mike Manatos and Laura Evans

NEWSBASH FOR BREAST CANCER Warner Building | PHOTOS BY JOY ASICO BASHING CANCER: This annual event orchestrated by top area news women, including Fox5’s Laura Evans, WUSA’s Andrea Roane and WTOP’s Hillary Howard, may have been renamed the more politically correct “NewsBash” this year, but at least one woman there missed the old “NewsBabes” monicker. “It was kinda hip,” said guest speaker Rep. Linda Sánchez. The mostly pink-clad crowd helped raise money for the Celebremos La Vida! program of the Prevent Cancer Foundation. Based in Alexandria, Va., it is the only U.S. nonprofit organization solely devoted to cancer prevention and early detection.

Eun Yang, Angela Phelps and Jummy Olabanji WA S H I N G T O N L I F E

VIEW ALL THE PHOTOS AT WWW WASHINGTONLIFE COM

| S E P T E M B E R | washingtonlife.com

Carolyn “Bo” Aldige, Rep. Linda Sanchez and Dr. Rachel Brem 95

Lindsay Reishman and Robert Reffkin

Austin Carson, Lila Nieves-Lee and Stephen Jackson

Marguerite Thompson, Paige Speyer, Nina Weir and Kate Goodall

Canon Hirschler and Meghan Fahy

COMPASS DC LAUNCH PARTY Long View Gallery | PHOTOS BY ALFREDO FLORES WELCOME HOME: Around 300 agents, friends, and politicos joined CEO Robert Reffkin to celebrate the expansion of Compass, a technology-driven real estate platform, into Washington, D.C. Guests at Long View Gallery enjoyed lobster maki, gourmet grilled cheese and boozy gelato while sipping specialty cocktails and treats from the iced coffee bar by Design Cuisine. The Compass team was celebrating not only their successful launch into DC, but also the groundbreaking of their flagship 14th street office that will house 200 agents upon completion. This office joins their growing portfolio of offices in Dupont, Georgetown and Capitol Hill. SPOTTED: Notable guests included Mandy Mills, Jeanne Harrison, Bharet Malhotra, Yelberton Watkins, Christina Sevilla and Darryl Pounds.

Jeff Taylor, Alex Venditti, Rolisa Loreto, Greg Schneider

Ray Biggs and Keaton Toney

VIEW ALL THE PHOTOS AT WWW WASHINGTONLIFE COM

Ricardo Perez, Christie Perez, Kim Engel and Brett Haber

Adrian Fenty and Joseph Tydings

Swedish Amb. Bjorn Lyrvall and Mats Wilander

Ray Benton and Lauren Mallon

WL EXCLUSIVE

GEICO TENNIS GALA

Murphy Jensen, Kuni Matsuda, Sig Hermansen and Jane Hermansen

Residence of Swedish Ambassador | PHOTOS BY JAY SNAP CHAMPIONS FOR LIFE: Tennis players and patrons mingled in the glorious garden of Swedish Amb. Björn Lyrvall’s residence at GEICO’s annual Junior Tennis Champions Center (JTCC) gala. The Center’s main annual fundraiser, co-hosted by Swedish Grand Slam Champion Mats Wilander, benefits the community outreach initiative Game On. The organization’s programs are based on a mentoring model in which high-performing student athletes in their early teens become role models for pre-teen youth in the community. Andrew Fenty, son of former mayor Adrian Fenty, received the Realizing Extraordinary Accomplishments with Courage and Humility award for being a role model both on and off the court. International Tennis Hall of Fame CEO Todd Martin and former Sen. J. Benne Johnston were also honored.

Bennett Johnston

Hunter Johnston, Elizabeth Singer and Frederick Singer

VIEW ALL THE PHOTOS AT WWW WASHINGTONLIFE COM

96

WA S H I N G T O N L I F E

| S E P T E M B E R | washingtonlife.com

PARTIES PARTIES PARTIES

Artists and veterans VIEW ALL THE PHOTOS AT WWW WASHINGTONLIFE COM!

MEMORIAL DAY RECEPTION FOR MEMBERS OF CONGRESS CAPITOL CLUB (Photos by Tony Powell)

3

This fourth annual reception kicked off Memorial Day for a good cause. Dozens of members of Congress gathered to pay tribute to veterans and raise funds for K9s for Warriors, an organization that provides service canines to warriors suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, traumatic brain injury and/or trauma as a result of post 9/11 military service. “It was refreshing to honor members of Congress from both parties for their military service, especially given these politically turbulent times on the Hill and elsewhere,” Mark Strand said.

S&R FOUNDATION AWARDS GALA HALCYON HOUSE (Photos courtesy of S&R Foundation)

9. Michael Daugherty 10. Rep. Barbara Comstock

4

11. Rep. Sam Graves and Melissa DeVriese

Philanthropists Dr. Sachiko Kuno and Dr. Ryuji Ueno hosted a sold-out gala fundraiser for their S&R Foundation, the organization’s largest event of the year. The event recognized talented artists in the fields of fine arts, music, drama, dance, photography, and film, with a focus on international collaboration. Guests enjoyed a specially cra]ed menu by chef Eric Ziebold and performances by all five 2014 Washington Award winners. 3. Drs. Ryuji Ueno and Sachiko Kuno 4. May and James Linto 5. Mayumi Sakamoto and Huanhuan Ma

5

9

10

11

Debbi Jarvis, Capricia Marshall and Sylvia White

Majida Mourad, Kiana Knolland, Debby McGinn and Lisa Gable WL SPONSORED

BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS LUNCHEON

Stephanie Strategos Polis and Janice Bashford

Private Women’s Club | PHOTOS BY VITHAYA PHONGSAVAN LADIES’ LUNCH: Exceptional women were honored at a special luncheon to promote the upcoming Boys & Girls Clubs of America dinner at the National Building Museum featuring honorary chairmen Jennifer Lopez, Condoleezza Rice and Denzel Washington. National trustees Lisa Gable, Debby McGinn and Majida Mourad hosted guests who included Meg Austine, Sylvia Davis White, Ashley Taylor Bronczek, Debbi Jarvis and Janice Bashford. Boys & Girls Clubs of America 2013-2014 National Youth of the Year Kiana Knolland, a student at Howard University, received honors for her commitment to women’s empowerment. The September 29 event will feature motivational life stories told by six national Youth of the Year finalists. VIEW ALL THE PHOTOS AT WWW WASHINGTONLIFE COM

WA S H I N G T O N L I F E

| S E P T E M B E R | washingtonlife.com

Tracy Key, Dawn Sweeney, Uzma Hayat and Dondi Saunders 97

HOME LIFE Real Estate News and Open House I Inside Homes and My Washington

4VSHYGMRK E ,SQI Chairwoman extraordinaire Annie Totah applies the principles of event production to home design. BY LAURA WAINMAN PORTRAIT PHOTO BY TONY POWELL | ALL OTHER PHOTOS BY JOHN TROHA

HOME LIFE | INSIDE HOMES

here is a waiting list several years long if you want Annie Totah to be chairwoman of your gala. She can only manage one major gathering per annum, mainly because putting her stamp on an event translates to something like nine to 18 months of devoted and impassioned work. One might suppose someone in so much demand must run a top event planning company, but such is not the case. This personable five-foot-zero dynamo got her start in Lebanon at the age of nine when she produced “shows” for her family, teaching her girlfriends how to dance and then pretending that a sheet held up by two of her fellow castmates was their curtain. “Over the years I realized I have a love of creating beautiful things, whether they are physical like a home, or memories,” Totah says. She credits this love to her mother, whose mantra for her children was always to leave the world a better place than they had found it. And, considering the vast sums Totah has helped raise for innumerable causes, it’s safe to say she is doing her part. Outside of major galas, Totah typically entertains about 1,000 guests at home annually, spread among her political, non-profit, family and holiday engagements. She is as meticulous with the design and upkeep of her residence as she is in the execution of an event. When she moved into the French Provincial house in Potomac 22 years ago, her children were between the ages of nine

100

WA S H I N G T O N L I F E

| S E P T E M B E R | washingtonlife.com

Annie Totah enjoys collecting unique perfume bottles, which she displays in her “perfume bar;” “Hye Land House” is open to the public on Oct. 3 and 4 as part of the 59th annual Potomac Country House Tour; The Lebanese Tea Room is a testament to Totah’s Middle Eastern cultural roots, with a collection of rugs from the region, blue amulets, coffee servers and an 150-year-old mirror that was handmade in Damascus with mother of peal inlays; The twostory library features rich cherry woodwork and a stained glass ceiling. THIS PAGE (clockwise from top left): The white marble staircase in the foyer is illuminated by Palladian windows and a Schonbek Empire-style chandelier which was broken and had to be painstakingly restored when it was first hung; The ceiling in the family room soars more than 20 feet and the woodwork is bleached almond; The formal dining room is where Totah hosts notable dinner parties that encompass a seven-course traditional Lebanese meal she prepares herself; The formal living room, decorated in French Empire style, is where Totah does much of her entertaining.

WA S H I N G T O N L I F E

| S E P T E M B E R | washingtonlife.com

the

PREVIOUS PAGE (clockwise from top left):

and 20, so her focuses were child-centered. “We were living in North Bethesda at the time, but the children were in Montgomery County schools,” Totah says. “I began researching the best neighborhoods, and it helped that my late husband, Sami, was a real estate developer so we knew the areas. We were drawn to this neighborhood because it had a cul-de-sac and the space to build our dream home.” Totah’s priorities were threefold when it came to construction (she worked with an architect to oversee every facet of building, including drawing the original sketches). First, she wanted a home reminiscent of the beautiful houses in Lebanon, which she says are some of the most gorgeous she has ever seen. Secondly, it needed to be able to accommodate large groups for entertaining. Her previous residence could only accommodate 50 for dinners (now she can comfortably seat upwards of 200 guests). Lastly, traffic through the rooms needed to flow, again to accommodate her many guests. Though ornate in design and layout, familial touches abound. These include portraits of every family member displayed with prominence throughout the house, from the six-foot painting of Totah herself on the foyer staircase to the matching portraits of her daughters in the library. She commissioned the same artist to paint each family member, as his work was reminiscent of her favorite artist, French-Armenian painter Jean Jansem, who died recently. She displays one of his works from the masquerade series, purchased from the Galerie Matignon in Paris, outside her Lebanese tearoom. “It’s one of my favorites because at first glance you only see five or so faces but the more you look the more you see,” Totah says. Totah decided to open her house to strangers for two days in October when it will be one of four featured in the 58th annual Potomac Country House Tour. She was sold when she heard that all the proceeds are distributed to local programs addressing homelessness, hunger, elderly care and children and women’s issues.

101

home life | real estate news

HOME RUN! Adrienne Arsht buys Melvyn Estrin’s Massachusetts Avenue Heights home and the National’s Max Scherzer purchases McLean “River House” for $5.2 million By Stac e y G r a z i e r P fa r r

Washington Nationals pitcher Max Scherzer purchased “The River House,” a spectacular 1988 contemporary on three-plus acres of waterfront property overlooking the Potomac River in McLean, from Paul Shiffman for $5.2 million. Shiffman is a director of Chain Bridge Bank and, fittingly, a 40-year volunteer with McLean little league baseball. Each room in the four level, four-bedroom house at 1139 CREST LANE is designed to overlook and maximize water views from every angle. The 7,000-square-foot property also includes an indoor pool in the walk-out basement and an upper floor loft with sky lights that expand to fill the entire house with sunlight. TTR Sotheby’s Mike Anastasia was the listing agent; Berkshire Hathaway’s Chris Corry represented the buyer.

THE DISTRICT Dr. Mary G. Garrett, a local pediatrician, purchased 3033 O STREET NW in Georgetown from Michael Maiorino for $2,549,000. The historic property, built in 1770 and inherited by Thomas Beall in 1780, is located on a prestigious block of one of the East Village’s premier streets. The charming five-bedroom, semi-detached townhouse features a double parlor with 11-foot ceilings, a garden room and renovated gourmet kitchen opening to a rear deck and private garden. Washington Fine Properties’ L. Patrick Chauvin and Brad House

104

Philanthropist Adrienne Arsht bought the Massachusetts Avenue Heights residence of the late venture capitalist Melvyn Estrin. and his wife SuEllen. It was originally listed at $16.5 million. The final asking price was $15.5 million, making it the second largest residential sale in the District this year behind the former Textile Museum in Kalorama, which recently fetched $19 million. The 13,800-square-foot mansion at 2221 30TH STREET NW, a ninebedroom, 14-bath piazza-style estate, was built in 2008 and boasts a media room, elevator and custom wine cellar. Nancy Taylor Bubes of Washington Fine Properties was the listing agent.

were the listing agents. William F. X. Moody, Robert Hryniewicki, Adam T. Rackliffe and Christopher R. Leary represented the buyer. Sanjeev Bansal sold 3321 N STREET NW for $3.3 million to an undisclosed buyer. The fivebedroom 18th century Federal townhouse once owned by the late Ben Bradlee, the legendary editor of the Washington Post, includes a master suite with two baths and an attached sitting room, six fireplaces and a spacious brick patio. Washington Fine Properties’ Nancy Taylor Bubes was the listing agent; TTR Sotheby’s Michael Rankin represented the buyer.

Osvaldo and Alcira Kreimer sold 4849 FOXHALL CRESCENT NW in Battery Kemble Park to Adegbite and Toyin Adeniji for $1.5

million. Mr. Adeniji is a former World Bank consultant and currently serves on the board of Carbon Limits based in Nigeria. Mrs. Adeniji is the head of Susu Microfinance Bank. The fivebedroom French Colonial, built in 1998, features a gourmet kitchen, a gracious light-filled open floor plan and an outdoor terrace. The listing agent was Washington Fine Properties’ Bobbie Ward; the buyers’ agent was Long & Foster’s Patricia Sonaty.

WA S H I N G T O N L I F E

| se p te m b e r

2015

| washingtonlife.com

MARYLAND A Burning Tree beauty fetched $2.8 million when Roger Tchoufa and Felicite Djomo purchased ARMAT DRIVE from John and Renata Kossow. The classic fivebedroom neo-Georgian residence was built in 1977 and features embassy-size rooms, an au-pair suite, elevator and country clublike grounds set on a 33,000-square-foot lot complete with hardscaping, pool and four car garage. Washington Fine Properties’ William F. X. Moody, Robert Hryniewicki, Adam T. Rackliffe and Christopher R. Leary were the listing agents. Long & Foster’s Michelle Teichberg represented the buyer Austin and Amanda Herndon sold RADNOR ROAD in Bethesda for $2 million to David and Susan Fox with the help of McEnearney Associates Inc.’s Katherine Martin, who represented both sides in the transaction. The charming blue Shake Dutch Colonial was built in 2005 and sits on a quarter acre. The six-bedroom, five-and-ahalf bath residence features a mudroom with lockers, a gourmet kitchen, above-garage inlaw suite and lower level recreation room. Aisha Imam and Asif Dhar bought AVENEL FARM DRIVE in Potomac from Sujin Hur for $2,450,000. Dhar is a principal at Deloitte Consulting The six-bedroom, 6,160-square-foot Federal was built in 1995. The property occupies two acres and features such amenities as an arts and crafts room, library, elevator, exterior terraces and pool.

The late newscaster David Brinkley’s former Chevy Chase residence has sold for $3,262,500. A Georgian Colonial custom-built in 1988 for the famed ABC News anchorman,

MELROSE STREET had been recently expanded by Ron and Patti Rosenfeld. Mr. Rosenfeld is a housing expert who served as chairman of the Federal Housing Finance Board and president of the Government National Mortgage Association under President George W. Bush. Washington Fine Properties’ Heidi Hatfield was the listing agent and Frederick Roth, also of Washington Fine Properties, was the buyers agent.

VIRGINIA Virginia Bennett, a senior State Department foreign service officer, bought PRINCE STREET in Alexandria for $2,495,000 from Thomas Hanley , an attorney at Stradley

Ronon. The historic property has been renovated from top to bottom but retains the charm and grace you would expect from an 18th-century Federal structure. A chef ’s kitchen, custom cabinetry, finished basement, original hardwood floors, stained glass window transoms and Victorian skylights are just a few of its many amenities. Keller Williams’ Linda Wolf listed the property and McEnearney Associates’ Virginia Brzezinski found the buyer.

WA S H I N G T O N L I F E

TH STREET NORTH sold for $2,875,000, making it the highest single-family home sale in Arlington this year. The buyers, David and Juliana Yaskin, bought the property from Dr. Mary Garrett, who recently purchased 3033 O Street NW (see listing on previous page). Mr. Yaskin is CEO of Starfish Retention Solutions Inc. The 1923 center hall Colonial is arguably one of the most beautiful residential properties in Arlington; the handsome six-bedroom grande dame is set on over an acre of well-manicured, tree-covered land and features a lush pool area, outdoor entertaining space and a circular driveway. The gracious floor plan includes a gourmet kitchen, luxurious private quarters and generous space for both casual and formal entertaining. McEnearney and Associates’ Renee Fisher represented the buyer. William F. X. Moody, Robert Hryniewicki, Adam T. Rackliffe, and Christopher R. Leary of Washington Fine Properties represented the seller.

| S E P T E M B E R | washingtonlife.com

105

PROPERTY LINES POSH PENTHOUSE: The swanky, sought-after Shoreham West will likely get some new residents when William and Marilyn Lane sell UNIT

in the high-end Massachusetts Avenue Heights coop at CALVERT STREET NW. Listed at a cool $3,295,000, the combined two-unit, 4,200square-foot apartment features embassy-sized rooms, an extraordinary owner’s suite, a living room with fireplace, chef’s kitchen and library. William F. X. Moody, Robert Hryniewicki, Adam T. Rackliffe and Christopher R. Leary of Washington Fine Properties are the listing agents. CONTEMPORARY WINNER: Beasley’s Sheila Mooney listed ST STREET NW for an undisclosed owner for $2,295,000. Located in the heart of Woodley Park on a quiet nine-house street, the four-bedroom Contemporary was built in 1972 and is sited on a lush and secluded landscaped lot featuring grandly-size entertaining rooms (all with their own private terraces), an Olympic-sized indoor pool with a wall of French doors, wine cellar and dazzling chef’s kitchen.

CHEVY CHASE CHARMER: An impressive six-bedroom residence at MEADOW LANE is for sale for $2,295,000. Washington Fine Properties’ Bobbie Brewster is representing the sellers, Paul and Susan Van Nice. Extraordinary style and comfort align in this award-winning 1928 Colonial with well-proportioned rooms, expansive kitchen, stunning glassed-in breakfast room, screened-in porch and sunroom.

INTERIOR DESIGN DREAM: Interior designer Lauren Liess’s house in Oakton is on the market for $849,000. She and her husband David Liess own the Lauren Liess & Co. interior design firm and Lauren Liess Textiles. The three-bedroom 1973 Contemporary boasts dramatic lines, soaring ceilings, a wooded cabana, reclaimed wood kitchen island and wood plank ceiling in the family room overlooking the backyard. Keller Williams’ Paige McLaughlin is the listing agent. ANOTHER RECORD SALE? FOXHALL ROAD NW in Berkley is on the market for a cool $11.9 million through Coldwell Banker’s Marty Apel. The owner, a foreign businessman, began building the house for himself in 2009 but discovered he would not be moving to Washington as originally thought. The 11,800square-foot manor was constructed by the acclaimed Jim Gibson — one of the area’s most sought-after builders in the upper brackets. In fact, one of the biggest sales for 2010 in the District was a Gibson-built house, banker-philanthropist Adrienne Arsht’s former digs at 3230 Nebraska Ave. NW, which sits a few blocks away and sold for just over $7.5 million. The 7-bedroom manor boasts numerous luxury amenities in addition to two full kitchens, separate staff quarters, an elevator, sauna, pool, garage parking for four cars and a 30foot dining room.

2509 Foxhall Road NW

106

Send real estate news to Stacey Grazier Pfarr at editorial@washingtonlife.com.

WA S H I N G T O N L I F E

| S E P T E M B E R | washingtonlife.com

HOME LIFE | OPEN HOUSE

While They’re Hot The high-end real estate market offers some can’t-miss opportunities this fall. ARLINGTON

ASKING PRICE: $2,395,000

CLARENDON BLVD^ _ = ARLINGTON= VIRGINIA

LISTING AGENT: Adam Skrincosky 703-9151827 and David DeSantis 301-967-3344, TTR Sotheby’s International Realty

This one-of-a-kind, two-level penthouse at Gaslight Square, custom designed by Akseizer Design Group, spans 2,210 square feet with a top floor corner terrace. Luxurious finishes are sprinkled throughout with an elevator, Control4 home automated system controlled by smartphone or tablet, dramatic living room with a climate-controlled fish tank and spectacular chandelier, a wall of windows, fireplace and an 80inch LED television.

WOODLEY PARK ST ST^ NW= WASHINGTON= DC

ASKING PRICE: This exceptional offering features a contemporary home, beautifully sited $2,295,000 on a lush and secluded 9,790-square-foot landscaped lot. Enjoy grandLISTING AGENT: size rooms (living, dining and family) all with their own private terraces, Sheila Mooney an Olympic-size indoor pool with a wall of French doors opening to the 202-302-4321 pool terrace, sauna, steam and exercise rooms. There is also a wine cellar, and Ty Hreben a beautiful main floor master bedroom with two walk-in closets and 323.775.3825, Beastwo ensuite baths, three additional bedrooms, five additional bathrooms, ley Real Estate a dazzling chef ’s kitchen and a two-car garage. Located in the heart of Woodley Park on a quiet nine-house street, the house is just a few blocks to fine schools, shops, restaurants, Rock Creek Park, the National Zoo and the Metro — a peaceful oasis in the middle of the city.

KENT CHAIN BRIDGE ROAD NW= WASHINGTON= DC This remarkable 1940s Italian-style estate is set amid the prestigious Battery Kemble Park neighborhood. A cobblestone motor court welcomes owners and guests to the front entrance. The interior features embassy-like formal principal rooms, a large eat-in kitchen, six fireplaces, a sauna and steam room, an owner’s suite with a balcony and his-and-her bathrooms. Expansive gardens are accessed from all levels with flagstone terraces, green space, a pool and spa and wonderful vistas.

ASKING PRICE: $7,350,000 LISTING AGENT: William F.X. Moody, Robert Hryniewicki, Adam T. Rackliffe, Christopher R. Leary, 202-2431620, Washington Fine Properties

MONTGOMERY

KIRBY RD^= BETHESDA= MD

This spectacular seven-year-old custom-designed Cafritz home occupies a 12,800-square-foot level site on a tree-lined street in Whitman Cluster. The new owner will enjoy 10-foot ceilings, a screened porch, private study and home theater. Top of the line amenities include a master bath with heated floors and steam shower, a chef ’s kitchen with Wolf and Sub-Zero appliances and two Meile dishwashers.

110

ASKING PRICE: $2,387,000 LISTING AGENT: The Aisenberg Team, 301785-6313, Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage

WA S H I N G T O N L I F E

| S E P T E M B E R | washingtonlife.com

MY WASHINGTON Evan Thomas, author and journalist BY KEVIN CHAFFEE

1

2

4

5

114

WHAT WAS THE MOST SURPRISING THING YOU LEARNED WHILE WRITING “BEING NIXON: A MAN DIVIDED”? Nixon is seen by many people as a cartoon figure, “Tricky Dick” or worse, the malevolent architect of Watergate. He had a dark side and did disgrace his office. But I found there was another side to Nixon — a man who wanted to be upbeat, optimistic and do the right thing. Many of his actions were decent. He was an early proponent of civil rights, for example. But he was constantly wrestling with his demons, and when it mattered most, he lost. WHAT WAS THE STRANGEST? Nixon’s chief of staff, H.R. Haldeman, called him “the weirdest man I ever met.” He would go on late night walkabouts. During the 1968 campaign, his staff would find him in all night diners, looking haggard and sleepless. Most famously, he went to the Lincoln Memorial at 5 a.m. to talk to anti-war protesters.

his enemies. When he realized that Senator Ed Muskie of Maine was likely to ride the new environmental movement to the Democratic nomination in 1972, Nixon outfoxed him by creating the Environmental Protection Agency. DID ANYONE REALLY KNOW THE MAN? No one knew Nixon, including Nixon. WHAT MIGHT HIS LEGACY HAVE BEEN IF HE HADN’T BEEN CAUGHT UP IN THE WATERGATE AFFAIR? Nixon might have left a strong legacy on foreign policy — detente with the Soviet Union and China and peace in the Middle East. He was also reshaping the Republican Party in a way that anticipated Reagan. WHAT IS YOUR NEXT PROJECT? I’m going to write a book about dropping the atom bomb.

MY TOP SPOTS 1. Walking on the C&O Canal Towpath Trail, especially when the canal is frozen and the skaters are out. It’s like a painting from a Dutch master. 2. Visiting the Vietnam Veterans Memorial when no one else is there — usually early mornings in the dead of winter. It is severe and ghostly and moving. 3. Going to Washington National Cathedral for a big time funeral — a president or notables like Washington Post editor Ben Bradlee or owner Katharine Graham. A place made for pomp.

NIXON WAS VILIFIED BY THE LEFT, BUT WASN’T HE ACTUALLY A RATHER LIBERAL PRESIDENT? His rhetoric and his core beliefs were conservative, but he was an activist who believed in getting things done. That meant working with a Democratic congress on social welfare legislation. He was also politically expedient and he took delight in outflanking and confounding

4. The 56 Signers of the Declaration of Independence Memorial on the north side of the Mall is a best-kept secret and surprisingly moving: “We mutually pledge our Lives, our Fortunes, and our sacred Honor.” 5. I love the American Luminists in the West Wing of the National Gallery of Art. 6. Ice-skating with a friend at the National Gallery’s Sculpture Garden Ice Rink on a winter morning.

WA S H I N G T O N L I F E

| S E P T E M B E R | washingtonlife.com

E VA N T H O M A S P H OTO BY O S C I E T H O M A S ; C & O C A N A L P H OTO C O U RT E SY N P S ; V I E T N A M V E T E R A N S M E M O R I A L P H OTO F R O M I N T E R N A L A R C H I V E S ; 5 6 S I G N R S O F D EC L A RAT I O N O F I N D E P E N D E N C E P H OTO CO U RT E SY N P S ; N AT I O N A L P O RT RA I T GA L L E RY P H OTO CO U RT E SY W I K I M E D I A CO M M O N S . ;

One of the capital’s most prolific writers, Thomas was a reporter and editor at Newsweek from 1991 to 2015, a teacher at Harvard and Princeton between 2003 and 2014 and a longtime panelist on the “inside Washington” TV show. His many books include biographies of Dwight Eisenhower, Robert F. Kennedy and, most recently, Richard Nixon.

Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.