Washington Life Magazine - September 2016

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FABULOUS FÊTES YOUR ULTIMATE GUIDE TO THE SEASON’S BALLS, GALAS AND CHARITABLE EVENTS DREAMY GOWNS ON THE SET OF CIRQUE DU SOLEIL

<< PEN/Faulkner Gala Co-Chairs Katharine Weymouth and Mary Haft

PARTY COVERAGE FROM THE REPUBLICAN AND DEMOCRATIC CONVENTIONS GOLD MEDALIST KATIE LEDECKY VISITS CHILDREN’S NATIONAL

25

YEARS

&

AT HOME WITH GEORGETOWN CUPCAKE’S KATHERINE KALLINIS BERMAN

CELEBRATING

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

JEWELRY DESIGNER ANN HAND








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SEPTEMBER 2016

EDITOR'S LETTER Public Citizen's 45th Anniversary .............................

FEATURES BALLS & GALAS Your Guide to the Season's Grandest Social Events........ Gala Catering Trends ...........................................

FYIDC INSIDER'S GUIDE Things to Do in September ... WHO'S NEXT Democracy Alliance's Austin Belali .........................

INNOVATORS & DISRUPTORS

Center for Popular Democracy Gala........................... MSNBC 20th Anniversary Party ............................ Will on the Hill ...................................................

Bipartisan Policy Center Cocktails & Conversation........

Watergate Hotel Opening .......................................

N Street Village Empowerment Luncheon with Oprah Winfrey .................................

OVER THE MOON Sarotoga Summer Set............

Olympian Katie Ledecky Visits Children's National Health Systems .......................

Friends of the National Arboretum Dinner Under the Stars ..........................................8 An Evening with Sebastian Junger ............................

LIFESTYLES

The RAMMY Awards ..........................................

FASHION EDITORIAL Blurred Reality:

Tudor Place Bicentennial Garden Party.......................

Phone2Action.....................................................

A Fairytale Journey with Cirque du Soleil................

PERFORMING ARTS Theater J Director Adam Immerwahr ......................

LIFE OF THE PARTY Kennedy Center Spring Gala ................................

TREND REPORT Sequin Sparkle .................... JEWELRY REPORT Posh Pavé ...................... BOOK TALK

Washington National Opera Ball ...........................

Joe McGinniss Jr.'s "Carousel Court" .....................

Step Afrika! VIP Gala .........................................

HEALTH & WELLNESS Alternative Therapies ......

Phillips Collection Annual Benefit Gala ..................

WASHINGTON SOCIAL DIARY

POLLYWOOD EMBASSY ROW Brexit Aftermath................... The Queen's Birthday Party .................................

HOLLYWOOD ON THE POTOMAC New HBO Documentary, "Meet the Donors: Does Money Talk?" ...................... Democractic and Republican National Convention Highlights ............................

Helen Hayes Awards After Party...............................

Honoring Septime Webre ........................................ S&R Foundation Awards Gala................................ Parties, Parties, Parties! ...........................................

AROUND TOWN National Museum of

HOME LIFE

African American History & Culture Opens ............

Harvard Business School Leadership Gala ...................

INSIDE HOMES Georgetown Cupcake's Katherine Kallinis Berman's Bethesda Home ...............

PROFILE PYPO's Elizabeth Thorp......................

REAL ESTATE NEWS Summer Sales ..................

MS Women on the Move Luncheon ..........................

OPEN HOUSE Prime Offerings in the District ........

YOA Orchestra of the Americas Gala ........................

COLLEGIATE GLAM

Rolex Baselworld Event .........................................

Dean Zacharias's Dorm Decor .................................

CityDance DREAMscape .....................................86 Deco Japan Dinner ...............................................

MY WASHINGTON Jewelry Designer Ann Hand.....................................

ON THE COVER Katharine Weymouth and Mary Haft (Photo by Tony Powell) TOP FROM LEFT: Katherine Kallinis Berman (Photo by Tony Brown); YVES SAINT LAURENT velvet blazer ($3,490), Saks Fifth Avenue, 5555 Wisconsin Avenue, Chevy Chase, Md., 301-657-9000; ELEVENTY fox fur panel infiniti scarf ($795), Saks Fifth Avenue, 5555 Wisconsin Avenue, Chevy Chase, Md., 301-657-9000; ALEXANDER MCQUEEN floor-length gown ($6,125), Saks Fifth Avenue, 5555 Wisconsin Avenue, Chevy Chase, Md., 301-6579000; LILJENQUIST & BECKSTEAD diamond bracelet ($69,500); LILJENQUIST & BECKSTEAD emerald and diamond bracelet ($16,250);LILJENQUIST & BECKSTEAD emerald and diamond bracelet ($14,250); LILJENQUIST & BECKSTEAD emerald and diamond bracelet ($30,000), Liljenquist & Beckstead The Shops at Fairfax Square, 8700 Leesburg Pike, Vienna, Va. 703-749-1200; YVES SAINT LAURENT star clutch ($1,550), Saks Fifth Avenue, 5555 Wisconsin Avenue, Chevy Chase, Md., 301-657-9000. CIRQUE PERFORMER: MICROCOSMOS played by Karl L’Ecuyer (Photo by Kate Warren). Katie Ledecky at Children's Hospital (Photo Courtesy of Children's National Health System). ALEXANDER MCQUEEN Sequined Skull Box Clutch ($1,395) available at Saks Fifth Avenue Chevy Chase, Md. Diane Rehm (Photo by Tony Powell).

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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 ASSOCIATE EDITOR AND SENIOR WEB EDITOR

Erica Moody ASSISTANT EDITOR

Catherine Trifiletti 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

Joy Asico,Tony Brown, Ben Droz, Alfredo Flores,Vithaya Phongsavan, Kyle Samperton, Erin Schaff and Jay Snap

PUBLISHER & CEO

Soroush Richard Shehabi ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

Jeryl Parade ADVERTISING ASSISTANT

Rita Khawand BOOKKEEPER

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Eddie Saleh,Triposs Mihail Iliev LEGAL

Mason Hammond Drake, Akerman, LLP INTERNS

Evan Berkowitz, Julie Gallagher, Claire Handscombe, Sabrina Pinkney and Meghan Moriarty 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

CELEBRATING 25 YEARS

I

t’s hard to believe that the very first co-founder Katherine Kallinis Berman issue of Washington Life debuted 25 and husband Ben Berman’s gorgeous years ago. For the last quarter century, Bethesda house (and her to-die-for through the terms of four presidents, closet!) we have proudly chronicled society, If you were awed by Bethesda philanthropy and power in the nation’s swimmer Katie Ledecky during the Rio capital. It seems fitting that we mark this Olympics, you’ll love seeing photos of milestone with our annual Balls & Galas the gold medalist’s heartwarming visit to issue, which highlights and celebrates Children’s National Medical Center. the many charitable events organized by Inside, you’ll also find many of the those who have given so much of their great parties we attended before the With Publisher Soroush Shehabi and Executive Editor time and energy to causes benefiting the summer holiday, including Step Afrika’s Virginia Coyne at the greater good. annual gala, the Washington National Democratic Convention. As always, this year’s directory Opera Ball, the Kennedy Center will serve as your guide to navigate the scores of major Spring Gala and Queen Elizabeth events scheduled during the social season. We’ve listed them II’s 90th birthday celebration at chronologically with all the details you’ll need: date, time, the British Embassy. Check in attire and ticket price, as well as a few top auction items next month for coverage of A (a brand new Mercedes, anyone?) and fun themes like Wider Circle’s Community Ball, LUNGevity’s Motown celebration. Boys & Girls Club National I’d like to extend a special thanks to the Phillips Youth of the Year Gala, the Collection, the Hepburn apartments, Meridian International National Hispanic Foundation Center and Christie Weiss of TTR Sotheby’s representing the for the Arts’ Noche de Gala, the Residences at the Ritz-Carlton, Georgetown for providing Joan Hisaoka “Make a Difference” Coyne was married in Mexico over Memorial exquisite backdrops for photo shoots of the numerous gala benefit and many more. Day weekend. (Photo by Adrian Bonet) chairs and organizers we feature. In July, our team attended Need the perfect gown for the ball of your choice? Be the Republican and Democratic sure to turn to our fashion pages, shot on the dreamy set of national conventions and this issue Cirque du Soleil’s “Kurios” in Tysons Corner. Dainty pavé diamond includes two pages of coverage from the receptions, thought leader pieces showcased on our jewelry page provide ideal evening accents. events and late night concerts in Cleveland and Philadelphia. And for those who can’t get enough sequins, we show you how to Finally, I’d like to extend a warm congratulations to Executive include them in your daytime attire in our sparkly trend report. Editor Virginia Coyne, who kicked off the summer by getting Feeling some post-summer stress about going back to work? married in Mexico! Assistant Editor Catherine Trifiletti tried out two local alternative therapies that use unexpected methods (freezing and floating) to promote mental and physical wellness. If reading is your favorite way to relax, don’t miss Associate Editor Erica Moody’s interview of local author Joe McGinniss Jr. about his second novel, “Carousel Court.” McGinniss discussed the seven-year process of writing this electrifying book about a couple Nancy R. Bagley trying to keep their marriage afloat against enormous odds. Editor in Chief Need career inspiration? Young people are doing great things in Readers wishing to contact Nancy Bagley can email her this city, and Austin Belali is one of them. The Democracy Alliance at nbagley@washingtonlife.com Youth Engagement Fund director tells us how he’s working to eliminate barriers for marginalized communities in Washington and beyond. On the home front, don’t miss our look at Georgetown Cupcake

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FYIDC The Insider’s Guide to Washington BY ERICA MOODY

‘THE Little foxes’ at arena stage

SIBLING RIVALRY

GRAND OPENING The time has finally come to experience the first major museum to open on the National Mall in decades, the $200 million Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture. Oprah Winfrey was the seed donor with $20 million and Michael Jordan recently gave $5 million. The museum will be home to more than 36,000 artifacts that document African American life, history and culture. Visit on grand opening day for “Freedom Sounds: A Community Celebration” that continues with festivities throughout opening weekend, including a dedication on Sept. 24. Opens Sept. 23, Admission is free, nmaahc.si.edu.

‘STAR TREK’ AT THE SMITHSONIAN

SCI-FI CELEBRATION The National Air and Space Museum is paying homage to “Star Trek” on its 50th anniversary. “Boldly Go 50” invites fans for three nights of special programs that “explore the history of the science-fiction franchise and its role in inspiring generations of real scientists, innovators and explorers.” Artifacts on display include the 11-foot studio model of the Starship Enterprise used in all 79 episodes of the original series. Activities include special screenings of episodes and “Star Trek”-related documentary films, selfie stations with a botanic oasis inspired by the show’s set designs, sky gazing with staff from the Phoebe Waterman Haas Public Observatory, talks with special guests and museum experts and “Star Trek”-inspired treats. Sept. 8-10. Join the conversation by using #BoldlyGo50, airandspace.si.edu.

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BEATLES CARTOON ART SHOW

ANIMATED EVENINGS The Beatles’ “Yellow Submarine” animator and Saturday morning cartoon series director Ron Campbell is coming to Reston for a rare appearance. The legendary animator will be exhibiting his Beatles cartoons, painting new works on-site and showing other artwork from his 50-year career in children’s television that feature beloved cartoon characters Scooby Doo, Winnie the Pooh, the Flintstones and the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. All works will be available to purchase. ArtInsights, Reston Town Center, Sept. 23-25, BeatlesCartoonArtShow.com.

GEORGE WASHINGTON PATRIOT RUN

SCENIC SPRINT Those participating in a day of family fitness at the George Washington Patriot Run will get to dash up and down the scenic George Washington Memor ial Parkway while enjoying views of the beautiful mansion and grounds. Photo opps with “General Washington” and a free children’s “Fun Run” are also available. Sept. 11, 8 a.m., The 10k and 5k race registration is $50 and includes admission to Mount Vernon, a race t-shirt, finisher medal and post-race drink ticket. Visit mountvernon.org.

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CO URT E SY P H OTOS

NATIONAL MUSEUM OF AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORY & CULTURE

Familial fights take center stage in Lillian Hellman’s classic tale of greed and betrayal. Emmy-winning actress Marg Helgenberger (known for her role on “CSI”) stars as Regina Giddens, a woman determined to grab the family fortune away from her equally ruthless brothers. Set at the turn of the century with lavish costumes and talented cast, “The Little Foxes” is the first of two full productions in the Lillian Hellman Festival honoring the controversial playwright and political activist throughout the year. Sept. 23-Oct. 30 in the Kreeger Theater at Arena Stage.Tickets range from $40-90 and can be purchased online at arenastage. org, by phone at 202-488-3300 or at the sales office.



FYIDC | WHO’S NEXT

WHO’S NEXT Austin Belali, director of the Youth Engagement Fund, Democracy Alliance BY ERICA MOODY

is internalized by communities of color, immigrants and women.When discriminatory things happen to you at an early age, and continue to happen, you sometimes internalize the self-hate, and that’s the hardest to change because policy can’t touch it. It’s a problem of the heart and the mind. A lot of why we invest in community organizing at the Youth Engagement Fund is because we think that empowerment is a way to break down the internal oppression that has been built up in marginalized communities for so long.

“Young people with inherited wealth shouldn’t sit on the sidelines.”

W

hen he was teaching high school students in Senegal after graduating from Howard University, Austin Belali noticed a striking similarity between his students and the young people he knew in the U.S. Both were anxious about their futures, struggling to understand their “purpose and significance in the world.” The Atlanta, Ga. native returned to the States determined to work on eliminating barriers for marginalized young people. As director of the Youth Engagement Fund at Democracy Alliance, Belali, 29, puts his passion to work by building a donor community committed to engaging young people in civic and political life, with the goal of securing a permanent progressive majority. >>

SENEGAL? I faced a lot of discrimination growing up because the governor of Georgia took the Confederate [symbol] off the state flag, and a lot of my white friends at the time stopped being my friends. I faced racial backlash because they thought the flag was a symbol of their heritage and pride but underneath all of that there is a story about slavery and Jim Crow and segregation and blacks just knowing their role. When you experience discrimination in your formative years, it makes you sensitive to the suffering of others. I felt called to do something about it and dedicated all of my life to the cause of progressive social change and breaking down barriers that keep people from being their Godgiven greatest selves.

DID YOUR COMMITMENT TO FIGHTING INJUSTICE START AT AN EARLY AGE OR DID IT BEGIN WHEN YOU WENT TO

WHAT DO YOU THINK SOME OF THESE BARRIERS ARE? Ultimately the biggest barrier is how oppression

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WHAT IS YOUR ADVICE FOR YOUNG PEOPLE WANTING TO GET INVOLVED? Young people with inherited wealth shouldn’t sit on the sidelines.They have a responsibility and an opportunity to craft a legacy that’s about advancing people’s rights and they shouldn’t be shy about stepping into that legacy. This country has a long history of people extracting wealth from others, but what does it look like to use your wealth to empower others?

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,

Photo by Tony Powell

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF BLACK LIVES MATTER? I’m a supporter. It’s really important.This is not a new struggle. It goes back to the Civil War or before the struggle for black folks to have dignity and respect and freedom in our society. BLM’s strength is that they are [telling] the country how all lives matter and are valuable and that all people are created equal. It’s not just black activists who are part of that movement, it’s people of all races.Young people across the country are seeing the fight against systemic racism as part of a larger struggle to restore pathways to the American Dream.

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FYIDC | INNOVATORS AND DISRUPTORS

ACTION MADE SOCIAL Jeb Ory and Ximena Hartsock founded Phone2Action to solve a problem. They may have started a movement as well. B Y E VA N J . B E R K O W I T Z

P

hone2Action “didn’t invent Jeb Ory: Even a handful can social media,” the startup’s raise the level of focus in an co-founder and CEO Jeb Ory office about an issue. It only likes to say — they just “created takes between one and thirty social media advocacy.” Phoposts on social media to get ne2Action allows clients (or the attention of an office, [and] “partners,” per co-founder our own internal metrics show and president Ximena Hartthat a tweet is worth 50 to sock) to use social media and 100 emails depending on the other tools to allow their audioffice. You don’t have to have ences to contact, research and a large group of people if they discuss issues with their own are leveraging social media elected officials. The nonpartichannels [to] get their voices san company had ample partner heard. representation at the convenBERNIE SANDERS BROUGHT HIS tions in Cleveland and PhilaAGENDA TO THE CONVENTION delphia as well. Speaking from AND TRUMP HAS TURNED THE their shiny new digs in Rosslyn GOP’S AGENDA ON ITS’ HEAD. IN (a move Virginia Gov. Terry A CYCLE WITH PARTY PLATFORMS McAuliffe officially inaugurated MORE VISIBLE THAN THEY’VE BEEN at a party July 6), the pair disJeb Ory and Ximena Hartsock of political software startup Phone2Action. IN GENERATIONS, WHERE DOES cussed how the company they (Photo by Tony Powell) P2A COME IN? took from the Bay Area to the District uses new advances to spark action on important issues, elec- JO: We’re seeing a number of campaigns popping up where people are targeting the candidates with platform requests and issues. And that tion year or not. creates an opportunity for people who feel passionately to reach out to Hillary and Trump about what they care about. WHAT IS PHONE2ACTION AND HOW IS IT AN INNOVATOR? Ximena Hartsock: We created Phone2Action out of a problem. I XH: Today more than ever, because of the availability of information, wasn’t trying to build a company, I was actually trying to solve a real politics and advocacy are getting a little bit more connected. Today, problem. One of the issues that we had at the time was that there advocacy is happening digitally and this is where it’s mingling with were no advocacy suites that could provide comprehensive tools for politics. There is a big interest, especially because of the type of elecadvocacy that were also mobile responsive. And also there were no tion that we have that is so controversial that people really are now social media advocacy tools. So what we did was revolutionary in the more interested than ever to make sure that the candidates understand sense that it solved a problem that was a real gap in the core market their issues. at the time. IS IT AN INNOVATION TO BE NONPARTISAN? JO: I think so. WHY IS THE SOCIAL MEDIA LAYER IMPORTANT? XH: What social media advocacy does is that [it] shares that story, the XH: That’s the new party, right? personal story, between the advocate and the elected official. It has the JO: From a technology perspective, providers that focus on one side profile, you know you see the picture. And that picture, that profile, … don’t have the same pressure to innovate. I think what we’re also that person is actually writing the message, and the lawmaker is seeing seeing at a very high level is that there is this new bipartisan — or that. It’s very different than just having a prepopulated form, and … nonpartisanship around issues. That’s exciting to us, because ultimately that is the kind of relationship that you can build through digital people need to be able to weigh in on issues they care about. And grassroots that in the past was impossible. With email, they’re getting people no longer view themselves just as members of one party or the thousands and thousands of emails, but when it comes to Twitter and other, they care about the issues that they care about, and that is cool Facebook, only a few hundred make a lawmaker change their mind. and sexy and exciting.

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LIFE OF THE PARTY WL-sponsored and Exclusive Events | Kennedy Center Spring Gala, Step Afrika! Gala and more!

Arturo Brillembourg, Hilda Ochoa Brillembourg and Spanish Amb. Ramรณn GilCasares arrive at the Phillips Collection Gala.(Photo by Tony Powell)

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Patricia Sagon, Chuck Miller and Connie Milstein

Emanuel Gonzalez-Rejilla, Clarissa Jar, Alejandro Gonzalez-Revilla and Juliette Simon

Marlene Malek, Mary Ourisman, Alma Powell and Ann Hand Co-Chairmen Mark and Sally Ein with Dale Lefebvre

Mia Kogan, Beth Wilkinson and Kelly Fisher Katz

KENNEDY CENTER SPRING GALA

Reggie Van Lee

Kennedy Center | PHOTOS BY TONY POWELL

Caroline Wendling, Annie Goetz, Lori Wendling, Julie Hinkel, Jane Goetz and Gretchen Hinkel

A SALUTE TO MARVIN The threat of a thunderstorm may have moved pre-performance drinks inside, but unpleasant weather wasn’t going to deter guests paying homage to the late, great Marvin Gaye, a native Washingtonian who had an immeasurable impact on the Motown and R&B musical genres. Host Whoopi Goldberg gave Gaye credit for the many babies who were undoubtedly born as a result of his provocative music. Performers, including Broadway’s “Hamilton” star Leslie Odom Jr. and Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds, channeled their inner-Marvin to recreate his soulful sound. Goldberg stole the show during her spoken word performance of “Sexual Healing,” after which she exclaimed: “this is the guy you want to find on Tinder!”

Thomas Daffron and Sen. Susan Collins, Carol Schwartz and Stuart Bernstein

VIEW ALL THE PHOTOS AT WWW WASHINGTONLIFE COM

John Fawcett and Jacqui Cooper

Valerie Jarrett 22

Justice Sonia Sotomayor, Richard Wesley and Adrienne Arsht

Vicki Reggie Kennedy WA S H I N G T O N L I F E

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David Rubenstein and Jacqueline Badger Mars with ball cochairwomen Jane Cafritz and Samia Farouki Washington National Opera Director Francesca Zambello

Emanuel Gonzalez-Rejilla, Clarissa Jar, Alejandro Gonzalez-Revilla and Juliette Simon

WL SPONSORED

WASHINGTON NATIONAL OPERA BALL The Organization of American States | PHOTOS BY TONY POWELL

Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg

Terry Thompson

Devika Patil, Veronica Valencia and Kathy Kemper

BREAK WITH TRADITION This year’s Opera Ball marked a radical departure from previous years, when the prestigious glam-fest marking the end of the spring social season was hosted by major embassies and featured a society orchestra playing waltzes, fox trots and cha-cha-chas. To celebrate the company’s 60th anniversary, organizers moved the event to the O.A.S. and engaged the Dolls, a DJ/electric violin duo, to spice up the scene after celebratory speeches — $800K was raised! — and a performance by singers from the DomingoCafritz Young Artist Program. Around 500 revelers gathered amid elaborate bars and buffets draped with mirrored textiles in the grand Hall of Flags and Heroes before ending the night busting some rather fancy moves on the iridescent dance floor. VIEW ALL THE PHOTOS AT WWW WASHINGTONLIFE COM

Argentine Amb. Martín Lousteau and Carla Peterson with Maestro Philippe Auguin

Aniko Gaal Schott and Nash Schott

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The Domingo-Cafritz Young Artists sing for guests

The Dolls: DJ Mia Moretti and Margot WA S H I N G T O N L I F E

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Jena Bell, Mfon Akpan, Ta’Quez Whitted, Shannan Johnson, and Christopher Brient

C. Brian Williams, Kaya Henderson and Andre Wells

Marc Battle and Monya Battle WL SPONSORED

STEP AFRIKA! GALA

DeMarco McMillan and Danielle Dubois Glover

Dock 5 at Union Market | PHOTOS BY TONY POWELL STEPPING OUT The room was alive with the energy of hundreds of guests who came out to support Step Afrika!, one of the nation’s top ten African American dance companies — and the first dedicated to the art of stepping. Spotted on the dance floor along with the company’s founder C. Brian Williams, were Kaya Henderson, Clinton Lacey, Kay Kendall, Charon Hines among others who helped raise about $185,000 for upcoming productions of “The Migration: Reflections on Jacob Lawrence” and “A Swingin’ Nutcracker à la Ellington.” A MARVELOUS YEAR: Last February, Step Afrika! performed for President Obama’s Black History Month reception at the White House before traveling to perform in Bermuda, Oman, Israel, Croatia, Slovenia and Romania. VIEW ALL THE PHOTOS AT WWW WASHINGTONLIFE COM

Vedrana Mandić and Mateja Juric Jacqulyn and Cassius Priestly

Kadrieka Maiden and Abiye Abebe

Shawn DuBravac and Angie Fox

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Dr. Ben Watkins and Natasha Watkins

Bobette Gillette

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Rachel Starr and Stephanie Fischer

Sunny and Kay Kapoor with Dorothy Kosinski George and Trish Vradenburg

Emanuel Gonzalez-Rejilla, Clarissa Jar, Alejandro Gonzalez-Revilla and Juliette Simon

WL SPONSORED

PHILLIPS COLLECTION ANNUAL BENEFIT GALA Sen. Tom Udall, Jane Cafritz, Jill Udall and Calvin Cafritz

Phillips Collection | PHOTOS BY TONY POWELL

Debbie Driesman and Frank Islam

ARABIAN NIGHTS The Phillips Collection was transformed into an arabesque dreamscape featuring jewel-toned linens, a tented outdoor seating area and a mysterious amuse-bouche in an oyster shell by Occasions Caterers called the “Pearl of Doha,” which left guests debating the ingredients. The answer: pistachio, mint and honey pesto topped with a goat cheese orb and date jam. The gala dinner, hosted by AT&T and Kay and Sunny Kapoor and cochaired by Lockheed Martin, the University of Maryland and the State of Qatar (Amb. Mohammed Jaham Al-Kuwari was diplomatic chairman) was followed by music and Champagne in the courtyard. The Phillips Contemporaries hosted its own bash, “Dreaming of Doha,” at Union Market’s Dock 5, where the dancing went late into the night and guests posed for photos with falcons. The annual gala raises funds for the museum’s award-winning education programs.

Justice Sonia Sotomayor, Richard Wesley andAdrienne Arsht

Italian Amb. Armando Varricchio and Micaela Varricchio

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Qatari Amb. Mohammed Al-Kuwari

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Lindsay Ellenbogen, Jessica Lang and Elizabeth Smith

Elaine Cole and Annie Totah

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Mariella Trager, Jack Pearlstein and Marisol Lamadrid Pearlstein

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POLLYWOOD The Nexus of Politics﹐ Hollywood﹐ Media and Diplomacy | Hollywood on the Potomac, Queen Elizabeth’s Birthday and more!

Steve Clemons and Rep. Donna Edwards at MSNBC’s 20th anniversary party. (Photo by Tony Powell)

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POLLYWOOD | EMBASSY ROW

Brexit Aftermath English will likely remain an official European Union language after the Brits exit, thanks to Ireland and Malta. BY ROLAND FLAMINI

BREXIT I: The United Kingdom’s exit from

the European Union raises many questions in Brussels and in E.U. embassies around the world, including the continued use of English as one of the 24 official working languages used in discussions and in documents. In theory, when a member state quits the E.U., its language is dropped from the list. But E.U. officials needn’t start thinking of a crash course just yet in, say, Bulgarian – one of the languages written in the Cyrillic alphabet. “There have been many misunderstandings concerning this issue,” says an E.U. official in Washington, “but nothing has changed on this front, and indeed Ambassador David O’Sullivan will continue using English (with an Irish accent) to communicate.” That’s because Ireland and Malta have saved the day. Both member states include English as one of their official languages. The same presumably will apply to the European Parliament when the British Euro parliamentarians leave. English is the language one hears most frequently in the E.U. offices and corridors, but not just spoken by Brits. The U.K. is probably already underrepresented in the European Commission inasmuch as successive British governments have introduced rules to discourage British bureaucrats from taking up European posts. “English is widely used because it is a language most Commission officials speak, and is also widely used by our partners across the globe,” the E.U. official said. “The outcome of the referendum has no impact on this.”

European Union Ambassador David O’Sullivan (Courtesy photo)

BREXIT II: Shifting focus to another capital,

list of staffers and current and former advisers to 10 Downing Street to be rewarded with official honors from the Queen. The names ranged from cabinet ministers who will receive knighthoods to the prime minister’s driver, who will receive the British Empire Medal. But, wait a minute, didn’t this lot just lose the referendum to remain in the European Union? What rewards would have been lavished on them if they had won? Also, following this dramatic reversal of 50 years of European history and a nation heading for possible economic disaster, the Brits are behaving as though sports day is going to be canceled at a public school because the headmaster eloped with the wife of the classics master, just like in Terrence Rattigan’s play “The Browning Version.”

foreign diplomats in London are having just as much difficulty explaining the Brexit aftermath to their respective governments as diplomats in Washington have said they are facing with regard to the Trump phenomenon. For example, prior to his departure, Prime Minister David Cameron submitted an enormous

GOING HOME Claudia Fritsche, ambassador of Liechtenstein, one of the smallest countries with a Washington embassy, was one of the District’s longest-serving — and best known — chiefs of mission. She left her post this summer, and also Liechtenstein’s

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Former Ambassador of Liechtenstein Claudia Fritsche (Photo by Tony Powell)

foreign service, but don’t call it retirement. She wants to pursue other interests, possibly including writing a book about her 30 years in the United States. After opening the principality’s United Nations mission and heading it for 14 years under three successive secretaries general, she was Liechtenstein’s first ambassador to Washington, where she opened that embassy in 2000. A tireless traveler, she has visited most if not all of the 50 states. If her American experience doesn’t provide enough material for a book, what does? PARTY ON: Washington embassies can be quite inventive in organizing social events. For example, this month, the Embassy of the Czech Republic is hosting a grand slam event in honor of Czech-born former multiple Grand Slam winner (nine Wimbledon singles titles) Martina Navratilova. Guests are asked to wear “Wimbledon or cocktail whites” and can be either singles or doubles. Not a minute too soon, of course. Navratilova’s last Wimbledon singles win was in 1990.

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Lady Darroch, Carole King and British Amb. Sir Kim Darroch

Capricia Marshall and Lucky Roosevelt WL SPONSORED

Bill and Lynda Webster

THE QUEEN’S BIRTHDAY PARTY

Joanna Breyer and Justice Stephen Breyer

British Ambassador’s Residence | PHOTOS BY TONY POWELL A ROYAL OCCASION A large gathering of Her Majesty’s locally residing subjects joined VIP American guests under garden marquees to quaff Pimm’s and nibble on cucumber sandwiches, fish and chips, Stilton cheese and strawberries with clotted cream in honor of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s official 90th birthday. Tobias Elwood, undersecretary of state for the Foreign and Commonwealth office, paid tribute to the United Kingdom’s longest-reigning monarch, describing her as an “interesting, intense and unique person” and “a rock of strength” who remains above politics. “The world,” he told the enraptured crowd, “is a better place for her presence.”

Kathleen Matthews and Kathleen Kennedy Townsend

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Robert Allbritton, Kim Sajet, Calvin and Jane Cafritz, Elena Allbritton and Julian Raby

Rep. Debbie Dingell and Barby Allbritton WA S H I N G T O N L I F E

Former Sen. John Warner and Jeanne Vander Myde Warner

Irish Amb. Anne Anderson, European Union Amb. David O’Sullivan and Russian Amb. Sergey Kislyak

Librarian of Congress Emeritus James Billington, Dorothy and Bill McSweeny and Marjorie Billington Bagpiper Ross Fraser

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Jill Udall, Lloyd Hand and Maxine Isaacs

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POLLYWOOD

HOLLYWOOD ON THE POTOMAC

DONORS AND DEMOCRACY A new HBO documentary follows the money trail behind campaigns. B Y J A N E T D O N O VA N

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here are two things that are important in politics,” Ohio Republican Senator Mark Hanna said in 1895. “The first is money and I can’t remember what the second one is.” Both major parties rely heavily on the generosity of big donors to bankroll multimillion dollar presidential campaigns. As citizens, it is fair to ask who these donors are and why they are giving their money away. Emmynominated filmmaker Alexandra Pelosi’s new HBO documentary “Meet the Donors: Does Money Talk?” seeks to address these questions. You may be surprised by the answers. It’s not exactly “Mr. Smith Goes to Washington” starring Jimmy Stewart. In an exclusive interview, Pelosi told us that she wanted to start with the 1939 Hollywood film to counteract America’s romanticized notions about democracy and the past. She reminds us that in 1896 the Robber Barons put Republican William McKinley in office for their own selfish reasons. “People like to think that it’s only getting worse, but it’s probably getting better,” Pelosi joked. “Back then there were only three people controlling who became president. At least now it’s 100.” According to Pelosi, the two types of contributors — transactional and ideological

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— have a clear distinction between them. Ideological donors support their ideals and beliefs with a checkbook. Transactional donors are a part of the political industrial complex and write checks in order to get laws passed that are in the best interest of their venture. All of the donors who participated in the film consider themselves to be of the ideological mindset. During the course of Pelosi’s conversations, she learned the difference between buying influence versus buying access. “Writing the check gets you access. You’re peeing with the large dogs in a private setting. [Donors] spend $100,000 and up to get a picture with their candidate,” Pelosi explained. “It always cracks me up because you could go to a diner in Iowa and get it for free.” There was one exception to the donor group. Texas oil tycoon T. Boone Pickens admitted to being a transactional donor, noting “I tried to buy this legislation, but I got outbid.” Pelosi was taken aback by his courageous and candid responses. “He would go on camera and admit he tried to rig the system but it didn’t work. No matter how hard I tried, no one else would ever say that on camera.” And then there are those who simply like ‘The Art of The Game,’ as Donald Trump might say. “It gives you something to do on a

Wednesday night. You can have all the money in the world but if you don’t have some place to go on a Wednesday night and hobnob with high society, who are you?” It’s hard to make sense of it all in the end. Democracy is supposed to be for everyone, but capitalism is for the happy few. The question is, can capitalism and democracy coexist? Is taking money from the few to speak for the many fair? “I have a hard time about the way we fund our elections,” Pelosi concluded. “It does seem strange that you have these billionaires who are writing multi-million dollar checks, and they’re the winners in the game of capitalism.There’s this weird link between the winners in our society being the ones who bankroll our democracy. There’s something not right about that.” “Both Republicans and Democrats seemed very patriotic,” Pelosi said of those whom she interviewed. “Somebody has to pay for these elections and the public certainly doesn’t want to, right? If you don’t have money your campaign will never get off the ground. However, it doesn’t mean that the person with the most money will win. Jeb Bush proved that because you can’t force people to buy a candidate they don’t want. He had a lot of money and nobody cared. His money didn’t translate into votes.”

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P H PTOS CO U RT E SY O F H B O

Alexandra Pelosi interviewing Haim Saban



POLLYWOOD

DNC PHILADELPHIA

Snoop Dogg performs at the Electric Factory in Phildelphia.

Anderson Cooper and Megyn Kelly catch up at the CNN Grill .

Rep. Nancy Pelosi and astronaut Mark Kelly at the Kesha concert.

Actors Ashley Judd and Tony Goldwyn at Men for Choice.

Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand and Gabby Giffords at theKesha concert.

Gordon Giffin, Howard Dean and Scotty Greenwood at a reception hosted by Denton’s.

REPUBLICAN AND DEMOCRATIC CONVENTIONS Cleveland, Ohio and Philadelphia, Pa. PHOTOS BY ERIN SCHAFF DANIEL SWARTZ JOHN MINDALA ANDRE FLEWELLEN AND COURTESY CNN ROCK THE VOTE POLITICO DENTON’S AND THE NATIONAL RETAIL FEDERATION

Karen Katz, Rep. Jackie Speier and Matthew Shays at the NRF/QVC recpetion

Sarah Rand, Bill Thorne and Gloria Dittus at the NRF/QVC reception

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Van Jones, Luis Calderin and Sen. Cory Booker at Rock the Vote’s “Truth to Power” concert

POLITICAL NETWORKING Every four years, the political conventions provide a perfect backdrop for Washingtonians to network on neutral ground and this summer was no different as lawmakers, lobbyists, journalists, activists and Hollywood glitterati convened in Cleveland and Philadelphia. Yes, there was the usual wrangling for convention floor passes, especially on the days Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton accepted their party’s nominations, but otherwise schedules were full of meetings, discussions, luncheons, cocktail hours and parties that went late into the night. Newt Gingrich and Haley Barbour were the star attractions at a Denton’s gathering at the RNC. Also in Cleveland, Rock the Vote President Carolyn DeWi hosted an event at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and RNC Chairman Reince Priebus, whose middle name is Hercules, attended an event honoring Greek-AmeriWA S H I N G T O N L I F E

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RNC CLEVELAND

Newt Ginrgrich and Cathy Abernaty at the Denton’s reception in Cleveland.

Kate Bolduan at the CNN Grill

Greek Orthdox Archbiship Demetrios and Reince Priebus at an RNC reception honoring Greek-Americans.

Capricia Marshall and Lucky Roosevelt

Carolyn DeWitt and Greg Harris at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Rep. Darrell Isa holding court at the CNN Grill

WA S H I N GTO N L I F E PRE-CONVENTION PARTY THE RIGGSBY

Antonio Williams and Alix Dejean Ralph Winnie Jr., Elizabeth Webster, David Short and Catherine Miceli cans. The following week, Democratic gatherings in Philadelphia included concerts galore, especially Unity’s packed-to-the-gills Snoop Dogg show at the Electric Factory on the final night. SPOTTED: Gabby Giffords, Mark Kelly and Rep. Nancy Pelosi at a Kesha performance and Sen. Cory Booker and Van Jones at Rock the Vote’s “Truth to Power” concert. Gloria Di us and Ma hew Shay mingled at a reception hosted by QVC and the National Retail Federation. CNN Grill was a popular spot to convene at both conventions. The network took over restaurants outside the arenas, making it an easy place to watch the speeches on a big screen, catch a show being broadcast live and gather for discussion, food and libations as Rep. Darrell Issa did in Cleveland and Fox News’ Megyn Kelly did in the City of Brotherly Love, sparking questions about whether she was defecting to CNN. BEFORE IT ALL BEGAN: Washington Life kicked off the revelry before both conventions at a pre-party at The Riggsby in the Carlyle Hotel.

Michael Moroney and Francesca Chambers.

Jill Udall, Lloyd Hand and Maxine Isaacs

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POLLYWOOD

Jim Hightower Vince Mondillo and Wendell Potter

Sidney Wolfe WL SPONSORED

Rio Tazewell and Lauren Windsor

PUBLIC CITIZEN’S 45TH ANNIVERSARY National Press Club | PHOTOS BY PHOTOS BY TONY POWELL SENTINELS OF OUR DEMOCRACY Several decades ago, Ralph Nader had a novel idea: What if professionals — lawyers, doctors, lobbyists, researchers — served as institutional counterweights to corporations by working for the public interest, rather than corporate interests? From that vision, Public Citizen was born. The nonprofit organization, now celebrating its 45th anniversary, is unique from other public interest groups because of its multi-pronged approach. It lobbies, does research, mobilizes activists, files petitions and goes to court to achieve its goals. Its fierce independence and focus on curbing excessive power enable it to take on some of the country’s most well-known corporate lobbies – and win. It has helped get dangerous drugs pulled from the market, put air bags in vehicles, ensure citizen access to courts and government records and tighten restrictions on lobbyists. Because of Public Citizen, the Nixon Watergate tapes were made public, Red Dye No. 2 was taken off the market and SUVs are less prone to rolling over. As it looks to the next 45 years, Public Citizen will continue to champion the public interest and defend democracy against corporate power.

Scott Attaway, Carmela Quezon and George Zelcs

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Cynthia Renfro and Lori Wallach

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Lisa Gilbert and Robert Weissman

David Halperin and Karen Maravich

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Bonnie Nelson Schwartz, Erich Pica and Arlie Schardt

Franklin Pichardo, Naomi Sosa and Antonio Caro

Damon Silvers and Amy Carroll

WL EXCLUSIVE

CENTER FOR POPULAR DEMOCRACY BENEFIT

Sen. Elizabeth Warren

Hyatt Regency Capitol Hill | PHOTOS BY TONY POWELL CELEBRATING STRENGTH Sen. Elizabeth Warren had a passionate audience when she accepted an award from the Center for Popular Democracy at the group’s fourth annual fundraiser. In a speech that made national headlines, Warren called out presidential hopeful Donald Trump as a “small, insecure money-grubber,” adding that he is an “urgent threat” while imploring the audience to work to keep him from the Oval Office. Her plea had an obvious effect since the event raised 62 percent more than it did last year. Other honorees included actor Danny Glover, Amalgamated Bank CEO Keith Mestrich and New York Women’s Foundation CEO Ana Oliveira.

Danny Glover

Ana María Archila

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Rep. Joaquín Castro WL EXCLUSIVE

Sen. Bill Nelson and David Cohen

MSNBC 20TH ANNIVERSARY PARTY

Anita Dunn

Newseum | PHOTOS BY TONY POWELL

Andy Lack, Brian Williams and Phil Griffin

BREAKING NEWS MSNBC celebrated 20 years on television with a low-key reception at the Newseum even as several of the network’s reporters and producers were in Orlando covering the mass shooting at Pulse Nightclub. Anchor Brian Williams remembered victims of the massacre in his remarks while NBC News Chairman Andy Lack recalled the first breaking story the network covered — the crash of TWA flight 800 off Long Island — just two days after they hit the airwaves. SPOTTED: NBC and Comcast staffers, including executive vice president David Cohen, as well as Politico Playbook’s Jake Sherman and Anna Palmer and The Atlantic’s Steve Clemons. Rep. Donna Edwards and Sen. Bill Nelson were also spotted raising a glass.

Tali Stein and Emily Lenzner WA S H I N G T O N L I F E

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Rebecca Cooper, Pamela Lynne Sorensen, Michael Steele and Christina Sevilla

Grover Norquist and John Feehery Linda Chavez and Reg E. Cathey

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Rick Klein, Rich Edson, Carol Danko and Bob Cusack

WILL ON THE HILL

Rep. Jared Polis

Shakespeare Theatre Company | PHOTOS BY ERIN SCHAFF SHAKESPEAREAN SOLONS Politicians aren’t widely noted as comedians, but Shakespeare Theatre Company’s annual “Will on the Hill” proved that humor and the Hill don’t have to be contradictions in terms. Election-themed jokes kept guests guffawing at the annual benefit that brings members of Congress and actors together for a unique night of theater. Emmy-winning “House of Cards” actor Reg E. Cathey and Washington theater scene veteran Tom Story joined Congressional cast members that included Sen. Chris Coons, Reps. Carolyn Maloney, Tony Cárdenas, Suzanne Bonamici and Jim McDermott and many more. NO TRUMP JOKES: Cathey mentioned The Donald in the hourlong performance that poked fun at Ben Carson and Speaker Paul Ryan as well. “We all agreed there would be no Donald Trump jokes in here. The last thing we need is to have that man have an excuse to tweet about us,” Cathey said.

Rep. Jim McDermott

VIEW ALL THE PHOTOS AT WWW WASHINGTONLIFE COM

Steve Engelberg and Pamela Covington

Jason Grumet and Byron Dorgan

Jon Gossett, Rhoda Glickman, Gina Steinway and Dan Glickman

BIPARTISAN POLICY CENTER COCKTAILS & CONVERSATION Glickman Residence | PHOTOS BY TONY POWELL ELECTION PREDICTIONS Former Secretary of Agriculture Dan Glickman and his wife Rhoda, Jon Gossett and Gina Steinway hosted a lively cocktail gathering for the Bipartisan Policy Center (BPC) where guests were asked to make 2016 election predictions and offer recommendations for making government work better. The predictions were placed in a time capsule, which will be resurrected by Gossett, BPC’s president, after the election. He and former Sens. Bob Dole, Tom Daschle, Howard Baker and George Mitchell founded the think tank to “bring together high-level decision makers, policy experts and interest group leaders to debate, develop and advocate practical solutions to major problems facing our country.”

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Harry Johnson

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POLLYWOOD

Catherine Thompson, Jacqui Michel and Sheila Stabile

Oprah Winfrey

WL SPONSORED

N STREET VILLAGE EMPOWERMENT LUNCHEON Gloria Mayfield Banks

The Ritz Carlton Washington | PHOTOS BY TONY POWELL AN OPRAH SURPRISE An energy filled the air at N Street Village’s annual “Empowerment” luncheon, as guests were eager to hear from its most famous speaker to date: media powerhouse Oprah Winfrey. After heartfelt speeches from the nonprofit’s executive director Schroeder Stribling and program alumna Linda Rush (who says Winfrey and N Street Village helped turn her life around after decades of crack cocaine addiction),Winfrey took the stage for a moving speech and surprise announcement. “I thank you N Street for seeing, hearing and knowing that every life matters, every woman matters,” she said. After encouraging guests to donate, the crowd went wild when Winfrey held up her pledge with the figure of $1 million written in.

Linda Potter and Johnetta Cole

Peter Shields

Kim Alfonso and Erica Bolden

VIEW ALL THE PHOTOS AT WWW WASHINGTONLIFE COM

Oprah Winfrey’s Transformative Gift BY SCHROEDER STRIBLING, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, N STREET VILLAGE

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,

t the tenth annual N Street Village Empowerment Luncheon, keynote speaker Oprah Winfrey announced a surprise commitment of $1 million to support the organization’s mission to help homeless and low-income women achieve personal stability and make life-changing gains in their housing, income, employment, mental health, physical health and addiction recovery. Since its founding nearly 45 years ago, N Street Village has grown to be the largest provider of housing and services for women experiencing homelessness in Washington D.C. and a national model for effective solutions. Now with four locations, the Village is open to any women in need and offers a full spectrum of housing, a Day Center that is open 365 days a year providing meals and basic needs and a Wellness Center with a doctor, dentist, mental health therapist and other holistic wellness classes. In her remarks, Winfrey spoke about her

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Schroeder Stribling and Oprah Winfrey. (Photo by Paul Kim)

commitment to intentionality; how “being intentional changed the way I operated the show, and my life … N Street Village is an intentional organization. Your intention is to transform women’s lives. “In life, “ she added, “we all want to know: Do you hear me? Do you see me? Everyone who works at N Street Village understands that principle. They know that every woman who

comes through those doors wants to be seen, heard and to know that her life matters.” Winfrey also talked about her dear friend the late Maya Angelou, who once told her, “You have no idea what your legacy will be. Your legacy is every life you’ve touched. Every life you touch leaves a heart print.” Indeed, Winfrey left a heart print on more than 700 guests who gathered that day. ” Every day at least one new woman comes to our front door and our task is to meet her where she is, to reflect her own individuality and her significance, and to support her in reaching her personal goals. We do this not only because it is the effective, but because we know that with just a few small twists of fate, or timing or circumstance, ‘she’ would be me. As an organization, we are overwhelmed by Ms. Winfrey’s generosity. Her extraordinary gift ensures we can keep our promise to each and every woman who will come to our door tomorrow, and each day after that.

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Katie Ledecky and Dr. Kurt Newman

KATIE LEDECKY VISITS CHILDREN’S NATIONAL PHOTOS COURTESY CHILDREN’S NATIONAL HEALTH SYSTEM

OLYMPIC HERO Just after returning home from Brazil, five-time Olympic gold medalist Katie Ledecky paid a visit to some of her youngest fans at Children’s National Health System. She snapped selfies with patients, answered questions about competing in the Rio games and encouraged kids to achieve their dreams. During an interview at hospital’s Seacrest Studios, the Olympian answered, “suit, cap, and goggles,” when asked the three things she always remembers to bring with her to a swim meet. The 19-year-old Ledecky, who grew up in Bethesda, has reportedly turned down millions of dollars in endorsements to attend Stanford in the fall and compete at the collegiate level. VIEW ALL THE PHOTOS AT WWW WASHINGTONLIFE COM

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photography and art direction by Tony Powell www.tony-powell.com photographed at the phillips collection, the hepburn, the residences at ritz-carlton georgeTown, meridian international center and the JOHN cecchi residence hair and makeup: carola myers and sherley z. editorial assistants: evan berkowitz, julie gallagher, meghaN moriarty and sabrina pinkney

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citizens association of georgetown gala 45 john AND KRISTIN cecchi, co-chairs photographed at the cecchi residence


SEPTEMBER

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20th Annual Human Rights Campaign National Dinner

Event Chairs: Bruce Rohr and June Crenshaw What to Expect: Three thousand HRC supporters will gather for cocktails, silent and live auctions, dinner, all-star entertainment and speeches by some of the nation’s top entertainment and political figures. The Cause: Supporting the leading national advocacy organization working for the equal rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Americans through education, research and political activities. Event Details: The Walter E. Washington Convention Center; 4:30 p.m.; blacktie; tickets are currently sold out, but names may be added to the wait list at hrcnationaldinner.org/tickets/ waitlist; sponsorships start at $3,500; contact galadinners@hrc.org.

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After Dark @THEARC

Event Chairs: Anna Marie

Parisi-Trone and Robert Trone What to Expect: Guests can expect drinks, fine dining, live performances and dancing to a top New York-based DJ. In celebration of THEARC’s Phase III Expansion, this year’s gala will feature a construction theme. The Cause: THEARC’s dance classes, music instruction, fine arts and other programs and services to underserved children and adults east of the Anacostia River. Event Details: Town Hall Education Arts Recreation Campus; 6:30 p.m.; tickets start at $250 and host committee seats start at $1,000; contact Rahsaan Bernard for sponsorship information: rbernard@thearcdc.org, thearcdc.org.

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National Hispanic Foundation for the Arts’ Noche de Gala

Event Chairs: Marielle Trager, Lyndon Boozer and Ginny Grenham

What to Expect: Members of Congress and the diplomatic corps, Hispanic celebrities and entertainers, administration officials, top media figures and community advocates attend to support NHFA’s agenda. The Gran Desvelada After-Party will top the evening with music and dancing. The Cause: Support of the foundation’s

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work including its scholarship program.

Event Details: The Mayflower Hotel Autograph Collection;VIP reception at 6:30 p.m., dinner at 7:30 p.m.; tickets start at $1,250; sponsorships start at $5,000 (2 VIP reception tickets and 2 tickets to gala dinner) or $10,000 as silver sponsor; contact info@ hispanicarts.org.

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MS Society Ambassadors Ball

Event Chairs: Jennifer Kildee and Brian Rodgers

What to Expect: The event honors the diplomatic corps and members of Congress for their many contributions to charitable and humanitarian efforts. Expect a spectacular silent auction. The Cause: Support of cutting-edge research and quality programs and services to ensure those affected by MS can live their best lives. Event Details: Marriott Marquis; 6 p.m.; black-tie; tickets start at $500; sponsorships start at $5,000; contact Shelbi Bivons, shelbi.bivons@nmss.org.

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Wolf Trap Ball

Event Chairs: Fred and Kim Humphries, Tim and Ann Keating and Sally Jewell (honorary) What to Expect: Wolf Trap’s beautiful outdoor amphitheater will be transformed once again for its spectacular gala with guests allowed to dine and dance on a stage usually reserved for performers. This year’s theme is “Celebrating 100 Years of the National Park Service.” The Cause: The Wolf Trap Foundation’s renowned arts and education programs. Event Details: The Filene Center at Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts; 8 p.m.; black-tie; $750; sponsorships start at $10,000; contact events@wolftrap.org. Fun Fact: Special guest: Former first lady Laura Bush

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Joan Hisaoka “Make a Difference” Gala

Event Chair: Robert G. Hisaoka What to Expect: Four-course dinner with wine pairings, cocktail reception, dancing, silent and live auction The Cause: Support and assistance for those living with cancer Event Details: The Omni Shoreham Hotel; 6 p.m.; black-tie; $600; sponsorships

start at $1,500; contact 202-689-1917, joansdifference@aol.com.

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Tim Russert Congressional Dinner

Event Chair: Rep. Chris Van Hollen (honorary chairman)

What to Expect: Luke Russert, son of the late broadcaster Tim Russert, will emcee the annual dinner that pays tribute to local and national leaders who have made extraordinary contributions to the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Washington and youth across the country. The Cause: Programming that reaches more than 1,300 children and youth each day during the school year at 14 locations across the Washington Metro Area. Event Details: The Ritz-Carlton, Washington, D.C.; business attire; $600; sponsorships start at $7,500; contact Daphne Benbow 202-540-2320, dbenbow@bgcgw.org.

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A Wider Circle Community Ball

What to Expect: The 15th annual ball will honor Rep. James “Jim” Clyburn, Speaker of the House Paul Ryan and Pepco’s Debbi Jarvis. The event includes dinner and live music. The Cause: Supporting efforts to create a community without poverty. Event Details: Marriott Marquis; reception at 6 p.m., dinner at 7 p.m.; business or cocktail attire; tickets start at $175; sponsorships start at $500; contact Jenna Patchen Metzger jenna@awidercircle.org.

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Angels in Adoption Gala

What to Expect: Members of Congress gather to celebrate adoption at the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute’s gala honoring the Minnesota Vikings. Dr. Jennifer Arnold and Bill Klein of TLC’s “The Little Couple” will emcee. The Cause: Programs supporting adoption, permanency and child welfare. Event Details: Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center; business or cocktail attire; $250/$150 tax deductible; sponsorships start at $1,000; contact Allison Coble 202-544-8500, allison@ ccainstitute.org.

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Harman Center for the Arts Gala

Event Chair: Stefanie Erkiletian What to Expect: The Shakespeare Theatre

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Company will present British actor Charles Dance with the William Shakespeare Award for Classical Theatre and Donald E. Graham with the Sidney Harman Award for Philanthropy in the Arts at its annual gala. Following the awards and multidisciplinary performances, guests will walk down the street to the National Building Museum for dinner, dancing and mingling with the stars. The Cause: Artistic and community engagement programs of the Shakespeare Theatre Company to make Shakespeare and classical theater both exciting and accessible. Event Details: Performance at the Harman Center for the Arts followed by dinner at the National Building Museum;VIP reception at 5 p.m., performances at 6 p.m., dinner at 8 p.m.; black-tie; $750; sponsorships start at $5,000; contact Amanda Herman 202-547-3230x2330, HCAgala@shakespearetheatre.org.

Fun Fact: Honoree Charles Dance starred in HBO’s “Game of Thrones”

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National Symphony Orchestra Opening Season Gala

Event Chairs: Denise Grant and Franklin Raines, Catherine and Michael R. Mayton What to Expect: This one-night-only celebration of both the NSO’s classical and pops traditions led by Music Director Christoph Eschenbach and Principal Pops Conductor Steven Reineke features superstar pianist Lang Lang, vocalists Brian McKnight and Nnenna Freelon and a commissioned work by composer Mervyn Warren recognizing the opening of the Smithsonian African American History Museum. The Cause: The NSO’s many artistic, education, and community engagement programs throughout the year. Event Details: The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts; cocktails at 6 p.m., dinner at 6:30 p.m., concert at 8 p.m., dessert and dancing to follow; black tie; $275$50,000; contact 202-416-8102, nationalsymphonyorchestra.org.

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PEN/Faulkner Celebration

Event Chairs: Mary Haft, Sen. Thad Cochran, Sen. Patrick Leahy, Katharine Weymouth, Ginny Grenham and Susan Shreve

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inova thought summit tina and gary mather, chairs photographed at the phillips collection

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The NSO to Honor the National Museum of African American History

By Denise Grant and Frank Raines, Co-Chairs, National Symphony Orchestra Season Opening Gala

What to Expect: On the magisterial stage of the Folger Shakespeare Theatre, 11 distinguished writers will read original works on the theme of “Risk.” Following the program, the audience will gather in the reading rooms of the Folger Library featuring lounge areas and chef stations serving cuisine from local chefs. The Cause: PEN/Faulkner Foundation programs promoting literature and a love of reading. Event Details: Folger Shakespeare Library; 6:30 p.m.; cocktail attire; $500; sponsorships $1,000; contact Greg Langen glangen@penfaulkner.org.

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BOYS & GIRLS CLUbs’ National Youth of the

Event Chair: Emil Hill What to Expect: Ballet dancer Misty

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Copeland and singer Kelly Roland will be among the special guests at an inspirational evening where elected officials, philanthropists, advocates and entertainers will gather to honor six outstanding Club members who will share the trials they overcame and their hopes for the future. The Cause: Helping teens working to accomplish their goals and dreams. Event Details: National Building Museum; reception and VIP events at 6 p.m., dinner and program at 7 p.m.; business or cocktail attire; $1,000, youth patron tickets $475; sponsorships $15,000; contact Kara Johnson 202-507-6699, kajohnson@bgca.org.

Fun Fact: Ballerina Misty Copeland is a BGCA ambassador and alumna

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NOFAS International Gala

Event Chairs: Kate Boyce Reeder, Sheila Rabaut and Dr. Samir Zakhari What to Expect: Celebrating “Champions at the Ritz” with a reception, silent and live auctions, an awards program for members of Congress and other community leaders and ballroom dancing. The Cause: The National Organization on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Event Details: The Ritz-Carlton, Washington, D.C.; 6:30 p.m.; black-tie optional; $350; sponsorships $1,000; contact Tom Donaldson, president of NOFAS, 202-785-4585 ext. 3, donaldson@nofas.org.

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INOVA Honors Dinner

Event Chair: Dr. Loring Flint What to Expect: Cocktails, dinner, recognition of “Philanthropy Champions” and music from dance band, DC Fusion. The Cause: Inova research, care and community outreach programs. Event Details: The Ritz-Carlton, Tysons Corner; For information about tickets and sponsorships, contact Kara Burke, 703-289-2077, kara.burke@inova.org, inovafoundation.org.

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mt. zion UNITED METHODIST CHURCH’s 200th anniversary

Event Chairs: Pam Carter-Coleman and Billy Cogman

Year Gala

his month, the NSO begins its 86th season and also launches the centennial celebration of the birth of President John F. Kennedy culminating on May 29, 2017.  An important part of the Washington, D.C. community, the orchestra’s 96 musicians perform approximately 150 concerts each year, including a classical series, pops concerts, summer performances at Wolf Trap and in other venues in the region and around the world. In addition to its regular programming, the NSO reaches thousands each year through its education and community engagement programs.  In a town so rich with cultural and arts organizations, there are opportunities for collaborations and partnerships among them that can enhance and expand their reach and impact. In that spirit, the NSO Gala will honor the opening of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, a historic event that has been years in the making and which ccurs the same weekend as the gala. The orchestra and its guest performers will premiere a new work by American composer Mervyn Warren, written to commemorate the Museum’s opening. We, along with co-chairmen Catherine and Michael Mayton of Arkansas are especially honored to be at the helm of an event that brings together the Smithsonian Institution and the Kennedy Center in such a special way. The NSO gala on on Sept. 25 at the Kennedy Center, will feature cocktails and dinner before the season opening concert starring Music Director Christoph Eschenbach, Principal Pops Conductor Steven Reineke, pianist Lang Lang, jazz singer Nnenna Freelon, R&B singer Brian McKnight, and the a cappella group Take 6. Proceeds from the NSO’s largest annual fundraiser support the Orchestra’s artistic, education, and community engagement programs that seek to expose and inspire audiences of all ages and backgrounds through live music.

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What to Expect: Fine dining, dancing and entertainment to benefit the oldest African American church in Washington, D.C. The Cause: Mt. Zion United Methodist Church’s efforts to serve the Washington community, particularly feeding the shelterchallenged and mentoring needy families. Event Details: Washington Marriott Georgetown; 7:00 p.m.; tickets are $80/ adults and $70/ages 18 and younger; contact 202.234.0148, mtzionumcdc@ gmail.com

OCTOBER

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Studio Theatre Fall Benefit

What to Expect: A seated dinner provided by Studio Theatre restaurant partners, EatWell DC (Commissary, Logan Tavern, The Pig) and a performance by Studio X. The Cause: The theater’s “newer, bolder artistic initiatives encompassing world premiere projects and unique special events” Event Details: Studio Theatre; 6 p.m.; cocktail attire; $250; sponsorships $2,000; contact 202-232-7267x312, devo@studiotheatre.org.

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Bethesda Green Gala

What to Expect: Seasonal menu with local food, beer and wine; silent auction including sustainable trips, gifts and services; and jazz music entertainment. The Cause: Honoring 2016 Bethesda Magazine Green Award Winners Event Details: Bethesda Blues & Jazz Supper Club; 6:30 p.m.; creative cocktail attire; $100; sponsorships $1,000; contact gala@bethesdagreen.org.

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mary’s center noche tropical dave velazquez and pedro alfonso, co-chairs photographed at the residences at ritz-carlton, georgetown

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48th annual meridian Ball

Event Chairs: United Arab Emirates Amb.Yousef Al-Otaiba and Abeer Al-Otaiba, Panamanian Amb. Emanuel Gonzalez-Revilla and Luciana Gonzalez-Revilla What to Expect: This prestigious annual ball brings together members of the public and private sectors including the Cabinet, members of Congress, ambassadors, prominent media figures and representatives from the international business and cultural communities. Guests have the choice of dining at intimate ambassador-hosted dinners or Meridian’s White-Meyer House before gathering for dessert, cocktails and dancing at Meridian House. The Cause: Meridian International Center’s mission to promote better global leadership. Event Details: Meridian International Center, 7 p.m. until 1 a.m.; black-tie; tickets are $500 for White-Meyer dinner and ball or $650 for ambassador- hosted dinners and ball, sponsorships start at $5,000, contact: Olivia Dorieux, 202939-5892, odorieux@meridian.org.

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Best Buddies Friendship Walk

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National Italian American Foundation Gala

Event Chairs: Chuck Frydenborg and Anthony Shriver What to Expect: Best Buddies founder Anthony Shriver will kick off festivities with a speech at the annual Best Buddies Capital Region Friendship Walk, a 5K walk and run on closed streets through downtown Washington. Postevent festivities include music from DJ Neekola and family-friendly activities such as face painting and lawn games. The Cause: The Best Buddies Friendship Walk is the #1 walk in the country raising awareness and funds to support individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Event Details: Base of the Washington Monument on the National Mall; 8 a.m.; athletic/casual attire; no cost, but it is encouraged to fundraise; sponsorships start at $1,000; contact Bethany Becker, bethanybecker@ bestbuddies.org, 412-335-9434. teach for america gala BROOKE AND gina coburn, co-chairs

Event Chair: Frank Giordano What to Expect: Several thousand Italians

photographed at the residences at the ritz-carlton, georgetown

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and Italian Americans will gather at NIAF’s annual gala to honor film directors Joe and Anthony Russo, Pittsburgh Steelers and Seattle Seahawks Pro Football Hall of Famer Franco Harris and Wallgreens Boots Alliance CEO Stefano Pessina. The 2016 Region of Honor from Italy is the Region of Piemonte. The Cause: Preserving the heritage of Italian Americans Event Details: Washington Marriott Wardman Park Hotel; reception at 5:30 p.m., dinner at 7 p.m., “NIAF After Hours Celebration” at 10 p.m. until morning; black-tie; $400- $1,000; sponsorships start at $1,500; contact Ellissa Ruffino elissa@niaf.org.

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USO 75th anniversary Gala

Event Chair: PenFed Credit Union What to Expect: This star-studded

event celebrating the United Service Organization features well-known entertainers from USO tours and will recognize two special volunteers as well as honorees selected by the Senior Enlisted representatives from each branch of the armed forces for their bravery, loyalty and heroism. Celebrities include Ryan Seacrest as master of ceremonies and the Zac Brown Band with a special guest performance. Event Details: DAR Constitution Hall; reception at 5:30 p.m., dinner and program at 7 p.m.; black-tie or military equivalent; $1,000; for sponsorship information or to offer support, contact 703-740-4942, gala@uso.org

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The Colon Cancer Alliance Blue Hope Bash

What to Expect: The sixth annual bash includes a welcome reception, seated dinner and event program concluding with recognition of silent and live auction winners.  The Cause: Colon cancer research, prevention and patient support Event Details: Fairmont Hotel;VIP cocktail reception at 5:30 p.m., general reception at 6:30 p.m., dinner and program at 8:00 p.m.; cocktail attire; tickets start at $350; sponsorships range from $3,50050,000; contact Maurisa Potts maurisa@ spottedmp.com.

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teach for america gala JEFF BRILL AND chrissy koussin, co-chairs

Fair Chance Butterfly Bash

Event Chairs: Mandy Mills and

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Elizabeth Spratt Cooper What to Expect: A festive evening of cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, live music and dancing The Cause: Support of Fair Chance’s work to improve the lives of children in Washington’s most underserved communities. Event Details: National Museum of Women in the Arts; 7 p.m.; cocktail attire; $175 before Oct. 9, $190 after; sponsorships $2,500; contact Benjamin Bradburn, 202-467-2428, bbradburn@ fairchancedc.org.

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Citizens Association OF Georgetown Gala

Event Chairs: John and Kristin Cecchi, Mark and Sally Ein, Robert Pincus and Roxanne Little, Chris and Dana Tavlarides What to Expect: Get dressed in “rock’n’ roll black-tie” for the “Georgetown Rocks” gala featuring cocktails, a buffet dinner, auctions and candy and cigar bars. The Cause: Keeping Georgetown safe and beautiful Event Details: The Four Seasons Georgetown; $275 for CAG members, $325 for non-members; sponsorship starts at $3,000; contact CAG Office 202-337-7313, www.cagtown. org/gala.

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Mark Twain Prize for American Humor

Event Chairs: CJ and George Nichols, Patti and Rusty Reuff

What to Expect: An outstanding lineup of entertainers will salute Bill Murray, the recipient of the 19th annual Mark Twain Prize for American Humor.  Named to honor one of the world’s greatest humorists, the prize will be given at a gala performance featuring some of the biggest names in comedy, and will be taped for broadcast nationwide. Included in sponsorship packages are a variety of events surrounding the performance which range from a private dinner with the artists to a lavish post-performance cast party. Event Details: The Kennedy Center Concert Hall; 8 p.m.; business or cocktail attire; $75-$250; sponsorships $500; contact mtp@kennedy-center. org.mailto:mtp@kennedy-center.org

wamu gala honoree diane rehm photographed at the hepburn

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boys & girls clubs national yout h of the year celebration nicole venable, emil hill and majida turner photographed at the hepburn

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Human Rights Campaign Chefs for Equality

Event Chairs: David Hagedorn, Rick Davis and Christopher Vazquez What to Expect: The Washington area’s top chefs, pastry chefs and mixologists donate their services every year. Expect delicious food and drink as well as an exciting live auction. The Cause: HRC programs supporting the fight for LGBTQ equality. Event Details: The Ritz-Carlton, West End; 7 p.m.,VIP recption at 5:30 p.m.; cocktail/semi-formal attire; $200, $50 for after party; sponsorships start at $5,000; contact: jason.bricker@hrc.org, or matt.eppright@hrc.org.

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White Hat Gala

Event Chairs: Paul Innella and

David Trout

What to Expect: An evening of networking and inspiration with leaders from Washington’s cyber security community to celebrate the important work of Children’s National Health System while enjoying dinner, cocktails, a silent auction and casino gaming. The Cause: Children’s National Health System programs Event Details: Mellon Auditorium; blacktie optional; tickets $500, sponsorships start at $2,500; contact Cristy Heffernan 301-565-8424, cheffern@ cnmc.org.

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Mary’s Center Noche Tropical: Un Carnaval

Event Chairs: David Velazquez and Pedro Alfonso

What to Expect: Cocktail reception, seated dinner, live and silent auctions, dancing to live music by Orquesta Sin Miedo, and a rum and cigars bar. During the gala, Mary’s Center will honor regional partners who work tirelessly to provide opportunities for the Center’s participants and neighbors to build a better future. The Cause: Mary’s Center, a Federally Qualified Health Center that provides access to health care services regardless of participants’ ability to pay. Event Details: Washington Hilton; reception at 6:30 p.m., dessert and dancing at 9 p.m., entertainment at 10 p.m.; cocktail attire; $325; sponsorships $2,500; contact Emily Dreckshage 202-420-7001, edreckshage@ maryscenter.org.

meridian ball amb. Emanuel Gonzalez-Revilla and luciana goNZALEZ-REVILLA, co-chairs photogrAPHED AT THE HEPBURN

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meridian ball amb. yousef and abeer al otaiba, co-chairs Photo by Haik Naltchayan

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AfterDark@THEARC

By W. Christopher Smith, Board Chairman, Building Bridges Across the River at THEARC

O

ver the past 11 years, nearly one million people have walked through the doors of the Town Hall Education Arts Recreation Campus (THEARC) —a testament to its mission of providing quality services and care to D.C.’s most underserved residents. The sprawling, state-of-the-art campus is still unlike anywhere else east of the Anacostia River. THEARC continues to be the model of community development from the inside out, the realization of an idea first conceived over 15 years ago by WC Smith and managed by founding nonprofit Building Bridges Across the River. THEARC connects individuals and families in need to the resources they require to succeed, offers educational opportunities to at-risk youth, provides programming that appeals to every member of the family, and coordinates an expansive calendar of arts exhibitions, classes, and performances. Over the past decade, THEARC Theater has hosted more than 3,000 events and performances, and THEARC Farm continues to address the many needs of a food insecure community. The nine nonprofit organizations located at THEARC provide over $14 million worth of services annually to over 85,000 children and adults. But it’s not just the facility that makes THEARC special—it’s the people inside it. The dedicated volunteers, passionate donors, engaged community stakeholders as well as tireless resident partners, staff and board of directors all play critical roles in helping strengthen D.C. families and brighten futures in Wards 7 and 8. On Saturday, September 10th 2016 we will host AfterDark@ THEARC, our annual fundraiser. Co-chaired by Anna Marie Parisi-Trone and Robert Trone, AfterDark@THEARC proceeds will fund the Phase III Expansion, a 93,000 square foot building at THEARC. When complete, Phase III will feature a brand new black box theater and will be home to five nonprofit organizations: AppleTree Institute for Education Innovation, Bishop Walker School for Boys, Children’s National Health System, David Lynch Foundation and The Phillips Collection. THEARC works to make Wards 7 and 8 stronger—and our goals are only getting bigger. We hope you’ll continue to join us in developing tomorrow’s leaders today. To learn more about THEARC or how you can support our programs visit thearcdc.org..

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Washington International Horse Show President’s

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Catholic Charities’ Spanish Catholic Center

Cup Party

Gala

Event Chair: Gregory W. Gingery What to Expect: Cocktails, dinner and a

Event Chairs: Andrea Cecchi and Carolina

world class equestrian competition highlight this annual celebration. Experience the Equitation Finals, exciting equestrian exhibitions and Olympic-level show jumping in the $130,000 Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping Washington for the President’s Cup Trophy. Event Details: Acela Club at Verizon Center; 7-10 p.m.; cocktail/equestrian chic; $150; sponsorships start at $5,000; contact Bridget Love Meehan, 202525-3679, bridget@wihs.org.mailto: bridget@wihs.org

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Sibley Memorial Hospital Foundation Hope & Progress Gala

Event Chairs: Dan and Stephanie Lennon What to Expect: The 16th annual gala promises a wonderful evening of delicious food and drink, a fabulous band and a fun time for all. The Cause: Sibley’s expanding oncology programs and the new Sibley Tower opening in Sept. 2016. Sibley is committed to providing state-of-theart, compassionate and personalized medical care. Event Details: Four Seasons Washington; 6:30 p.m.; black- tie; $750; sponsorships $2,500; contact Grace Weisser, gweisse3@jhmi.edu.

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30th Annual Lombardi Gala

Event Chairs: Brian Katz, Jill Kirkpatrick and Paul Schweitzer What to Expect: A dinner dance with a silent auction and an awards presentation to recognize those who have made great contributions to the fight against cancer. The Cause: Research, treatment and education at Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center Event Details: Washington Hilton; silent auction and cocktail reception at 6 p.m., dinner, awards and dancing at 8 p.m.; black-tie; $500; sponsorships $3,000; contact lombardigala@ georgetown.edu.

NOVEMBER

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Higher Achievement’s Going Places Gala

Event Chair: Jay Epstein What to Expect: The event celebrates 41 years of dedication and commitment by Higher Achievement scholars, mentors and champions, including this year’s honoree, Mitchell N. Schear. The evening will feature a performance by Higher Achievement scholars followed by a cocktail reception and buffet dinner. Current scholars and alumni will join guests during the reception to speak about their personal experiences in the program. The Cause: Higher Achievement efforts to put underserved middle school students on a path to success Event Details: The Warner Theatre; performance and awards at 6:30 p.m., reception at 7:30 p.m.; business/cocktail attire; $250; sponsorship $5,000; contact higherachievementgala@gmail.com.

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Fun Fact: Chance to win a 2016 Lexus NX 200t F Sport automobile

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Corredor DeSouza What to Expect: A spectacular evening filled with Latin American flare and fare, live entertainment by Estaban Nieto and a young professionals after party. The Cause: Catholic Charities’ Spanish Catholic Center, one of the leading service providers to the region’s immigrant population. Event Details: Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center; 6:30 p.m.; black-tie; $500; sponsorships $2,000; contact Caremen Joya 202-772-4334, Carmen.joya@ catholiccharitiesdc.org.

Knock Out Abuse Gala

Event Chairs: Barbara Martin and Jayne Sandman What to Expect: More than 600 corporate executives, political leaders, philanthropists, friends and long-time supporters will gather for a night of fundraising and celebration. The Cause: Supporting four local beneficiaries that serve women and children victims of domestic violence Event Details: The Ritz-Carlton Washington, D.C.; time TBD; formal

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attire; $650; “best friend” sponsorship $1,000, “pearl” sponsorship $5,000; contact Bobette Gilette 202-813-9161.

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d.c. chamber of Commerce Chamber’s Choice Awards and Gala

Event Chairs: Ernie Jarvis and Tammy Darvish

What to Expect: Prominent business owners, civic leaders and other dignitaries network while celebrating recent achievements, innovation and success in the greater Washington metropolitan area. The Cause: Supporting the Washington metropolitan area business community Event Details: Marriott Marquis; black-tie, $450 non-member, $400 member, $350 government or student; sponsorships $3,000; contact 202-347-7201x1897, dvaughn@dcchamber.org.

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wamu gala: a celebration of diane rehm

Master of Ceremonies: Kojo Nnamdi What to Expect: Reception, dinner, live auction, dancing and program honoring noted broadcaster Diane Rehm and her impact on excellence in journalism. The Cause: All proceeds benefit the Diane Rehm Fund for Public Dialogue. Event Details: Willard Intercontinental Hotel; 6:30 p.m.; thedianehehmshow. org/celebrate

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Inova Thought Leadership Summit

Event Chairs: Gary and Tina Mather What to Expect: The premier stakeholder engagement multi-day event bringing together major donors, corporate partners, university presidents, healthcare professionals and government leaders to interact with Inova and renowned healthcare thought leaders. Panel discussions will be combined with compelling keynote speakers from within and outside the Inova community.The Aspen Institutelike format explores global health subjects such as genomics, cancer, heart health and women’s health, localizing the topics and recommending ways for Summit attendees to get involved.  The Cause: Inova programs centered around personalized health and wellness Event Details: Salamander Resort & Spa, Middleburg,Va.; business casual; Friday evening $1,000, Saturday evening

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$2,000; sponsorships start at $10,000; contact Kara Burke 703-289-2077, Kara.Burke@inova.org.

Fun Fact: Hear from CNN chief medical correspondent Sanjay Gupta

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fight night

Event Chairs: Kevin Plank and Raul Fernandez What to Expect: Now in its 27th year, Fight Night continues to be one of Washington’s most highly anticipated black tie events – combining valuable networking opportunities with topnotch entertainment and one-of-a-kind experiences (and indulgences) – all while supporting a great cause. The Cause: Since 1990 Fight Night has been the engine driving Fight For Children’s charitable work, raising nearly $60 million to provide critical support to thousands of at-risk children throughout the Mid-Atlantic. Event Details: Washington Hilton, 6:00pm; Individual tickets $1,100, Party Deck tickets $750, Tables start at $10,500, Sponsorships start at $35,000; Contact Judy Wrench, 202.772.0417, judy. wrench@fightforchildren.org.

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March of Dimes Heroines of Washington

Event Chairs: Dondi J. Saunders and Jeana Foster

What to Expect: The event includes an awards presentation honoring women for their volunteerism.  The Cause: Making sure all babies are born full term and healthy. Event Details: Ritz-Carlton Tysons Corner; 6 p.m.; black-tie; $300, sponsorships $5,000; contact Kate Leib 571-257-2309, kleib@ marchofdimes.org.

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Lab School of Washington Gala

Event Chairs: Teresa and David Byrne What to Expect: Dinner, dancing and an awards program recognizing those who have overcome learning differences and gone on to achieve great heights in their careers and lives. This year’s honorees include actor David Arquette and author Jacqueline Woodson. Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) will give the keynote speech. The Cause: Continuing the school’s mission to unlock each child’s full potential.

phillips collection gala embassy partners amb. peter wittig and huberta von vos-wittig photographed at the phillips collection

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choral arts society gala 59 leslie sandoz, chair photographed at the phillips collection


entertainment including selections of Imagination Stage’s holiday musical, “Disney’s Beauty and the Beast” and dancing. The Cause: Imagination Stage Event Details: French Embassy; 6 p.m.; festive black-tie; $250 until Oct. 1; sponsorships $1,000; contact events@imaginationstage. org.mailto:events@imaginationstage.org

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The Nutcracker Tea Party

Event Chairs: Ginger Dietrich and Andrea Rinaldi What to Expect: This family-friendly event includes an opportunity to pose for photographs with members of “The Nutcracker” cast. Guests attend a matinee performance at The Warner Theatre followed by an elegant whiteglove-service tea at the historic Willard InterContinental Hotel. The Cause: Washington Ballet education and community engagement programs. Event Details: Willard InterContinental Hotel; holiday festive attire; $200 for only tea, $285 for both tea and performance; sponsorship starts at $1,000; contact Elissa Staley 202- 274- 4518, estaley@ washingtonballet.org.

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Choral Arts Society Holiday Concert & Gala

joan hisaoka gala robert g. hisaoka, chair photographed at the hepburn

Event Details: National Building Museum; silent auction and cocktail reception at 6 p.m., dinner and program at 7 p.m.; black-tie optional; tickets $250; sponsorships $1,000; Contact Ellen Cutler 202-944-2207, ellen.cutler@ labschool.org.

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Red Cross Salute to Service Gala

Event Chairs: Linda Mathes, Doug VanDyke and Rebecca Shambough What to Expect: Hundreds of military, government, corporate and community leaders will join together for an inspirational evening. The Cause: Supporting daily services

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programs and other activities of the American Red Cross in the National Capital Region. Event Details: Hilton McLean Tysons Corner; 6:30 p.m. -10 p.m.; black-tie or mess dress attire; $400; half table, $2,500; full table, $5000; sponsorships $2,500 for a half table to $50,000 for presenting sponsorship; contact Lisa Futterman lisa.futterman@ redcross.org.

significant contribution to the quality of life in Greater Washington. The Cause: Junior Achievement’s financial literacy programs for K-12 students in the District, Maryland and Virginia Event Details: National Building Museum; black-tie; 6 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.; $1,000; sponsorships $10,000 (buys one table of 10); contact Nora Wheeler nora. wheeler@JA.org.

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DECEMBER

Washington Business Hall of Fame Gala

Event Chair: James Schneck What to Expect: Annual induction ceremony honoring outstanding business leaders and entrepreneurs who have made a

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Imagination Stage Gala

Event Chairs: Kamal and Sonya Ali What to Expect: A theatrical night with dinner, provided by L’Artisan,

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Event Chairs: Leslie Sandoz, Lexy Kessler and Catherine C. Jones What to Expect: This holiday-season highlight features a concert, dinner, dancing and high-end silent auction with items including a ten-day trip to the Galapagos and an ice cream social with 20 guests at the pool of the Swiss Ambassador.VIP ticket holders ($1,000 ticket level) will also be invited to a private reception at the ambassador’s residence. The Cause: Choral Arts Society performances and public outreach and education programs. Event Details: Kennedy Center; 7 p.m.; formal attire; $675; sponsorships $8,000; contact Caryn Fraim cfraim@choralarts.org. Fun Fact: Rare Swiss wines hand-selected by Amb. Martin Dahinden

JANUARY

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Boys & Girls Club ‘Fearless Girls to Fearless Women’ Gala

Event Chair: Debby Wynne Kelly What to Expect: The group’s first annual gala honors its Leadership Group members, who work to provide young

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girls with opportunities to explore potential career options, interact with successful women and participate in confidence building activities.  The Cause: “Fearless Girls” builds upon the Boys & Girls Clubs of America SMART (Skills Mastery And Resistance Training) Girls initiative - an evidence-based curriculum focused on health, fitness, prevention/education and self-esteem enhancement program for girls ages 8 to 17.   Event Details: The Ritz-Carlton, Tysons Corner; 6:30 p.m.; cocktail attire; $500; sponsorships start at $5,000; contact Terri Johnson 202-540-2323.

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Washington Winter Show Opening Night

Event Chairs: Liz Holleman Brown & Susan Dowhower Burke

What to Expect: A red carpet cocktail reception where antiques and fine arts will be on display along with a special exhibit, “The Art of Style.” Dancing, music, food and drinks will be enjoyed throughout the evening. The Cause: Local charities benefiting atrisk children and families Event Details: The Katzen Arts Center, American University, 6:309:30 p.m., Tickets start at $200, Sponsorships at $250; cocktail attire; Contact: info@washingtonwintershow. org or 202-248-7159.

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The Russian Ball

Event Chairs: Mr. and Mrs. Paul du

Quenoy

What to Expect: Cocktails, dinner and ballroom dancing

Event Details: A private club in downtown Washington; 6:30 p.m.; black- or whitetie; $245; sponsorships start at $5,000; contact therussianball@gmail.com.

FEBRUARY

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Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater Gala

What to Expect: Dinner and dancing after the opening night performance by the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater.  The Cause: Ailey’s Washington, D.C. programs, including the creation of new works, arts-in-education activities, and scholarships to talented young dance students in the Washington area to attend the Ailey School in New York. Event Details: The John F. Kennedy

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75 Years of the USO

By Gen. George Casey, U.S. Army (Ret.) Chairman, USO Board of Governors and 36th Chief of Staff of the U.S. Army

Center for the Performing Arts Opera House; 7 p.m.; black-tie; prices TBD; sponsorship prices TBD; contact 212-405-9029.

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Some (so Others Might Eat) Junior Gala

What to Expect: An evening of cocktails and dancing attended annually by 800 young professionals. The Cause: SOME’s affordable housing programs for homeless and very lowincome families Event Details: National Museum of Women in the Arts; 8 p.m.; black-tie optional; $80,VIP $110, sponsorships $300; contact Ingrid Feigenbaum ifeigenbaum@some.org.

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he USO was founded in 1941 in preparation for World War II by President Franklin D. Roosevelt who understood the value of maintaining high morale in our fighting forces. More than 35 million men and women have served this country since then and the USO has touched millions of them — overseas, at home, in an airport. Just in my own family, four generations have been served by the USO.  I remember my dad, with tears of laughter streaming down his face, telling me about the hilarious USO shows Bob Hope brought to Vietnam and how much those shows meant to him and the troops.  I recall my own experience visiting USO centers in Iraq – always full and always busy – and the anticipation that ran through the ranks when the word came down that a tour was coming.  The USO provided a touch of home in a very tough place.  My son, Ryan, sent me an email from Afghanistan saying, “If you see the USO folks, tell them to keep these care packages coming. They really make a difference.” And when he returned from Afghanistan, the USO team at BWI Airport engaged my young grandchildren to help them decorate the arrival gate.  It was a memorable homecoming.   I know we’re not unique or alone. I know that there are millions of Americans all across our country who have wonderful memories of this iconic American institution.  For 75 years, the USO has been keeping our men and women in uniform connected to the people, places and things they love. As long as there is a fighting force, the USO will continue to be that vital bridge that keeps our service members connected and lets them know that America has their back.

MARCH

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chance for life

What to Expect: A star-studded charity event, Chance for Life features a 500-person benefit poker tournament, a wine & chef’s tasting hosted by a local celebrity chef, and an after party with a national talent that keeps everyone dancing late into the night. The Cause: To date, Chance for Life has raised $2M for pediatric cancer research and will benefit Children’s National Medical Center Foundation and Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation. Event Details: Tickets start at $100, Sponsorships at $5,000; cocktail/smart casual attire; Contact: Ryan Hayes, Executive Producer, (571) 281-2814 or ryan@chanceforlife.net

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St. jude gourmet gala

Event Chair: Annie Totah (honorary) What to Expect: More than 600 supporters gather at this top philanthropic foodie event (now in its 18th year), with tastings from more than 25 of Washington’s finest celebrity chefs, live and silent auctions and more. The Cause: St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital Event Details: National Building Museum; cocktail attire; 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.; individual tickets $400, table of ten $5,000; contact alexis.polakoff@ stjude.org, 703.650.4515.

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Teach for America Gala

Event Chairs: Chrissy and Jeff Brill; Gina and Brooke Coburn

What to Expect: Teach For America

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teachers, champions, and community partners share stories about their efforts to pave the way for educational equity for all children. The Cause: Teach for America Event Details: The Ritz-Carlton Washington; cocktail attire, tickets start at $1,000; sponsorships start at $10,000/ table; contact Beth Wraase 202-5522400 x21208, elisabeth.wraase@ teachforamerica.org.

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Latino Student Fund Gala

Event Chair: Mariana Levinas-Huberman What to Expect: An evening of music, cocktails and cuisine featuring the best of Spanish and Latino culture. The Cause: Raising awareness and funding for LSF’s academic programs to benefit local preK-12 Hispanic students. Event Details: Organization of American States; 6 p.m.; business attire; $300$500, sponsorship $3,000; contact Maria Fernanda Borja 202-244-3438, mfborja@latinostudentfund.org.

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Prevent Cancer Foundation Spring Gala

Event Chairmen: Hollyn Kidd Schuemann and Jason Van Pelt

What to Expect: More than 900 guests from the business, diplomatic, government, medical, sports, media and social communities gather for dinner and dancing. The Cause: Prevent Cancer Foundation’s research, community outreach and education programs Event Details: National Building Museum; 7 p.m.; black-tie; $1,000-$5,000, sponsorships start at $7,000; contact Jessie Edington 703-519-2119, Jessie. Edington@preventcancer.org.

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Leukemia Ball

Event Chair: Wayne Berson What to Expect: Dinner, live entertainment and a silent auction featuring more than 300 items. The Cause: Funding research, finding cures and ensuring access to treatments for blood cancer patients. Event Details: Walter E. Washington Convention Center; general reception and silent auction at 6:30 p.m., dinner, entertainment and dancing; black-tie, $1,000, sponsorships starts at $10,000;

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contact Kelly Kent 703-399-2930, kelly. kent@lls.org.

Fun Fact: Special raffle of a Mercedes-Benz

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N Street Village Gala

What to Expect: Over 800 key leaders from politics and business gather to support the more than 2,000 homeless women who come through the Village doors each year. The Cause: Empowering homeless and low-income women to claim their highest quality of life. Event Details: Location TBD; cocktails at 6 p.m., dinner and program at 7:30 p.m.; $500; sponsorships $5,000; contact Stuart Allen 202-939-2085, sallen@ nstreetvillage.org. THEARC Wacky and Whimsical Tea

What to Expect: Annual family-friendly fundraiser for The Town Hall Education Arts Recreation Campus (THEARC) with live performances, games and high-tea. The Cause: THEARC’s programs for underserved children and adults. Event Details: The Ritz-Carlton Washington; tea attire; $175/adult, $100/child; contact Rahsaan Bernard, rbernard@thearcdc.org.

APRIL

7

The Children’s Ball

What to Expect: The 11th Annual Children’s Ball brings together business leaders, government officials, policymakers, journalists and community leaders to build critical support for the Children’s National Medical Center’s mission. The Cause: Medical care, research, and advocacy for children. Event Details: The Ritz-Carlton, Washington; 6:30 p.m.; black-tie; $1,000; sponsorships $12,500; contact jbflem2@childrensnational.org, childrensball.com.

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LUNGevity Musical Celebration of Hope Gala

Event Chair: Rachel Sullivan What to Expect: LUNGevity invites guests, policy makers, business leaders and philanthropists to join their efforts to create a world in which no one dies of lung cancer.

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The Cause: Lung cancer research and programs that offer new hope in treatment and survivorship. Event Details: Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium; 7 p.m.; black-tie; $500; sponsorship $500; contact Caroline 240454-3100, cperline@lungevity.org.

Fun Fact: “Motown” theme

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Refugees International Dinner

Event Chairs: Maria and Fabio Trabocchi, and Ambassador of the Republic of Kosovo Vlora Çitaku What to Expect: Gala dinner and an an awards program highlighting the work of Refugees International and individual humanitarians. The Cause: Protection and assistance for displaced people and promoting solutions to displacement crises.  Event Details: Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium; general reception at 6:15 p.m.; dinner and program at 7 p.m.; business attire; tickets start at $450; sponsorships start at $1,500; contact 202-828-0110, events@ refugeesinternational.org.

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INNOCENTS AT RISK GALA

D.C. CHAMBER OF COMMERCE GALA CHAIRMAN ERNIE JARVIS PHOTOGRAPHED AT THE HEPBURN

Event Chairs: Mark and Jennifer Axmacher What to Expect: Cocktails, dinner and dancing with members of Congress, film producers and directors and heroes of the NGO community. The Cause: Ending child exploitation and child trafficking Event Details: Organization of American States; 6:30 p.m.; black-tie; $500; sponsorships $1,500; contact The Office of Innocents at Risk, 202-625-4338.

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A Vintage Affair

What to Expect: Guests will sample exquisite wines paired with inspired cuisine at The Board of Visitors of Children’s National Health System’s annual spring benefit along with impressive live and silent auctions of rare wines, exotic trips and one-of-a-kind dining experiences The Cause: Helping doctors, nurses and staff develop and sustain cutting-edge research, innovations, treatments and programs to serve the patients treated at this world class institution. Event Details: The Watergate Hotel; 6 p.m.; cocktail attire; $400; contact mmccarty@ childrensnational.org, boardofvisitors.com.

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pen/faulkner gala katharine weymouth and mary haft, co-chairs photographed at the haft residence

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knock out abuse gala By barbara martin and jayne sandman, gala co- CHAIRs

MAY

JUNE

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March of Dimes Gourmet Gala

What to Expect: Meet more than 50 U.S. senators and representatives face-to-face as they serve favorite dishes, desserts and drinks from their home states, all in a friendly cook-off competition to support the March of Dimes. The Cause: Lifesaving research and programs to end premature birth, birth defects and infant mortality Event Details: National Building Museum; 6 p.m.; business attire; no individual tickets; sponsorships $5,000; contact Tina Cavucci at ccavucci@ marchofdimes.org.

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Washington Ballet Spring Gala

What to Expect: Cocktails, dinner, dancing and performances from students and company dancers. The Cause: The Washington Ballet’s community engagement and education programs Event Details: Location TBD; 7 p.m.; black- tie; contact Elissa 202-247-4518.

F

ounded in 1993, Knock Out Abuse has fundamentally changed the lives of tens of thousands of women in the region by providing immediate help and long-term solutions to help stop the cycle of abuse. In the past 23 years, they have donated nearly $10 million to four incredible charities that help survivors of domestic abuse with counseling, housing and legal assistance: Bethany House of Northern Virginia, Safe Shores, Crossway Community and the DC Volunteer Lawyer Project. This year’s event, will take place on November 3 at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel, is also known as the social event of the year for DC’s most prominent women, as it brings together 700 bold-facers for a night of fashion, revelry and the city’s best auction. For us, heading up the 2016 event was a way to deepen our longstanding commitment to women’s issues. In 2007, we co-founded the District Sample Sale, which has raised over $300,000 for women’s and children’s causes, and in 2015, we started the BrandLinkDC Power Women Summit, an event hosting leaders of companies including Drybar, SoulCycle, Sweetgreen and National Geographic. The gala is about Washington’s most amazing women coming together to help other women. And there’s nothing more important to us. Knock Out Abuse has a long history of not only being one of the most philanthropic evenings in Washington, but also one of the most fun. Past surprise guests and honorees have included Hillary Clinton, Lenny Kravitz, Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, Bo Derek, Gov. Terry McAuliffe, Tamron Hall, Kathleen Turner, Quincy Jones and Questlove. We can’t wait.

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Phillips Collection Gala and Contemporaries PARTY

Event Chairs: German Amb. Peter Wittig,; George and Trish Vradenburg

What to Expect: Hundreds of cultural, political, diplomatic and business leaders enjoy cocktails and dinner served amid the museum’s masterworks. The Cause: The Phillips Collection’s award-winning education programs Event Details: The Phillips Collection; black-tie or cocktail attire; contact Sarah Schaffer, 202-387-2151, sschaffer@phillipscollection.org.

Hillwood Estate & Museum Spectacular! Gala

Event Chairs: Mark Lowham, Amy Meadows and Molly Rolandi What to Expect: A glamorous evening in celebration of the spectacular new exhibit, “Spectacular! Gems and Jewelry from the Merriweather Post Collection,” along with a cocktail reception and elegant formal dinner on the Lunar Lawn. The Cause: Hillwood’s ongoing efforts to share Mrs. Post’s mission and the cultural treasure she left for the public’s enjoyment at Hillwood. Event Details: Hillwood Estate, Museum and Gardens; 6:30 p.m.; $500; sponsorships $1,000; contact 202-2433974, astarr@hillwoodmuseum.org. Will on the Hill

Event Chairs: Bernie McKay, others TBD What to Expect: Members of Congress from both sides of the aisle join Washington insiders on-stage to perform a political satire infused with Shakespearean language and references. The Cause: Shakespeare Theatre Company’s education, artistic and community engagement programs Event Details: Sidney Harman Hall; cocktail reception at 6:30 p.m., performance at 7:30 p.m.; $50 for performance only, $250 for VIP, sponsorships $1,000; contact willonthehill@shakespearetheatre.org.

STep afrika! vip gala

CityDance DREAMScape

What to Expect: A one-night-only, starpacked production featuring “the world’s hottest dancers” performing a high-energy mash up of contemporary and classical ballet, tap, modern and hip hop from around the world. The Cause: CityDance’s award-winning DREAM program, which provides classes and performance opportunities, mentoring and tutoring to students from the city’s most underserved communities.

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What to Expect: Artists, alumni and benefactors come out for fabulous food, a performance from Step Afrika!’s stepping company and an after-party. The Cause: Supporting Step Afrika, Washington’s largest African American arts organization Event Details: Tickets $350; sponsorships $1,000; cocktail attire; contact Joanne Coutts, jcoutts@stepafrika.org.

2016-2017 Check washingtonlife.com for photos from all your favorite balls and galas.

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2016

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catering trends

keep calm and cater on

With balls and galas season upon us, we take a look at fall food trends. B Y Cat h e ri n e T ri f i l e tti

( 1 ) P H OTO B Y P E P E G O M E Z ( 2 ) P H OTO C O U R T E S Y O F D E S I G N C U I S I N E ( 3 ) P H OTO B Y R O D N E Y B A I L E Y ( 4 ) P H OTO B Y D E B L I N D S E Y P H OTO G R A P H Y.

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2

W

e spoke to the area’s top caterers and event planners to find out which food trends will reign supreme throughout the party season. Chappall Gage (Susan Gage Catering), Vicky Theodorou (Heirloom Catering and Event Design), Eric Michael (Occasions Caterers), Kathy Valentine (Design Cuisine), Ginny Reed and Amanda Bauer (RSVP Catering) and Andre Wells (Events by Andre Wells) told us just what we needed to know.

food trends:

Events by Andre Wells: The latest trends have been to include guest “celebrity” chefs as the lead with the caterer. The popularity of competitive chef-based reality television shows has sparked the interest of guests and helped with gala ticket sales. @eventsandrewells; eventsbyandrewells.com Occasions: There is an ongoing call for chef-designed plates inspired by restaurant presentation. It is a definite move away from “meat and two vegetables” to a more sophisticated restaurant-style presentation. @OccasionsCaterers; occasionscaterers.com Design Cuisine: We are seeing more fish served as the entree for plated

dinners and a strong interest in what the vegetarian option will be. Good ingredients with a beautiful presentation are key. @DesignCuisine; designcuisine.com RSVP: We are really into utilizing the freshest local and seasonal ingredients and showcasing them as the stars. The beauty of food is often in its simplicity. @RSVPcatering; rsvpcatering.com Heirloom: We are hearing a good amount of clients saying “we want

a farm-to-table feel” or “light and fresh.” Family-style service is also in popular demand as opposed to the classic plated meal. @Heirloomdc; heirloomdc.com

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Susan Gage: More and more people are asking for family-style courses, which I feel is part of the trend towards less composed plates to more a more natural “Bohemian” style. susangage.com ‘

always hitting the mark: Trends come and go but these approaches are timeless. Design Cuisine: Customers’ needs are different and we try to cater to their specific requests. We focus on customizing their event by asking for the company branding information so we can have the food and be an extension of their brand. Occasions: We try to make all of our events, regardless of size, feel very custom and special. Every course, like every party, is considered and unique. Our dedicated team develops and introduces hundreds of new food items every season so that our menus are always fresh and ahead of the the trend.

tried & true Crowd PLEASERs (pictured above): (1) Occasions’ Asparagus Ribbon Salad with poached scallop, shrimp & fava beans (2) Design Cuisine’s Bronzini with roasted garlic polenta, baby artichokes, butter beans, kalamata olives and rocket (3) Heirloom’s Scallop “BLT” with seared sea scallop, Berkshire bacon, herb aioli and heirloom tomato salsa (4) RSVP’s Carrot Mousse with pickled cauliflower kohlrabi rusk and microgreens

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LIFESTYLES

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SET YOUR IMAGINATION FREE AND TAKE A FAIRYTALE JOURNEY COMPLETE WITH GOWNS AND EVENING WEAR TO REVEAL THE CURIOSITIES OF CIRQUE DU SOLEIL’S “KURIOS ” PHOTOGRAPHY KATE WARREN; ASSISTED BY KEITH LANE WWW GOKATESHOOT COM | @GOKATESHOOT STYLIST/ CREATIVE DIRECTION STARA PEZESHKIAN ASSISTED BY JOCELYN MINICH | T H E ARTIST AGENCY | @STARAGLAM CIRQUE DU SOLEIL HEAD OF PROPS JO EVANS CIRQUE DU SOLEIL ARTISTIC ASSISTANT DAWN WILSON MAKEUP AND HAIR PATTI NELSON; ASSISTED BY LEXI MARTINEZ T H E ARTIST AGENCY | @CLASSI_PATTY MODEL MEARG “MAGI” TAREKE | T H E ARTIST AGENCY EDITORIAL DIRECTION CATHERINE TRIFILETTI EDITORIAL ASSISTANT MEGHAN MORIARTY PHOTOGRAPHED ON SET OF CIRQUE DU SOLEIL’S “KURIOS” PLAYING UNDER THE BIG TOP AT TYSON’S CORNER THROUGH SEPTEMBER


YVES SAINT LAURENT velvet blazer ($3,490), Saks Fifth Avenue, 5555 Wisconsin Avenue, Chevy Chase, Md., 301-657-9000; ELEVENTY fox fur panel infiniti scarf ($795), Saks Fifth Avenue, 5555 Wisconsin Avenue, Chevy Chase, Md., 301-657-9000; ALEXANDER MCQUEEN floor-length gown ($6,125), Saks Fifth Avenue, 5555 Wisconsin Avenue, Chevy Chase, Md., 301-657-9000; LILJENQUIST & BECKSTEAD diamond bracelet ($69,500): LILJENQUIST & BECKSTEAD emerald and diamond bracelet ($16,250); LILJENQUIST & BECKSTEAD emerald and diamond bracelet ($14,250): LILJENQUIST & BECKSTEAD emerald and diamond bracelet ($30,000), Liljenquist & Beckstead The Shops at Fairfax Square, 8700 Leesburg Pike, Vienna, Va. 703-749-1200; YVES SAINT LAURENT star clutch ($1,550), Saks Fifth Avenue, 5555 Wisconsin Avenue, Chevy Chase, Md., 301-657-9000.


HUGO BOSS Diganira dress and Cipeila jacket; Hugo Boss CityCenterDC 1054 Palmer Alley NWWashington, D.C 20001 (202) 408-9845; STUART WEITZMAN nudist song patent heels ($398) Bloomingdales 5300 Western Ave, Chevy Chase, MD 20815, (240) 744-3700. TIFFANY & CO. Schlumberger multiplication earrings in 18k yellow gold with diamonds ($17,500) . Tiffany & Co, 5481 Wisconsin Ave, Chevy Chase, MD 20815 (301) 657-8777.

CAROLINA HERRERA silk taffeta trench gown ($4,290), Saks Fifth Avenue, 5555 Wisconsin Avenue, Chevy Chase, Md., 301-6579000; CHANEL brooch courtesy of stylist; 1960s silver fox stole (not for sale) Los Gitanos Vintage, by appointment only, tarapapanicolas@gmail.com; ROBERTO COIN XL Primavera bangle bracelet ($6,900), Liljenquist & Beckstead, The Shops at Fairfax Square, 8700 Leesburg Pike, Vienna, Va. 703-749-1200. CIRQUE ACROBAT: Andrii Bondarenko


JASON WU evening double face gown ($3,295), Saks Fifth Avenue, 5555 Wisconsin Avenue, Chevy Chase, Md., 301-657-9000; TWELVE BY TWELVE feather piece Los Gitanos Vintage, by appointment only tarapapanicolas@gmail.com; GIUSEPPE ZANOTTI shoes courtesy of photographer; ROBERTO COIN Golden Gate ring ($2,400), Liljenquist & Beckstead, The Shops at Fairfax Square, 8700 Leesburg Pike, Vienna, Va. 703-749-1200; ALEXANDER MCQUEEN sequined skull box clutch ($1,395), Saks Fifth Avenue, 5555 Wisconsin Avenue, Chevy Chase, Md., 301-657-9000.

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YVES SAINT LAURENT lace shirt ($1,690), Saks Fifth Avenue, 5555 Wisconsin Avenue, Chevy Chase, Md., 301-657-9000; ESCADA high-low taffeta ball skirt ($1,650), Saks Fifth Avenue, 5555 Wisconsin Avenue, Chevy Chase, Md., 301-657-9000; LILJENQUIST & BECKSTEAD diamond flower ring ($4650), Liljenquist & Beckstead, The Shops at Fairfax Square, 8700 Leesburg Pike, Vienna, Va. 703-749-1200; BRIAN ATWOOD metallic gold heels, courtesy of photographer; LILJENQUIST & BECKSTEAD diamond necklace/choker ($36,000), Liljenquist & Beckstead The Shops at Fairfax Square, 8700 Leesburg Pike, Vienna, Va. 703-749-1200. CIRQUE PERFORMERS: KLARA (Ekaterina Pirogovskaya) & NICO (Nico Baixas)

ON EMMA: HERVE LEGER one piece ($790), Sylene, 4407 S. Park Ave., Chevy Chase, Md., 301-654-4200; MORGENTHAL FREDERICS Fay hand-crafted buffalo horn sunglasses ($2,095), Morgenthal Frederics, CityCenterDC, 941 H St. NW, 202-204-3393; ERICKSON BEAMON multi-ring necklace ($950), Tabandeh, 5300 Wisconsin Ave. NW, 202-244-0777. ON ERIC: BURBERRY stone blue bathing suit ($225), Bloomingdale’s Tysons Corner Center, 8100 Tysons Corner Center, McLean, Va., 703-556-4600; MORGENTHAL FREDERICS Hustler hand-crafted Japanese titanium sunglasses ($495), Morgenthal Frederics, CityCenterDC, 941 H St. NW, 202-204-3393.


Left: REISS orchid lace dress ($465) REISS Melania fitted high neck jacket ($520) TIFFANY & CO. enchant scroll earrings in platinum with diamonds ($11,000); Schlumberger Sixteen Stone ring in platinum with diamonds ($9,900), Schlumberger, N / NICHOLAS dress ($529), Saks Sixteen Stone ring with diamonds ($9,000), Jandel, 5510 Wisconsin Avenue, Ring set in platinum with a round diamond Chevy Chase, MD 20815, (301) 652($62,000) REISS gaia suede vinyl ankle 2250; HALSTON HERITAGE clutch heels ($285) Bloomingdales, Chevy Chase, ($345) and SJP Sarah Jessica Parker MD Right: BOSS dress and BOSS jacket pumps ($560), Bloomingdales, 5300 ($795) Hugo Boss CityCenterDC 1054 Western Ave, Chevy MD 20815; ROBERTO XL Chase, Primavera bangle Palmer Alley COIN NW, Washington, DC 20001 TIFFANY & CO.Liljenquist Enchant scroll earrings bracelet ($6,900), & Beckstead, (202) 408-9845. TIFFANY & CO. Schlumplatinum withHOFFMAN diamonds patterned ($11,000), Thein Shops atMARA Fairfax Square, Leesburg ON EMMA: berger multiplication earrings8700 in 18k yellow Tiffany & Co., Tiffany & Co., 5481 WisPike, Vienna, Va. 703-749-1200; VICTOR monokini and KATE SPADE Cameron gold with ($253) diamonds ($17,500), Victoria alterconsin Ave, Chevy Chase, MD 20815, COSTA velvet strapless gown ($148), Los Street Blakely bag ($378) Bloomingdale’s nating graduated necklace in platinum with (301) 657-8777; CARTIER ParisCorner NouGitanos Vintage, by appointment only Tysons Corner Center, 8100 diamonds ($75,000) Tiffany &Tysons Co, 5481 WisvelleMcLean, Vague Va., Delicate white gold and tarapapanicolas@gmail.com; Center, 703-556-4600. consin Ave, Chevy Chase, MDYVES 20815SAINT (301) diamondstar necklace ($16,300) and($3,850), LOVE LAURENT jacquard blazer 657-8777 STUART WEITZMAN nudist song bracelet in white gold, pave diamonds SaksERIC: Fifth Avenue, Wisconsin Avenue, ON MORGENTHAL FREDERICS patent heels ($398)5555 Bloomingdales, 5300 and Chase, ceranicMd., ($43,700), Cartier, 5471B Chevy BRIAN Hustler hand-crafted Japanese Western Ave, Chevy301-657-9000; Chase, MDtitanium 20815, Wisconsin Avenue, Chevy Chase, MD ATWOOD metallic gold heels courtesy of sunglasses ($495), Morgenthal Fredrics, City(240) 744-3700. 20815, (301) 654-5858 photographer. CenterDC, 941 H St. NW, 202-204-3393.


CHANEL silk palazzo pants ($1,198), Los Gitanos Vintage, by appointment only tarapapanicolas@gmail.com; YVES SAINT LAURENT long sleeve lace top ($1,190), Saks Fifth Avenue, 5555 Wisconsin Avenue, Chevy Chase, Md., 301-657-9000; ESCADA tweed coat with lace ($2,395), Saks Fifth Avenue, 5555 Wisconsin Avenue, Chevy Chase, Md., 301-657-9000; LILJENQUIST & BECKSTEAD diamond flower ring ($4,650), Liljenquist and Beckstead The Shops at Fairfax Square, 8700 Leesburg Pike, Vienna, Va. 703-749-1200; NANCY GONZALEZ cross body box top handle with strap ($2,650), Saks Fifth Avenue, 5555 Wisconsin Avenue, Chevy Chase, Md., 301-657-9000; Gold sneakers courtesy of photographer; glasses courtesy of Kurios.

Left: AUDACIOUS & FERAL floral print cream jersey knit dress ($120) direct from designer DKNY back detail crepe blazer ($495) Saks Fifth Avenue 2051 International Drive Mclean, VA 22102 TIFFANY & CO. cocktail 2-Hand Pavé 21 x 34 mm women’s watch in 18k rose gold ($22,000) KEN STETSON asymmetrical handmade red clutch with red bottom high heels ($205) direct from designer. Right: THE KOOPLES rings on crepe back satin dress ($395) Saks Fifth Avenue 2051 International Drive Mclean, VA 22102 TIFFANY & CO. Schlumberger multiplication earrings in 18k yellow gold with diamonds ($17,500) and Tiffany & Co. CT60 3-Hand 40 mm men’s watch in 18k rose gold Tiffany & Co. 5481 Wisconsin Ave, Chevy Chase, MD 20815 (301) 657-8777.


RENE RUIZ silk stretch charmeuse and chiffon gown ($2,495) Rene Ruiz, 3204 M Street NW, 305-445-2352; PARKER BRIDGET & CO late-1800s beaver top hat ($228) Los Gitanos Vintage, by appointment only, tarapapanicolas@gmail.com. CIRQUE CONTORTIONISTS: Imina Tsydendambaeva & Serchmaa Bayarsaikhan

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LIFESTYLES | TREND REPORT

BURBERRY Hand-embroidered sequin t-shirt dress ($6,500); Burberry, CityCenterDC,

MARC JACOBS Sequined panel silk dress ($895); Saks Fifth Avenue, Chevy Chase, 301.657.9000

CHLOÉ Sequin embellished silk-mousseline blouse ($2,350); Saks Fifth Avenue, Chevy Chase, 301.657.9000

DRIES VAN NOTEN Dylle gown ($3,920); Barneys New York, Georgetown, 202.350.5832

7IUYMR 7TEVOPI Shiny embellishments to brighten your Fall wardrobe. BY ERICA MOODY

SAINT LAURENT Sequin patch-embroidered twill parka jacket ($2,990); Barneys New York, Georgetown, 202.350.5832

MARKUS LUPFER Lara Lip Joey sequinembellished merino wool sweater ($385); netaporter.com

TOM FORD Sequin pump ($1,310); Neiman Marcus Mazza Gallerie, 202.966.9700

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GUCCI Sequin tulle skirt ($3,800); Gucci, CityCenterDC, 202.795.7950

ZADIG & VOLTAIRE Pharell sequins deluxe leggings ($199); Zadig & Voltaire, CityCenterDC, 202.789.8700

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OSCAR DE LA RENTA Soft petal embroidered satin D.D. bag with Swarovski crystals ($1,790); oscardelarenta.com

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LILJENQUIST & BECKSTEAD 18k Fancy Intense Yellow & White Diamond Drop Earrings ($90,000); Liljenquist & Beckstead, Fairfax Square 703.749.1200

DANA REBECCA DESIGNS 14k Yellow Gold Aria Selene Geometric Earrings ($1,155); Bloomingdales, Chevy Chase, 240.744.3700

TIFFANY & CO. Dragonfly brooch ($2,700); Tiffany & Co., Chevy Chase 301.657.8777

4SWL 4EZq

Upgrade this season’s gala gowns with understated diamonds.

LIFESTYLES | JEWELRY

MONICA VINADER ‘Riva’ Diamond Stacking Ring ($255); Nordstrom, Bethesda 301.365.4111

PENNY PREVILLE Pavé Diamond Double-Leaf Bangle ($12,995); Neiman Marcus, Chevy Chase, 202.966.9700

BY C AT H E R I N E T R I F I L E T T I

PASQUALE BRUNI Giardini Segreti Pavé Diamond Collar Necklace($60,000); Neiman Marcus, Chevy Chase, 202.966.9700 MEIRA T 14k White Gold and Pavé Diamond Teardrop Earrings ($16,500); Bloomingdales, Chevy Chase, 240.744.3700

DAVID YURMAN ‘Starburst’ Diamond Coil Bracelet ($1,950); David Yurman, CityCenterDC, 202.682.0260

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ROBERTO COIN 18k White & Rose Gold Fantasia Pavé Diamonds Crossover Ring ($21,000); Little Treasury Jewelers, Gambrills, Md. 410.721.7100

MARCO BICEGO Pavé Diamond Bead Station Necklace ($5,470); Tiny Jewel Box, 301.657.9000

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LIFESTYLES | BOOK TALK

MARRIAGE, MORTGAGE, CRISIS Joe McGinniss Jr.’s ‘Carousel Court’ follows a marriage on the brink of disaster. BY ERICA MOODY

I

t took him seven years to write it, one chapter at a time. Today, Joe McGinniss Jr.’s second book, “Carousel Court” (Simon & Schuster), is on store shelves and in our heads. The character-driven novel centers on Nick and Phoebe Maguire, a young married couple in Los Angeles struggling to make it in the wake of the mortgage crisis, torn apart by financial troubles, prescription pill abuse, infidelity and shattered dreams. Equal parts page-turning thriller and faithful portrait of contemporary life, “Carousel Court” brings to mind both Gillian Flynn’s “Gone Girl” and Richard Yates’ “Revolutionary Road.”

WL: What do you want readers to take

away from the book? JM I want them to be thinking about it for a few days later. That’s all. I can’t forget the Wheelers from “Revolutionary Road.” I can’t forget Bigger Thomas from “Native Son.” There are certain characters who just haunt me in a great way. WL: Do you have a reader in mind

when you’re writing? JM Oprah Winfrey [laughs]. No, but I definitely want it to be gender neutral in terms of appeal or accessibility. I love strong women characters and I also want men who are trying to do their best, stumbling but earnest and trying to figure it out as they go.

WASHINGTON LIFE: What prompted you

to write this book? JOE MCGINNISS JR I wanted to write a book about marriage. Especially the starting out phase — not the honeymoon but the plateau. It seems like half the weddings I went to that have ended in divorce ended during that plateau; friends who got married in their late twenties were divorced by 34 or 35. When maybe you aren’t conquering the world like you thought you would, or you’ve lost some of the passion for the career of your dreams that attracted that person to you, and now are settling into this other kind of role that you never thought you’d settle into and it’s not really lighting your fire. It’s just a question of if you are really in sync and can adjust. [In “Carousel Court”] I wanted to apply a different kind of pressure to the married couple and test them in a way they never thought they would be tested. WL: You’ve said that like your father (the late

author Joe McGinniss) you want to help break down some of today’s biggest facades. With this book, it’s the housing bubble. What did you mean by that?

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WL: Why did you decide to write the book in 97 very short chapters? JM Pacing. It felt right for the story and I happen to like that style. And I did it for my mother because she doesn’t like long chapters. She was thanking me at the end. JM The facade of home

ownership as a symbol of stability. We were sold that. That property values always rise has been an American truism since the ’40s and ’50s and unfortunately we got to a point where it was all BS. The people I interviewed for this book in southern California, middle class couples with no safety net, put in everything and lost it all because they were convinced by the market and the powers that be that it’s a nolose proposition. This is going to leave an impression. Like Hurricane Katrina and to some extent 9/11, there are certain events that leave permanent scars. The mortgage crisis is going to be one of those indelible imprints, and I wanted a novel that brought it to life.

WL: Is it true your father advised you not to

become a writer? JM Yes, he said that no matter what you do, you’ll never get one ounce of the satisfaction that you deserve. It is a brutal life. And he said this to me at the height of his success. Of course that motivated me, because anytime a parent says you can’t do something, you want to prove them wrong. WL: Was he happy when you did follow in

his footsteps? JM The happiest. I found the sweetest thing

after he died. In the basement of his old house he had a stack of about 50 copies of my first book, “The Delivery Man” that he had ordered from Amazon to support me.

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LIFESTYLES | ALTERNATIVE THERAPIES

FLOAT AND FREEZE Do alternative therapies rejuvenate the mind and body? I tested them to find out. BY C AT H E R I N E T R I F I L E T T I

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t may make claustrophobics quiver to think about entering a small space, barely clothed, to get a shot at better physical and mental wellbeing, but the advertised benefits of flotation therapy and cryotherapy are too good to ignore. Both therapies were developed decades ago, and have since been used by athletes to accelerate injury recovery and relieve muscle strain. Now, specialized boutiques are offering average consumers the opportunity to look and feel better. After trying out the practices myself, I can confidently say: I’m a believer. >>

FLOAT ON

CHILL OUT

FLOTATION THERAPY:

CRYOTHERAPY: DistrictCryo, 1300 9th St. NW, 202-232-4036, districtcryo.com, $65

Hope Floats, 4709 Chase Ave., Bethesda, Md., 202-236-2099, hopefloatsUSA.com, $75 (60 minutes), $95 (90 minutes)

THE SCENE: A nine-by-

five-foot tank filled with two feet of water is heated to body temperature and mixed with 850 pounds of Epsom salt, allowing for complete buoyancy. After rinsing off, I entered the tank to find myself in a foreign state – laying weightless, naked and

P H OTO CO U RT E SY O F H O P E F LOATS ; P H OTO BY A N T WA I N COWAR D

in complete darkness. TIME: 60 or 90 minutes HISTORY: The first flotation tank was developed at the National Institutes of Health in 1954 by Dr. John C. Lilly who set out to test the effects of sensory deprivation. His research led to the practice of flotation therapy which has proven to help with depression, physical ailments and stress. BENEFITS: The body capitalizes on the rare opportunity to wholly rest its muscles (our muscles aren’t even fully dormant when we sleep) and releases endorphins in response. Many, including Hope Floats owner Kimmie Boone have used flotation therapy as a resource to battle alcoholism and other kinds of addiction. “It gets you to a different mental state,” she says, “and allows you to get to a more comfortable place within yourself.” VERDICT: Physical benefits aside, at the very least, floating gave my brain a break. Of the 24 hours in a day and the 168 hours in a week, I don’t set aside any time for pure, unencumbered meditation. After entering the tank and convincing my muscles that the water would keep me afloat, I took the recommendation of veteran floaters and let my body decide how to spend an hour of total weightlessness. From that point on, I entered a state between wakefulness and sleep, allowing my mind to detach from my body. Getting out of the tank and back into the chaotic world was a completely exhausting adjustment, but once the languid sensation passed, I took on the day completely clearheaded and more energetic than when I started.

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THE SCENE: A tall chamber filled with liquid nitrogen vapor reaching temperatures below 200 degrees Fahrenheit.To protect sensitive extremities, I was provided thick gloves, thermal socks and special shoes before entering the chamber, which encompassed my body from the neck down (see picture). Safety regulations require that an operator be present during the treatment and I welcomed the company of DistrictCryo’s owner, Antwain Coward, to distract me from my first-timer nerves. TIME: Three minutes HISTORY: Cold has been used to treat injuries for centuries, but the actual full body experience known as Whole Body Cryotherapy (WBC) was developed by Japanese scientists in the 1970s to treat rheumatoid arthritis. BENEFITS: The most obvious physical effect is reduced inflammation, increased blood flow, and boosted metabolism, but benefits have expanded with the practice (i.e. weight loss).The body reacts to the cold conditions by sending blood straight to the major organs and then redistributing it once back to normal temperatures. Some say the ensuing energy boost can be used in lieu of morning coffee. Cherry on top: the body burns anywhere from 400-800 calories in the reheating process. VERDICT: The cold stung exactly how I imagined it would, sending mini pricks across my body with each gust of nitrogen-laced air. But the three minute treatment was over before I could fully register the freezing conditions. In response to the blood redistribution, an invigorating tingling spread over me and my natural reaction to “shake it off ” would have made Taylor Swift proud (Coward says watching clients dance after the treatment is his favorite part). He told me to make sure I set my alarm for the next morning because cryo promotes a good night’s rest. Luckily I had set two, because I dreamed right through the first.

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WASHINGTON S O C I A L D I A R Y over the moon﹐ around town﹐ the rammy awards﹐ watergate hotel opening and more!

Lou and Ami Aronson at the S&R Foundation Awards Gala. (Photo by Tony Powell)

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AROUND TOWN

Through Stormy Beginnings The ultimate triumph of Washington’s newest temple, the National Museum of African American History and Culture. BY DONNA SHOR

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he saying “A camel is a horse designed by a committee” was never truer than in the decades-long struggle to create a National Museum of African American History and Culture in the nation’s capital. The f ledgling effort for recognition was made 100 years ago when black Civil War veterans, sensitive to public indifference to or ignorance of their service, sought a memorial in vain. Successive groups championed the founding of an African American history museum, accumulating exploratory teams, feasibility studies, planning committees and legislative action agendas. All their efforts ultimately failed due to dissension and lack of support, or were thwarted by opponents such as Sen. Jesse Helms, the fervently un-reconstructed North Carolina senator, who vowed that the museum would never open and used procedural measures to block it. Others, including civil rights icon Rep. John Lewis, kept the issue alive over the years by doggedly re-introducing enabling legislation again and again. Even after its passage, there were years of committee hearings and findings to be considered and numerous experts to be consulted before the mammoth project could begin. The glorious result will be realized when the striking National Museum of African American History and Culture opens on September 24. It will be the 19th, and probably the last, Smithsonian Institution to find a home on the National Mall. Since his appointment in 2005, the museum has been ably guided by its founding director, Lonnie Bunch III, a distinguished educator, prolific author and

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Rendering of the African American History Museum

noted lecturer both here and abroad. Bunch met and mastered a daunting task. In 2005, he commanded a staff of two from rented quarters while overseeing the large hole in the ground from which the long delayed museum would emerge. Amid myriad tasks, he needed to raise the federally mandated funds the museum needed to match the 50 percent of overall building costs paid by the U.S. government. Today, the building is fully staffed, and funds from corporate and individual donors are well in place. Oprah Winfrey, a board member since 2003, donated more than $21 million. Michael Jordan pledged $5 million. Bill and Melinda Gates and many other donors also made major contributions. Rock’n’roll pioneer Chuck Berry donated his Cadillac. The building’s style is both stunning and unexpected. The three coronas projecting from the building are draped with an intricate, multi-patterned latticework of bronze-hued cast aluminum that adds a soft, glowing effect. It has been thoughtfully conceived with much symbolism; the latticework hearkens to the slave-created wroughtiron decorative pieces seen in New Orleans. The pooled water at the museum’s entrance

echoes the experiences of slaves “crossing the waters” after they were abducted from Africa. There is honesty in the exhibits’ straightforward treatment of more recent trials and tribulations, including drug use and gang violence. The Trayvon Martin case and other violent episodes are explored, for example, along with the Black Lives Matter movement. Surprisingly, the five above ground f loors contain only 40 percent of the museum’s displays; the rest are in the equally large area below, where the official tour begins. As the founding director on whose shoulders so much rests, Bunch has done an amazing job. Born in New Jersey, he gravitated to Washington, where he earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees at American University. Later he went back to his alma mater and George Washington University to teach. In addition to his local roots, he worked in curatorial positions at the Smithsonian for 12 years. With so many Washington ties, you truly could say of his brilliant trajectory: “Local boy makes good.”

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Lonnie Bunch (Courtesy photo)

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Cindy Jones, Jean-Marie Fernandez, Jamie Dorros and Amy Baier

Jodi McDermott, Antonio Alves and Diane Brown WL EXCLUSIVE

Ed Murphy and Ben Rose

HARVARD BUSINESS SCHOOL LEADERSHIP DINNER The Four Seasons Georgetown | PHOTOS BY ERIN SCHAFF A NIGHT TO NETWORK Harvard Business School is one of the best in the country, so it’s no surprise that more than 350 guests attending the HBS Club of Washington annual dinner represented the top of their field in some of the most successful companies in the U.S. Facebook’s vice president of global marketing solutions Carolyn Everson (who was named “the most powerful woman in mobile advertising” by Business Insider) was honored with the alumni achievement award, and Atlantic Media chairman and owner David Bradley accepted the 2016 lifetime achievement award. NBC4’s Barbara Harrison, who emceed the event, praised Bradley for his “remarkable ascent in the worlds of business, journalism and technology.” VIEW ALL THE PHOTOS AT WWW WASHINGTONLIFE COM

Will Farnan and Carolyn Everson

Greg and Michele Kinsella, Dawn Schramel, Monica Pampell

Erin Hogan, Sachiko Kuno

Katherine and David Bradley

Robert Haft

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Anthony and Kathy Hollinger, Earl Stafford

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Ben and Alan Behar

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| PYPO

MODERN FEMINISM Elizabeth Thorp joins PYPO, a multimedia site for women that puts a humorous lens on serious issues. BY VIRGINIA COYNE

E

lizabeth Thorp is no wallflower, nor does she fear exposing herself, her predicaments and her beliefs. When the former editor-in-chief of Capitol File was laid off from that job last year, she allowed a repost of the gossip column reporting her departure on her Facebook page, noting the Washington Post had at least chosen a flattering photo. And when she transitioned to her new job leading editorial content for startup PYPO, one of her early essays on the site was entitled “Your Mistake, Our Win,” in which she likened her firing to being set free. Now she’s using that same chutzpah to tackle feminist issues at a time when the meaning of the word is in transition. PYPO, which harnesses the talents of writers, actors and producers, recently partnered with the White House’s “It’s on Us” campaign to release a comic skit during Sexual Assault Awareness Week in which a woman in PYPO Editor-in-Chief Elizabeth Thorp at Cafe Milano. (Photo by Tony Powell) a chicken suit is painfully questioned about what she did to bring on inappropriate advances from a man. During the White months, through the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner. House Correspondents’ Association dinner weekend, PYPO premiered And then I was unexpectadly laid off that following Monday morning, another tongue-in-cheek video at an Atlantic Live feminism panel. so I texted Stephanie literally as I was driving out of the garage and said Called “Feminism Pill,” the skit starring actors Domenick Lombardozzi, “Hey, I just got laid off,” and she wrote back, “You’re hired.” Here’s this Matt Servitto and Jackie Debatin, portrays a husband suddenly caring comedic irony of all the things we were talking about with PYPO. I about issues such as maternity leave and equal pay after accidentally told her I wasn’t ready [for the job] out of loyalty to this magazine, and taking his wife’s medication. then I go in on Monday and I’m terminated. WHAT IS P-Y-P-O? First of all, it’s prounounced pie-po, like typo. It’ll roll off your tongue like Google, I think, in a few years. PYPO stands for Put Your Pretty On. Our founder is Stephanie Laing, the director of HBO’s “Veep” and a new show called “Vice Principals.” A couple of years ago she said to her daughter “Come on, it’s time to go” and her daughter, who was four at the time, said, “Excuse me, I’m not ready yet. I have to put my pretty on first.” What that meant for her was chapstick, but it became their mantra of ‘get your game face on.’ Stephanie started a blog called Put Your Pretty On and always knew she wanted to create this place, this multimedia site, and was going to call it PYPO. So, that’s where it came from—this little girl who at a very tender age knew that she had to get her stuff together before leaving the house.

HOW DOES THE SITE DIFFERENTIATE ITSELF? The best way to communicate that is by saying it’s a women-owned, women-focused Funny or Die mixed with Vice. What I love about PYPO is that you can pipe in and engage in a two-way conversation. People who see a video or read an essay they like can immediately give their thoughts. On our Facebook page, for example, in response to the “It’s on Us” video, it was really poignant to see so many women say, “Oh, this happened to me. I was sexually assaulted and the police blamed it on my miniskirt” or “They told me I was asking for it.” Sometimes these more serious issues need to be addressed and seen through a humorous lens because, especially during election season, we’re talking about them over and over and it’s kind of hard to break through the clutter and have people listen.

HOW DID YOU GET INVOLVED? I interviewed Stephanie for a story a couple of years ago and she and I really hit it off. We kept in touch and in November, I met her in New York for a quick glass of wine. She said “I want to do this. I want you full time as my editor-in-chief.” My first question was “Is it paid?” [laughter] and then I said, “I want to do this,” but told her I felt like I owed it to Capitol File to stay a few more

WHERE DO YOU SEE IT GOING? WHAT DO YOU ENVISION A YEAR FROM NOW? I really feel it’s going to be a platform. It could be, maybe not a year from now, almost like a Netflix or Amazon, where we have original programming mixed with important editorial pieces and thought leader pieces, giving the opportunity for women to showcase their sketches or essays or directing skills.

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Chartese Berry and Lesli Foster

Angie Marriott, Nancy Young and Nancy Marriott

Toni Verstandig and Amanda Downes

Sara Durkin-Rosen and James Rosen with their sons

WL SPONSORED

MS WOMEN ON THE MOVE LUNCHEON Washington Marriott Wardman Park | PHOTOS BY TONY POWELL

Shea Mullen and Sarah Rogers

Kerri Larkin

EMPOWERING WOMEN Two to three times more women than men suffer from multiple sclerosis, a statistic that shows the importance of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society’s annual fundraising luncheons. Founded in 2005 by women who wanted to come together to focus on making the world free of MS, the luncheon series has raised more than $2.5 million towards research and community programs. This year’s event featured FOX News’ James Rosen and wife Sara Durkin-Rosen as keynote speakers and a research presentation from Dr. Shiv Saidha. VIEW ALL THE PHOTOS AT WWW WASHINGTONLIFE COM

Mike McCLoud and Michele Brier

Donna Marriott

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Amy Baier, Jean-Marie Fernandez, Anna Trone, Karen Donatelli, Stacey Lubar

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Jody Lagioia, Rachel DeMuro, Kathy DeMuro, Didi Parker

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Emanuel Gonzalez-Rejilla, Clarissa Jar, Alejandro Gonzalez-Revilla and Juliette Simon

Nuria Robles, Hilda Ochoa Brillembourg, Maria Benilde Ortiz, JoAnn Mason, Mirella Levinas and Isabel Ernst WL EXCLUSIVE

YOA ORCHESTRA OF THE AMERICAS GALA The Four Seasons Hotel | PHOTOS BY TONY POWELL

Teruca Martinez and Mark Gillespie

Marshall and Rachel Scallan

LATIN EXTRAVAGANZA Diplomats, musicians and local trendsetters joined guests from across Latin America to celebrate YOA Orchestra of the Americas’ 15th anniversary at an up-tempo party featuring colorful song and dance. Hosted at the Four Seasons Hotel by Panamanian Amb. Emmanuel Gonzalez-Revilla, the evening honored four exceptional graduates of the orchestra, who received prizes from envoys representing their respective home countries. After a surprise musical premiere written and performed by YOA alumni for founder Hilda Ochoa-Brillembourg and a retrospective by executive team Katarina Weir and Mark Gillespie, guests danced late into the night to the tropical sounds of the Sweet Saludos salsa band.

Lowla Al-Saud, Dominic Morocco and Aya Kit

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Luciana Miro de Gonzales-Revilla with Ricardo and Isabel Ernst

Nina Weir, Lynn McFadden, Dr. Sachiko Kuno and Mark McFadden

Dani Levinas, Tim Rooney and Giorgio Furioso 84

Nora Pouillion, Arturo Brillembourg and Clara Brillembourg

The Life of the Party WA S H I N G T O N L I F E

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Erin Kilday, Ellen Kidwell and Kate Pineda Sherrie, Harrison, Sid, and Sara Beckstead

Thomas Moorehead

WL SPONSORED

ROLEX BASELWORLD EVENT Liljenquist & Beckstead, Tyson’s Corner | PHOTOS BY TONY POWELL TIMELESS TIMEPIECES A summer downpour didn’t keep guests away from an intimate gathering at Liljenquist & Beckstead, where Rolex hosted an exclusive showing of its 2016 Baselworld watches. Between bites of goat cheese crostini and seared tuna wontons provided by Susan Gage Catering, watch enthusiasts admired a display of 39 timepieces, including the elusive Oyster Perpetual Cosmograph Daytona with a white and black dial. Since no party is complete without good music and strong drinks, a jazz trio performed while bartenders served guests specialty cocktails including a Cellini, made with Champagne, gin, St-Germain and lemon simple syrup.

Tom Liljenquist

Edward Spurlock

Lauren Witchie and Lindsey Witchie VIEW ALL THE PHOTOS AT WWW WASHINGTONLIFE COM

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Pete Walker and Anna Gerberich

Tracy Foreman, Kay Kendall, Alison Shulman, Linda Potter, Debbie Dockser and Alexe Nowakowski

Marc Cipullo, Oberon Mack, Septime Webre and Giovanna Montoya Tim Shriver

Brian Galvez and Miriah Auth

CITYDANCE DREAMSCAPE The Historic Lincoln Theatre | PHOTOS BY TONY POWELL DANCING STARS Contemporary and classical ballet, tap, modern dance and hip hop were all represented at CityDance’s fourth annual DREAMscape featuring a lineup of award-winning performers from around the world that included Royal Ballet star Ma hew Golding, the Joffrey Ballet’s Anna Gerberich and dancer/martial artist/gymnast Rasta Thomas. Nearly 1,000 patrons helped raise $190,000 to support after-school opportunities for D.C.-area students to use dance as a platform to complete their education and pursue their dreams. Mayor Muriel Bowser spoke on “investing in the full person” with arts programs, adding: “It is true we have a city that is wonderful and thriving. We are also focused on how we can provide a fair shot for every single Washingtonian willing to work hard for it.” After the performance, guests continued the festivities at an after-party at the hot new restaurant Mulebone. VIEW ALL THE PHOTOS AT WWW WASHINGTONLIFE COM

Marquee with Japanese lanterns

Michael and Charlotte Buxton

WL SPONSORED

DECO JAPAN DINNER

Becca Thorsen and Corbin Walker

Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens | PHOTOS BY TONY POWELL

Sophie Hawkins, Roderick von Lipsey and Kary Magruder

Co-chairmen Joan Mulcahy, Jocelyn Linke and Mark Lowham

PRE-WAR SPLENDOR Guests, many in Japanese or Art Deco-inspired attire, strolled throughout Hillwood’s lush gardens before visiting the museum’s current exhibit, “Deco Japan: Shaping Art and Culture, 1920-1945,” the first show in recent years that is not centered on the estate’s last owner, cereal heiress Marjorie Merriweather Post. Mercifully cool breezes, conversation about summer vacations and a superb dinner featuring a bento box and other delicacies under a massive marquee illuminated by Japanese lanterns — what else? — added to the pleasures of the philanthropic set’s last major event of the season. VIEW ALL THE PHOTOS AT WWW WASHINGTONLIFE COM

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Rakel and Jacques Cohen

Mark Ein, Andrea Cohen and Jonathan Barukh

Cindy Adams and Bob Dole

WATERGATE HOTEL OPENING Giuseppe and Mercedes Cecchi with Kristin and John Cecchi

Watergate Hotel | PHOTOS BY TONY POWELL SALUTE TO THE SIXTIES Mod furniture, staff uniforms designed by “Mad Men” costume designer Janie Bryant, plus ashtray and cigarette props, transported guests to a different time and place at the Watergate Hotel’s grand black-tie reopening. Guest, including former Sen. Bob Dole and Elizabeth Dole and longtime (43 years) Watergate resident Tandy Dickerson, helped celebrate the impressive nine-year, $125 million renovation inspired by the iconic hotel’s original mid-’60s design. Hotel owners Jacques and Rakel Cohen toasted developer Giuseppe Cecchi, who built the original complex.

Tandy Dickerson and Ann Marie Lynch

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OVER THE MOON

Saratoga Summer Set Hunt Country folk head north for the races but return home in time for art and wine. BY VICKY MOON

Jan Neuharth and Joseph Keusch at home at “Paper Chase Farm.” (Photo by Vicky Moon)

An aerial view of “Vinecro ” (Courtesy photo)

S

aratoga Springs, first settled in the 1770s, grew into a fashionable gathering place in upstate New York for fast Thoroughbreds, acclaimed artists and restorative waters. In 1916, Metropolitan Opera star Alma Gluck, a Romanian immigrant, wooed audiences at the Convention Hall with her millionselling recording of “Carry Me Back to Old Virginny.” A century later, The Saratoga Performing Arts Center presents the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, The Philadelphia Orchestra and much more. Locals and visitors from “Virginny” are supportive. Ann MacLeod, who has traveled to “the Spa” for 50-plus years, is a regular at the SPAC as well as in her box at the races. She was among those from the Old Dominion gathered at the stately summer home of Beverly Steinman to benefit the Marion duPont Scott Equine Medical Center. Jan Neuharth and her husband, Joseph Keusch were among the guests. They own the aptly named “Paper Chase Farm” in Middleburg. Its name is a nod to her newspaper roots as the daughter of the late Al Neuharth, former chairman and CEO of Gannett and founder of USA Today. When not writing

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equestrian-related mystery novels, Jan is the director of the Freedom Forum, which supports the Newseum in Washington. Her father founded both organizations. Also up for a glorious season like no other were: Leslie and Wayne VanSant, Sharon Maloney, Susie and Wayne Chatfield-Taylor and Sheri Greenberg, daughter of the late horse-happy Hermen Greenberg, A former horse show rider, Sheri is now immersed in life as a racehorse owner. A few artistic notes now that we’ve been carried back to ol’ Virginny: First, an exciting showing of Anna Weatherley’s exquisite porcelain at the Inn at Little Washington on Saturday, Oct. 29. She’ll sign her extraordinary pieces from Budapest and her custom jewelry, which is generally not available to the public. Do note that there will be champagne cocktails during the reception. Isabelle Truchon is also one of those fabulous women who ooze style, talent and great taste. Her art is inspired by her love of horses, nature, flora and fauna, and she often incorporates organic matter, including horsehair, into her works. Her intentionally neutral color palette in hues of beige, burnt

umber and sepia emphasize her woodland environs. Truchon, a Canadian native, works from her home studio in nearby Harpers Ferry, W. Va. She’s married to Sébastien Marquet, an award-winning winemaker, viticulturist and winery management specialist. Her artwork has been shown at the Duvall Gallery in Millwood for a show called “Breaking Through,” and at the Artists in Middleburg Gallery for the juried group show “Anything Water.” She has sold to clients around the country and in Canada, France and Afghanistan. A shared interest in wine led Truchon and Marquet to found “Burgundy Style,” which conducts wine tours in France for both individuals and corporate clients.Truchon also owns the real estate firm Vineyard Properties by SMIT. “Vinecroft,” her latest listing just outside Middleburg, includes 15 acres with a vineyard and is the perfect way to get a taste of the business. Two-and-a-half acres are already planted and there is room for more. Surrounded by abundant gardens, the fourbedroom brick house, located in the heart of Hunt Country, includes a gourmet kitchen and is offered at $1,325,000.

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Chavonda Jacobs-Young, Bill Matuszeski and Catherine Woteki WL SPONSORED

FRIENDS OF THE NATIONAL ARBORETUM’S DINNER UNDER THE STARS

Franki Roberts and Sen. Pat Roberts with Linda and Cal Dooley

Beau Greenwood and Doug McKalip Tommy Wells

National Arboretum | PHOTOS BY TONY POWELL URBAN OASIS Conservationists, supporters and Friends of the National Arboretum (FONA) gathered in the National Herb Garden to sip refreshing glasses of rosé before heading to a tented dinner with a view of the Capitol Columns in the distance. Guests enjoyed locally sourced dishes from a farm-to-table buffet while listening to Sen. Pat Roberts stress the importance of FONA’s work to conserve the lush 412-acre site. The sky turned hues of pink and purple as Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack accepted the Arboretum’s Medal of Excellence award. In addition to noting it as a convenient respite from the hustle of the of the capital, Vilsack praised the Arboretum as an important part of our national landscape. VIEW ALL THE PHOTOS AT WWW WASHINGTONLIFE COM

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Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack and Christie Vilsack

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Spencer Kympton and Sebastian Junger

Kim Dozier, Susanna Quinn and Gloria Riviera

Rachel Merry and Kafi Joseph

Howard Kympton and Mariana Nork

AN EVENING WITH SEBASTIAN JUNGER Dentons US LLP | PHOTOS BY ALFREDO FLORES EMPOWERING VETERANS New York Times bestselling author Sebastian Junger (most famous for “The Perfect Storm”) joined veterans, military family members and supporters of the non-profit The Mission Continues in a discussion of his new book, “Tribe: On Homecoming and Belonging,” which addresses the challenges veterans face when returning to civilian life. The Mission Continues highlighted its new Mass Deployment program, a team-based initiative that encourages veterans to embrace new roles of service in their communities by volunteering. Guests included former Undersecretary for Defense Michèle Flournoy and fellow hosts Jack and Susanna Quinn, Jessica Abrahams and Sco Rutherford. SHARING STORIES: A number of veterans took part in the Q&A session, sharing personal stories about missing their units while underscoring the importance combat experience had in shaping their lives forever.

Sally Flynn, Julie Peachey, Kate McElligott and John McElligott

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David Moran, Kathy Hollinger and John Snedden

Robert Wiedmaier, Scott Drewno and Mike Isabella

THE RAMMY AWARDS Bar Pilar’s Michael Benson and Jonathan Fain

Walter E. Washington Convention Center PHOTOS BY TONY POWELL

FOODIE FAVORITES Bon Appetit named Washington its 2016 restaurant city of the year, but we’ve known this for a long time! The popular RAMMY Awards (now in its 34th year) are testament to the enthusiasm the nation’s capital has for its chefs, food service staff and restaurants. The voting public and an anonymous panel of judges selected 22 award dinners, including Chef of the Year to The Source by Wolfgang Puck’s Sco Drewno, Upscale Casual Restaurant of the Year to Le Diplomate, Everyday Casual Restaurant of the Year to Bar Pilar and New Restaurant of the Year to Maketto.

Sue Palka and Holly Morris

Leon and Dawn Harris VIEW ALL THE PHOTOS AT WWW WASHINGTONLIFE COM

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British Amb. Sir Kim Darroch and Lady Darroch pose beside the Peter family’s vintage 1916 Pierce-Arrow Roadster Mike and Pam Peabody

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Francesca Craig and Xavier Equihua

TUDOR PLACE BICENTENNIAL GARDEN PARTY Tudor Place Historic House & Garden | PHOTOS BY TONY POWELL TWO GLORIOUS CENTURIES Tudor Place celebrated its year-long bicentennial during a festive garden party that old guard Georgetowners have long considered a simply cannotmiss affair. The music-filled event under a massive marquee on the lawn featured fanciful hats, costumed actors in period dress dating from the Revolutionary War era to the Jazz Age, a 1916 Pierce-Arrow Roadster and heartfelt thanks to donors for their enthusiastic support of education programs that serve more than 3,000 local schoolchildren.

John Peters Irelan

Ruth Buchanan

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“The Marquis de Lafayette” with Susan Pillsbury

Dr. Tina Alster and Barbara Crocker

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Ellen MacNeille Charles

Sharon Dougherty Trifilo, Whitney Rosenthal and Mary Margaret Farren

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Kristin Sinko and Patrick Smith

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| PERFORMING ARTS

THEATRICAL VISIONARY

Theater J’s new director Adam Immerwahr on his vision for Jewish theater in Washington.

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dam Immerwahr, the new artistic director of Theater J, knows that in any conversation, a question will be raised about the public controversy over when the theater’s governing board at the Jewish Community Center fired his predecessor, Ari Roth. A censorship battle ensued between Roth and the board over productions that some believed were too critical of Israel. Much of the board’s criticism was aimed at a production of “The Admission,” a play about two families, one Israeli Jewish and the other Arab, during the Palestinian uprising that talked about atrocities the Israeli forces committed against the Palestinians. In his small, windowless office at the JCC, Immerwahr, leans forward mischievously and says, “I wish I had the [spheres] to say: ‘Really? Tell me about it.’” That controversy brought about the firing of Roth, who had run Theater J for 18 years and was a significant factor in the theater amassing 61 Helen Hayes nominations and awards. Well aware of the pressures, Immerwahr adds, “I would have had to be insane not to come here. It is a challenging and tricky job, but we start out with this is first and foremost a great theater. Theater J is one of the most interesting theater jobs in the country. It won’t be dull. That’s the joy of it.” Dressed in a conservative suit and tie, Immerwahr has a neatly manicured goatee that could make another man look sinister, but he exudes a confident, friendly enthusiasm. What he says isn’t designed to be politically acceptable. “This is a great theater town,” he continues, “a town where theater has grown. We live in a town with artists and we get top tier actors at Theater J.” He describes Washington as a place with

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a “city-wide repertory company” of people moving back and forth and working in all the different theaters. This, he adds, creates a familiarity that people enjoy experiencing. “D.C. has so many nationally prominent companies that there are a lot of opportunities for artists here.” Immerwahr, 34, has been around theater most of his life. He grew up in Swarthmore, Pa.; his father was a philosophy professor at Villanova and his mother taught dance at Swarthmore College. “I grew up in and around theater,” he explained. One of his father’s friends, Jim Christy, a well-known Philadelphia director, would often use him when he needed a young person in one of his productions. He attended performing arts school at Interlocken, Mich., where he realized he was

more interested in how a production was put together. “I noticed problems in staging a production of “She Loves Me” and realized I was more interested in solving the problem. I enjoy helping other people’s art happen.” At Brown University he said he was involved in as much theater as possible. Before accepting the Theater J position, Immerwahr was the associate artistic director of the prestigious McCarter Theater in Princeton, N.J. He believes that what is important is attracting new people to the theater and points out that the annual production of “A Christmas Carol” at the McCarter has been seen by 6,000 children and a total of 25,000 people. “Generations have grown up seeing it,” he says. “It is their first love of the theater experience. It has introduced droves of people to theater.” Immerwahr, who has already cast six of the upcoming season’s plays, says that the vision of Theater J is: “What does it mean to be Jewish and what is the role of the nation’s most prominent and largest Jewish theater?” He also wants to look back at forgotten productions, maybe even plays from the historic Yiddish Theater. “I will look at plays can be Jewish without being obviously Jewish. We have a unique niche,” he explains. “We are also a regional theater inspired by Jewish themes and values. It is challenging and delightful.” Ken Ludwig, the prolific Washingtonbased playwright, says he has worked closely with Immerwahr at the McCarter for the past three years with his plays “Baskerville,” and “A Comedy of Tenors,” a sequel to the Broadway hit, “Lend Me a Tenor.” “Everything I’ve done artistically in the past three years has been at McCarter. He is an extraordinary man. He will continue to make Theater J a great theater, not just the greatest Jewish theater in the United States.”

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P H OTO CO U RT E SY O F T H E AT E R J

BY CHUCK CONCONI


Costume Design winner Sabrina Mandell Outstanding Lead Actor Mark Jaster.

Alex Alferov, Kaylynn Creighton and Brendan McMahon WL SPONSORED

HELEN HAYES AWARDS AFTER PARTY

Best Supporting Actress Lolita Mariei

9:30 Club | PHOTOS BY TONY POWELL DRAMA PROM The 32nd annual Helen Hayes Awards honoring excellence in regional theater, was back at the Lincoln Theatre this year in a ceremony critics called “a return to form” after recent changes in format and location. “This is the one night of the year we gather together to toast the excellent work of 2015 and the community as a world-class theatre destination,” said Amy Austin, new president and CEO of theatreWashington, which administers the awards. An animated dance party followed at the nearby 9:30 Club, where awardees Lolita Marie, Vaughn Ryan Midder, Sabrina Mandell and Mark Jaster shimmied with friends and fans late into the night. VIEW ALL THE PHOTOS AT WWW WASHINGTONLIFE COM

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Dallas Tolentino

Oustanding supporting actor in a musical Vaughn Ryan Midder and Moriamu Akibu

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French Amb. Gerard Araud and Septime Webre

James Alefantis, Stephanie Green and Salman Al-Jalahma

Carolina Ernst, Isabel de la Cruz Ernst, Jennifer Camel-Toueg and Cindy Jones WL EXCLUSIVE

Mary Haft, Kay Kendall and Lyn McFadden

HONORING SEPTIME WEBRE French Ambassador’s Residence | PHOTOS BY TONY POWELL END OF AN ERA Longtime friends and supporters wouldn’t have dreamed of missing a prime opportunity to recognize Septime Webre’s groundbreaking 17year tenure as artistic director of the Washington Ballet. “We are sad you are leaving but happy because there are exciting new prospects for you,” French Amb. Gerard Araud told the crowdß, most of whom already knew that Webre’s next challenge will be taking the artistic director’s reins at the S&R Foundation. COMMON GOALS: “Shared beauty,” Webre replied, “is what binds us together.”

Caroline Mousset, Pascal Blondeau, Izette Folger and Pilar O’Leary

Elvi Moore and Luis Torres

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S & R FOUNDATION AWARDS GALA “Evermay,” Georgetown | PHOTOS BY TONY POWELL

Margaret Anne Collins and Maggie Thompson

Debra Kraft, Bitsey Folger and Kate Goodall

EMERGING TALENT The S&R Foundation’s 16th annual awards program began with cocktails on the terrace of “Evermay,” Washington’s grandest privately-owned estate, then moved to a vast tent for fine dining and performances by talented awardees Luosha Fang (violin), Jorge Manes Rubio (mixed media), Jonathan Wintringham (saxophone) and composer Lembit Beecher (piano). ALL THEIR LOVE TO GIVE: S&R Foundation CEO Kate Goodall’s thank-you to patrons, saucily sung to the tune of Donna Summer’s ’70s hit “I Will Survive.” VIEW ALL THE PHOTOS AT WWW WASHINGTONLIFE COM

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PARTIES PARTIES PARTIES

Film buffs, watch collectors and lovers of the sea! VIEW ALL THE PHOTOS AT WWW WASHINGTONLIFE COM!

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ATELIERS DEMONACO LAUNCH

‘THE FIRST AMERICAN’ FILM SCREENING

LITTLE TREASURY JEWELERS (Photos by Donovan Eaton)

MOUNT VERNON (Photos by Doug DeMark) Patriotic ďŹ lm lovers joined former House Speaker Newt Gingrich and his wife, bestselling author Callista, for a documentary premiere like no other. Gingrich Productions’ newest ďŹ lm, explores the life of George Washington with historic commentary, the Gingriches’ narration and reenactments starring Robert Lyons (of “Snow Blindâ€? note) as the ďŹ rst president. The political power couple greeted guests before grand stained glass windows at Washington’s home before the show.

The Li>le Treasury Jewelers team and select clients dined at Aldo’s Ristorante Italiano in Baltimore’s Li>le Italy to celebrate the company becoming the ďŹ rst authorized dealer of Ateliers deMonaco in the Western Hemisphere. The high-end watch maker is based in Geneva, Switzerland, and is one of the few brands that has been awarded the Geneva Seal for one of its timepieces. The guest of honor was Pim Koeslag, CEO and designer of the watch collection.

1. George and Susan Allen

5. Steve Hammalian and John Skordas

2. Newt Gingrich, Gay Gaines and Stanley Gaines, Callista Gingrich and Kevin Knoblock

6. Pim Koeslag, Ben Michaelson and Nicole Sarault

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ART TO SAVE THE SEA SMITHSONIAN NATIONAL ZOO (Photos by Erin Schaff)

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NATIONAL BUILDING MUSEUM GALA NATIONAL BUILDING MUSEUM (Photos by Ben Droz)

Organizers at the National Zoo helped turn trash into treasure to send a message about ocean waste. VIPs at the opening of “Washed Ashore: Art to Save the Sea� took in massive marine life sculptures made entirely from plastic beach debris (a mere fraction of the 315 billion tons of plastic polluting the oceans today). The 17 sculptures by Washed Ashore Project lead artist Angela Haseltine Pozzi were introduced at the zoo’s Elephant Community Center.

More than 800 guests came to the National Building Museum to celebrate commercial realty ďŹ rm CoStar Group, DAVIS Construction and the canopy-conscious non-proďŹ t Casey Trees. A string quartet from the Levine School of Music provided tunes for the event, which was chaired by Swiss Amb. Martin Dahinden and honored noted architect Colden “Cokeâ€? Florance.

3. Angela Haseltine Pozzi

7. Linda Schuler, Debby Ambush and Cynthia Krus

4. Chrislene Bright, Nerea Fuentes and Sonia Walia

8. Gary Haney and James Davis

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home life Real Estate News and Open House I Inside Homes and My Washington

Cupcakes, Comfort and a Closet To Die For Georgetown Cupcake’s Katherine Kallinis Berman and lawyer Ben Berman have built a home that accommodates family and their lifestyle. By Virginia Coyne Photographs by tony brown


home life | Inside homes

f you were to guess that the Bethesda kitchen of Georgetown Cupcake co-founder Katherine Kallinis Berman is the most used room in the house, you’d be correct. “We do eat cupcakes here – A LOT,” Katherine jokes, “and we’re always baking with my daughter and my mom.” The kitchen also doubles as a remote office for Kallinis Berman and her sister and business partner, Sophie Kallinis LaMontagne. Even though the duo has a test kitchen in Georgetown, this is where they’ve come up with some of their most popular recipes, including Butterscotch Waffle Cone, Brown Sugar Chocolate Chip and the soon-to-be released Gluten-Free Vanilla, which they promise is absolutely delicious. Just like when they starred in their TLC reality show, “DC Cupcakes,” the sisters are inseparable — working, shopping and attending charity events as a pair. LaMontagne admits she is a permanent fixture in her sibling’s house, where their mother, Elaine Kallinis, also lives to be “Granny-Nanny” to the Bermans’ three-yearold daughter, Isa. “We do spend a lot of time together. Either we’re in the shops, or I come here,” LaMontagne says. “I don’t have a child yet, so I try to make it a little easier for Katherine by coming here.” As a result of their busy schedules, the second most utilized space is the “glam room” — a makeup space off the master bedroom that resembles one found in many television studios. It features a mirrored wall, bright lights, a counter brimming with family photos, and neatly organized high-end cosmetics and hair products. In one corner there’s even a salon-quality hair washing station. The room is a necessary luxury for the “Cupcake Sisters” who say they need to be camera-ready every time they leave the house because they are often asked to pose for

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PREVIOUS PAGE (clockwise from top left): Kallinis Berman, her husband Ben Berman and their daughter Isa, age 3, sit in the family room beneath a limited-edition print of Charlie Brown and Snoopy by Tom Everhart, the only artist licensed to use “Peanuts” characters in his work; the spacious kitchen features marble counters, double ovens, two dishwashers, pendant lights from Restoration Hardware and white Dura Supreme cabinetry; a large dining table seats ten. Kallinis Berman has china patterns for every season; a stunning Hydro Systems “Picasso” bathtub in the master bathroom; the “Cupcake Sisters” often test recipes together in the kitchen. THIS PAGE (clockwise from top left); The “glam room” on the second floor features white swivel chairs and a mirrored wall; an Hermès blanket covers the bed in the master bedroom; Kallinis Berman’s closet is a fashionista’s dream; Hermès throw pillows warm up a sofa in the family room. A second “Peanuts” print by Tom Everhart is on the wall; her home office was decorated almost exclusively with items found online at One King’s Lane, with the exception of the lamps, which were purchased at Chequers of Aspen, and the Hermès blanket draped over a chair.

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photos with fans. Kallinis Berman credits builder Carol Sherman of Bethesda Too LLC for creating customizable spaces like the makeup room. She says that the many womanimagined nooks and crannies designed by Sherman were a draw when buying the house, which the Bermans purchased when half-built. “My husband,” she laughs, “would probably kill me if I had all that makeup and hair stuff in our bathroom.” In the marble-enhanced master bathroom Sherman added his-and-her water closets for privacy and the Bermans chose the architecturally striking “Picasso” bathtub by Hydro Systems. Kallinis Berman’s enviable walk-in closet is every woman’s dream. Anyone who has seen her around town knows she is always impeccably dressed and often sporting coordinating candy-colored Hermès handbags, which she collects. Several of them are displayed on a counter in the center of the closet alongside Judith Lieber cupcake minaudières. A shoe wall features sky-high Louboutins and Jimmy Choos. Signature orange Hermès boxes line the closet’s shelves. She also collects Hermès blankets and pillows, and they are scattered throughout the home — on beds, on a chair in her office and on couches in the family room. The couple decorated the house without the help of a designer, relying on custom pieces from Urban Country in Bethesda for the family room (where an enormous leather ottoman is the centerpiece) and late night online shopping sprees on sites like One King’s Lane for simple, classic and un-fussy pieces of furniture. “Our goal was to create spaces that would be accessible, comfortable and casual,” Ben Berman says. “Whether it is just us, or when we’re entertaining, we wanted to create a relaxed home environment.”

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OPENING PAGE: Katherine Kallinis Berman and her daughter Isa play dress-up in an enviable walk-in closet.

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HOME LIFE | REAL ESTATE NEWS

Threes and Above Summer sales top $3 million from Kent to Kalorama in the District and from McLean to Potomac in the suburbs. BY STAC E Y G R A Z I E R P FA R R

THE DISTRICT Andrew MacDonald bought MILLWOOD LANE NW from Terry and Lindsay Eakin for $3,275,000. Mr. Eakin is

Karen and Tim Lohnes, both mergers and acquisitions executives at PricewaterhouseCoopers, sold WYOMING AVENUE NW for $3,185,000 to Andrea Kaufman, a partner at Novak Biddle Venture Partners. The magnificent 1912 Beaux-Arts townhouse in Kalorama blends modern sensibility with original details in an architectural masterpiece. The main level’s open floor plan boasts distinct living spaces, including a sleek and spacious kitchen that opens to a lush garden. The seven-bedroom, eight-bath residence includes a second full kitchen and a two-car detached garage. Jonathan Taylor of TTR Sotheby’s International Realty was the listing agent; Michael Rankin, also of Sotheby’s, represented the buyer.

A gracious 1956 brick Colonial in Kent fetched $2.5 million when Francis David Clarke and Mary Clarke Zigo sold it to Carmel Greer and Daniel Baum. LOWELL STREET NW sits on a half-acre lot in Kent and is elegantly proportioned with five bedrooms, eight baths, a large lower level recreation room, terrace and two-car garage. Washington Fine Properties’ Heidi Hatfield and Anne Hatfield Weir represented both parties in the transaction.

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the founding partner of EYA, an urban real estate development group. The six-bedroom Kent residence has all the attributes of a miniature country club in the city with a clay tennis court and pool. The delightful family house also includes a large open kitchen with a breakfast pavilion, guest and nanny suites and an expansive lower level with a gym and game room. Washington Fine Properties’ Virginia Chew was the listing agent. Jane McDonnell of W.C. & A.N. Miller, Realtors, a Long & Foster Company was the buyer’s agent. Washington power-couple Jack and Susanna Quinn sold

CATHEDRAL AVENUE NW for $2.5 million in Wesley Heights. Ms. Quinn is the founder of Veluxe, an on-demand beauty and fitness app that brings hairstylists, makeup artists and personal trainers to clients’ doors. She is a granddaughter of the late Sen. Almer Stillwell “Mike� Monroney of Oklahoma. Her husband is the former White House counsel to President Bill Clinton and founder of the strategic communications firm Quinn Gillespie & Associates. The sixbedroom Colonial boasts a gourmet kitchen, two huge family rooms a beautiful pool and private gardens. Sarah Dahlgren Talcott of TTR Sotheby’s International Realty represented both sides in the transaction. The 1865 West Village townhouse at N STREET NW sold for $2.8 million when Ricki Rhodarmer Helfer bought it from The Trust of Catherine German. The bright semidetached four-bedroom residence features a lower level guest suite, a landscaped garden with beautiful brick patio, a temperature-controlled wine room and two-car garage.TTR Sotheby’s Michael Rankin represented the seller. Jamie Peva of Washington Fine Properties represented the buyer.

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HOME LIFE | REAL ESTATE NEWS

Nader Raeisinia and Susan Nourbakhsh, a managing member of Solitaire Homes and a computer scientist, respectively, sold WOODSIDE DRIVE in McLean to Vanderpenn LLC for $3,125,000. The 2014-built Woodside Estates house features impeccable attention to detail and high quality finishes as well as a gourmet kitchen with custom Sub-Zero and Wolf appliances, a butler’s pantry, marble fireplaces and a luxury bathroom with a Latoscana shower system and whirlpool bathtub. Keller Williams Realty’s Karen Briscoe was the listing agent. Long & Foster’s Janet Scaffido represented the buyer.

MARYLAND Stuart Sebring and Judy Polk-Sebring sold their 11,000-square-foot Potomac mansion at

PLEASANT HILL DRIVE for $4,750,000. Originally listed at $7,995,000, the rustic but elegant property has been the backdrop for the couple’s charitable events — some topping more than 400 guests. The six-bedroom residence was built in 2008 and features numerous amenities and creature comforts, such as a pet-perfect room with a walk-in animal shower opening to the pool terrace. TTR Sotheby’s Marc Fleisher was the listing agent; Fairfax Realty Inc’s Maurita Carlton was the buyer’s agent.

VIRGINIA The 2015 DC Design House fetched $4 million when Canan Yazgan, investment advisor to the World Bank’s treasury director, purchased the brand new, five-bedroom Bryn Mawr residence at MACKALL FARMS LANE in McLean. The house was built and sold by Artisan Builders and designed by Harrison Design to replicate an old American farmhouse. The floor plan features an interior stone accented wall with reclaimed wood trim and details. The charming exterior landscaping boasts multiple fountains, a patio and a fire pit.Yeonas & Shafran Real Estate’s Jack Shafran was the listing agent; Dean Yeonas of the same firm represented the buyer..

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Former Washington Nationals pitcher (and current free agent) Jonathan Papelbon and his wife Ashley sold BERKELEY ROAD in Alexandria’s Belle Haven neighborhood for $2.9 million. The couple bought the property from Coble LLC less than a year ago with the help of TTR Sotheby’s Wetherly Barker and Karen Barker and the same team helped them sell it within a week of listing a year later. The five-bedroom, 6,000-square-foot Colonial was built in 2009 and features luxe outdoor dining and seating areas overlooking a beautiful garden. The professionally decorated residence features exquisite finishes throughout. Janet Caterson Price of McEnearney Associates represented the buyer.

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HOME LIFE | REAL ESTATE NEWS

PROPERTY LINES MODERN MARVEL IN MCLEAN: Ali Saadat and Farzanah Farahi listed a stunning contemporary residence known as “Z House� (a nod to its upright letter shape) for $4,950,000. Built in 2008 by architect Farshad Faro Farahi, the six-bedroom Langley Forest residence at BENJAMIN STREET sits on a recessed corner lot with mature trees, a beautiful pool deck and plenty of space for private parking while entertaining. A dramatic entryway, generous bedrooms and many other amenities lend an aura of graciousness to every corner of this property. TTR Sotheby’s Ron Mangas Jr. is the listing agent.

PRIVATE EDEN: Constance Minshall listed her Bauhaus-inspired residence at ABINGDON ROAD in Bethesda for $6,995,000. The house sits on 2.6 acres of lush grounds with a pool and tennis court boasting stunning views of the Dalecarlia Reservoir. The 1933 estate features large rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows, a gourmet kitchen, luxe master suite with a private sundeck and second family room opening to a large terrace. Washington Fine Properties’ Heidi Hatfield and Anne Hatfield Weir are the listing agents. COUNTRY TO CITY CHARM: David Sanford and Jill Sullivan Sanford , both attorneys with Sanford Heisler LLP, listed TH STREET SE on Capitol Hill for $2.3 million. The French Country retreat was built in 1877 as a stable, and then used as an organ factory for 60 years. The exceptional house features 26-foot ceilings, a light filled loft and two splendid master suites. A lush secluded garden surrounds the beautiful pool and patio. Manuel and Cecilia Mencia listed their ninebedroom Tudor-style stone and cedar residence in the heart of McLean for $3,995,000 with TTR Sotheby’s listing agents Penny Yerks and Piper Gioia. Built in 2009 by Morris-Day, CHAIN BRIDGE ROAD boasts hand painted stained glass, custom chandeliers, spa-inspired baths and custom fireplaces. Lush landscaping and a multi-tiered backyard with raised slatesurrounded pool lend this property a classic Hampton-esque atmosphere. Send real estate news to Stacey Grazier Pfarr at editorial@washingtonlife.com.

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HISTORIC ALEXANDRIA: The Edmund Jennings Lee House, a classic four-bedroom Georgian in Old Town, is pending sale at a list price of $3.5 million. The property belonged to a former mayor of Alexandria in the early 1800s. Dr. Charles Engh, an orthopedic surgeon, listed the house, which features a swimming pool with a walled courtyard garden and a wisteria-covered colonnade. N WASHINGTON STREET also includes original handblown and etched light fixtures hung from hand-plastered tobacco leaves, ornate 18thcentury lock plates and a massive drawing room said to be where Lee accepted his military commission. Shirley Mattam-Male and Ann McClure of McEnearney Associates Inc. are the listing agents.

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HOME LIFE | OPEN HOUSE

Open House Move into one of these prime offerings in the District.

KALORAMA KALORAMA CIRCLE NW WASHINGTON; DC

ASKING PRICE: $5,750,000

This residence sits high on a hill in LISTING AGENT: verdant Kalorama, a block between Michael Rankin, TTR President Obama’s soon-to-be Sotheby’s International post-White House home and the Realty, 202-271-3344 French Ambassador’s residence. Long a center of Washington social life, it was previously home to several Washington luminaries, including J. Carter Brown III, former director of the National Gallery of Art, and his first wife, Connie Mellon. The property features gracious living and grand entertaining rooms, private gardens and a roof deck with stunning views of Washington.

BERKLEY CHARLESTON TERRACE NW WASHINGTON; DC

Just minutes to Georgetown, this stately Colonial occupies a lush, private 1/3-acre lot and features elegant public rooms, a gourmet kitchen that opens to the family room, a luxurious master suite and a fully finished lower level with a recreation room and wet bar. The backyard offers a large terrace that is perfect for entertaining, as well as a charming guest house.

ASKING PRICE: $2,675,000 LISTING AGENT: Mark McFadden, Washington Fine Properties, 703216-1333

WEST END

RD STREET NW UNIT C WASHINGTON; DC This coveted “through”-unit floor plan goes from the street to a courtyard and features a large foyer and living room, a separate dining room/den with access to a balcony, plus a gourmet kitchen, half bath and two bedroom suites with a second balcony overlooking the courtyard and waterfall. One-car parking, a 24hour concierge and valet service are included.

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ASKING PRICE: $1,515,900 LISTING AGENT: Patrick Chavuin, 202-256-9595, and Brad House, 571-344-0203, Compass

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HOME LIFE | DORM GLAM

Collegiate Glam Recent George Washington University graduate Dean Zacharias on making the most of dorm decor. BY ERICA MOODY

Dean Zacharias sits in his room on his final day in college. The only thing collegiate about the scene is the red solo cup he holds in his hand.

hen Dean Zacharias moved into The Dakota, a George Washington University dormitory, he didn’t let the small space (less than 400 square feet) or dorm room conventions cramp his style. The stylish 2016 grad (who now works as community manager at IVY) shares the inspiration behind his sophisticated student quarters. >> DESCRIBE THE DECOR OF YOUR ROOM It’s so sporadic – everything from Hermès ashtrays to raunchy 1920s prints from Germany to a full-fledged bar cart. I had no theme in terms of where I sourced the décor, but everything in that room was something that held a personal backstory. My goal when designing the space was simply

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to create something that made me happy to be there. I’m a big believer that our environment plays a massive role in our overall happiness. WHAT IS YOUR DESIGN PROCESS? ANY PLACES YOU LIKE TO SHOP OR AESTHETIC YOU’RE DRAWN TO? Don’t limit yourself. People get too caught up in the idea that a space needs to be created within a day that makes them settle for things they really don’t love. You have to be willing to hunt and get your hands dirty. Some of my favorite items have come from the Georgetown Flea Market, antique shows or random estate sales. I love anything that has some history behind it and tend to shy away from spaces that are sterile, modern or overly simple.We all have

character – our spaces should reflect it. FAVORITE ITEM IN THE ROOM? Definitely the trio of 1822 prints from Thomas McLean. I picked up the set for $10 at the Georgetown Flea Market in the dead of winter and spraypainted the ugly frames a simple black. I saw the same ones at the Washington Winter Show this past January, looked at the price tag, and realized those prints were worth a lot more than ten bucks. The logical move would be to sell them, but I love the story behind them too much and could never let them go. ANY ADVICE FOR MAKING GREAT USE OF A SMALL SPACE LIKE A DORM ROOM? Shop smart and

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P H OTOS BY J O H N RO BI N SO N P H OTO G RA P H Y

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The Dakota Dorm, Room 707 - An upperclassmen dorm at George Washington University.

A three-tiered bar cart featuring two vintage crystal decanters, an Hermès ashtray, and a set of 1920s glasses from London.

SPACE LIKE A DORM ROOM? Shop smart and maximize every space whether it’s underneath a bed, on a wall, or in the closet. Pieces that don’t have utility should be passed up when working in a constrained area. You would be amazed what a little organization – and purging - can do in terms of freeing up extra room. My new motto: “If it hasn’t been used, worn or loved in over a year, let it go.” WHAT REACTIONS DO YOU GET FROM OTHER STUDENTS WHEN THEY SEE THE PLACE? Most people thought I was insane – and rightfully so. But I think I’m one of the very few people who truly loved their dorm room. While it may seem excessive to some to go to such lengths, it served as a place of refuge, comfort and escape that helped me move forward in school. Pursuing a double major, working full-time and running a blog on the side was a unique juggling act. I often found myself pulled in different directions and lost as to what I was to “do” in life. Every college student goes through this, but the feeling of “home” is powerful — it reminds of us what’s important and how strong we truly are. Having a place that echoed such positivity was invaluable.

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Playful German prints from the early 1900s hang on the wall. These are two of the many unique photographs that decorate every inch of wall-space.

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MY WASHINGTON Ann Hand, jewelry designer BY KEVIN CHAFEE

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WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO DO PIECES WITH A POLITICAL MOTIF? My love of country and the people who work so hard to make it great! It all started with LBJ, and for more than 50 years I’ve received all sorts of campaign buttons and other great political paraphernalia. My main focus is designing for our Americana collection, but I’ve had a great time creating political pins, too. My first attempt at doing something solely political was a Clinton-Gore wristwatch. I was so surprised when it sold out! SHARE A FAVORITE TALE ABOUT YOUR WORK OVER THE YEARS. We now have our own “Presidential Pin Poll.” It’s a lot of fun and has actually been remarkably accurate since 2004. We have found that interest in the campaign picks up by mid-September, and the increase in our sales mirrors this. Thanks to the wonders of the internet, we hear from people across the country.

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HOW HAS WASHINGTON CHANGED MOST SINCE YOUR HUSBAND, LLOYD, SERVED AS PRESIDENT JOHNSON’S U.S. CHIEF OF PROTOCOL? It was certainly a magical time for us, but more formal than today. Almost every embassy dinner was black-tie, often followed by dancing or some kind of entertainment. The women wore long, white kid gloves and dreamy gowns. While there were many areas of disagreement among members of Congress, there was also a much more cohesive climate than now. People worked hard to find compromise based upon common goals. HOW HAS IT REMAINED THE SAME? Washington was, is and always will be centered around the government and power.Who has it? Who is striving to get it? Access to power – then and now – is what everyone wants, and more often

than not, for good reasons.They want to help others, bring about change or find ways to make our country better and stronger. WHAT WOULD YOU SUGGEST PEOPLE DO — OR NOT DO – TO BE SUCCESSFUL PLAYERS HERE? Be sincere, be friendly and lend a helping hand to those new to the Washington scene. Be a good friend. Be there when someone you know has a bad story written about them or gets fired from their job. As our dearest friend, Jack Valenti, used to say: “Call or write them a note – they will never forget that kindness.” For more than 50 years, I’ve watched men and women come and go, and the really special ones knew how to leave their egos in the closet. Their reputations as great leaders endured long after they were gone.

MY TOP SPOTS I love to take out-of-town friends to Café Milano (3251 Prospect St. NW) to see Washington power players. For a great steak we like The Prime Rib (2020 K St. NW). A table for two by the fireplace at The Jefferson Hotel (1200 16th St. NW) can’t be beat. My husband and I love to go for long walks along the C&O Canal (1) or the Tidal Basin (2) with our two Yorkies, Romeo and Juliet. My favorite guilt-free shopping place is The Christ Child Opportunity Shop (1427 Wisconsin Ave. NW). All the sales go to charity. It might sound strange and spooky, but it’s really interesting to walk through Georgetown’s Oak Hill Cemetery (3) (3001 R St. NW) and read the names on the tombstones of American heroes. Don’t miss seeing the State Department’s beautiful art-and antique-filled Diplomatic Reception Rooms (4) — if you are lucky enough to receive an invitation. The White House will always be at the top of my list for exciting and enduring memories. I’ll never forget my first dance there with King Hussein of Jordan, when President Johnson cut in!

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

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

A NN H AN D (CO U RT E SY P H OTO) ; C &O CAN A L ( V I A W I K I M E D I A CO M M O N S); T I DA L BA S I N ( V I A W I KI M E D I A CO M M O N S) ; OAK H I L L C E M E T E RY (V I A W I K I M E D I A CO M MO N S) ; O P P O RT U N I T Y S H O P (CO U RT E SY O F C H RI ST C H I L D SO C I E T Y ).

HOW DID YOU GET INVOLVED IN JEWELRY DESIGN? One night, I opened a door and my life changed. I walked into my first jewelry design workshop and was dazzled by thousands of beads in all shapes and colors arranged on long tables. Something just clicked and I launched a career in jewelry design. It became a lifelong passion and still brings me great joy and happiness.




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