Washington Life Magazine - September 2017

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LOUISE LINTON SPEAKS OUT

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-779) Your Guide to the Season’s Grandest Events

Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin’s wife reflects on her infamous Instagram post and the backlash that followed

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Stunning Gowns, Red Velvet & Wild Jewelry

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EDITOR'S LETTER

FEATURES EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW Louise Linton Opens Up After Social Media Controversy ..............

BALLS & GALAS Your Guide to the Season's Grandest Social Events ............................

The Hill's 50 Most Beautiful People ......................

Washington Project for the Arts Gala .........................

Enchanted Garden Party ......................................

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

CNN's Badass Women of Washington ....................

A Conversation with Mika and Joe ........................

HOME LIFE

FYIDC

Arianespace Satellite Dinner .................................

INSIDER'S GUIDE ........................................

WHO'S NEXT

Yellowstone Forever .............................................

INSIDE HOMES Steve and Andrea Strawn...........

REAL ESTATE NEWS .................................

OPEN HOUSE .............................................

The New Manners ..........................................

College to Congress's Audrey Henson.........................

INNOVATORS & DISRUPTORS The Offline Society's RebeccaYarbrough ......................

THE DISH Himitsu...........................................

NUPTIALS OF NOTE Sara Murray and Garrett Haake's Texas Wedding..........

POLLYWOOD EMBASSY ROW Adjusting to the Trump Era...................................

HOLLYWOOD ON THE POTOMAC "Wonder Woman" Screening..................................

Foundation for Art and Preservation in Embassies Dinner ...........................

MY WASHINGTON Thomas Mallon

LIFESTYLES FASHION EDITORIAL Opulent Irreverence........

TREND REPORT Red Velvet ............................

JEWELRY REPORT Into the Wild ...................

WASHINGTON SOCIAL DIARY OVER THE MOON Halcyon Gala......................................................

Heart's Delight Wine Tasting & Auction .....................

Sushi Gakyu Reception .........................................

Hillwood Dinner ..................................................

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

Washington National Opera Gala .........................

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

Lawrence Kudlow Book Party ...............................

Phillips Collection Dinner & After-Party.....................

Atlantic Council Distinguished Leadership Awards ....

Dine-N-Dash .....................................................

Will on the Hill..................................................

N Street Village Empowerment Luncheon ...................

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ON THE COVER: Louise Linton in an Ines Di Santo gown (Photo by Tony Powell) TOP FROM LEFT: Brad and Callie Nierenberg posing for Balls and Galas (Photo by Tony Powell); Sara Murray and Garrett Haake (Photo Courtesy Happy Day Media); On Caitria: AQUA Embroidered Mock Neck Gown ($318); VINCE CAMUTO Ranee Glitter Strappy Sandals ($148) Bloomingdales 5300 Western Avenue Northwest, Chevy Chase Village, MD 20815, 240-744-3700. LILJENQUIST & BECKSTEAD 18 karat white gold oval yellow and white diamond bracelet ($32,000) LILJENQUIST & BECKSTEAD 18 karat yellow and white diamond hoop earrings ($33,500) Liljenquist & Beckstead, The Shops at Fairfax Square, 8700 Leesburg Pike, Vienna, Va. 703-749-1200. On Pablo: CAPPOTTO BY ARMANI trench ($1,595); GIACCA BY ARMANI blazer ($695); MONCLER Maglia polo Manica Corta ($170); ARMANI pantaloni ($375); SALVATORE FERRAGAMO Finnegan shoes ($640) Bloomingdales 5300 Western Avenue Northwest, Chevy Chase Village, MD 20815, 240-744-3700. (Photo by Nick Ghobashi); Gucci feline head palm cuff with crystals ($1,150), Gucci.com; Cocktails at Himitsu (Photo by Tony Brown)

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EDITOR IN CHIEF

Nancy Reynolds Bagley EXECUTIVE EDITOR

Virginia Coyne

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Kevin Chaffee DEPUTY EDITOR

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Janet Donovan, Steve Houk,Vicky Moon, Stacey Grazier Pfarr and Donna Shor ART DIRECTOR

Matt Rippetoe PRINCIPAL PHOTOGRAPHER

Tony Powell CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

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Mason Hammond Drake, Akerman, LLP

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EDITORIAL INTERNS

Weng Cheong, Jocelin Diaz and Noah Wolfenstein

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

NEW BEGINNINGS

A

ugust was anything but sleepy in Washington, especially for political reporters covering President Donald Trump’s responses to the Charlottesville protests, his pardon of controversial Arizona Sheriff Joe Arpaio and threat to shut down the government if Congress did not approve funding to build a wall on the Mexican border. Somehow, in the midst of it all, headlines were stolen by Louise Linton, the brand new spouse of Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, who made news for an Instagram post in which she tagged her designer clothes while on a government trip and then made it worse by responding to an online critic in a condescending tone. In newspapers, on television and all over social media, Linton was accused of flaunting her wealth and compared to Marie (“Let them eat cake”) Antoinette.

This all happened to unfold on the day Executive Editor Virginia Coyne had scheduled an interview with the Scottish actress to discuss her new life in Washington. The news of the day overshadowed our planned story and Linton backed out, but eventually agreed to give us an exclusive interview about the episode. It was an emotional encounter in which she took full ownership of her actions. She acquiesced to letting us photograph her in ballgowns, acknowledging the irony of apologizing in glam evening wear, yet not wanting to hide the part of her life that includes attending charity events such as those we highlight in this special Balls & Galas issue.

Her story is followed by our annual comprehensive listing of the upcoming year’s major charitable events, for which we photographed many event chairs, also in their finest evening wear. In our search for a regal venue to host the shoots, we settled on Perry Belmont House in Dupont Circle, which also served as the backdrop for our fashion editorial. The newly-revitalized Ampeer Residences (previously known as the Patterson Mansion) also hosted us for several photo sessions. As in years past, the glamorous event chairs inspired us with their dedication to so many worthy causes, reminding us that we live in a dynamic, world class city.

Flip to our Trend Report to find plush red velvet items to add to your wardrobe. For accessories to complete your evening look, take a walk on the wild side with animal collections from Van Cleef & Arpels, Monica Rich Kosann and others.

In the spirit of our highlighting Washingtonians who inspire

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Photographer Tony Powell with Louise Linton

us, our Who’s Next and Innovators & Disruptors columns both get the job done.

Audrey Henson’s nonprofit group, College to Congress, gives deserving young people access to internships on Capitol Hill. If you’re looking for the right date to one of our highlighted events, look no further than Rebecca Yarbrough’s Offline Society. Her innovative company combines the best of online and offline dating.

CNN White House correspondent Sara Murray (who appeared on the cover of our 2017 Young and the Guest List issue) married fellow reporter Garrett Haake in Austin,Texas, in a celebration complete with barbeque, dancing and a petting zoo! We take a look at their memorable outdoor wedding in this month’s Nuptials of Note.

You’ll also find coverage of many fabulous spring events, including the Step Afrika!, Phillips Collection and Halcyon galas as well as WL-sponsored parties that include Sushi Gakyu’s opening celebration and the Heart’s Delight Auction. With social season upon us once again, there will be no shortage of party pictures in October. Stay tuned for coverage of the Joan Hisaoka ‘Make a Difference’ Gala, Afterdark@THEARC and more!

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

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FYIDC The Insider’s Guide to Washington

BY ERICA MOODY

CHER AT MGM NATIONAL HARBOR

SALLY QUINN’S BOOK TALK

After her “farewell tour” in 20032005, Cher returns to perform exclusively for MGM. The specially designed production incorporates the extravagant costumes and touches that make her live performances so captivating. This one is best seen with a group of friends, singing along to mega-hits like “Believe” and “If I Could Turn Back Time.” Sept. 2, 3, 7, 9 and 10, 8:00 p.m. tickets start at $109, mgmnationalharbor.com.

Washington insider Sally Quinn will discuss her new book, “Finding Magic” at Politics & Prose. In the intimate memoir, the Washington Post columnist reflects on major moments and struggles in her life and how spirituality helped her through.

Sept. 11, 7:00 p.m., FREE and open to the public, Politics & Prose, 5015 Connecticut Ave. NW, politics-prose.com.

COMEBACK QUEEN

STEVE MARTIN & MARTIN SHORT AT WOLF TRAP

DYNAMIC DUO

It’s called “An Evening You Will Forget for the Rest of Your Life” but it’s bound to be anything but forgettable. Comedy legends Martin and Short come together for a night of singing, banter and banjo playing. Get tickets to one of the two shows before they sell out. Sept. 14-15, 8:00 p.m., $45-125, Filene Center, wolftrap.org.

MEANINGFUL MEMOIR

ROSSLYN JAZZ FESt

SOULFUL SATURDAY This 27th annual festival in the park welcomes lively jazz musicians including New Orleans based brass group the Soul Rebels, Lee Fields and the Expressions and Afro-Latina singer-songwriter Xenia Rubinos. Food trucks and drink vendors will be on hand at the free event presented by Arlington Business Improvement District and Arlington Arts. Sept. 9, 1:00 to 7:00 p.m., Gateway Park, rosslynva.org.

DC SHORTS FILM FESTIVAL

WASHINGTON NATIONAL OPERA’S “AIDA”

EPIC EVENING

The timeless love story “Aida” opens WNO’s 2017-2018 season. For those who love dazzling costume and set design, this is not to be missed. Contemporary artist RETNA inspired the elaborate, edgy sets and costumes. The music of Giuseppe Verdi adds to the magical, emotional roller coaster ride of an epic production.

Sept. 9-23,Tickets start at $45,The Kennedy Center, kennedy-center.org.

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Take in 170 films from 30 countries at this 14th annual festival for industry leaders and film lovers alike. In addition to screenings, events include filmmaker workshops, networking parties (new this year) and a live screenwriting competition in which guests are invited to observe the decision-making process. An all-access pass with priority seating and swag is available for $150. Sept. 7-17, various locations. Events vary from free admission to $15 a showing, dcshorts.com.

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CO U RT E SY P H OTOS

MOVIES & MINGLING

FYIDC | WHO’S NEXT

WHO’S NEXT Audrey Henson brings diversity to Capitol Hill with her nonprofit organization College to Congress

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

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AUDREY HENSON AT AMPEER RE SIDENCE S, PHOTO BY TONY POWELL

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very year thousands of students descend on Capitol Hill for rite-ofpassage unpaid internships to build their resumes, make connections and get a taste for the world of politics they may have previously only known about from textbooks. Audrey Henson, 27, a Texas native from a single parent home, worked on the Hill after her junior year at the University of South Florida, but was only able to swing rent and day-to-day expenses by taking out student loans and working two jobs on nights and weekends. “The doors didn’t open easily,” she says.

After returning to Washington for another unpaid position upon graduation, she became concerned by the lack of diversity among her peers.“They are from this upper class, very highly educated world ... but Congress is here to represent America and right now it is not reflecting how America looks,” Henson says about what sparked the creation of her bipartisan nonprofit College to Congress (C2C). She recognized that there were other organizations helping students obtain Hill internships, but selection criteria was based on either gender or race, not socioeconomic status, which she believes is the biggest barrier to entry. Setting out to change the pattern, Henson started a GoFundMe page to raise money for the cause. The nonprofit’s mission was so personal to her social network, many of whom she had met on the Hill, that donations streamed in faster than anticipated. Once the word was out, applications rolled in too. Henson’s criteria requires that students be Pell Grant eligible and have a 3.0 GPA or higher. Each selected student gets $10,000 to cover eight weeks of rent, food, transportation and appropriate work attire over the course of their internship. Henson takes a comprehensive hands-on approach throughout the program, debriefing students weekly, providing training to navigate life on the Hill and offering advice on budgeting and etiquette. They are also paired with mentors from the other side of the aisle to expand their horizons.

On night one, Henson took C2C’s inaugural summer class (three Democrats and three Republicans) to a small Mexican restaurant on the Hill, hoping its casual atmosphere might ease first day jitters. When they spotted Supreme Court Justice Neil Gorsuch all formalities dissipated and the wonky bunch plotted an introduction. Henson made her move as he stood to leave, introducing herself and the bright-eyed students. Jaws dropped when the conservative Republican told them that the friend he was having dinner with there was a Democrat with whom he had interned 30 years ago. In that moment Henson’s mission became crystal clear.The diverse group of young people in front of her represented the future of the country. As long as they have a seat at the table, they have the power to humanize the political process, something the divisive nation needs now more than ever. “We don’t want them to just say, ‘Oh, you have different views and I respect that. ‘We want them to say,‘Oh, you think this way because of your mom and brother ... and that’s why you approach welfare reform the way you do.’”

After Gorsuch walked out, she turned to the inspired students and joked, “Just so you guys know, it’s all downhill from here.”

FYIDC | INNOVATORS AND DISRUPTORS

MODERN MATCHMAKING Offline Society founder Rebecca Yarbrough bridges the gap in online and offline dating by curating authentic experiences for romance.

BY ERICA MOODY | PHOTO BY TONY POWELL

Rebecca Yarbrough in Blagden Alley

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inding love can be hard for ambitious, career-minded Washingtonians.

There’s not enough time to devote to work and online dating. But thanks to Rebecca Yarbrough, 30, the District’s eligible young professionals now have a more convenient (and fun!) way to find romance.

Yarbrough was living in a Columbia Heights row house when she and her roommates thought of a dating service that would combine the best of online dating with none of the hurdles. The idea came after a particularly fun house party, when their friends were pairing off in record numbers.

“It was like a dating app exploded in our house,”Yarbrough says with a laugh. “Wouldn’t it be awesome, we thought, if you could take all the people you’re interested in meeting on these platforms and put them in a room together and meet them one time. All of our friends were on the same apps and websites and having miserable experiences.”

“With modern dating, people want a convenient way to meet other people outside their normal circle but with the current apps and websites there are lots of obstacles to actually getting in front of the person,” Yarbrough adds. “We thought, why don’t we just cut out all the stuff that people don’t like doing, that we think is inefficient, and replace it with fun parties.”

So, in 2015, she quit a lucrative job in business development to launch the Offline Society. With innovative events in unexpected locations, the service is also a low-key and exciting way to explore the city, discover under-the-radar places and meet interesting people, even if you don’t end up with your soulmate right away.

This is how it works: Every member who signs up receives five matches

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a week. If they’re interested in meeting the person, they move them to a “guest list” online. When a member RSVPs to an Offline Society event, those on their list know they will be going, and vice versa. “They can be really active with the guest list curation, or just show up to an event and see what happens,”Yarbrough explains.

It’s free to sign up and tickets range from $10-40 per event. A recent baseball watching party was held at Up Top Acres, a rooftop farm next to Nationals Park.There have been whiskey tastings, private tours of Cotton & Reed Distillery, an Arts Underground party and other events held at both “non-traditional venues and bars with character.” Pop-up picture parties give members the opportunity to get new headshots for their dating profiles. A summer campaign, Operation Offline, encouraged singles to get off their phones and explore the city with rewards for completing challenges; winners went home with GLAMSQUAD credits and concert tickets. For now, the age range for members is 22-36, but Yarbrough is working on expanding to an older demographic, adding LGBTQ options and offering premium memberships that include VIP experiences.

“I love the Offline Society because they create spaces and experiences that allow chemistry to develop organically,” says member Brad Bosserman, 31, who dated a woman he met at the opening soiree. “The trademark of an Offline event is that you’re having fun and meeting people without it feeling forced or transactional.”

“The goal is to make people forget that it’s a dating event,”Yarbrough explains.“We want people to feel like they just walked into a bar and everyone there happens to be single.”

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FYIDC | THE DISH

SMALL BUT MIGHTY Himitsu in Petworth welcomes diners to make themselves at home.

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

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PHOTOS BY TONY BROWN

Kevin Tien and Carlie Steiner; Nasu dengaku (above) with Japanese eggplant with fermented black bean, topped in pickled red onions and peanuts ($12). “You Can’t Handle the Chartreuth” (below) features yellow and green Chartreuse, coconut water with mint and Thai basil ($20).

Himitsu, 828 Upshur St. NW www.himitsudc.com Tuesday - Saturday 5 p.m. - 11 p.m.

No reservations Plates range from $8 - $46

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WHAT TO ORDER: Any menu item with a unicorn or fox emoji alongside it means it is recommended by Steiner and Tien.

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P H OTO BY FA R RA H S K E I KY/ D I M S U M M E D I A

W

e hear it often: restaurant owners touting that they want diners to feel like they’re in their own homes.What you frequently don’t hear: “If you want to drink the remaining liquid out of this bowl of deliciousness, please pick it up and put it in your mouth.” Carlie Steiner, 25 co-owner and beverage director of Himitsu, encourages visitors to come as they are and enjoy as they please. It is clear from the start that she and her friend/ business partner, chef Kevin Tien, 30, don’t take themselves or their 24-seat, no reservations dining room too seriously. (See emojis on the menu and check delivery via small toy dinosaur).You might be able to order red wine with your sushi sans judgment, but don’t let this sense of comfort fool you.Tien and Steiner’s Japanese-inspired food and masterfully curated wine and cocktail program is no joke. Since its opening last year, Himitsu has been widely praised, recently scoring a coveted spot on Bon Appétit’s 50 Best New Restaurants in America list.

Steiner explains that there is no complex concept to be untangled at Himitsu, which translates to “secret” in Japanese, and she reserves the descriptor “fusion” for the non-foodies in her life.The Petworth neighborhood gem was born out of Steiner and Tien’s desire to create inventive fare and build a community among their staff and guests.

The menu is organized by sushi, snacks and cold and hot plates that are meant to be shared. Southeast Asian, Korean and Latin flavors are weaved into dishes based on Tien and Steiner’s life experience and travels.

“It’s more an expression of Kevin and me than it is of any one culture or cuisine.” After all, Steiner jokes, “We’re Milennials.”

The pair is well versed in hospitality, having each worked in the restaurant business for years.Tien most recently worked at Pineapples and Pearls and Steiner at Barmini. Himitsu’s service reflects their ambitions to have guests wholly enjoy their dining experience and the sentiment is clearly reflected in their staff. “I only want to hire people who are smarter, faster and better than me,” Steiner says. In addition to daily “family meals” before service, they hold meetings at least twice a week to review menu additions, taste new wine or simply talk about whatever might be on the staff ’s mind, with the same goal at the heart of every gathering - improved service.

The trickle down effect is evident. “There’s this sense of family we try to instill.” Steiner says. “I think its very important to build strong relationships not only with our community but with our own restaurant.”

Celebrating 12 years of THEARC! Honoring 2017 Bridge Builder Award Recipient

Michelle Freeman Co-Chairs

Ami Aronson Patrice King Brickman Sat, September 23, 2017 6:30pm Town Hall Education Arts Recreation Campus 1901 Mississippi Avenue, SE Washington, DC 20020 For ticket and sponsorship information visit

www.thearcdc.org/thearcgala2017

THEARC is a project of Building Bridges Across the River, a Ward 8 nonproďŹ t.

To learn more about THEARC and our resident partners and programs, visit

www.thearcdc.org

FYIDC | WEDDINGS

NUPTIALS OF NOTE Two journalists wed in Austin,Texas, at a celebration featuring dancing, flowers and farm life.

BY ERICA MOODY

The invitations paid a nod to how they met, covering Mitt Romney’s presidential campaign.

SARA MURRAY & GARRETT HAAKE Married April 22, 2017

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arrett and I met in the most romantic place possible — in Iowa, covering Mitt Romney’s presidential campaign,” CNN White House correspondent Sara Murray jokes. At the time, they were in the middle of the most demanding, exciting and stressful assignment of their lives.

After more than a year chasing Romney around America, his presidential hopes ended but Murray and Haake, a correspondent for MSNBC Washington, were still going strong.

“Going through that together —the fast food, long days on a campaign bus and not enough sleep in Courtyard Marriotts — gave us a good sense of just how compatible we are,” Murray says.

Haake proposed over Thanksgiving 2015, at dinner with Murray’s family in her Michigan hometown. With their help, Haake popped the question after being “randomly”

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s just

selected by her father to say grace.

Their wedding in Austin, Texas, was both a rustic and elegant affair. “Think Texas ranch meets garden party,” Murray explains. It was exactly what they had envisioned — a festive celebration of love under the stars. A herd of longhorn cattle roamed the grounds of the Wild Onion Ranch as guests snapped photos with bunnies, ducks and baby goats at a petting zoo during cocktail hour.

Romney wasn’t able to attend, but he sent a colorful statement that was incorporated into one of the toasts. Friends from the news media included Katy Tur, Evan Perez, Maeve Reston, Ashley Parker, Phil Rucker and Michael Barbaro. A balloon display reading “Let’s Get Weird” encouraged guests to let loose. The dancing was the highlight of the night for the couple, beginning with Haake’s favorite wedding song, “Shout.”

The menu was fitting for the Texas setting. Guests enjoyed a queso bar, tacos and

barbeque and a dessert buffet with cakes, pies and s’mores.

Murray looked stunning in a Pronovias gown with meaningful accessories. Haake gave her a sapphire bracelet on the day of the wedding that matched her engagement ring and Murray’s mother surprised her with the jewelry she wore as a baby, a single floating pearl necklace that served as her “something old.”

The morning after, the newlyweds hopped a flight to Australia and spent 10 days exploring, including scuba diving along the Great Barrier Reef. They live in Shaw with their rescue pup, Shiner, who is still livid they didn’t bring her back any barbecue from the wedding.

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DETAILS Bride’s Attire: Pronovias Gown & Jimmy Choo Shoes Wedding Planner & Flowers: Valerie Miller Events Music: DJ Christian Barbuto Cake: Hill Country Cakery Venue: Wild Onion Ranch

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P H OTO S BY H A P PY DAY M E D I A

A petting zoo during cocktail hour

POLLYWOOD The Nexus of Politics﹐ Hollywood﹐ Media and Diplomacy | Embassy Row and the Atlantic Council Awards

Meryl Streep and Gen. Colin L. Powell at the Foundation for Art and Preservation in Embassies Dinner at the U.S. Department of State (Photo by Mary Hilliard)

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POLLYWOOD | EMBASSY ROW

Adjusting to the Trump Era New Moroccan Embassy Residence – Help for Immigrants – The Visegrad Four is Not a Moviefollow.

NEW ADDRESS July 31 was a special day for the new Moroccan ambassador, Princess Lalla Joumala. She hosted her first Throne Day in Washington, marking the accession of King Mohammed VI, who happens to be her first cousin. The reception filled the enormous colonnaded ballroom of the Organization of American States. The princess also had a personal reason to celebrate: the embassy had that week acquired a new residence – the Northwest Washington home of the late Mandell (Mandy) Ourisman, and his wife Mary Ourisman. The sale had been under contract for two months before the final signing, and Princess Lalla, who presented her credentials in April of this year, has been living in temporary accommodation in the Watergate.

The repeated complaint of her predecessors about the most recent Moroccan embassy residence, in Potomac, was that it was too long a daily commute to and from downtown Washington.

Ambassador of Morocco Princess Lalla Joumala

IMMIGRANT CRISIS Foreign embassies

and consulates of the main immigrant countries are taking steps to deal with the impact of the Trump administration’s tough immigration policies. Reports of significant increases in arrests, deportations and refusal of entry have spread fear among immigrants, both legal and illegal, and many consulates are stepping up their support mechanism. The Mexican Embassy has made arrangements with lawyers to provide emergency legal help, and has introduced an App, Miconsulmex, and a 1-800 phone number to provide up-dated information to the 11.7 million Mexicans in the United States, by far the largest immigrant group in the country.

The embassy has also made its website

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Czech Ambassador Hynek Kmonicek (with beard and bow tie), next to him Hungarian Ambassador Laszlo Szabo, Polish Ambassador Piotr Wilczek, and Slovakian charge d’affaires, Jozef Polakovic

more user friendly with cartoons, and a headline: “If you need assistance, or consular protection, visit us,” stressing that the consulates are “a secure zone.” Guatemala, with an estimated 3.5 million nationals here, recently opened a new consulate in Seattle, which some 30,000 resident Guatemalans live far from any of the Central American country’s already existing dozen consular offices.

El Salvador has done the same in both Laredo, Texas, and in Colorado, and added staff in its other 17 consulates across

America. Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, and Mexico have also formed a consular cooperation arrangement – called Tricamex – to provide mutual assistance to nationals facing immigration problems.

Some African and sub-Saharan countries are also stepping up available consular help for immigrants. Cape Verde, whose population at home in the former Portuguese colony and in the United States are just about equal, has sent Carlos Alberto Veiga, its vice-president as ambassador to Washington, hoping to bolster the authority of the embassy. 450 Cape Verde citizens have recently been sentenced to deportation as alleged criminals. If as though Vice-President Mike Pence had been appointed U.S. ambassador to Germany to improve relations with Chancellor Angela Merkel.

DISSIDENT GROUP No, V4 is not half of a V8. It stands for Visegrad 4, a political, cultural and to some extent economic union of Hungary, the Czech Republic, Poland, and Slovakia that has emerged as what the Financial Times has called “a kind of European awkward squad.” In reality, it’s more than that, as the ambassadors of three of the member countries, plus the charge d’affaires of the fourth, explained in what had to be the first Visegrad 4 conference in Washington. Together, the four neighboring countries represent a sizeable chunk of the European Union’s population and landmass as well as trade and a rich shared culture. This, say the envoys (Hynek Kmonicek of the Czech Republic, Laszlo Szabo of Hungary, and Piotr Wilczek of Poland – all new arrivals – plus charge d’affaires Jozef Polakovic of Slovakia), gives them a stronger voice in the shaping of the post-Brexit E.U.

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P H OTO CO U RT E SY O F T H E M O R O CC A N E M BA S SY; P H OTO CO U RT E SY O F H U N GA R I A N E M BA S SY

BY ROLAND FLAMINI

POLLYWOOD | HOLLYWOOD ON THE POTOMAC

WONDER WOMAN ‘Wonder Woman’ hits theaters and a familiar face couldn’t be more pleased.

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his room understands that it’s not just a feel good movie. This is a movie that not only has a great message, but it’s made a lot of money and money talks,” said hostess Carol Melton, executive vice president of Time Warner, before the private screening of Warner Bros. Pictures’ “Wonder Woman” at the Motion Picture Association of America. Addressing the all female Washington contingent who turned out to celebrate Lynda Carter, the original “Wonder Woman” who played the superhero on television from 1975 to 1979, Melton called them “a group of badass, beautiful, smart, yet vulnerable women.”

We had a chance to catch up with the starlet who is due to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame next year.

Since we live in a rewind and reboot society, we asked Carter how she felt about her character evolving to the big screen. “It’s

fantastic,” she replied, going on to describe the film as filled with “depth and heart.”

“Wonder Woman” was released earlier this year starring breakout actress Gal Gadot. In just a few months it has raked in millions at the box office. Behind the movie’s great success is director Patty Jenkins, whom Carter believes nailed the balance between action and character development scenes. “I knew she understood who this character was and that’s really the essence of any good movie” Carter said. “A lot of slam-bam doesn’t really hold anybody’s interest anymore. You have to have a story.”

Carter was impressed with Gadot’s performance as well as her ability to adapt the essence of a Wonder Woman who is intellectual, full of integrity and able to connect with others while still maintaining her strength and superhero power to fend off bad

guys. “I really did believe in Wonder Woman,” Carter added. “I believed in the character. I believed [in her] every single moment I was on the screen.”

We had to ask if she still has the original costume. The answer is yes, but she can’t tell us where the two iconic ensembles are hidden (one is from the 1940s and the other from the ’70s).

Fun Fact: Her tiny waist was all real, no costume cinching needed.

Though her Wonder Woman days are behind her, Carter still carries the character’s spirit with her.

“Wonder Woman exists in the hearts and minds of all of us, and that’s where people identify with my character and with Gal and Patty’s creation in this movie, “ she says “There’s some essence of the dignity and the beautiful nature of Wonder Woman that you walk out holding.”

Kristen Shaw and Michael Grady Heather Podesta, Carol Melton and Juleanna Glover

“Killing Reagan” Director Rod Lurie and Novelist Kyra Davis Jack Norton and Jean Case Jessica Altman and Lynda Carter

‘WONDER WOMAN’ SCREENING Rep. Debbie Dingell and Sally Quinn

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Motion Picture Association of America

Capricia Marshall Cynthia Nixon and Tim Matheson and Hilary Rosen

PHOTOS BY JOY ASICO

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Newt and Callista Gingrich

Meryl Streep and her husband, sculptor Don Gummer

Dorothy Lichtenstein and FAPE President Eden Rafshoon

Hilary Geary Ross, Bob Colacello and Scotty Greenwood WL EXCLUSIVE

FOUNDATION FOR ART AND PRESERVATION IN EMBASSIES DINNER Diplomatic Reception Rooms, U.S. Department of State

Sen. Tom Udall and Justice Stephen Breyer

PHOTOS BY MARY HILLIARD

Ronald Lauder, Jane Lauder and Evan Ryan

Mitch and Emily Rales

Mallory Walker, Liz Stevens, George Stevens Jr, , Vicki Sant and Diana Walker

FOR THE CHILDREN Rex Tillerson did not host FAPE’s dinner this year, the first time a secretary of state had been absent in recent memory, but he was ably represented by Justice Stephen Breyer, who left guests spellbound as he spoke eloquently and extemporaneously about how artists’ contributions help us “to see the world better than we would otherwise do.” He also singled out special guest and Annenberg Awardee Wynton Marsalis, who wowed the crowd after dinner on his famous trumpet with Charlie Parker’s “Now is the Time” and other hits. “What is blues? Blues is life,” Breyer rhapsodized, adding that there could be “no better ambassador than this uniquely American message.” The evening also celebrated FAPE’s latest gifts to American diplomatic properties abroad: a print by Glenn Ligon, a photograph by Stephen Shore and the late Roy Lichtenstein’s spectacular “Green Street Mural” for the U.S. Embassy in Mexico City.

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Aerin Lauder and FAPE Chairman Jo Carole Lauder 28

Stavros Niarchos and Vito Schnabel

Kuwaiti Amb. Salem Al-Sabah and Rima Al-Sabah

Wynton Marsalis plays for guests WA S H I N G T O N L I F E

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Suzanne Struglinski, Jeff Ballou and Khendra Peay

Eric and Susi Larsen with Max and Lindsay Angerholzer

Antonia Gore and Jacqueline Badger Mars

WASHINGTON NATIONAL OPERA GALA The Kennedy Center | PHOTOS BY TONY POWELL NEW OPERA ERA The demise of the Washington National Opera’s signature fundraising event, the highlight of the spring social season for 42 years, was lamented by certain traditionalists but certainly not by Kennedy Center management, who wasted little time announcing that its music-centric replacement was a fundraising windfall that raised a record $2.4 million. After an early cocktail buffet on the Kennedy Center’s River Terrace, guests moved to the Opera House for pop-cum-opera performances by, among others, Grammy- and Tony-winners Renée Fleming, Brian Stokes Mitchell and mezzo-soprano Denyce Graves (who sang an astounding contralto version of “Old Man River”). PAYING HOMAGE: After a standing ovation tribute to her work as the company’s chairman for the past six years, “leading lady” Jacqueline Badger Mars bowed out with her usual grace and charm. “If I am a leading lady,” she told the crowd, “the people who work with me are the best supporting actors in the world.”

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Eric Motley and Joyce Ward

Former Sen. Mike Johnston

Justice Samuel Alito and Martha Ann Alito Samia and Huda Farouki

Alexandra de Borchgrave 30

Consuelo Pareja and Peruvian Amb. Carlos Pareja

Carol Schwartz and Carol Lascaris

Baroness Alexandra Sényi and Philip Bermingham WA S H I N G T O N L I F E

Kennedy Center President Deborah Rutter and her husband Peter Ellefson

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Rebecca Spicer, Chris Wallace and Sean Spicer

Don Graham and Kellyanne Conway WL EXCLUSIVE

BOOK PARTY WITH NO AUTHOR Wilbur and Hilary Ross Residence | PHOTOS BY TONY POWELL GREAT FOOD/NO SPEECHES “Unfortunately the guest of honor is not going to make it. He’s stuck in New York because of the weather,” Hilary Geary Ross told guests as they arrived to celebrate publication of Lawrence (Larry) Kudlow’s latest book, “JFK and the Reagan Revolution: A Secret History of American Prosperity” at the end of July. The nonplussed hostess and her husband, Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross, welcomed Trump administration officials and other friends who couldn’t help admiring, albeit discreetly, the couple’s impressive collection of artworks by Belgian surrealist René Magritte, estimated by Forbes magazine to be worth more than $100 million.

Hilary Geary Ross and Julie Kent

Andrea Mitchell and Alan Greenspan

Wilbur Ross, Amy Baier, Louise Linton and Elaine Lan Chao

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Princess Haya Bint Al Hussein, Dr. Kurt Newman and Toni Verstandig

Swedish Amb. Bjorn Lyrvall, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg and Carl Bildt

Mary Anne Huntsman, Renée Fleming and Mary Kaye Huntsman

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ATLANTIC COUNCIL DISTINGUISHED LEADERSHIP AWARDS The Ritz-Carlton, Washington D.C. | PHOTOS BY TONY POWELL

Jane Harman and Bob Dickie

Lord Robertson, Adrienne Arsht and Damon Wilson

HUMANITARIAN HONORS Esteemed peacemakers across the globe were recognized at the annual awards gala of the Atlantic Council, a think tank for international affairs. Among those honored were Princess Haya Bint Al Hussein of Jordan and Adm. Michelle Howard, the Commander of NATO’s Allied Joint Force Command and the first female four-star recipient in the history of the U.S. Navy. Notable speakers included former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright and Vice President Mike Pence, who addressed the importance of NATO and transatlantic relationships by stating that “an attack on one of us is an attack on all of us.”

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Sen. Chris Coons, Johanna Derlega, Rep. Jamie Raskin, Rep. Dina Titus, Rina Shah and Erica Moody British Amb. Sir Kim Darroch and Lady Darroch

Santino Fontana, Ian Kahn, Maulik Pancholy and Emily Swallow WL SPONSORED

WILL ON THE HILL Harman Center for the Arts | PHOTOS BY KEVIN ALLEN AND TONY POWELL

Reps. Eleanor Holmes Norton and Rep. Gerry Connolly

Maria Teresa Kumar and Dana Milbank

POLITICAL ACTORS Members of Congress, Washington insiders and professional actors including Ian Kahn, Emily Swallow and Maulik Pancholy dressed in Shakespearean garb for a night of comedy at the 15th annual bipartisan Will on the Hill. The benefit for the Shakespeare Theater Company’s educational programs raised a record $510,000. The audience in the fully packed theater laughed heartily at the jokes in the original script “Met By Moonlight” (by Peter Byrne with the help of “West Wing” writers) loosely based on Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.” A few of the non-professional actors also gave impressive performances, including Sen. Chris Coons who spoke with a Minnesota accent to play a Washington, D. C. tourist. A reception preceded the production, which was followed by a buffet dinner.

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Carlisle Eason and Lauren Carter

Judy Kurtz

Rep. Donna Edwards

Ed Patterson and Olivia Beavers

THE HILL’S 50 MOST BEAUTIFUL WeWork White House | PHOTOS BY TONY POWELL IN THE EYE OF THE BEHOLDER Members of Congress, Capitol Hill staffers, journalists and lobbyists mingled, networked and sipped Moscow Mules at WeWork’s modern, airy community workspace to celebrate the release of The Hill newspaper’s 14th annual “50 Most Beautiful” list. “It’s nice to take a momentary break from the usual mudslinging and partisan clashes here in the nation’s capital for a tradition even ‘the Swamp’ of Washington can enjoy celebrating the stunning political players of D.C. and have a bit of summer fun,” said Judy Kurtz, the publication’s “In the Know” columnist and editor of the list. “We had a ball … although it was difficult to contain all that gorgeousness in one room!” she joked.

Courtney Burks and Tiffany Harris

Kate Bennett

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Adele Siegmund and Lashley Wolf Jan Du Plain and Changu Newman Lynn Gagnon, Shahin Mafi and Liz Klass

ENCHANTED GARDEN PARTY Shahin Mafi Residence | PHOTOS BY TONY POWELL GARDEN DIPLOMACY Business woman and philanthropist Shahin Mafi hosted an elegant, pre-summer garden party at her Potomac home to help raise funds for THIS (The Hospitality and Information Service) serving local diplomats. The organization, housed at Meridian International Center, works to promote understanding and friendship with members of the diplomatic community through cultural and educational programs.

Botswana Amb. David Newman and Richard Klass

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Susan Mulhall and Madge Palumbo

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Leah Levell and Paris Dennard Dana Bash with her son Jonah King

Kellyanne Conway and Hilary Rosen

CNN’S BADASS WOMEN OF WASHINGTON LAUNCH Fig & Olive, CityCenterDC | PHOTOS BY ERIN SCHAFF ACCOMPLISHED WOMEN Badass woman Dana Bash launched a new digital series for CNN over the summer, and invited Washington insiders to a launch party at CityCenter. The seven-part digital series, “Badass Women of Washington,” looks into the lives and work of women in politics breaking barriers in male-dominated fields. The women profiled include Democratic senators Dianne Feinstein and Catherine Cortez Masto, Republican Rep. Jaime Herrera Beutler, RNC Chairwoman Ronna Romney McDaniel and Army Surgeon General Nadja West. Bash sat down with these women at the launch party to discuss the powerful, inspirational series.

Ronna Romney McDaniel

Sen. Dianne Feinstein VIEW ALL THE PHOTOS AT WWW WASHINGTONLIFE COM

Sam Heyward, Osareman Okolo, Dominique Erney and Devontae Freeland

David Rubenstein, Mika Brzezinski and Joe Scarborough

Ann Compton and Wendy Pangburn

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A CONVERSATION WITH MIKA AND JOE National Archives | PHOTOS BY ERIN SCHAFF POLITICAL PARTY It was standing room only at the National Archives when MSNBC’s “Morning Joe” co-hosts and Institute of Politics (IOP) Fellows Joe Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski spoke with David Rubenstein about the media, politics, the president and their upcoming wedding. Brzezinski and Scarborough are fall 2017 Visiting Fellows at the IOP. More than 400 guests including Harvard Kennedy School students and alumni, turned out for the hour-long discussion followed by a reception. On the heels of a Twitter storm involving President Trump, Brzezinski was asked if she still calls the president “Donald.” She replied quickly “Well, now I call him nothing. Because we don’t talk. Things have kind of devolved.” As for their future wedding, the colleagues have decided on Nantucket in the spring.

Bill Delahunt and Elizabeth Vale

Ana Steele and Kay Kim

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Giuseppe Barberis, Stella Guillen and Yohann Leroy

Andreas Doulaveris, John McBride, Wiener Kernisan, Suzi McBride and Derek de Bastos

Jill and Ken Lee

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ARIANESPACE SATELLITE DINNER National Museum of African American History and Culture PHOTOS BY TONY POWELL

Mark Sirangelo, Stephen Spengler, Michelle Lucas and Frank Culbertson Jr.

TALKING ROCKETS Arianespace, the world’s leading commercial launch company, celebrated the arrival of spring with a jazz-themed dinner party. CEO Stéphane Israël, and U.S. subsidiary president Wiener Kernisan welcomed corporate friends from across the satellite industry including guests from ECHOSTAR, Hughes, Intelsat, OneWeb, SES, Intelsat, Eutelsat, SKY Perfect JSAT, Arabsat, DIRECTV, and Thuraya, among others. On track to perform 12 missions this year, Arianespace recently delivered a payload to orbit for the Federal Aviation Administration and will launch NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope in 2018.

Magali Vaissiere, French Amb. Gerard Araud and Stéphane Israël

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Kevin Sheridan and Erika Gutierrez

Keith Huffman, Win Huffman, Brooke Brogan and Fritz Brogan

Mitt Romney

Katelyn Rieley Johnson and Benny Johnson

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YELLOWSTONE FOREVER Hawthorne | PHOTOS BY BEN DROZ PARK PATRONAGE A young group of park advocates gathered alongside Sen. John Tester and Mitt Romney to raise awareness and funds for Yellowstone National Park.

The lively group of young people all share a passion for preserving the awe-inspiring nature at Yellowstone, which sprawls over 3,500 square miles and is home to forests, rivers and canyons with a wide range of animal species and some of the nation’s most prized natural wonders.

Tammy Haddad and Daniel Lippman

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Jayne Visser, Sen. Jon Tester and Jackie Rooney

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POLLYWOOD | MANNERS

THE NEW MANNERS How to use a knife and fork without hesitation

BY ROLAND FLAMINI

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ecently, The Huffington Post advised its readers to check in advance with the hostess before taking a joint as a dinner gift instead of a bottle of wine. Although recreational use of marijuana is legal in Washington (but still banned in public), not every hostess would consider it an appropriate offering. Also, when bringing a plate of homebaked brownies, it’s not out of place to specify what’s in them – or better still, what’s not.

Welcome to the new manners. In a fast-moving world, the rules of polite conduct adapt as best they can. Social intercourse is more functional and less elaborate than 50 years ago, but by no means dead, at least not yet.

Take, for example, the rules around the basic human experience of eating. Following the anthrax bio-terrorism attacks of 2001 and subsequent security considerations, e-mailed invitations have gained wide acceptance and mailed invitations are on the verge of extinction. “It’s rare to get an invitation card in the mail,” says interior designer Aniko Gaal Schott, who is famous for her caviar and foie gras buffet soirees, with a string quartet playing in the background.

“Some embassies still send them, and it’s nice to receive them, but invitations are usually e-mailed.”

Gaal Schott doesn’t know how she would react if she were ever presented with a joint by one of her dinner guests. “It’s a generational thing, but even so I don’t think it happens much in Washington,” she says. Cigarette smoking can be more of an issue: lighting up at the table is as unthinkable as showing up naked, except for the very rare occasions when ashtrays on the table signal that smoking is allowed.

Guests still tend to arrive with a gift – (usually wine or candy), although wine can be risky if the gift turns out to be a vintage Bordeaux grand cru that’s better than what is being served at table. The gesture of sending flowers to a hostess before or after the event is practically a thing of the past, and the handwritten “thank you” note for a party or dinner (in British slang a “bread-and-butter letter”) is

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also something of a rarity.

Today, thanks are more likely to be expressed via e-mail.

A quick survey of a few Washington hosts and hostesses revealed a catalog of their worst aggravations.

Top of the list were people who failed to respond to an invitation to a sit-down dinner and then showed up on the night. Equally irksome were people who accepted the invitation and never appeared. Late arrivals also came in for some scathing comment (20-25 minutes grace is the norm for latecomers).

The spread of cell phones has considerably widened the scope of behaving badly in social situations, ranging from guests texting or checking their messages at the table to taking photos of the food on their plates!

Seating arrangements haven’t changed much though. For example, the rule that couples don’t sit together is still widely respected. The most important guest sits at the hostess’s right, and his or her spouse or significant other at the host’s right, with the rest of the guests spread in between, as much as possible in a sequence of alternate males and females.

And if anything, etiquette is having something of a resurgence among millennials, not perhaps as one of the cornerstones of civilization, the principle enshrined in the ancient motto of Winchester College in England, “Manners Maketh Man,” but more as a tool to advancement in an age of self-promotion and the pursuit of multiple career trajectories that have replaced the jobs-for-life of the old economy.

The trend is helped by numerous new books on etiquette and television reality shows. Among the former (to mention just two) are Candace Simpson-Giles’s “How to be a Lady: A Contemporary Guide to Common Courtesy,” clearly directed at female readers, and “Advance Your Swagger: How to Use Manners, Confidence, and Style to Get Ahead,” by Fonzworth Bentley.

But that’s a story for another time.

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BY VIRGINIA COYNE | PHOTOGRAPHS BY TONY POWELL

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first met Louise Linton in early August, two weeks before her name would dominate headlines — before she was likened to Cruella de Vil. The Scottish-born actress had wed Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin six weeks prior and now Washington Life was asking her to participate in a story about her new home and life as a Cabinet wife. She wanted to meet in person before committing to the interview, so she invited me for tea.

Linton wore no makeup for the occasion and was dressed in exercise pants and a SoulCycle sweatshirt. We sat at her kitchen table, where she poured me a blend of Earl Grey and green tea topped with vanilla soy milk, a favorite combination. She was bubbly and open, her Scottish lilt becoming increasingly evident as we discussed her wedding, time in Washington and her three rescue Chihuahuas, who lay in their beds nearby.

We decided to meet again for a formal interview and photo shoot two weeks later, after she returned from a delayed honeymoon in Europe. I asked that she pose in evening gowns as the story would run in our September Balls & Galas issue and she agreed to do so.

In a follow-up email, Linton informed me she wouldn’t be available on Monday, Aug. 21. “I am going to visit Kentucky with Steven and I’m very excited about it,” she wrote. We rescheduled our interview for Tuesday, yet that was the day the headlines came: “Mnuchin Wife Goes Full Marie Antoinette in Instagram Meltdown” screamed a Vanity Fair web piece. “Louise Linton has proved herself to be an exceptionally obnoxious human being,” wrote Robin Givhan of the Washington Post.

During her trip to Kentucky, Linton had posted an Instagram photo of herself disembarking a government plane with her

husband in which she tagged the designers she was wearing.

The post garnered criticism from another user, Jenni Miller, an Oregon mother of three, who insinuated in a comment that taxpayer dollars had paid for Linton’s “little side trip” and signed the message with the hashtag #deplorable. Linton, who as a child spent weekends at her family’s castle in Scotland and is married to a multi-millionaire former hedge fund manager, fired back, calling Miller “adorably out of touch” and writing “Pretty sure the amount we sacrifice per year is a lot more than you’d be willing to sacrifice if the choice was yours.” Cable news programs and the Internet soon pounced and by the end of the following day, when we were to meet for our interview, it seemed she had been universally vilified for what many perceived as flaunting her wealth and shaming the poor.

Still, Linton held to our date, and once again served tea, but was distracted, excusing herself several times to take phone calls from her publicist, husband and friends calling to check in.

She did not answer questions about the episode and the next morning canceled our photo shoot and asked that we not run a story as planned, concerned about posing in ball gowns the same week her picture was plastered next to headlines reading, “Let Them Eat Cake.”

I offered her the opportunity to tell her side of the story on the record, and after changing her mind twice, Linton acquiesced. Five days after her infamous Instagram post, which resulted in innumerable social media messages calling her, among other things, a “scumbag” and “a disgusting human being,” she sat down for an emotional interview in which she blamed herself without question and expressed remorse for writing words she says do not reflect who she truly is.>>

MAKEUP BY NOUR KAZOUN | HAIR BY MARLENY RODRIGUEZ FOR VELUXE | ST YLING ASSISTANCE BY DIANA MERCIER SORRENTINO DRESSES PROVIDED BY CARINE’S BRIDAL ATELIER

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Brielleâ&#x20AC;? ball gown with textured beading and illusion sleeves by Ines Di Santo.

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SPECIAL FEATURE | LOUISE LINTON

WASHINGTON LIFE: Have you even left the house this week or have you just sort of hunkered down?

LOUISE LINTON: Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve popped out a couple of times but Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve spent this week really reflecting and absorbing and thinking about all of it.

Something like this requires extreme thought and introspection and I had to absorb the criticism and figure out how I can influence the world in a positive way instead of how I did by making that post.

WL: What has it been like to have stolen headlines and received such backlash for your Instagram post?

LL: It was scary and surreal but it forced me to take a deep look at what I had done. I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t feel like a victim. I feel like the world gave me a good, hard wake-up call and Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m OK with that.

WL: I know youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been thinking about this a lot over the course of the week and that you would like to address the situation and your critics directly. Hereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s your chance.

LL: I want to say I concede completely to the comments of my critics. My post itself and the following response were indefensible.

Period. I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have any excuses, nor do I feel any self-pity for the backlash I experienced.

I sincerely take ownership of my mistake. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s clear that I was the one who was truly out of touch and my response was reactionary and condescending. I wish I hadnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t spoken in such a patronizing tone. It was an out of character, knee-jerk reaction, and I felt so awful about it that I removed it.

wish I could take it back, but all I can do is learn from this and turn my focus to things that actually matter and place my energy behind causes I care about. [She pauses, suddenly overcome with emotion.]

WL: Would you like to take a moment?

LL: No. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m OK. I was just thinking, remember how those old computers would go into safety mode and you couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t access all your applications?

Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been in black and white safety mode like that all week.

WL: Do you understand why this became such big news?

LL: Yes. It was newsworthy because I was on a government trip and my husband is a government employee. As his wife, I am now a more public person and I am, and should be, held to a higher standard of ethics and care. Instead of emphasizing the things I truly care about, like family, animal rescue and my work, as I had in the past, I was trying to portray a certain public image. It was a moment of weakness and misdirection that doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t reflect who I really am. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m not used to this level of scrutiny. This is a fairly new world, but thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not an excuse. I one hundred percent embrace the comments of my critics and I concede wholeheartedly that the post was boastful and materialistic and my response was extremely thoughtless. I should have known better than to be so insensitive.

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WL: What about the comments mentioning sacrifice?

LL: I had no place to talk about sacrifice when there are millions of men and women making real sacrifices for this country every day. My husband is very fortunate to be part of the government. It is a great honor and privilege and in no way is his work, or my part in this, any kind of sacrifice.

WL: How have you and Steven dealt with this together?

LL: We love each other through thick and thin, through good times and through bad and thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s all I can really say about that. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been through good things, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been through bad things and we love each other like any other couple and that means sticking together through all life events. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s really it.

WL: So, why did you respond the way you did to the comment from Jenni Miller?

LL: Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve had torrents of social media criticism before and never really responded. I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know why I did this time, but I really regret it. I

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WL: Were you trying to be boastful and materialistic?

LL: I was just trying to portray what I thought was a public image that isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t me.This is me. [Pointing to herself in a sweatshirt and leggings] This is me every day. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m this girl. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m a no makeup girl. I was trying to create this public image that was elegant and stylish, but that was just so clueless because I should have focused on who I really am instead.

WL: Did you feel the criticism was overblown? â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;LL: No. I feel like I deserved the criticism and my response is â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;thanks for waking me up quickly and for turning me back in the right direction.â&#x20AC;&#x2122; My response is, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m sorry.â&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;&#x2DC; WL: If you could talk to the woman you interacted with on Instagram face to face what would you say?

LL: I would say Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m very sorry, sincerely. I would ask her about the causes that are important to her and perhaps find something that we could work on together in the spirit of unity and love.

WL: You just said this is who you really are. Who are you?

LL: Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m a person who tries to be compassionate, caring and warm to every single person I meet. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m gentle-natured and I respect people

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â&#x20AC;&#x153;Eastonâ&#x20AC;? halter neck trumpet gown with exaggerated bow back detail by Ines Di Santo.

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SPECIAL FEATURE | LOUISE LINTON

tremendously, which is why that reply was so out of character. On a daily basis, I’m a girl that’s at her desk, barefoot in gym clothes working on films and animal welfare. I love my family. I’m a fiercely loyal friend.

I’m a homebody at heart and I love to be around my dogs.

WL: So, the social media Louise is not the real Louise?

LL: The social media Louise of that week was not me. I should have stuck to posting pictures of rescue dogs and daily life. I don’t know why I felt pressure to portray an image that was all about the clothes. It was short lived, and I got my slap on the wrist pretty quick. I received the message loud and clear. I understand the criticism and I am keen to move forward with my life and to proactively help others. Really. And I hope that my actions over the next few weeks, next few months, next few years and over the rest of my life show that. I feel I can show through my actions who I really am.

WL: How do you get past this and look ahead?

LL: Mistakes happen and we must choose what to do with them. We can ignore them or we can learn and evolve into someone better and wiser.This experience has been a life-changing event and has given me renewed focus on things that actually matter. Since this happened I’ve been researching social issues in my community and reading the heartbreaking stories of

´, 6+28/' +$9( 678&.

72 3267,1* 3,&785(6 2) 5(6&8( '2*6 $1' '$,/< /,)( µ people’s experiences with homelessness and abuse. This has truly opened my eyes and humbled me. And I’m turning my focus back to the charities I’m passionate about such as Mutt Match animal rescue group that I’ve been working with for nearly a decade, and I’d like to support the Humane Society as well as local rescues here in D.C. I’ve applied to volunteer at a homeless mission here … as well as at a women’s organization that offers housing, health and employment programs to empower homeless women to change their lives.

WL: It took some persuading after all of this to convince you to pose in beautiful dresses for the photos. Are you concerned that people are going to criticize you for wearing a gown on a magazine cover just after you were likened to Marie Antoinette?

LL: Yes. And I know that they will … I see the irony of making an apology in a ball gown! But it would be dishonest to proclaim that I’m never going to go to another social function. That’s also part of my life.

Charity fundraising galas have always been a wonderful way to support a myriad of causes. Whether I’m in a ball gown or a pair of jeans, it’s not about me, or what I’m wearing, it’s about what I can be doing to support and empower others going forward. I hope my actions speak more for me in the future than my hashtags!

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Midnight blue sheath dress by Jason Wu.

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photography and art direction by Tony Powell

www.tony-powell.com photographed at the perry belmont house, ampeer, meridian international center and the ritz-carlton, Georgetown hair and makeup: glamsquad and carola myers

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boys & girls club national youth of the year celebration WA S H I N G T O N L I F E

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september 26

51 monique and chris samuels, host committee

photographed at the perry belmont house

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Noche de Gala Dinner

Event Chairs: Jessica Herrera-Flanigan, Lyndon Boozer, Mariella Trager and Ginny Grenham The Cause: Encouraging the presence of Latinos in the community and media platforms by supporting them through the arts.

Details: The Mayflower Hotel; 6:30 p.m.; black-tie; sponsorship starts at $1,250; contact info@hispanicarts.org.

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Women Build Celebration

Event Chair: Deborah Ames Naylor The Cause: Habitat for Humanity’s Women Build program, which raises funds, advocates and raises awareness for low- and moderate- income women with housing needs.

Details: National Museum of Women in the Arts; 6 p.m.; young adult $75; $125; business attire; contact Maria Mastorakos (202) 882-4600, maria. mastorakos@dchabitat.org.

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Joan Hisaoka ‘Make a Difference’ Gala

Event Chair: Robert G. Hisaoka The Cause: In its 10th year the gala dedicates 65 percent of its proceeds to Life With Cancer, the educational, informative and emotional support initiative of the Inova Schar Cancer Institute. Life with Cancer provides support for cancer patients and their families free of charge. Smith Center for Healing and the Arts, the only independent cancer support center based in Washington D.C., receives 35 percent of all proceeds.

Details: The Omni Shoreham Hotel; 6:30 p.m.; black-tie; $700; sponsorships start at $1,700; contact Susan Hubert (202) 689-1917, hubert@slslaw.com.

Highlights: In addition to dinner and dancing the 10th anniversary event will feature live and silent auctions.

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Atlas Corps Soiree

Event Chairs: Jason Kampf and Crystal Boyd The Cause: Atlas Corps works on developing global social change leaders from across the world by bringing them to the United States.

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Details: The Event Space; 7:30 p.m.; $150; contact events@atlascorps.org Highlight: A tasting tour featuring bites from Bistro Bohem, Capo Deli, Cava, Dolci Gelati and more.

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Chefs for Equality

Event Chair: David Hagedorn, Christopher Vazquez and Rick Davis The Cause: Advocating for LGBTQ equality through the support of the Human Rights Campaign Foundation, the largest civil rights organization nationwide.

Details: Dock5 at Union Market; 7 p.m.; semi-formal/cocktail attire; $200; sponsorships start at $1,000; contact feedback@hrc.org Highlight: “5/10/15 Speed Diner,” — 5 dishes/10 chefs/15 minutes — where ticket holders can purchase 15-minute time slots at two, diner-style, eightperson counters.

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allison gala

The Cause: Research for triple negative breast cancer being done by the Triple Negative Breast Cancer Foundation.

Details: Long View Gallery; 7 p.m.; $150; contact info@tnbc.org.

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Inova Honors Dinner

Event Chairs: Shaza Anderson and Loring Flint, MD The Cause: An event to honor physicians, nurses and health professionals as Philanthropy Champions for their hard work and dedication in the Inova health care community.

Details: Hilton McLean, Tysons Corner; 6 p.m.; black-tie optional; $500; sponsorship starts at $3,000; contact Kara Burke (703) 289-2077, Kara.

Burke@inova.org.

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Alianta Awards Gala

Event Chairs: Anamaria Maior and Chang Oh Turkmani The Cause: Celebrate achievements in the Romanian-American community and strengthen ties between Romania and the United States.

Details: U.S. Institute of Peace; 6:30 p.m.; $250; sponsorships start at $1,000; contact Daniela Kammrath (202) 7988971, dk.alianta@gmail.com.

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Wolf Trap Ball

Andre Reed, Steve Baggs and Nick Cannon.

Event Chairs: Nancy Laben and

Jon Feiger; Karen and Fred Schaufeld; H.E. Ambassador of Monaco Maguy Maccario Doyle (Honorary) The Cause: The Wolf Trap Foundation of the Performing Arts, a non-profit organization that provides educational performance programs for people of all ages.

Details: The Filene Center; 7 p.m.; black-tie; $750; table sponsorships starts at $10,000; contact (703) 255-4030, events@wolftrap.org.

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AfterDark@THEARC

Event Chairs: Ami Aronson and Patrice King Brickman The Cause: The Town Hall Education Arts Recreation Campus and its partners, which host dance and music classes, fine arts and other programming and services for underserved communities.

Details: Town Hall Education Arts Recreation Campus; 6:30 p.m. cocktail reception; 7:30 p.m. program, dinner and dancing; host committee seats start at $1,000; contact Rahsaan Bernard rbernard@thearcdc.org.

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The National Symphony Orchestra Season Opening Gala

Event Chairs: Earl W. and Amanda Stafford The Cause: The NSO’s educational and community engagement programs.

Details: The Kennedy Center; 6 p.m.; black-tie; $1,000; sponsorships start at $5,000; contact (202) 416-8102, NSOSeasonOpening@kennedy-center.org.

Highlight: A musical performance from cellist Yo-Yo Ma and Tony-Awardwinning Cynthia Erivo; both artists will showcase the works of American composer Leonard Bernstein followed by the Notte di Carnevale dinner and reception.

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Boys & Girls Club Youth of the Year Gala

Event Chair: Condoleeza Rice and Denzel Washington (Honorary) The Cause: Helping teens working to accomplish their personal and academic goals and dreams.

Details: National Building Museum; 6 p.m.; business or cocktail attire; $1,000; young patron tickets $475; sponsorships start at $15,000; contact Kara Johnson (202) 507-6699, kajohnson@bgca.org.

Highlight: Celebrity participation from

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No Kid Hungry Dinner

The Cause: No Kid Hungry, Share Our Strength’s campaign to end childhood hunger in America.

Details: Range; 6 p.m.; sponsorships start at $1,000; contact Wendy Catbagan (202) 649-4352, wcatbagan@strength. org.

Highlights: A seated dinner with samplings from chefs Bryan Voltaggio (Range), Erik Bruner-Yang (Maketto), Ruben Garcia (Minibar) and Spike Gjerde (Woodberry Kitchen) along with food, travel and lifestyle auctions.

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Angels in Adoption Gala

The Cause: The Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute’s program promotes and supports adoption agencies and child welfare programs.

Details: Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center; reception at 6:30 p.m., gala dinner, awards, and entertainment at 7:30 p.m.; business or cocktail attire; $250; contact (202) 5448500, taylor@ccainstitute.org

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Monkey Business Gala

Event Chairs: Angie Marriott and Ziad S. Ojakli

The Cause: The Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute’s animals and wildlifeconservation programs, enabling the Zoo to build new animal habitats, expand its educational programs, conduct and share vital conservation research and train the next generation of environmental leaders.

Details: Robert and Arlene Kogod Courtyard; 6 p.m.; $350; animal print attire encouraged; contact (202) 6333144, ZooRSVP@si.edu.

Highlight: Harrison Ford and Betty White will be presented with the James Smithson Bicentennial Medal for their commitment to animals, wildlife and the environment.

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Spanish Catholic Center Gala

Event Chairs: Cardinal Donald Wuerl (Honorary) The Cause: Catholic Charities’ Spanish Catholic Center, which is celebrating

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inova summit november 10-12

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scott miller and sharon virts 53

photographed at the perry belmont house glamsquad: Hairstylist, Charcelle Wilson/ Makeup Artist, Jordan Wyndant

washington balletâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s nutcracker tea ginger dietrich and andrea rinaldi, chairs december 10 photographed at the perry belmont house styled by April Yvonne

september (continued) its 50th anniversary as one of the leading service providers to the region’s immigrant population.

Details: Washington Marriott Marquis; 6:30 p.m.; black-tie; $500; sponsorships start at $2,000; contact Carmen Joya (202) 772-4334, Carmen.Joya@ cc-dc.org.

arena Stage wine auction

Event Chairs: Judith Batty and Sandra Taylor The Cause: Arena Stage’s artistic productions and community engagement programs.

Details: Arena Stage; 6:30 p.m.; $300; sponsorships start at $1,000; contact Maria Corso (202) 600-4025, mcorso@ arenastage.org.

Highlight: Following a sparkling wine reception and silent auction, guests will be treated to a five-course dinner with wine pairings.

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hope for henry bowling tournament

The Cause: Strikes for Smiles raises funds for Hope for Henry’s comprehensive, year-round, in-hospital program that reinvents how hospitals care for seriously ill children and their families.

Details: Pinstripes, Georgetown; 6:30 p.m.; $150; contact Laurie Strongin (202) 277-2710, laurie@hopeforhenry. org.

Highlights: Celebrity bowlers will include Jake Tapper of CNN and David Brooks of the New York Times.

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Mary’s Center Noche Tropical Gala: Un Carnaval

region’s most distinguished partners who work to provide opportunities for the Center’s participants and neighbors to build a better future.

Details: Washington Hilton; 6:30 p.m; cocktail attire; $325; sponsorships start at $5,000; contact Ivy Fairchild (202) 420-7071, ifairchild@maryscenter.org.

Highlight: NBC4’s Susan Hogan will emcee the event.

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end poverty. Programs focus on the provision of basic need items, workforce development, wraparound support and neighborhood revitalization to alleviate poverty and make long-lasting changes to low-income families.

Details: The National Building Museum; reception at 6 p.m., dinner and ceremony at 7 p.m.; business or cocktail attire; $250; sponsorships start at $1000; contact Emily Meyer (301) 608-3504, emily@awidercircle.org.

Highlight: Rep. Chris Van Hollen will be awarded with the Commitment to Change Award.

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Event Chairs: Rep. Chris Van Hollen

Ambassadors Ball

Event Chairs: Ambassador of

United Arab Emirates Yousef Al Otaiba and Abeer Al Otaiba; Cristina Antelo and Jennifer Kildee The Cause: The National Multiple Sclerosis Society, which supports the treatment, research, and other programs for patients and families.

Details: Marriott Marquis; 6 p.m.; $600; sponsorships starts at $5,000; contact Andrew Edwards (202) 375-5602, Andrew.Edwards@nmss.org.

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Bethesda Green Gala

Event Chair: Tracey Dorfmann The Cause: The Gala awards business

superfierce

The Cause: Ebeauty, an online wig

exchange program for cancer patients.

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A Wider Circle Community Ball

Event Chair: Marty Durbin The Cause: A Wider Circle’s mission to

Tim Russert Congressional Dinner

(Honorary) The Cause: Recognizing young leaders in Washington with proceeds benefitting the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Washington, which offers activities and a safe environment for young people. Details: JW Marriott; cocktail reception at 6 p.m., dinner and program at 7:00 p.m.; business attire; $500; sponsorship starts at $6,000; contact Daphne Benbow (202) 540-2320, dbenbow@bgcgw. org.

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Event Chairs: Doug and Ashley Kollme The Cause: Mary’s Center will honor the

OCTOBER

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Details: Blind Whino; $6:30 p.m.; $75; sponsorships start at $1,000; visit superfierce.org.

Highlights: Exhibit featuring work from over 25 female artists.

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leaders, communities, schools and nonprofit organizations that have

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made major contributions to sustain the environment. The organization promotes environment-friendly practices to build and protect a healthy environment.

Details: Bethesda Blues & Jazz Supper Club; 6:30 p.m.; $80; sponsorships start at $1000; contact (240) 396-2440, info@bethesdagreen.org.

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Night of Hope

Event Chairs: Amy McNamer

and Jim Neill; Maria and Lee Weber

The Cause: Community of Hope’s work to end homelessness and improve health for families in the District.

Details: The Roof Terrace, 101 Constitution Ave NW; 6:30 p.m.; $85; sponsorships start at $1,000; contact Lisa Rajaram lrajaram@cohdc.org.

Highlight: Joshua Johnson, host of 1A on WAMU and NPR is the master of ceremonies.

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Fair Chance Butterfly Bash

Event Chairs: Elizabeth Spratt Cooper and Elisabeth Cohen The Cause: Nonprofit organizations that work with over 80,000 children and low-income families in the nation’s capital.

Details: Dock5 at Union Market; 7 p.m.; cocktail attire; $175; sponsorships start at $2,500; contact Benjamin Bradburn (202) 467-2428, bbradburn@ fairchancedc.org or lfeigenbaum@ fairchancedc.org.

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Children’s Environmental Health Network Gala & Child Health Advocate Awards

The Cause: The Children’s Environmental Health Network celebrates 25 years of leadership in the children’s environmental health movement.

Details: Josephine Butler Parks Center; 6:30 p.m.; $85; sponsorships start at $1,000; contact Kristie Trousdale (202) 543-4033, kristiet@cehn.org.

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Harman Center for the Arts Gala

Event Chairs: Michael Klein; Landon and Carol Butler; Barbara Harman and Jane Harman (Honorary) The Cause: The Shakespeare Theatre Company’s education and outreach programs.

Details: Sidney Harman Hall; $750;

sponsorships starts at $1,000; contact Amanda Herman (202) 547-3230.

HCAGala@ShakespeareTheatre.org.

Highlight: Actress Laura Linney will be honored.

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PEN/Faulkner Celebration: ‘Belonging’

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College Success Foundation-DC Breakfast

Event Chairs: Sen. Thad Cochran and Sen. Patrick Leahy (Honorary); Mary Haft, Ginny Grenham, Dolen Perkins-Valdez, Susan Richards Shreve and Katharine Weymouth The Cause: The PEN/Faulkner Award for Fiction and Writers in Schools programming.

Details: The Showroom; cocktail reception at 6 p.m., readings at 7 p.m., dinner reception to follow; $500; contact (202) 898-9063, RSVP@ penfaulkner.org.

Highlight: Authors André Aciman, Randa Jarrar, Gish Jen, Alexander Maksik, Imbolo Mbue, Alexandra Petri, Rion Amilcar Scott, Akhil Sharma, Hannah Tinti, D. Watkins and master of ceremonies Calvin Trillin will present work written on the theme of “Belonging.”

The Cause: The foundation provides thousands of underserved, students in Wards 7 and 8 with the academic, social, emotional and financial support they need to graduate from college and begin a meaningful career.

Details: Renaissance Washington, D.C. Downtown Hotel; 8 a.m.; $2,500; contact (202) 207-1817.

Highlight: The breakfast will feature keynote speaker, Geoffrey Canada, founder and president of the Harlem Children’s Zone.

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USO Gala ‘Forces Behind the Forces’

The Cause: Recognizing enlisted service personnel from each branch of the armed forces for their extraordinary bravery, loyalty and heroism.

Details: Washington Marriott Marquis; black-tie/military equivalent; sponsorships start at $15,000; contact (703) 740-4942, gala@uso.org.

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Blue Hope Bash

Event Chairs: Avi and Michelle

Benaim

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october (continued) The Cause: The Colon Cancer Alliance and its research, prevention and patient support programs.

Details: Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium; 5:30 p.m. to 11 p.m.; $450; sponsorships start at $7,000; contact bluehopebash@ ccalliance.org.

Highlight: Today Show national correspondent Craig Melvin will emcee the event.

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Capital for Children’s Texas Hold’em Tournament

Event Chair: Ken Doyle The Cause: Capital for Children’s charitable efforts in the Washington metropolitan area.

Details: Hotel Monaco; 6 p.m.; contact Cassandra Hanley (703) 237-4978, Cassandra@capitalforchildren.org.

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Meridian Ball

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D.C. Chamber of Commerce Choice Awards & Gala

Event Chairs: Ball Chairs: Tom and Ann Korologos;White-Meyer Chairs: Andrew and Heather Florance; Glenn and Suzanne Youngkin The Cause: Meridian International Center, a nonprofit, global leadership organization that prepares U.S. and international leaders to meet challenges and opportunities to improve a shared global future.

Details: Meridian International Center; 7 p.m.; black-tie; $650; committee member tickets are $2,500; sponsorships start at $5,000; contact Olivia Dorieux (202) 939-5892, odorieux@meridian.org.

Event Chairs: William Von Hoene, Marie Johns, John O’Brien, Adrian Chapman and Vincent Orange The Cause: Celebrating the achievements, innovation, and success of businesses in the Washington metropolitan area.

Details: Marriott Marquis; 5 p.m.; blacktie; $450; sponsorships start at $3,000; contact Janelle Morris jmorris@ dcchamber.org.

Highlight: Honorees include Ted Leonsis (Monumental Sports), Sheila Johnson, Deryl McKissack (McKissack & McKissack), Monty Hoffman (PN Hoffman), Michael Haft and Harrison Suarez (Compass Coffee).

Southeast tennis learning center Gala october 27

debbi jarvis, chair

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photogrAPHED At meridian international center Makeup by carola myers

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Citizens Association of Georgetown Gala

Event Chairs: Michelle Korsmo, Colman

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passion for caring gala november 11

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dr. perry fine, malene davis and Tom57Koutsoumpas,

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october (continued)

community of hope

By andrea miano, chair, board of directors

Riddell and Amy Stroh The Cause: Continued prosperity of Georgetown businesses and their surrounding community.

Details: Four Seasons Hotel; 7 p.m.; $325; sponsorships start at $1,500; contact cagmail@cagtown.org.

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Best Buddies Friendship Walk

The Cause: Best Buddies International – the world’s largest nonprofit organization dedicated to ending the social, physical and economic isolation of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Details: Madison Drive NW and 3rd Street SW; 8 a.m.; athletic/casual attire; no cost, but donations are encouraged; contact Andy Byun (443) 538-5197, andrewbyun@bestbuddies.org.

Andrea Miano, William E. Conway Jr. and Kelly Sweeney McShane at the 2016 Night of Hope

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Records of Achievement Award Ceremony and Gala

F

“Community of Hope restored my family. I found courage in my daughter saying ‘I got your back, mommy’ when she helped me pack up our belongings because we were going to be evicted the next day. I found strength in myself for putting the footwork down to get clean for my daughters. I found hope when I came to Community of Hope.”

This dream is for Shirlene and thousands of other mothers and fathers that we meet every day. We recognize and appreciate the opportunities now presented to 13,000 children, women, and men served by Community of Hope who are able to achieve good health, a stable home, family-sustaining income and, most importantly, hope.

I hope you will join me for this one special night –Night of Hope on October 12 – so we can be inspired together to make these dreams for our city a reality every day.

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exhibit a passion for and dedication to sharing American history.

Details: National Archives Museum; 6 p.m.; black-tie; $1,000; for sponsorship opportunities contact Jordan Zappala (202) 357-5229, jordan.zappala@ archivesfoundation.org.

Highlight: Tom Hanks will receive the National Archive Association’s 2017 Records of Achievement Award for his work on films with historical significance.

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Mark Twain Prize for American Humor

William Stetson III The Cause: Honring the world’s greatest humorists.

Details: Kennedy Center Concert Hall; 8 p.m.; business attire; $99 for performance tickets; sponsorships start at $1,200; contact (202) 416-8196, mtp@kennedy-center.org Highlight: David Letterman will receive this year’s award. Jimmy Kimmel, Steve Martin, Bill Murray, Martin Short, Sarah Silverman and many other celebrities are scheduled to attend.

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Event Chair: Jim Clifton The Cause: Commemorating Thurgood Marshall College Fund’s 30 years of service and commitment to the

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White Hat Gala

Event Chairs: Paul Innella and David Trout The Cause: Helping high-risk children and providing opportunities for the cyber security community.

Details: Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium; cocktail reception 6:30 p.m.; blacktie optional; $500; sponsorships start at $2,500; contact Kelsey Presswood kpresswood@childrensnational.org.

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Smithsonian Food History Gala

research, collecting, and programs of Smithsonian’s American Food History Project.

Details: National Museum of American History; $500; sponsorships start at $2,500; contact Kari Fantasia, (202) 633-3302, FantasiaKa@si.edu.

Highlights: Danny Meyer, CEO of Union Square Hospitality Group, will receive the third annual Julia Child Award.

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Southeast Tennis and Learning Center ‘Tennis Shoes, Ties and After Five’ Gala

The Cause: Recognizing the work of

Event Chairs: Jane Watson Stetson and E.

Thurgood Marshall College Fund Awards Gala

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The Cause: Supporting the ongoing

The Cause: Honoring individuals who or the past eight years, I have been fortunate to be involved with Community of Hope. I see first-hand their commitment to caring for families, improving lives and leading change in our city. I am inspired by the stories of those who are striving toward better lives for themselves and their families.

Every October, hundreds of my fellow Washingtonians and I gather in sight of the U.S. Capitol to celebrate the people and mission of Community of Hope. Together we dream about a day when we will live in a city where families are no longer homeless, where health care is available for all and where all infants have the means and opportunity to grow up to be healthy and happy members of our community.

Shirlene, whose poignant story of resiliency was the highlight of our program last year, said it best:

Historically Black College and University community.

Details: Washington Marriott, Wardman Park; cocktail reception at 5:00 p.m., dinner and program at 7:15 p.m.; $500; sponsorships start at $5,000; contact Angela Mauldin angela.mauldin@tmcf. org.

the Recreation Wish List Committee and the Southeast Tennis and Learning Center for its impact on young athletes and the community.

Details: Southeast Tennis and Learning Center; 6:30 p.m.; contact Tanisha Williams (202) 678-7530.

Highlights: The event will also celebrate the 10- year anniversary of Blacks In Wax, which performs annually at the Kennedy Center and Millenium Stage.

Guests are encouraged to wear tennis shoes with their cocktail attire.

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African art Awards Dinner

The Cause: Celebrating the diverse arts of Africa and recognizing the important contributions of women who are positively influencing the global arts community.

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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

childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ball april 6, 2018

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patrice king brickman, marcy cohen and jean-marie fernandez, chairs 59 photographed at ampeer Makeup by carola myers

6:30 p.m.; black-tie; $650; sponsorships start at $7,500; contact (202) 223-1906, rebecca@knockoutabuse.org.

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Fight Night

Event Chair: Raul Fernandez The Cause: Fight For Children’s mission to ensure that all students in Washington, D.C., especially those in the highest need areas, receive a quality early education and a solid foundation for future success.

Details: Washington Hilton; 6 p.m.; black-tie; $1,050; tables starting at $10,500 contact Judy Wrench (202) 772-0417, Judy.Wrench@ FightForChildren.org.

Highlights: Live boxing and Mixed Martial Arts matches and musical performances.

2

Heroines of Washington

Event Chairs: Jennifer Felix and Dondi

Saunders

The Cause: March of Dimes, which works to decrease infant mortality rates in the community and ensure healthy and happy lives for babies.

Details: The Ritz-Carlton, Tysons Corner; 6 p.m.; $250; sponsorships start at $5,000; contact Kate Leib (571) 2572309, kleib@marchofdimes.org.

heart’s delight wine tasting & auction may 9-12, 2018

mitch bainwol, chair photographed at the perry belmont house

october (continued) Details: Smithsonian Arts and Industries Building; $500; sponsorships start at $1,000; contact (202) 633-3773, NMAFAAwards@si.edu.

Highlights: Artists Ghada Amer and Mary Sibande will be recognized, while guest chef Carla Hall of “Top Chef ” and “The Chew” will provide a unique dining experience.

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walk this way fashion show

The Cause: Support for “Men

of CODE,” a Becky’s Fund program which transforms young male athletes and coaches into leaders in the movement to end domestic violence.

Details: Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium; 6 p.m.; $150; sponsorships start at $1,200; contact Becky Lee becky@ beckysfund.org.

Highlights: Professional athletes walk the fashion runway to pledge their commitment to healthy relationships.

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Human Rights Campaign National Dinner

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Event Chairs: Bruce Rohr and Rachael Gresson

The Cause: The Human Rights Campaign is the leading national organization that fights for LGBTQ rights, education, and programs.

Details: Walter E. Washington Convention Center; 5 p.m.; black-tie optional; $400; ticket with chef combo at $500; contact HRC events team galadinners@hrc.org.

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Washington International Horse Show President’s Cup Party

Event Chair: Bonnie Jenkins Details: PwC Club at Capital One Arena (formerly Verizon Center); 7 p.m.; $150; cocktail/equestrian chic attire; $150; contact hospitality@wihs.org.

Highlights: Cocktails, dinner and a world class equestrian competition.

4

Higher Achievement Going Places’ Gala

Event Chairs: Mitchell N. Schear, Sara Akbar, Wendy Feldman Block, Jay Epstien, Michael Goodwin and Michael Kelley The Cause: Higher Achievement educates, trains, and coaches middle school students by hosting after school academies, and transition and summer programs.

Details: Warner Theatre; 6:30 p.m.; $250; sponsorships starts at $5,000; contact Janelle Hunter, jhunter@ higherachievement.org.

2

Knock Out Abuse Gala

Event Chairs: Elissa Davidson and Sarah O’Keefe; Patricia Coleman and Ellen Spiegel (Auction co-chairs) The Cause: Four local beneficiaries that aid victims of domestic violence.

Details: Ritz-Carlton Washington, D.C.;

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jdrf hope Gala

Event Chairs: Michelle Dolansky and Susan Faries The Cause: Raise critical funds for Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) research to progressively reduce the impact of T1D on people’s lives.

Details: National Building Museum, 6 p.m.; $500; sponsorships start at $5,000; contactAlexandra Barker abarker@jdrf.org.

4

National Italian American Foundation Gala

Event Chairs: Michael Zarrelli The Cause: The 42nd annual event is dedicated to preserving, protecting and promoting the Italian American heritage.

Details: Washington Marriott Wardman Park Hotel; black-tie; $400; young professional tickets at $150; sponsorships start at $1,500; contact NIAF gala@niaf.org.

4

Mehregan Gala

The Cause: The Iranian American

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photographed at the perry belmont house glamsquad: Hairstylist, Ebony McGee/ Makeup Artist, Esquire Stelly

november (continued)

The Lab School of Washington’s annual awards Gala

By Tara Turturro-Fuss, gala co-chair

Medical Society of Greater Washington.

Details: Willard InterContinental; 6:30 p.m.; black-tie; $175; contact iamsstaff@ gmail.com.

8

National Organization on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome ‘Moms Prom’ gala

Event Chairs: Sen. Lisa Murkowski (Honorary) and Kate Boyce Reeder The Cause: NOFAS works to prevent prenatal exposure to alcohol, drugs, and other substances known to harm fetal development by raising awareness and supporting individuals, families and communities living with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders.

Details: $300; sponsorships start at $1,000; contact Kate Boyce Reeder (202) 253-2569.

Highlight: The NOFAS Leadership Award to be presented to Sen.Tim Kaine.

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LBJ liberty & Justice for All award

health education and research in the community.

Details: Salamander Resort & Spa; kickoff, spotlight health panel and reception on Nov. 10th; Thought Leaders summit, activities and dinner on the 11th; family farewell brunch on the 12th; contact Kara Burke (703) 289-2077, kara.burke@inova.org.

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Event Chairs: Tom and Carrie Koutsoumpas The Cause: Recognizing Capital Caring’s ongoing efforts to improve care for those facing life-limiting illness through direct support of patients and their families, public education and public advocacy.

Details: MGM National Harbor Resort; 6 p.m.; cocktail; $400; contact Jeff Kost jkost@capitalcaring.org.

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Event Chairs: Lloyd Hand and Cappy David Letterman, Alison Starling and Peter Alexander at the 2016 Lab School of Washington Awards Gala.

F

or 33 years, The Lab School of Washington has hosted its Annual Awards Gala to raise critical funds to continue the mission of the school — to unlock each child’s potential. This year marks an even greater celebration – the 50th anniversary of The Lab School! In celebration of this momentous milestone, net proceeds from the gala and auction will fund need-based financial aid for students.

Over the years, The Lab School has honored more than 120 outstanding achievers with learning differences. The gala raises awareness about learning differences and recognizes people who have overcome learning differences and gone on to achieve great heights in their careers and lives.

Looking forward to the next 50 years, Head of School Katherine Schantz says “I want to see the community at Lab continue to reach beyond the status quo. I also see us working toward being even more progressive in our structures and actualizing our beliefs about how students learn, what’s important to learn, and what kind of learning sticks.”

In addition to attending and speaking at the gala, honorees spend the day visiting The Lab School and engaging with students. A highlight of the day is a question-and-answer assembly.

Ms. Schantz wonders what schools will look like in 50 years. “Maybe there will be no walls at all. Maybe everything will be mobile and accessible from anywhere. And who knows what more we will learn about how the way the brain works.” At The Lab School, we will continue to find new avenues for helping our students reach their potential with the generous support of families, community members, and sponsors who believe in our extraordinary students.

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McGarr

The Cause: LBJ Washington Center which serves as both the Washington campus of the LBJ School in Austin as well as a new federal policy and research center.

Details: National Archives Museum; 6:30 p.m.; $1,000; sponsorships start at $5,000; contact Amy Barbee (512) 7210265, abarbee@lbjfoundation.org.

Highlight: David Rubenstein will be honored.

9

the lab School of Washington’s awards Gala

Event Chairs: Pamela Kabati and Tara Turturro-Fuss The Cause: Need-based financial aid for students at The Lab School of Washington, which nurtures students with learning differences.

Details: National Building Museum; reception and silent auction at 6:00 p.m.; dinner and program at 7:30 p.m.; sponsorships start at $7,500; contact Marty Cathcart marty.cathcart@ labschool.org.

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Inova Summit

Event Chairs: Scott Miller and Sharon Virts The Cause: A weekend of food, cocktails, and conferences with thought leaders and health professionals dedicated to improving the quality of patient care and continue to generate

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Passion for Caring Gala

Celebrate Every Breath Gala

Event Chair: Kieran Donahue Marinucci The Cause: The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, which funds research and drug development, promotes individualized treatments, and ensures access to high-quality, specialized care.

Details: The Ritz-Carlton, Washington, D.C.; 6 p.m.; $500; sponsorships start at $5,000; contact Erin Leahey (301) 6578444, eleahey@cff.org.

Highlight: Knox Singleton, CEO of Inova Health Systems will be honored with the Hitchcock Humanitarian Award.

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Salute To Service Gala

Event Chairs: Doug VanDyke The Cause: American Red Cross’ services for the community.

Details: Hilton McLean, Tysons Corner; black-tie or mess dress attire; contact Lisa Futterman at lisa.futterman@ redcross.org;

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Lombardi Gala

Event Chairs: Jerry and Catherine Conway Castro; Bruce Merlin Fried and Lisa Hill The Cause: Proceeds from the gala will fund world-class research and treatment programs for people with cancer.

Details: The Ritz-Carlton, Washington D.C.; 7 p.m.; $750; sponsorships start at $5,000; contact Cristy Heffernan Seth ch1175@georgetown.edu.

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teach for america gala february 21, 2018

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jeff and chrissy brill; karen and bill 63 sonneborn

photographed at ampeer Makeup by carola myers

november (continued)

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S.O.M.E (So Others Might Eat) Gala

Event Chair: Joseph Kelley The Cause: SOME’s affordable housing programs for homeless and low income families.

Details: National Building Museum; 6 p.m.; $400; sponsorships start at $1,000; contact Ingrid Feigenbaum (202) 7978806, ifeigenbaum@some.org.

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American Portrait Gala

Event Chairs: Ambassador of Switzerland Martin Dahinden and Anita Dahinden, Rick and Susan Goings, Robert and Arlene Kogod; David and Alice Rubenstein; Tommie L. Pegues and Donald A. Capoccia (program chairs) The Cause: Strengthening the museum’s endowment, which supports compelling exhibitions that tell the dynamic and multifaceted story of America.

Details: National Portrait Gallery, Robert and Arlene Kogod Courtyard; sponsorships start at $10,000; contact (202) 633-8553, NPG_Gala@si.edu.

Highlight: Honorees include Spike Lee, Madeleine K. Albright, Rita Moreno, Bill T. Jones and Dr. David D. Ho

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Washington Business Hall of Fame Gala

Event Chair: Terri McClements The Cause: Junior Achievement’s financial

literacy programs for K-12 students in Washington, Maryland and Virginia.

Details: National Building Museum; 6 p.m.; $1,000; sponsorships start at $10,000; contact (202) 777-4485.

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The Honorable William H. Webster Distinguished Service Award Dinner

The Cause: The International Spy Museum event honors the former FBA and CIA director who has served the nation with integrity and distinction.

Details: The Ritz-Carlton, Washington, D.C.; 6 p.m.; cocktail attire; $475; sponsorships start at $1,000; contact Rebecca Diamond (202) 654-0954, rdiamond@spymuseum.org.

DECEMBER

3

Kennedy Center Honors

Event Chairs: Dennis Muilenburg; Buffy Cafritz and Ann D. Jordan (Honorary) Details: Kennedy Center Opera hillwood gala june 5, 2018

mark lowham, chair photogrAPHED AT ampeer

House; black-tie; contact honors@ kennedycenter.org.

Highlight: The event will honor Carmen de Lavallade, Gloria Estefan, LL COOL J, Norman Lear and Lionel Richie.

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Imagination Stage’s ‘Bella Notte’ Gala

Event Chairs: Erika Martin and Monique Pressley

The Cause: Celebrating Imagination Stage’s 38 years as the largest and most respected multidisciplinary theatre arts organization for young people in the Washington metropolitan region.

Details: The Embassy of Italy; 6 p.m.; $250; sponsorships start at $1,000; contact events@imaginationstage.org.

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Washington Ballet’s Nutcracker Tea Party

Event Chairs: Andrea Rinaldi and Ginger Dietrich

The Cause: Performance training and engagement programs for young dancers in the community.

Details: National Museum of Women in the Arts; performance at Warner Theatre at 1 p.m.; tea time at 3 p.m.; $200; sponsorships start at $1,000; contact Elissa Staley Holub (202) 274-4518, estaley@washingtonballet.org.

Highlights: Children will have the opportunity to pose for photographs with members of The Nutcracker cast.

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the choral Arts Society of washington’s Holiday Concert and Gala

Event Chair: Julie Chase The Cause: The commitment to pursue excellence in choral repertoire and performance and promote the art of choral music through education and public outreach.

Details: Kennedy Center; 7 p.m.; $675; sponsorships start at $8,000; contact Carolyn Purcell (202) 244-3669, cpurcell@choralarts.org.

Highlight: Kirsti Kauppi, the Ambassador of Finland will serve as Honorary Patron as the Embassy of Finland celebrates 100 years of independence.

JANUARY

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Washington Winter Show Preview Night

Event Chairs: Benjamin Depuy; Charlotte Moss (Honorary) d.c. chamber of commerce choice awards & gala october 20

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donna cooper and william von65 hoene, chairs

photographed at meridian international center makeup by carola myers

january (continued) The Cause: Local charities that support

children first

the inaugural Fight for Children Week will be Held ahead of fight night.

high-risk families and children.

Details: The Katzen Arts Center, American University; 6:30 p.m.; young patrons (under 40) $200; $300; contact (202) 248-7159.

Highlight: This year’s Chinoiserie- themed special exhibit will feature pieces from over 40 dealers.

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Russian Ball

Event Chairs: Paul and Irina du

Quenoy

The Cause: Celebrating Washington’s White Russian émigré community.

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

Raul Fernandez, Chairman of Fight For Children and Fight Night 2017 with a Washington, D.C. student.

F

ight for Children, the nonprofit best known for Fight Night, is launching its first Fight for Children Week this month. Taking place September 25 – 29 it will bring together Washington residents, educators, business leaders and policy makers to support early childhood education in the city. Here are some of the delicious, fashionable and hands-on ways you can get involved.

Washingtonians can visit restaurants throughout the city and a portion of their purchase will be donated to Fight for Children. Participating restaurants include Taylor Gourmet, &Pizza, Cava and Joe’s Seafood Prime Steak and Crab.

There will also be an opportunity to make a statement without actually having to say anything. Wednesday, September 27th is “Wear Jeans to Work Day.” All you have to do is wear jeans to work that day and make a donation to Fight for Children. Anyone who takes a picture of themselves in jeans and uses the hashtag #Jeans4Children on Facebook or Twitter will be entered to win tickets to this year’s Fight Night.

Participants are encouraged to end their week on a high note by volunteering at a Fight for Children partner school on Friday, September 29. A learning environment that makes children feel safe and encourages learning is key to fostering the greatest potential among students.

Fight for Children is the DC-based nonprofit whose mission is to ensure that all kids in Washington, DC, especially in the highest needs areas, receive a quality early education and solid foundation for future success. They improve the quality of leadership and instruction in schools and are the go-to resource for early childhood educators and the education community. Fight for Children has worked with 4,500 students, 300 teachers, 60 school leaders and 30 schools in Wards 7 and 8.

For more information, go to www.fightforchildren.org/FFCWeek

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Standing Ovation for DC Public Schools

The Cause: The DC Public Education advances excellence in DC public schools through private philanthropy.

Details: Anthem at the Wharf; 5 p.m.; contact Jenna Spencer jspencer@ dcedfund.org.

Highlight: The event will celebrate D.C. educators, thanking them for their work and commitment to D.C. Public Schools.

Boys & Girls Club of Greater Washington: Fearless Woman Award Benefit

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Chair: Elaine Weinstein Forman The Cause: Recognizing an individual

support SOME’s affordable housing programs for homeless and low-income families.

Details: National Museum of Women in the Arts; black-tie optional; contact Ingrid Feigenbaum ifeigenbaum@ some.org.

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20

Vettys

The Cause: The Academy of United States Veterans Foundation is a nonprofit organization promoting and recognizing veterans’ projects to educate the public on their value, while also encouraging a unified Veterans community.

Details: Mayflower Hotel; 5 p.m.; cocktail or business attire; $300; sponsorships start at $1,500; contact Minaz Shari MinazS@AUSVets.org.

Highlights: Awards are presented to exceptional organizations, projects and findividuals in service of veterans of the Armed Forces.

FEBRUARY alvin ailey american dance theater’s opening night gala

The Cause: Alvin Ailey’s Washington, D.C. programs, including the creation of new works, arts-in-education activities and

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S.O.M.E (So Others Might Eat) Junior Gala

The Cause: Proceeds from the event

who has demonstrated a long term commitment to serving children and teens.

Details: The Ritz-Carlton, Tysons Corner; 6:30 p.m.; cocktail or bussiness attire; $500; sponsorships start at $5,000; contact Terri Johnson (202) 540-2323, tjohnson@bgcgw.org.

Highlight: Barbara Hawthorn will be honored.

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scholarships to talented young dance students to attend the Ailey School in New York.

Details: Kennedy Center; 7 p.m.; blacktie; contact (202) 518-6908, bobette@ eventsbyandrewells.com.

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Teach for America Gala

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St. Jude Gourmet Gala

Event Chairs: Jeff and Chrissy Brill; Bill and Karen Sonneborn The Cause: Teach For America’s teachers and alumni leaders whose efforts pave the way for educational equity for all children in the Washington Region.

Details: The Ritz-Carlton, Washington, D.C.; 6:30 p.m.; cocktail attire; $1,000; sponsorships start at $10,000; contact Elisabeth Wraase (202)5522400 ext. 21208, elisabeth.wraase@ teachforamerica.org.

Highlights: Rep. John Delaney and April Delaney are the evening’s keynote speakers.

Event Chair: Paul Hatch The Cause: The 19th annual gala will benefit the young patients of St. Jude Hospital.

Details: National Building Museum; $500; sponsorships start at $5,000; contact Alexis Fedora (703) 650-4515, Alexis.Fedora@stjude.org.

Highlights: The evening features restaurant and cocktail tastings from several of

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the Choral Arts Society of Washington gala december 18

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february (continued) Washington’s top restaurants as well as a silent and live auction.

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Greater Washington Region Heart Ball

The Cause: The American Heart Association raises critical funding needed for research, education and community programs that lead to healthier lives free of cardiovascular diseases and stroke.

Details: Black-tie; $1,000; sponsorships start at $15,000; contact Kara Laing (703) 248-1745, kara.laing@heart.org.

Highlights: The evening includes heart and stroke survivor celebrations, dinner, dancing, and a live band as well as live and silent auctions.

MARCH

8

latino student fund gala

Event Chairs: Richard and Evelyn

Bynum

The Cause: The Latino Student Fund which provides a strong academic foundation for underserved PreK 12th grade students of Hispanic descent to promote higher education and professional leadership.

Details: Organization of American States; cocktail attire; $300; contact Maria Fernanda Borja (202) 244-3438, mfborja@latinostudentfund.org.

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Chance For Life

The Cause: Groundbreaking local clinical trials and research projects to end childhood cancer through Children’s National Medical System and Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation.

Details: MGM National Harbor; contact Ryan Hayes info@chanceforlife.net.

Highlights: The event consists of an amateur Texas Hold ‘Em Poker Tournament with over 650 players and a tasting reception featuring restaurant concepts across the MGM portfolio, celebrity chefs, world-renowned wine, local craft beer and eclectic spirits.

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washington performing arts gala

The Cause: Proceeds support WPA’s youth education and community programs.

Details: National Building Museum; $750; $250 for young professionals; sponsorships start at $6,000; contact Helen Aberger (202) 533-1877, haberger@washingtonperformingarts.org.

imagination stage gala december 8

erika martin, chair photogrAPHED AT ampeer

afterdark @ thearc WA S H I N G T O N L I F E

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september 23

69aronson and patrice king brickman, ami rahsaan bernard, chairs and executive director

photographed at ampeer

march (continued)

American portrait gala

By Tommie L. Pegues, Gala Program Chair

11

Details: Union Station, 7 p.m.; blacktie; sponsorships start at $12,500; contact Jen Fleming jbleming2@ childrensnational.org.

THEARC Wacky and Whimsical Tea

The Cause: Town Hall Education Arts Recreation Campus and its partners, which hosts dance and music classes, fine arts and other programming and services for underserved communities.

Details: The Ritz-Carlton, Washington, D.C.; 2 p.m.; tea attire; contact Rahsaan Bernard rbernard@thearcdc.org.

Highlights: The family-friendly event offers live performances, games and high tea.

14

N Street Village Gala

Event Chairs: Tom and Hillary Baltimore The Cause: N Street Village is a nonprofit

Tommie L. Pegues and Donald A. Capoccia, Program Chairs for the American Portrait Gala

T

he National Portrait Gallery is a place where visitors come face to face with those who built our nation. From Abraham Lincoln to Aretha Franklin, our 23,000 portraits show how individual decisions are the building blocks of what our country is today. These portraits shed light on our shared history while illuminating the choices each of us will make about our future.

Powerful exhibitions throughout the museum bring these portraits into focus. Whether a special exhibition about one person, like Babe Ruth or Sylvia Plath, or a blockbuster exhibition on “American Cool,” these shows become the classrooms for our education programs, allowing rich interaction for 12,000 students annually. From history shows like “1812: A Nation Emerges” to contemporary shows like “The Face of Battle: Americans at War, 9/11 to Now,” exhibitions allow us to provide meaningful context to current-day conversations, while ensuring that every American story is represented.

It is my pleasure to serve on the National Portrait Gallery’s Commission, and as the program chair of this year’s American Portrait Gala. This black-tie event in our stunning, glass-covered atrium benefits our Exhibitions Endowment, meaning that the 6 to 8 special exhibitions we open each year can reach 1.3 million visitors in person and millions more online. The Portrait Gallery receives a percentage of its funds each year through a federal appropriation, but all special exhibitions are funded through private support, making this Gala critical to our success.

I hope you will join me for an unforgettable evening on Sunday, November 19, to honor five individuals who demonstrate exemplary achievement in our country’s history, development, and culture. We will present the Portrait of a Nation Prize to Madeleine K. Albright, Dr. David D. Ho, Bill T. Jones, Spike Lee and Rita Moreno, and would be honored to have you join us! To learn more about sponsorship opportunities or to participate, please visit npg.si.edu/gala.

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that empowers homeless and lowincome women to claim their highest quality of life through shelter and a variety of programming.

Details: Marriott Marquis; $500; sponsorships start at $5,000; contact Stuart Allen (202) 939-2085, sallen@ nstreetvillage.org.

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The Cause: Catholic Charities’ efforts to foster a spirit of community through service.

Details: Marriott Marquis; 6:30 p.m.; black-tie; $500; sponsorships start at $2,000; contact Kimani Superville (202) 772-4331, kimani.Superville@ CC-DC.org

7

Make-A-Wish® Mid-Atlantic’s ‘Evening of Wishes’

Event Chair: Vito Germinario The Cause: The event funds wishes for

10

Sibley Hope & Progress Gala

combat child trafficking.

Details: The Mayflower Hotel; 6:30 p.m.; black-tie; $500; $300 for young professional tickets; sponsorships start at $1,500; contact Deborah Sigmund (202) 625-4338, debsigmund@gmail. com

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Focus Gala

The Cause: Support for Washington’s public charter school movement.

Details: Washington, D.C.; 6 p.m.; $150; sponsorships start at $1,500; contact Cherrelle Swain (612) 229-9970, cswain@focusdc.org.

yoa Orchestra of the Americas Gala

Event Chairs: Ambassador of Panama Emanuel Gonzalez-Revilla and Luciana Gonzalez-Revilla The Cause: YOA Orchestra of the America’s programs for young musicians.

Details: Four Seasons Hotel Highlight: Secretary General Luis Almagro will receive YOA’s Global Leadership Statesman Award.

APRIL Children’s Ball

Event Chairs: Patrice King Brickman, Marcy Cohen, Kay Kendall, Michelle DiFebo Freeman and JeanMarie Fernandez The Cause: Critical support for the mission of Children’s National Health System including medical care, research and advocacy for children.

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An Evening to Benefit Innocents at Risk

Event Chairs: Tony and Staci Capuano The Cause: Innocents at Risk’s mission to

which maintains a standard of excellence in public health services, including cancer research, maternal services and joint replacement care.

Details: Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium; 6:30 p.m.; black-tie; $750; sponsorships start at $2,500; contact Kristen Pruski at (202) 660-6814, kpruski@jhmi.edu.

6

Catholic Charities Gala

local children with life-threatening illnesses.

Details: Ronald Reagan Building and International Trader Center; 6:30 p.m.; $500; sponsorships start at $2,500; contact Patricia Gill pgill@midatlantic. wish.org.

The Cause: Sibley Memorial Hospital

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March of Dimes Gourmet Gala

Event Chairs: Caroline Aderholt,Vivian Bishop, Colleen Ochoa Peters and Gayle Wicker The Cause: March of Dimes Foundation research, funding and advocacy programs.

Details: National Building Museum; 6

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wolf trap ball september 23

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april (continued)

A standing ovation for dc public education fund on its 10th anniversary By mark ein, board chairman, dc education fund

p.m.; contact Tina Cavucci CCavucci@ marchofdimes.org.

Highlights: More than 50 U.S. senators and representatives participate in this competitive cook-off as celebrity chefs, serving their favorite hors d’oeuvres, desserts and drinks.

17

free expression awards

The Cause: Recognizing those who exhibit passion for and dedication to free expression.

Details: Newseum; contact Sonya Gavankar SGavankar@newseum.org.

18

Stephen Sondheim Award Gala

Sally, Charlie and Mark Ein

A

s the board chair for the DC Public Education Fund, I am proud to present Standing Ovation, our annual spotlight on DC Public Schools, or DCPS. As the DC Ed Fund approaches our 10-year anniversary, we are filled with gratitude for our many friends and supporters who have partnered with us to accelerate innovation inside our city’s school system.

Since we were founded in 2007, the DC Ed Fund has raised $120 million in high-impact investments to transform education in our nation’s capital. Working alongside the school system, our investments in 2016 continued to support the groundbreaking initiatives that help make ours the fastest-improving urban school district in the nation.

Locally and nationally, our public school system is recognized for its dramatic improvement over the last decade. The DC Ed Fund has established a strong model for collaborating with and empowering a public school system through private investments.

We are honored to support DCPS’ continued progress and incredibly grateful for the support from corporate and philanthropic partners who make Standing Ovation possible each year. At Standing Ovation, the efforts of DCPS’ outstanding teachers, leaders, and school staff will be celebrated in February, 2018 on the stage of The Anthem, moving from its previous location at the Kennedy Center.

Standing Ovation is an important annual tradition—it is the night when business and philanthropic leaders formally recognize DCPS’ extraordinary educators for their critical contributions to our community. Standing Ovation’s success and impact are considered the gold standard of education events and, as a result, the celebration is being replicated in cities around the country.

Our city’s school system is becoming a destination for the best and the brightest in the teaching profession. That’s because DCPS has achieved something simple but powerful– they have figured it out.

Their ability to recruit, retain and reward these educators is at Standing Ovation’s heart, and why we all gather to celebrate.

We thank you for your partnership as we advance equity and excellence across DC Public Schools. Investing in education is paying off for DC. Please join us in support of Standing Ovation.

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The Cause: Signature Theatre’s annual event benefits artistic, education and community outreach programs.

Details: The Embassy of Italy; contact (571) 527-1828.

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LUNGevity’s Musical Celebration of Hope Gala

Event Chairs: Greta Kreuz and Larry Aschenbach

The Cause: Lung cancer research and programs that will save lives and offer new hope in treatment and survivorship.

Details: Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium; 7 p.m.; black-tie; contact (240) 454-3104.

Highlight: The Hope Award for Corporate Leadership Recipient will be presented to the Whirlpool Corporation.

20

National Museum of Women in the Arts

Spring Gala

special exhibitions, educational programs, and public audience engagement initiatives.

Details: National Museum of Women in the Arts; contact (202) 266-2825.

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An evening for hope

Event Chair: Todd Pantezzi The Cause: The Children’s Inn at NIH which is a nonprofit residential “place like home” for seriously ill children and their families to stay together free of charge while participating in medical treatments at the NIH. Details: The Ritz-Carlton, Tysons Corner; 6 p.m.; $800; sponsorships start at $2,500; contact Anne Mandeville (301) 451-9461.

refugees international dinner

refugees and displaced people.

Details: Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium; 6:30 p.m; business attire; contact Tamala Scott (202) 540-7004.

Mall’s efforts to maintain the National Mall.

Details: National Mall; contact Vanessa Chebli (202) 407-9415, vchebli@ nationalmall.org.

4

A Vintage Affair

Event Chairs: Anne Polk and Kim Trundle The Cause: Support for doctors, nurses,

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

celebrates Phillips Programs’ service to youth with behavioral health needs.

Proceeds benefit its Career Partners program which matches youth with employers.

Details: Hilton McLean, Tysons Corner; 6 p.m.; themed or cocktail attire; $200; sponsorships start at $500; contact Debi Alexander (703) 941-8810, debi. alexander@phillipsprograms.org.

The Cause: Protection and assistance for

The Cause: Trust for the National

and staff developing and sustaining cutting-edge research, innovations, treatments and programs to serve

Phillips programs gala

Event Chair: Joe Burke The Cause: The 50th anniversary event

2

ball for the mall

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28

MAY

The Cause: Support for the museum’s

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Children’s National Health System.

Details: Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium; 6:30 p.m.; $400; sponsorships start at $5,000; contact Melanie McCarty atmmccarty@childrensnational.org.

Highlights: Guests will sample wine and food pairings and participate in live and silent auctions that include wines, exotic trips, and unique dining experiences.

Phillips Collection Annual Gala and Contemporaries Bash

Event Chairs: Ambassador of Australia Joe Hockey and Melissa Babbage The Cause: Phillips Collection’s educational programs that forward K12 education reform, art and wellness, and lifelong learning in the Washington community, across the country and globally.

Details: The Phillips Collection; blacktie; contact Sarah Corley (202) 387-

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2151, scorley@phillipscollection.org.

5

fashion for paws

The Cause: Humane Rescue Alliance.

Details: Contact Isoke Salaam isoke@ isokesalaampr.com Highlights: Dog loving, fundraising models walk the runway alongside their fashionably dressed pets.

5

CityDance DREAMSCAPE

The Cause: CityDance’s awardwinning DREAM program. CityDance DREAM is an after-school program that provides dance classes and performance opportunities; mentoring and tutoring to students from D.C.’s most underserved communities.

Details: Lincoln Theatre

6

The Cause: The Center’s

performances, education programs and outreach initiatives.

Details: Kennedy Center Concert Hall; black-tie; contact (202) 416-8338, springgala@kennedy-center.org.

Heart’s Delight Wine Tasting & Auction

Event Chair: Mitch Bainwol The Cause: The four-day food and wine celebration raises money for the American Heart Association.

Details: Tickets range from $200-$2,000; sponsorships start at $5,000; view full schedule at heartsdelightwineauction. org; contact Heidi Arnold (703) 2481720, heidi.arnold@heart.org.

Highlights: Events include Congress Has Heart and Collectors Dinner (May 9), Embassy & Winemaker Dinner Series (May 10),Vintners Dinner & Auction (May 11) and Bordeaux Master Class & Grand Tasting (May 12).

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Arena Stage spring gala

The Cause: Arena Stage’s artistic productions and community engagement programs.

Details: Arena Stage; contact Maria Corso (202) 600-4025, mcorso@ arenastage.org.

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Prevent Cancer Foundation Gala

The Cause: Saving lives through cancer prevention and early detection.

Funds support research, education, advocacy and outreach programs.

Details: National Building Museum; 6:30 p.m.; black-tie; $1,000; sponsorships

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

| SEPTEMBER

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Glen Echo Gala

The Cause: Programs and historic building maintenance of Glen Echo Park.

Details: Glen Echo Park; contact Jenni Cloud jcloud@glenechopark.org.

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National Women’s history museum Gala

The Cause: Recognizing a select group of women who have made a significant contribution to their field.

Details: Contact (703) 461-1920, RSVP@womenshistory.org.

JUNE

kennedy center spring gala

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start at $7,000; contact Jacob Petersen (703) 837-3688, Jacob.Petersen@ preventcancer.org.

2017

2

Halcyon Awards

The Cause: Recognizing and honoring talented arts icons, successful social entrepreneurs and public policy visionaries.

Details: Washington National Cathedral; cocktail attire; $750; sponsorships start at $8,000; contact David Corson d.corson@halcyonhouse.org.

Highlight: Honorees will include Chef Jose Andres, Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield and Rep. John Delaney.

5

Hillwood Gala

Chair: Mark Lowham The Cause: Hillwood Estate Museum and Garden’s ongoing efforts to share Marjorie Merriweather Post’s cultural legacy with the public.

Details: Hillwood Museum; black-tie; $500; sponsorships start at $2,500; contact Adrienne Starr (202) 243-3974, astarr@hillwoodmuseum.org.

Highlight: The evening will feature an exclusive preview of Hillwood’s special exhibition “Faberge Rediscovered” and a formal seated dinner on the Lunar Lawn.

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Dinner Under the Stars

The Cause: Friends of the National Arboretum and its focus on horticultural research, environmental conservation and public outreach and education programs.

Details: The National Arboretum; $125 (young professionals under 35) or $250; sponsorships start at $1,200; contact Cathy Kerkam (202) 544-8733, cathy@

| washingtonlife.com

Juvenile diabetes research foundation Hope Gala michelle dolansky, chair 73

photogrAPHED At the ritz-carlton, georgetown GLAMSQUAD Hairstylist, Ebony McGee / Makeup Artist, Aisha Cadmus

meridian ball october 20

erika gutierrez and carlos gutierrez, board chairman photogrAPHED At meridian international center

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| SEPTEMBER

2017

| washingtonlife.com

june (continued) fona.org Highlight: The event will celebrate the Chesapeake Bay and include festive cocktails in the Herb Garden followed by a tented dinner against the backdrop of the historic U.S. Capitol Columns.

Guests are invited to stroll around the columns following dinner.

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Washington Nationals Dream Gala

The Cause: The Nationals Dream Foundation is committed to improving the lives of children and teens in the Washington region by supporting initiatives focused on academics, the arts, nutrition and sports.

Details: Marriott Marquis; contact (202) 640-7124.

Highlights: Guests will have the opportunity to mingle and snap pictures with Nationals players and coaches at the event.

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Sandy Hook Promiseâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Annual Promise Champions Gala

The Cause: The mission of Sandy Hook Promise is to prevent gun-related deaths due to crime, suicide and accidental discharge.

Details: Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium, 6 p.m.; contact Sarah Lopez sarah@ transcend-me.com.

boys & Girls Club of greater washington Fearless Woman Award Benefit January 20, 2018

barbara hawthorn, honoree photogrAPHED AT ampeer

2017-2018 Check washingtonlife.com for photos from all your favorite balls and galas.

meridian ball october 20

Tom and Ann Korologos, ball chairs photogrAPH by Joyce N. Boghosian

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

| SEPTEMBER

2017

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LIFESTYLES On Caitria: HAUS OF FALENCIâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;AGO by Scheron Harley Catalina gown ($2,875) hausoffalenciago.schedulista.com STUART WEITZMAN NudistSong high heel patent ankle strap sandals ($398) Bloomingdales 5300 Western Avenue Northwest, Chevy Chase, MD 20815, 240-744-3700. BULGARI serpenti 18 karat white gold diamond ring ($14,900) CICADA platinum diamond chandelier earrings ($22,300) Liljenquist & Beckstead, The Shops at Fairfax Square, 8700 Leesburg Pike, Vienna, Va. 703-749-1200.

On Pablo: HUGO BOSS Arins tuxedo ($545) BLOOMINGDALES COLLECTION pocket square ($28) ETON Garrick shirt ($295) SALVATORE FERRAGAMO Fiore shoes ($540) Bloomingdales 5300 Western Avenue Northwest, Chevy Chase Village, MD 20815, 240-744-3700.

OPULENT IRREVERENCE BEADED GOWNS AND TAILORED SUITS THAT WILL TURN HEADS

PHOTOGRAPHY NICK GHOBASHI | WWW NICKGHOBASHI COM STYLIST BRIAN D ROBINSON/ BDR STYLING | T H E ARTIST AGENCY MAKEUP/HAIR GLAMSQUAD | WWW GLAMSQUAD COM HAIRSTYLIST EBONY MCGEE MAKEUP ARTIST ESQUIRE STELLY MODELS PABLO REDONDO & CAITRIA DEMEROTO | T H E ARTIST AGENCY EDITORIAL DIRECTION CATHERINE TRIFILETTI EDITORIAL ASSISTANT NOAH WOLFENSTEIN PHOTOGRAPHED AT THE PERRY BELMONT HOUSE NEW HAMPSHIRE AVENUE NW

On Caitria: HALSTON cut out gown ($745); IMAGINE VINCE CAMUTO Devin sandals ($110); Bloomingdales 5300 Western Avenue Northwest, Chevy Chase Village, MD 20815, 240-744-3700. VENTAGLIO sapphire and diamond 18 karat white gold bracelet ($31,000); LILJENQUIST & BECKSTEAD 18 karat gold moonstone and diamond chandelier earrings ($14,500); MEMOIRE 18 karat white gold disc ring ($15,700) Liljenquist & Beckstead, The Shops at Fairfax Square, 8700 Leesburg Pike, Vienna, Va. 703-749-1200.

On Pablo: THEORY Malo U pants ($180); ARMANI plaid classic fit sports coat ($1,495); TED BAKER regular fit button down shirt ($345) RAISEW debonair plain waistcoat ($225) HAPPY SOCKS ($12) SALVATORE FERRAGAMO Funes loafers ($680); TURNBULL & ASSER pocket square ($105) Bloomingdales 5300 Western Avenue Northwest, Chevy Chase Village, MD 20815, 240-744-3700.

REISS Holt jacket ($710); ARMANI Manica Lunga ($525); POLO RALPH LAUREN belt ($85); ARMANI pantaloni ($375); HAPPY SOCKS ($12) TO BOOT NEW YORK Aidan shoes ($395) Bloomingdales 5300 Western Avenue Northwest, Chevy Chase Village, MD 20815, 240-744-3700.

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.

On Caitria: SEM SEM Abeer gown (price upon request) semsem.com. STUART WEITZMAN NudistPearls suede high heel sandals ($455) Bloomingdales 5300 Western Avenue Northwest, Chevy Chase Village, MD 20815, 240-744-3700. BULGARI serpenti rose gold and diamond bracelet watch ($40,600) LILJENQUIST & BECKSTEAD platinum and 18 karat yellow gold fancy yellow and white diamond ring ($24,500) Liljenquist & Beckstead, The Shops at Fairfax Square, 8700 Leesburg Pike, Vienna, Va. 703-749-1200.

On Pablo: REISS Holt jacket ($710); ARMANI Manica Lunga ($525); POLO RALPH LAUREN belt ($85); ARMANI pantaloni ($375); HAPPY SOCKS ($12) TO BOOT NEW YORK Aidan shoes ($395) Bloomingdales 5300 Western Avenue Northwest, Chevy Chase Village, MD 20815, 240-744-3700.80

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

| S U M M E R | washingtonlife.com

On Caitria: AQUA Embroidered Mock Neck Gown ($318); VINCE CAMUTO Ranee Glitter Strappy Sandals ($148) Bloomingdales 5300 Western Avenue Northwest, Chevy Chase Village, MD 20815, 240-7443700. LILJENQUIST & BECKSTEAD 18 karat white gold oval yellow and white diamond bracelet ($32,000) LILJENQUIST & BECKSTEAD 18 karat yellow and white diamond hoop earrings ($33,500) Liljenquist & Beckstead, The Shops at Fairfax Square, 8700 Leesburg Pike, Vienna, Va. 703-749-1200.

N / NICHOLAS dress ($529), Saks Jandel, 5510 Wisconsin Avenue, Chevy Chase, MD 20815, (301) 6522250; HALSTON HERITAGE clutch ($345) and SJP Sarah Jessica Parker pumps ($560), Bloomingdales, 5300 Western Ave, Chevy Chase, MD 20815; TIFFANY & CO. Enchant scroll earrings platinum withHOFFMAN diamonds patterned ($11,000), ON in EMMA: MARA Tiffany & Co., Tiffany & Co., 5481 Wismonokini ($253) and KATE SPADE Cameron consin Ave,bag Chevy Chase, MD 20815, Street Blakely ($378) Bloomingdaleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s (301) 657-8777; CARTIER ParisCorner NouTysons Corner Center, 8100 Tysons velleMcLean, Vague Va., Delicate white gold and Center, 703-556-4600. diamond necklace ($16,300) and LOVE in white gold, pave diamonds ON bracelet ERIC: MORGENTHAL FREDERICS and ceranic ($43,700), Cartier, 5471B Hustler hand-crafted Japanese titanium Wisconsin Avenue, Chevy Chase,CityMD sunglasses ($495), Morgenthal Fredrics, 20815, (301) 654-5858 CenterDC, 941 H St. NW, 202-204-3393.

On Caitria: HAUS OF FALENCIâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;AGO by Scheron Harley Angelina gown ($4,350) hausoffalenciago.schedulista.com IMAGINE VINCE CAMUTO Pascal metallic crisscross high heel sandals ($140) Bloomingdales 5300 Western Avenue Northwest, Chevy Chase, MD 20815, 240-744-3700. SPARK 18 karat white gold sapphire and diamond ring ($22,500) LILJENQUIST & BECKSTEAD 18 karat white gold diamond hoops ($16,500) Liljenquist & Beckstead, The Shops at Fairfax Square, 8700 Leesburg Pike, Vienna, Va. 703-749-1200.

On Pablo: ARMANI Plaid fit sports coat ($1,495) ARMANI plaid fit button down shirt ($295) ARMANI regular fit trousers ($525) ARMANI scarf ($225) HAPPY SOCKS ($12) SALVATORE FERRAGAMO leather cap toe oxfords ($660) Bloomingdales 5300 Western Avenue Northwest, Chevy Chase Village, MD 20815, 240-744-3700.

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

| S U M M E R | washingtonlife.com

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LIFESTYLES | TREND REPORT

SAINT LAURENT Loulou velvet ankle boots ($995); Saks Fifth Avenue, 5555 Wisconsin Ave. NW, saksfifthavenue.com

ALTUZARRA Cavendish collarless stretch-cotton velvet jacket ($2,495); matchesfashion.com

JOHANNA ORTIZ Lorca ruffled velvet bodysuit ($995); Neiman Marcus, 5300 Wisconsin Ave. NW, neimanmarcus.com

6)( :)0:)8 Fall fashion goes regal with deep reds and plush velvet.

BY ERICA MOODY

DOLCE & GABBANA Dolce Box leathertrimmed embellished velvet clutch ($2,995); Saks Fifth Avenue, 5555 Wisconsin Ave NW, saksfifthavenue.com

ALICE + OLIVIA Ally gaucho jumpsuit ($595); Alice & Olivia, 3303 M St. NW, aliceandolivia.com

MALONE SOULIERS Maureen backless velvet flats ($495); nordstrom.com

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ZARA Velvet headband in burgundy ($15.90); Zara, 1238 Wisconsin Ave. NW, zara.com

TADASHI SHOJI Helene gown ($388); Tadashi Shoji,Tysons Galleria, tadashishoji.com

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THE ROW The Ascot small velvet hobo bag ($990); Saks Fifth Avenue, 5555 Wisconsin Ave. NW, saksfifthavenue.com

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

JEWELRY

MONICA RICH KOSANN “Intuition” octopus charm necklace ($7,565); Liljenquist & Beckstead, Fairfax Square, 703.749.1200

CARTIER Panthere de Cartier ring ($6,000); Cartier, Tysons Galleria, 703.749.4664 MONICA RICH KOSANN 18k gold “Courage” Lion ring ($4,200); Liljenquist & Beckstead, Fairfax Square, 703.749.1200

GUCCI Feline head palm cuff with crystals ($1,150); Gucci.com

-RXS XLI ;MPH Welcome to the jungle.

GUCCI Bee earrings with drop pearls ($410); Gucci.com

BY ERICA MOODY

ALEXIS BITTAR Elements crystal snake pin ($275); Saks Fifth Avenue, Chevy Chase, 301.657.9000

CHANEL Lion necklace in 18k gold ($15,000); Chanel,Tysons Galleria, 703.847.0555

ROBERTO COIN 18k yellow gold sapphire rhinoceros bangle ($4,800); Roberto Coin, Neiman Marcus, Chevy Chase, 301.966.9700

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

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

VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Kangourous clips (Price on request); Neiman Marcus,Tysons Corner, 703.761.1600

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Welcome Ury & Associates We are proud to announce that Ury & Associates has combined with Toka Salon & Day Spaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Georgetown location. We believe that the joining of these two extraordinary salons with highly complementary industry strengths will position us to provide a broader set of services to our clients.

Toka Welcomes Ury & Associates

Georgetown Court 3251 Prospect Street, NW Suite #19, 2nd floor Washington, DC 20007 202.333.5133

Madison Avenue 768 Madison Avenue 2nd floor, between 65th & 66th New York, NY 10065 212.517.5133

Great Falls 9867 Georgetown Pike Great Falls, VA 22066 703.759.5700

tokasalon.com

Cameron Station 4907 Brenman Park Drive Alexandria, VA 22304 703.370.5133

WASHINGTON S O C I A L D I A R Y over the moon﹐ Halcyon gala﹐ heart’s delight﹐ hillwood gala and more!

John Hagedorn, Diane Rehm, George Vradenburg and Alissa Vradenburg at the Phillip’s Collection Gala (Photo by Tony Powell)

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OVER THE MOON

Saratoga Swirl The Horsey Set thrives on a seasonal change of pace at the storied New York resort.

Plus horse happenings from Hunt Country

BY VICKY MOON

uring the late summer migration north to Saratoga Springs the days in upstate New York begin before dawn and end as late as one can endure.

Once there, many millennials run on fumes, returning to their digs from dinner and drinks at Siro’s, The Parting Glass or Sperry’s for several short hours. Early the next morning, they head directly to the racetrack to watch the horses gallop, or go over to the Fasig Tipton sales grounds to ogle the sleek and pricey yearlings. One young man went from a bar to a barn, swiftly changing from his Belgian loafers to boots.

The rest survive with a nap after breakfast at the ever-so-private Reading Room. And before long, it’s a 1 p.m. post time at the stately Victorian-era whitewashed grandstand and track. The entire place is punctuated with red geraniums, Nathan Detroit-type characters and a parade of guys and dolls from the Middleburg countryside.

Steeplechase day is on Wednesdays now. In the paddock, trainer Doug Fout chats with his jockey, Shane Crimin. Trainer and equestrian Lindsay Kelly is with Teddy Mulligan. Susie and Wayne Chatfield Taylor sold several yearlings this year and Ann MacLeod from Upperville made her 60th trek to the “Spa.” Maggie Bryant flew in from Middleburg to watch her horse, Plated, run the Wednesday race. George Grayson and Maria Tousimis came from Washington to make the rounds from the track to several parties and dinners.

Of course, it would not be comme il faut without a few MaryLou Whitney sightings.

The nonagenarian grande dame of the Saratoga swirl was in the winner’s circle again to present the trophy to Winchell Thoroughbreds LLC in the Whitney Handicap. Their horse, Gun Runner, won with a horseshoe tangled in his tail after another entry threw it off during the race.

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Maria Tousimis gets along fine without a horse in Saratoga Springs, N.Y.

Later in the week, MaryLou and her husband, John Hendrickson, made a grand entrance to a private party in a golf cart decorated to the nines in pink bows.

Back in Middleburg, riders are gearing up for a number of prestigious fall events that include the Piedmont Fox Hounds Field Hunter Derby at Salem Farm in Upperville on Oct. 8 and the Orange County Team Chase on Oct. 29 at Old Whitewood Farm near The Plains. It’s not about the prize money, it’s about the history. The coveted Alfred E. Hunt Perpetual trophy, for example, is on display at the National Sporting Library and Museum.

Next up … get out your fall tweeds as the steeplechase set turns out in full force for the International Gold Cup race at Great Meadow on October 28. Hats are optional — think velvet, wool and felt with feather accents. Save the straw for next May. Meanwhile, Lynn Wiley of Washington

Fine Properties in Middleburg has just the place for anyone who might want to get involved in the horse world. Sacred Springs Farm, 141 acres in Rappahannock County, is privately located off of North Poe’s Road.

The residence is set high on a knoll affording commanding views of the Jordan River below and surrounding countryside.

Sacred Springs is a beautifully designed stone and stucco French Country-style home of graceful proportions, finished by master craftsmen. Built in 2001, it boasts over 10,000 square feet of finished living space on three levels. The design allows for entertaining a few close friends in an intimate setting or the ability to host large gatherings. Listen to nature from stone terraces and covered porches overlooking the Jordon River.

Equestrians will appreciate the stateof-the-art six-stall barn with tack room, wash area and feed room and a spacious riding arena, paddocks, run-in sheds and a breathtaking ride out in the middle of Old Dominion Hunt territory. If you want to raise your own horses, there’s ample acreage for them or other farm animals. The price: $2.995 million, horses not included.

The names sighted during the early morning gallops on the track are just as impressive as those at the parties and the races at the upstate New York getaway known as “The Spa.”

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P H OTOS BY VI C KY M O O N

D

JoséAndrés, Kristin Rechberger, Monaco Amb. Maguy Maccario Doyle and Enric Salas

Ben Cohen, Sachiko Kuno. Jerry Greenfield and Mark Lowham

Teresa Carlson and Kate Goodall

HALYCON AWARDS GALA Union Station | PHOTOS BY TONY POWELL HONORING CHANGE MAKERS Ice cream moguls Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield, chef José Andrés and Rep. John Delaney were fêted at the inaugural Halcyon Awards Gala in May for dedicating their lives “to affecting positive and social change in the arts, business and public policy.” Amazon’s Teresa Carlson and Hilda Ochoa-Brillembourg, founder of Strategic Investment Group, co-chaired the event, which, to the delight of the 450 guests, included musical performances from NPR’s “All Things Considered” host Ari Shapiro and Halcyon CEO Kate Goodall.

An after-party, dubbed the “Neon Speakeasy,” where late-night revelers were met with a recreation of the smoky, secret rooms of deco Americana, followed the main event.

Mary andMary Robert andHaft Robert Haft Marc Cipullo and Septime Webre

José Andrés , Kristin Rechberger, Monaco Amb. Maguy Maccario Doyle and Enric Salas

VIEW ALL THE PHOTOS AT WWW WASHINGTONLIFE COM

Former Sen. Mike Johnston

Ari Shapiro Jack Davies and Kay Kendall

May Liang and Jim Lintott

Nobuko Sasae and Japanese Amb. Kenichiro Sasae Nelson Ortiz, Hilda Ochoa Brillembourg and Frank Saul III WA S H I N G T O N L I F E

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

Steven Smith and Bitsey Folger 89

Yves Samake, Nicholas Stefanelli and Annie Boutin King

Brian Kearney

Charles Phan and Michelle Mah

WL SPONSORED

HEART’S DELIGHT WINE TASTING & AUCTION The Ritz-Carlton, Washington D.C. | PHOTOS BY TONY POWELL TIME FOR WINE Wine enthusiasts engaged in four days of liquid indulgence to support the American Heart Association’s 17th annual Heart’s Delight, chaired by Brian Kearney. Festivities included a Bordeaux master class and grand tasting and auction with celebrity chefs and local restaurants. A Vintners Dinner highlighting the wines of Château Mouton Rothschild was followed by a live auction led by Sotheby’s Jamie Ritchie.

Jamie Weber, Tiffany Koch and Carolyn Stone

Kent Knutson and Norma Kaehler

VIEW ALL THE PHOTOS AT WWW WASHINGTONLIFE COM

Mahoko Eguchi and Yoko Ota

Audrey and Fabian LeFevre, Bethany Kazaba, Antonio Alves, David Tafuri, Anastasia Vakula and Matthew Mueller

Chef Yoshi Ota

WL SPONSORED

SUSHI GAKYU RECEPTION Sushi Gakyu, 1420 New York Ave. NW | PHOTOS BY TONY POWELL SUSHI FEAST Washington’s downtown lunch crowd now has a new place to enjoy great Japanese food, thanks to restaurateur Yoshihisa “Yoshi” Ota and Neighborhood Retail Group’s Bethany Kazaba, who helped secure the prime location. At the grand opening reception, guests sampled sushi with sake pairings along with the chef’s signature rice wine offerings at the 67-seat eatery. Ota holds the distinction of being one of the few local chefs licensed to prepare fugu, or blowfish ($200 per serving), a rare delicacy in Japan.

Melissa Maxfield and Cary Pollak

Alex Walker and Kristen Edmond VIEW ALL THE PHOTOS AT WWW WASHINGTONLIFE COM

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

Suzi Cordish, Prince Dimitri of Yugoslavia and Ann Nitze

Michael Davidson, Barbara Boggs, Douglas Boggs and Nina Boggs

Diadem given by Napoleon I to Empress Marie-Louise of France in 1810. It was acquired by Post in 1962 and donated by her to the Smithsonian Institution in 1971.

Gen. Jim Jones and Diane Jones

DAZZLING JEWELS Hillwood Estate and Garden | PHOTOS BY TONY POWELL

Hillwood Director Kate Markert and Nina Rumbough Lucia Riddle and Dale Mott

‘SPECTACULAR’ INDEED The preview of a long-awaited exhibition of the fabulous jewels of Marjorie Merriweather Post deserved a flashy party at Hillwood, her Washington, D.C. home-turned-house museum and guests certainly weren’t disappointed by the display. The jaw-dropping gems amassed by the late cereals heiress from the 1920s to the 1970s include magnificent tiaras and parures once worn by royalty as well as others commissioned by the most important jewelry firms of her time: Cartier, Verdura, Van Cleef & Arpels and Harry Winston.

DELIGHTFUL DETAIL: Ellen MacNeille Charles told dinner guests how her grandmother once delivered a donation of rare historical items to former Smithsonian Secretary S. Dillon Ripley. “She handed them over in a string bag wrapped in brown paper that looked like she had just been to market.”

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Ellen MacNeille Charles Megan Beyer and Rep. Don Beyer

Thor Halvorso and Shannon Fairbanks WA S H I N G T O N L I F E

Verdura owner Ward Landrigan with longtime client Nancy Pyne

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Gala Co-Chairmen Molly Rolandi, Mark Lowham and Amy Meadows 91

WL SPONSORED

Kamal and Sonya Ali

STEP AFRIKA! GALA Daphne and Bill Jarvis

Joanne Coutts

Dock 5 at Union Market | PHOTOS BY TONY POWELL SUMMER STEPS Step Afrika! had a lot to celebrate this year. In its 2016/2017 season, the group opened an interactive exhibit at the National Museum of African American History and Culture and held a national tour of “The Migration: Reflections on Jacob Lawrence” in celebration of the centennial of the African American painter and storyteller’s birth. It was also announced that the tour would go to Broadway in November 2017. CHANGE IN LEADERSHIP: “For the last ten years, our arts education program Summer Steps with Step Afrika! has served more than 1,500 young people through partnership with Washington Performing Arts and we are extremely grateful to WPA,” said deputy director Joanne Cou s. “This year Step Afrika! will independently direct and manage the hugely popular Summer Camp as the Company seeks to expand its programming all over the world.”

Mayor Muriel Bowser and Brian Williams

Rich Thompson and Dr. Clayton Lawrence VIEW ALL THE PHOTOS AT WWW WASHINGTONLIFE COM

Ruth Buchanan celebrates 100 later this year

Deborah and Braxton Moncure (seated) wait for the program to begin WL EXCLUSIVE

TUDOR PLACE GARDEN PARTY Tudor Place Historic House and Garden | PHOTOS BY TONY POWELL HISTORY’S HOUSE: Georgetowners gathered alongside other longtime supporters of Tudor Place at the historic estate’s 25th annual garden party on a day that was, for once, mercifully free of both intense heat and a thunderstorm. A string quartet serenaded guests amid the topiaries in the formal gardens as a jazz band played dance tunes under a massive marquee on the lawn — the perfect spot for guests to enjoy cocktails and a buffet supper at tables covered in a cool and colorful shade of tangerine.

Longtime supporter and former board president Timothy Matz was saluted with a special award for service to Tudor Place, aptly described by Ward 2 Councilman Jack Evans as “a gem not only in D.C. but in the entire country.”

Phil and Jania Peter 92

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

Honoree Timothy Matz and his wife Jane

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Kay and Sunny Kapoor German Amb. Peter Wittig and Huberta von Voss Wittig

George Vradenburg and Dorothy Kosinski

Amanda Hunter and Sarah Corley

Katherine Bradley, Hilda Ochoa Brillembourg and Arturo Brillembourg

PHILLIPS COLLECTION GALA AND AFTER-PARTY Dani Levinas and Dale LeFebvre The Phillips Collection and Dock 5 at Union Market | PHOTOS BY TONY POWELL MAIFEST CELEBRATION Diplomatic chairs German Ambassador Peter Wi ig and Huberta von Voss-Wi ig brought the taste and style of Germany to the annual Phillips Collection gala, themed around their country’s traditional celebration of spring. ATT’s Kay Kapoor and her husband Sonny Kapoor served as hosts of the event that included Italian Ambassador Armando Varricchio and Rep. Doris Matsui dining at a festive table in the shadow of the museum’s most famous artwork, “Luncheon of the Boating Party” by Pierre-Auguste Renoir.

PRE-DINNER: “Trish is here with us tonight,’ said gala honoree and former board chairman George Vradenburg in an emotional tribute to his late wife and beloved partner, Trish Vradenburg, who died the month before. AFTERPARTY: The Phillips Contemporaries, the gallery’s young philanthropic group, celebrated at Dock 5 at a late-night bash inspired by Berlin’s pulsing nightlife scene.

VIEW ALL THE PHOTOS AT WWW WASHINGTONLIFE COM

Catherine Howard, Jenn Gustetic, Nicole Slezak, Camilla Peterson and Adrienne Delibert Evlyn Baker, Vivian Djen, Mika Rautiainen and Amy Wike

Nina Totenberg and David Reines WA S H I N G T O N L I F E

Anna Pineapple

Chris Rodriguez and Joanna Roberts

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Tatiana Pastukhova and Sandro Keresa 93

Cole Dickinson, Bryan Voltaggio, José Andrés and Jason Johnston Jennifer Nobil, Lizette Corro and Sasha Dutton

Linda Holst, Krissy Holst, Josh Neipp and Kendra Neipp

DINE-N-DASH MGM Pop-up 918 F Street, NW | PHOTOS BY TONY POWELL FOLLOW THE FOOD Celebrity chef José Andrés teamed up with TV personalities Andrew Zimmern and Tim Allen to provide a unique culinary experience at the 5th annual Dine-N-Dash benefiting World Central Kitchen. Guests purchased wristbands to obtain unlimited food and drink at 30 of the area’s top restaurants, including Taco Bamba, Paper Horse and an MGM National Harbor pop-up featuring bites from Bryan Voltaggio. Participants got to pick and choose which restaurants to enjoy during the four-hour event, which took place around Penn Quarter and the 14th Street NW restaurant row. Afterwards, VIP members joined Andrés, Zimmern and Allen for an exclusive after-party with pop-ups, craft cocktails and live music at Studio Theatre.

VIEW ALL THE PHOTOS AT WWW WASHINGTONLIFE COM

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

Mike and Adriana Bloch

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Sela Collins, Monica Thompson, Hillary Baltimore and Erika Martin Linda Holst, Krissy Holst, Josh Neipp and Kendra Neipp Schroeder Stribling, Rita Lewis, Karen Bell, Rose Shaw, Rosalind Wheeler and Lolita Mitchell Councilmember Jack Evans WL SPONSORED

N STREET VILLAGE LUNCHEON Ritz-Carlton, Washington, D.C. | PHOTOS BY TONY POWELL

Kimberly Bassett and Tamara Gifford

EMPOWERMENT AND EMOTION In a poignant moment, N Street Village alumna who had shared personal stories of triumphing over homelessness and addiction were welcomed to the stage with a standing ovation at the organization’s 11th annual Empowerment Luncheon.

“We share a belief that women in our community matter,” said Executive Director Schroeder Stribling to the nearly 400 people in attendance. The Village is the largest provider of supportive services for homeless women in Washington, helping more than 2,000 each year. SPOTTED: Councilmember Jack Evans, sponsors Cindy and Mark Aron, Keith Harley, Thomas Dawson and Kimberly Basse , Executive Director of the Mayor’s Office on Women’s Policy and Initiatives, who called N Street Village “a critical anchor in our city.”

Linda Potter VIEW ALL THE PHOTOS AT WWW WASHINGTONLIFE COM

Lisa Gold

WPA Founder Alice Denney and Melissa Ichiuji

Tommie Robinson and Ruth Sorenson

Joanne Brignolo and Richard DuBeshter

WASHINGTON PROJECT FOR THE ARTS GALA

Nathalie von Veh and Jordan Martin

Uline Arena | PHOTOS BY ERIN SCHAFF CELEBRATING CREATORS As the invitation mandated, the “fancifully irreverent” dress code was on full display at Washington Project for the Art’s 36th annual gala celebrating the talent of local artists and featuring great food, stellar drink and amazing art available for purchase via a silent bidding tool called Paddle8. The “Fool’s Gold” theme was splashed across the industrial space, from tablecloths and gold plated stemware to a giant golden nugget hanging overhead outside the venue. Of the many interesting pieces on display, Alfred Steiner’s “Clinton (Trump)” two-color screen print created the most buzz among guests who were prompted to take pictures using their flash and then watch in awe as the face of Hillary Clinton morphed into that of Donald Trump.

Cameron Spratley and Kenly Craighill WA S H I N G T O N L I F E

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Christen Clifford

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Parties, parties, parties

lots to celebrate

From centennials to annual awards, we raise our glasses.

View all the photos at www.washingtonlife.com

dinner under the stars

Helen hayes awards after party

[U.S. National Arboretum] P h o t o s b y d i g i ta l px

Wendy Benchley, Honoree Rep. Rodney Frelinghuysen and Secretary Brian Schatz, Nancy ofSen. Agriculture SonnyDr.Perdue Knowlton and David Helvarg

Richard Olsen, Chandler Goule, Jennifer Hatcher and Barbara Shea

Held against a backdrop of the original U.S. Capitol Columns, the dinner provided critical funding for projects at the National Arboretum that advance scientific research, promote educational and public services and increase the public’s awareness and enjoyment of the gardens.

“The common thread that brings us here tonight,” Arboretum director Richard T. Olsen told over 500 guests “is American agriculture in its broadest sense: the cultivation of plants for our own need for food, fiber, fuel and flowers.”

[9:30 club]

Tendo Nsubuga, Chris Lane, Gary Perkins and Justin Weaks

Emma Sophie Moore and Henry Niepoetter

P h oto s by to n y p ow e l l

Energy was high at the party following the Helen Hayes Awards, where some of Washington’s most notable actors, directors, choreographers and designers were recognized for their contributions to regional theater. The festively-dressed crowd celebrated with dancing late into the evening.

Chorus ball [washington national cathedral] P h oto s by to n y p ow e l l

The Washington Chorus honored outgoing music director Julian Wachner at its annual fundrasing event, held this year at the National Cathedral. Proceeds from the ball will benefit the Chorus’ new youth orchestra partnership with D.C. Public Schools. HIGHLIGHTS: The evening featured a concert curated by composer Paola Prestini with performances by cellist Matt Haimovitz, folk musician Claudio Prima, mezzo-soprano Katherine Pracht and members of the Chorus. Dazzling light design by Atmosphere Lighting served as the perfect backdrop.

Lauren Eden and Jenny Holden

best buddies prom [ronald reagan building] P h o t o b y E r i k a N i z b O r Sk i & CEC i l b r aTH wa i TE

An unconventional take on a traditional gala, Best Buddies Prom includes simultaneously occurring parties for both high school students and adults. FRESHFM’s Tommy McFly emceed the evening, which raised a record $300,000 for the long-awaited Best Buddies Citizen Program’s efforts to match 100 adults with Best Buddies.

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Laurie Maggiano, Karen Dixon and Nan Schaffer

Jan Lodal, Paola Prestini and Elizabeth Lodal

Rhona and Don Friedman

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RUNNING START

WOMEN OF COMPASSION AWARDS BRUNCH

[NATIONAL MUSEUM OF WOMEN IN THE ARTS] P H OTO S BY TO N Y P OW E L L

Sophia Houdaigui, Rep. Joyce Beatty and Luck Sasiphong

[ZUCCARI RESIDENCE]

The evening began with a performance by the allfemale cast of Broadway’s “1776” musical and ended with Sidwell Friends School senior Sophia Houdaigui winning dinner guests’ votes to become the organization’s 2017 #ILookLikeAPolitician ambassador, a program that encourages young women to run for political office. “If women don’t run, they won’t be elected,” said dinner cochair Laura Cox Kaplan.

P H OTO S BY TO N Y P OW E L L

Lisa Zuccari, Olivia Newton John and Alan Zuccari

The inaugural morning event was hosted by Lisa Zuccari in the gardens of her McLean residence in partnership with Capital Caring – an organization that works to improve care for hospice patients and their families. The breakfast followed a benefit concert the night before celebrating Grammy winner Olivia Newton-John, Beth Nielsen Chapman and Amy Sky as “Women of Compassion” for their advocacy for the cause.

Malene Davis, Amy Sky and Beth Nielsen Chapman

Laura Cox Kaplan and Tasha Cole

MCLEAN PROJECT FOR THE ARTS [BULLOCK RESIDENCE]

Jae and Bobby Han

P H OTO S BY TO N Y P OW E L L

Avid Virginia arts supporters sipped bubbly at a private backyard soirée while mingling with guest of honor Dorothy Kosinski, director of the Phillips Collection. Artist Arthur Kwon Lee provided a live painting experience using three large canvases as other guests perused a makeshift gallery showcasing a smattering of local artists.

Sarah Walker, Lily Talakoub and Leah Kiarash

Matthew and Pat Bullock

Doriothy Kosinski

JFK CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION [SMITHSONIAN AMERICAN ART MUSEUM] P H OTO S BY E R I N S C H A F F

Rep. Nancy Pelosi and Venise Lewis

Stephanie Stebich and Gay Talese

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Sen. John McCain

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Politicians, journalists and other high-profile guests gathered to celebrate the Smithsonian American Art Museum’s unveiling of “American Visionary: John F. Kennedy’s Life and Times” – an exhaustive collection of images curated by photojournalist Lawrence Schiller to commemorate the centenerary of the slain president’s birth. Several members of the Kennedy family attended, including Caroline Kennedy Schlossberg, who expressed her appreciation for the comprehensive photo collection. The celebration also featured musical performances from Aaron Neville and Mavis Staples.

Andrew Karsh and Rep. Joe Kennedy III

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HOME LIFE Real Estate News and Open House I Inside Homes and my washington

3YX SJ (EVORIWW -RXS 0MKLX Steve and Andrea Strawn furnished their turn-of-the-century urban villa, rumored to have once been a U.S. government spy house, with contemporary furniture and antique art.

BY VIRGINIA COYNE PORTRAIT BY TONY POWELL | INTERIOR PHOTOS BY MORGAN HOWARTH AND TONY POWELL

HOME LIFE | INSIDE HOMES

hen builder John Cecchi of IDI Residential purchased and renovated the turn-of-the-century Kalorama house that Steve and Andrea Strawn would buy from him upon completion two years later, the building was dark and the grounds were overgrown. No one had lived there in years and yet, rather oddly, there was furniture inside: the entire first floor was lined with work desks and the small second floor bedrooms were filled with single beds or cots.

A makeshift kitchen, pushed against the back wall, contained only cupboards and a refrigerator. s Even the seller was mysterious. Cecchi tracked him down to a holding company in Lorton, Va. that he believes was affiliated with the F.B.I. or CIA. His conclusions were on par with what nearby residents had long been whispering — that U.S. spies were based in the house during the Cold War and beyond to perform surveillance over the Russian Cultural Center across the street.

There are, of course, no public records to substantiate the rumors, but for the Strawns the story proved to be the perfect excuse for breaking the ice with their new neighbors. They invited them to a spy-themed Halloween party giving them a look inside the formerly untended corner house they’d wondered about for years. What they saw was a far cry from the essentially abandoned structure Cecchi had acquired and totally renovated.

The Queen Anne-style house, which was designed in 1895 by the former Supervising Architect of the Treasury James G. Hill (who is also credited with the Government Printing Office and the former Riggs National Bank building at the corner of 9th and F streets NW) had been completely transformed, with walls and floors taken down and light flooding through. “Light comes in from all sides,” Andrea says. The builder and his team discovered a skylight in the third floor attic, refurbished it and partially removed two floors below it to provide a clear view from the bottom

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PREVIOUS PAGE: (clockwise from top left) The Queen Anne-style “urban villa” was designed in 1895 and built in 1905 for the president of Lincoln National Bank; window treatments by Soulie’s Interiors in the parlor pay homage to the city’s cherry blossoms. A copy of Blackburn’s “Mr. John Erving” graces the wall above the sofa

by Dessin Fournir; Builder John Cecchi removed sections of two floors to create a clear view to an uncovered attic skylight; Holland & Sherry in London embroidered the dining room curtains to match the existing molding. The chandelier is by Dennis & Leen, dining table

by Dessin Fournir and chairs

by Caperton Collection; the vestibule is lined in weatherproofed Pintura wallpaper.

THIS PAGE: (clockwise from top left) A painting by Seattle-based artist Deborah Bell provides a pop of color in Andrea Strawn’s office; the bedroom is appointed in soothing gray; Andrea’s closet is her favorite room in the house; Steve Strawn houses his collection of rare maps in a “map room” on the third floor; A massive bookcase with nickel inlay was brought up to the third floor by a crane; An antique bust of George Washington in the living room contrasts the new marble fireplace.

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shee

OPENING PAGE: Andrea and Steve Strawn stand at the foot of their three-story staircase. A 1911 copy of a 1755 painting of Mrs. John Erving Jr.

by Joseph B. Blackburn is on the wall behind them.

of the first floor stairwell to the top of the house. “It’s one of my favorite features,” says Steve, the founder of healthcare technology company Imagenet.

Cecchi painted the interior and exterior in light colors, put in an airy white kitchen and bathrooms with expanses of marble, knocked down a wall in the back of the house, installed French doors and created a patio space. He also refurbished the original moldings, the first floor railing and floor-to-ceiling pocket doors, reaching over 12 feet high, restoring them to their original grandeur.

“It has a really clean, modern feel yet still traditional,” Andrea says, adding that their “goal with the house was to try to create a space where it was honoring that.”

The Strawns relocated to Washington from Miami, where they’d lived in a “super modern” structure appointed with modern furniture and art. They brought nothing from their old residence here, choosing to start from scratch and hiring designer Jennifer Sullivan of Enchanted Interiors Inc. to help fulfill their vision of creating a contemporary, custom space to suit their every need while still acknowledging the history of the house. “[We brought in] modern bespoke furnishings with an infusion of fine antiques and art, to compliment the scale and grandeur of the architectural elements,” Sullivan says.

In the living room, for example, the Strawns took out an old fireplace enclosure and replaced it with a dramatic f loor-to-ceiling marble slab. Contemporary furniture by Holly Hunt completed the fresh, modern look but they chose to juxtapose the pieces next to a tall walnut John Fessler case clock from circa 1800 (which still works) and a plaster 19th century copy of Jean Antoine Houdon’s famous sculpture of George Washington, both acquired from Christopher Jones Antiques in Old Town Alexandria.

The contrast in style continues throughout the house, ref lecting the personalities of its inhabitants. Steve’s favorite space is on the third f loor where he’s built an office and a room to house his collection of antique maps. Andrea’s go-to spots are her office, featuring a contemporary painting by Deborah Bell, and her vast closet with f loor-to-ceiling shelves for her collection of designer shoes. “I almost hate saying this, but it’s like Barbie’s Dream House,” she says with a smile.

“Everything is perfect.”

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HOME LIFE | REAL ESTATE NEWS

Royal Welcome Washingtonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most exclusive neighborhood now includes royalty among its owners.

BY STAC E Y G R A Z I E R P FA R R

The Kingdom of Morocco purchased WOODLAND DRIVE NW in the Massachusetts Avenue Heights neighborhood for $14 million to use as an residence for its newly-appointed ambassador, Princess Lalla Joumala, cousin to King Mohammed VI. The seven-bedroom, classic Federalstyle residence built in 1962 was previously home to Mandell Ourisman, late chairman of Ourisman Automotive Group, and his wife, Mary Ourisman, a former U.S. ambassador to Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean. The Ourismans had owned the house since 1994. Washington Fine Properties Cynthia Howar represented the buyer while Robert Hryniewicki, Mark McFadden, Adam T. Rackliffe and Christopher R. Leary were listing agents for the property. The house is within walking distance of homes recently acquired by three top Trump Administration officials: Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin (who bought 2600 Rock Creek Drive NW for $12.6 million), Presidential Counselor Kellyanne Conway (she paid almost $8 million for 2933-2943 Benton Place NW) and Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross who purchased 2850 Woodland Drive NW for $10.75 million.

THE DISTRICT N STREET NW in Georgetown changed hands when Gregory Jackson and John Carmichael purchased the four-bedroom 1870 Victorian row house from Bill and Cynthia Broydrick for $2.6 million. Mr. Broydrick

ESKRIDGE TERRACE NW in Kent for $2.5 million from Matthew Weir. Mr. Mortier is

an attorney with Frost Brown Todd and Mrs. Mortier is an assistant professor at George Washington University. The coupleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s new residence was built in 2007 by Chryssa Wolfe founded the Broydrick & Associates lobbying to include spacious rooms, high-end finishes firm. Washington Fine Propertiesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Jamie Peva and a gourmet kitchen with an attached family was the listing agent. Weichert Realtorsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; room. Washington Fine Propertiesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Nancy Edward Downs was the buyerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s agent.

Taylor Bubes was the listing agent. Russell Firestone of TTR Sothebyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s International Jeff and Nicole Mortier bought Realty represented the buyer.

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A Wesley Heights gem located at

TH STREET NW fetched $3.075 million when Tim and Kathryn Luwis, co-owners of the Inns of Virginia, sold their 1928 Tudor to James and Ellen Patterson. The sevenbedroom residence was recently renovated to include a modern gourmet kitchen, spacious master suite, lower level family room and charming library. W.C. & A.N. Miller Realtors, A Long & Foster Companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Marjorie Lee was the listing agent. Compassâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Federick Roth was the buyerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s agent.

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Retired CEO of The Mills Corp. Laurence Siegel and his wife, Lisa, moved into TRACY PLACE NW, which they bought for $6.1 million. Raja Sidawi, a Syrian businessman and chairman and chief executive officer of Energy Intelligence Group Inc., sold the 1952-built Kalorama classic that boasts a threestory circular staircase, seven bedrooms, seven baths, a pool and parking for five cars. Washington Fine Propertiesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Cynthia Howar was the listing agent; the buyerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s agent was Stephen Carpenter-Israel of Buyers Edge Co. Inc.

Ali Saadat and Farzanah Farahi sold their contemporary residence, known as the Z House (a nod to its upright letter shape, for $3.4 million. Built in 2008 by architect Farshad Farahi, the six-bedroom Langley Forest house at BENJAMIN STREET sits on a beautiful corner lot boasting mature trees, a beautiful pool deck and plenty of private parking for entertaining.

From the dramatic entry to the generous bedrooms, amenities and details were considered in every space. TTR Sothebyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Ron Mangas Jr. was the listing agent. Joshua Waxman, Long & Foster Real Estate Inc. represented the buyerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s agent.

VIRGINIA The recent sale of TURKEY RUN ROAD in McLean for $12.5 million is the highest nonriverfront sale in Northern Virginia. Inspired by Franceâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s distinctive Château de Chambord, the 14,000-square-foot custom 2013-built residence sits on over 2 acres and features a pool, five-car garage and au pair quarters. 801TR LLC sold the mega-mansion to an undisclosed buyer. The sale was brokered by Mike and Ashley Anastasia of TTR Sothebyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s International Realty. The buyerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s agent was Washington Fine Propertiesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Jennifer Thornett.

MARYLAND Steven and Joanne Valentine sold

HAMPDEN LANE in Bethesda to David and Nicole Mitchell for $2.265 million. The award-winning, Studio Z designed stone Tudor in picturesque Greenwich Forest was built in 2007 to include a gourmet eat-in kitchen with professional range, a master suite with private deck and luxury bath and two home offices. Washington Fine Propertiesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Lauren Davis was the listing agent. Long & Fosterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Mary Ann Corette represented the buyer.

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Rob Liberatore and his wife, Debra sold

ND TERRACE NW for $2.7 million to an undisclosed buyer. The meticulously renovated 1957 white brick Colonial offers five bedrooms and six baths and occupies a prominent lot with a 45-foot pool, expansive terraces and a charming garden. Interior features include a spacious living room, a library with fireplace, an open family room and gourmet kitchen and finished lower level. The Morrell-Roth Team of Compass Real Estate listed the property while the buyerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s agent was Daniel Hynes, also of Compass.

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HOME LIFE | REAL ESTATE NEWS

PROPERTY LINES

CLASSIC O: The second most expensive listing in Washington is Georgetownâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s posh O STREET NW â&#x20AC;&#x201D; with a price tag of $13.995 million. Bonnie McElveen-Hunter, a noted businesswoman,

philanthropist, former U.S. ambassador to Finland and chairman of the American Red Cross, is selling the 19th-century West Village grande dame offering five bedrooms, a chefâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s kitchen, four fireplaces, a private garden, pool, and six parking spaces.

Eleven-foot ceilings, ornate millwork and original floors add to the unique nature of this classic beauty. The listing agent is Mark McFadden of Washington Fine Properties.

LIFE IS A HIGHWAY: Former Indy Racing League veteran Will Langhorne and his wife, Samar are selling N STREET NW for $8.995 million with the help of TTR Sothebyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Russell Firestone III. The six-bedroom, contemporary townhouse was built by Georgetown developer Richard Levy for his mother in 1960. Langhorneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s parents bought the property from Levy, and the racecar driver in turn bought the house from his parents. The main entryway features a 1,000-pound pivoted door with smart glass that switches from clear to translucent at the touch of a button, Boffi-designed bathrooms, a glass elevator, second floor Bulthaup gourmet kitchen and media room. The exterior features a garden terrace with a heated pool.

PRIME MASSACHUSETTS AVENUE HEIGHTS: Could another political VIP be bound for this tony neighborhood? CEO and Chairman of Black Entertainment Television Debra Lee is selling

WOODLAND DRIVE NW, which, at $11.5 million, seems to be the going price point for this much-desired area. The contemporary mansion overlooking Rock Creek Park was built and designed in 2010 by Marshall Moya. The uber-modern abode is truly one of a kind with amenities that include a space-age like wine cellar, 20-foot high great room, media room, eight-car garage, luxurious pool and guest suite. Perfect for entertaining, the property was once the setting for a $40,000-per-person fundraiser for President Obama. Washington Fine Propertiesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Marilyn Charity is the listing agent.

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SITTING PRETTY IN THE PALISADES: Developer and banker, Eric Hovde listed his 2002-built stone and stucco mansion at UNIVERSITY TERRACE NW for $7.4 million. The seven-bedroom gated residence designed by Chryssa Wolfe is set back from the street and nestled amid old growth trees on a stunning nearly oneacre lot. The 10,000-plus-squarefoot house features large scale

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entertaining rooms, a generous master wing with high ceilings, a first floor guest suite, grand library, detached artistâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s studio, wine cellar and pool overlooking the grounds and gardens. TTR Sothebyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s International Realtyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Michael Rankin in the listing agent.

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

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OPEN HOUSE

Elegant Abodes Start the school year at a new home.

POTOMAC

SOUTH GLEN RD This custom-built property just minutes from Potomac Village in the Potomac Farm Estates neighborhood offers unparalleled living from your own private oasis. Sited on a professionally landscaped and gated two-plus-acre lot, the house boasts rich finishes, grand entertaining spaces both indoors and out, awardwinning English gardens, six bedrooms, four full and two half baths and a three-car garage.

MCLEAN VERNON PALMER CT

ASKING PRICE: $2,349,000

This newly-renovated colonial is located on a cul-de-sac in McLean’s desirable Everymay neighborhood. Offering three finished levels with hardwood floors throughout, it includes six bedrooms, six full baths, a gourmet kitchen and a large backyard featuring an expansive deck, swimming pool and sauna.

LISTING AGENT: Shahab Nasrin, 301-814-8093, TTR Sotheby’s International Realty

ASKING PRICE: $3,495,000 LISTING AGENT: Wendy Banner, 301907-7600, Long and Foster

CAPITOL HILL

EAST CAPITOL ST NE

ASKING PRICE: $2,150,000

This four-story house occupying a corner lot is surrounded by beautiful gardens. Sunlight streams throughout this five-six bedroom, 3.5 bathroom property with garage parking. Entertain in the formal living room, separate formal dining room and a kitchen with a sitting/family room.

The master’s suite has a fireplace; the first level has a family room, wet bar and guest suite.

LISTING AGENT: Phyllis Jane Young, 202544-4236, Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage

BETHESDA

ARLINGTON RD = The Edgemoor at Arlington is a luxurious building with only 11 residences in the heart of downtown Bethesda.This elegant penthouse offers a bright, open floor plan and two of Bethesda’s largest terraces. There is a spacious living room with a gas fireplace, dining room, private master suite, second bedroom with en-suite bath, powder room, den and laundry room as well as two parking spaces and extra storage in an underground garage.

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ASKING PRICE: $2,095,000 LISTING AGENT: Lauren Davis, 202-549-8784, Washington Fine Properties

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My Washington tHomAS mallon | Author

By kevin chaffee

ne of the few prolific writers to set his books in Washington, D.C., Thomas (Tom) Mallon has published nine novels as well as non-fiction works about diaries, letters, plagiarism and the John F. Kennedy assassination. He is a former literary editor of Gentlemen’s Quarterly and a contributor to the New Yorker, the New York Times and the Atlantic. He served as deputy chairman of the National Endowment for the Humanities during the George W. Bush Administration.>>

My Top Spots

Jim Toole’s Capitol Hill Books near Eastern Market will take you back in time to the pre-Amazonian pleasures of browsing a charming, tip-top used book shop.

The Top of the Gate rooftop bar at the Watergate Hotel, whose re-opening cheered not only Nixon buffs but all the residents of my Foggy Bottom neighborhood.

Rock Creek Cemetery is the La Chaumière, a French bistro at 2813 verdant final home of Washingtonians M, NW, across from the Four Seasons, from Henry Adams to Alice Roosevelt manages to feel countrified and elegant Longworth to Gore Vidal. I’ve all at once. (Try the trout almondine). already made plans to spend eternity in Section C—about the firmest commitment to the city I can think of.

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Your Washington, D.C.-based novels include historical figures (McCarthy, Nixon, Reagan, etc.) who serve as backdrop to fictional protagonists. Who among them fascinated you the most? Oh, I’d have to say Nixon.There’s no getting to the bottom of that gifted, tormented man. I enjoyed writing about him as a penitent elder statesman in “Finale,” my Reagan novel, almost as much as I did having him at the center of things in Watergate. He’s never been far from my mind since the 1960 election, when I was nine years old.

How has being a self-described “libertarian Republican” influenced your oeuvre? As a gay man, I never admired the “social agenda” of the G.O.P., even as I voted for presidential candidates who advanced its foreign and economic policies. Politics has always left me betwixt and between, and that’s probably a good place for a novelist to be: ambivalence keeps you from creating characters who are either plaster saints or cardboard villains.

You imagined the 2016 presidential campaign as a novel in a rollicking New Yorker article last year. Have things GOTTEN even more farfetched since then? Ever since January they’ve reached a cartoon lunacy. I believe even more strongly than I did prior to the election that Trump can never be the protagonist of a novel — he lacks three-dimensionality, and his entire absence of self-doubt doesn’t make him strong; it makes him a bore.

Do you think you might write something based on the current political scene one day or is it too soon to tell? When it comes to our current political scene, my only ambition is to survive it, not to chronicle it.

Tell us about your next book. I’m writing a novel called “Landfall,” set during the most difficult days of George W. Bush’s presidency — the Iraq insurgency; the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. This will be the only bit of fictionalized history I actually participated in, on the fringes of the administration.

During some of this period I served as deputy chairman of the National Endowment for the Humanities.

WHAT ARE SOME OF your favorite places around town and why? My favorite view is looking down on the White House, lit up for the holidays, while having Christmas dinner in the top-floor dining room of the HayAdams. I still write a longhand first draft of all my books, and Fahrney’s Pens (1317 F St. NW) keeps my Mont Blanc and my Parker nicely supplied with ink. My novel “Henry and Clara,” involves the couple who sat with the Lincolns in the box at Ford’s Theatre. I’ve returned many times to the humble Petersen House, across from Ford’s on Tenth Street NW, where Lincoln died after a calamitous night that panicked the city. The Mount Vernon Bike Trail, just across the Potomac River, clears my head and keeps me fit. District Hardware (1108 24th St. NW) contains a fine repair shop that keeps my bike up and running, too. The Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library (901 G St. NW) is getting a makeover, one that I hope does justice to its Washingtoniana Collection, which has a matchless collection of books and documents about the city’s history. The E Street Cinemas (555 11th Street NW) always present a half dozen or so independent films with the convenience of any mainstream multiplex.

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O