Fight Night celebrates its 20th anniversary with plenty of boxing legends, donations, Marines, cigars, eye-candy, and the inspirational Joe E. Robert, Jr.

Mayor Adrian Fenty and Raul Fernandez. (Photo by Tony Powell)

By Michael Clements
Photos by Tony Powell
Video by Michael Clements

Forget for a moment the wafting clouds of cigar smoke, flowing Ravenswood Cabernet Sauvignon, juicy NY Strip steaks, curvaceous table hostesses and Redskins cheerleaders, live music by Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, boxing legend after boxing legend and, well, the overall downright manliness of Fight Night. Forget it all and remember this: for 20 years Fight Night has been raising millions of dollars ($2.8 million last year and over $1.5 million this year) for Fight For Children and other organizations that provide education and healthcare services to low-income children in Washington, D.C.

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The ThanksUSA gala show us just how much we should treasure our troops.

Michael Jack, Natalie Morales, Mark Whittaker at the ThanksUSA Gala. Photograph by Betsy Spruill Clarke

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The National Italian American Foundation celebrate in style with their lavish annual gala

By Janet Donovan

Connie Britton with Carla Gugino. Photograph by Betsy Spruill Clarke

 Where was Gina Lolobrigida? The longtime perennial star of the National Italian American Foundation’s annual gala was nowhere to be found this year. You can’t help loving someone who has been quoted saying, “I studied painting and sculpting at school and became an actress by mistake … I’ve had many lovers and still have romances.” (She is 82.) We missed her. Another favorite, Yogi Berra, was also MIA. That did not, however, stop Cafe Milano proprietor Franco Nuchese from hosting a lavish gala eve dinner where Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi starred as the nation’s most powerful Italian-American woman. Moving graciously between guests, she and her husband, Paul, enjoyed a bit of down time after most of the other guests were gone and after lots of hand shaking, chitchat, and photo ops.

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The second annual IMPACT Film Festival lives up to its name with a hard hitting round table and Woody Harrelson’s new movie “The Messenger“

By John Arundel

Woody Harrelson and David Vennett (Toyota Motors North America) at the Impact Film Festival Post Party at Posh Restaurant and Supper Club for the screening of "The Messenger". Photo by Tony Powell

Actor Woody Harrelson made a crowd-pleasing impact Oct. 29 when he stopped into the Landmark E Street Cinema for a screening of his new film “The Messenger” on the final night of Washington DC’s second annual IMPACT Film Festival, co-sponsored by the USO and Washington Life magazine.

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Hickok Cole is known for its architecture, but its annual Art Night is helping build the local arts community.

By Michael Clements

Art lover and artists mix in the offices of Hickok Cole. (Photo by Hoachlander Davis Photography)

Each year, awarding winning architectural firm Hickok Cole Architects opens its doors to allow local artists and art patrons to turn its office into one of the area’s best contemporary galleries (for one night at least). This year saw over 50 local artists showcasing their work. Judging by the amount of pink “sold” dots around, the quality of the art was high. “It’s probably one of their biggest fundraisers of the year for the Washington Project for the Arts,” (WPA) said enthusiastic Hickok Cole Architects senior marketing manager Jennifer Oh over the loud buzz of cocktail conversation. The night generated more than $60,000 in artwork sales, with post event sales expected to reach $90,000.

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A ‘Nautical Affair’ at the Corcoran had a crew of up and coming Washington socialites – so, did the event (and fashion) sink or swim?

By Michael Clements

Amir Afkhami, Hastie Kargar, Chris Boutlier. Photograph by Kyle Samperton

Stormy clouds didn’t deter the seafaring captains at this year’s 1869 Society Fall Fête, held at the Corcoran Gallery of Art. Indeed, the sheer buzz leading up to the event was like a beacon of light leading the area’s fashionable up and coming movers and shakers safely to the shores of Ernest Flagg’s classic Beaux-Arts style building. The event is one of the highlights of, what we at Washington Life like to refer to as The Young & The Guest List (YGL) scene (the area’s under-40 social set). It lived up to the hype.

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Kate Stilwill, Corrie Gilchrist

Location: The Kennedy Center

WL SPONSORED-Photos by Kyle Samperton

Youth of the Nation: Before music filled the halls of The Kennedy Center, supporters of the National Foundation for Advancement in the Arts, the Commission on Presidential Scholars, and the U.S. Department of Education gathered to celebrate this year’s Presidential Scholar in the Arts awardees. Only 20 young artists from around the country are honored each year, and they certainly didn’t disappoint when they performed on stage. In the Audience: Joanne Mackara, Rick Boden, Christina DePaul, Karen Goodman.

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Amb. La Celia A. Prince, Herold E. Doley

Location: The Hilton Washington

WL SPONSORED- Photos by Kyle Samperton

A Diplomatic Affair: For over 30 years, newly arrived diplomats and longtime Washingtonians have been dancing the night away at the annual Ambassadors Ball benefiting the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. This year’s black-tie gala honored Dr. Susan Blumenthal Markey, Patricia Oxley, Annette Shelby, and Janet Waxman, with former Labor Secretary Elaine Chao and Simone-Marie Meeks serving as co-chairwomen. Performances by the Kardelen Turkish Dance Ensemble, a muy caliente Argentine tango show, and classic big band music had guests twirling in their tuxes between bids at the international silent auction. The Guest: Ambassadors of Madagascar (Jocelyn Radifera), Kyrgyzstan (Zamira B. Sydykova), Liechtenstein (Claudia Fritsche), Bulgaria (Latchezar Petkov), New Zealand (Roy Ferguson), Rep. John Dingell and Debbie Dingell, Rep. Doris Matsui, Sen. Richard Shelby and Annette Shelby, Rep. Robert Aderholt, and Toni Gore.

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The President makes a historic keynote address and the crowd goes Gaga for the First Lady of pop at the Human Rights Campaign Gala

By Michael M. Clements

Lady Gaga before performing at the HRC gala. (Photo by Tony Powell)

There are certain moments in time that can come to define a movement and generation. In the years to follow, the LGBT community will look back at President Barack Obama’s speech at the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) 13th Annual Gala – his first as a Nobel Laureate – as a watershed moment for equality. Mainstream America will too.

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Becky Lee

Location: Nationals Stadium

WL SPONSORED- Photos by Betsy Spruill Clarke

Homerun! Becky’s Fund and the Washington Nationals  partnered to raise awareness of domestic violence at an evening game where volunteers, sponsors, and VIP guests watched the action from the comfort of club-level boxes. The nationally-recognized nonprofit group, created by Washington’s own Becky Lee, has developed an impressive network of support for local victims and has established prevention-based educational programs with universities and communities nationwide to change the behavior and thinking behind issues that cause and perpetuate domestic violence.

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Chipo Chung

Location: Residence Of The British Embassy Deputy Head Of Mission

WL SPONSORED- Photos by Kyle Samperton

Cast Party: Chipo Chung, Ruth Negga and Dominic Cooper, the young actors appearing in the Shakespeare Theatre Company’s hit production of Phèdre, celebrated with the under-40 set at British Deputy Head of Mission Dominick Chilcott’s residence on their one night off during the run. Smoked Salmon and Scotch Eggs: Guests sampled Commonwealth Gastro Pub’s British-cuisine-inspired fare and chilled to the tunes of MadLantic, the “embassy’s garage band,” in the garden while trying to recall just what role the handsome and very versatile Cooper played in “History Boys.”

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Marriott Wardman Park

Photos by: Kyle Samperton

Michelle Seiver and Jack Evans

THE EVENT: The ‘50s were in full swing at the 20th annual Best Friends Foundation’s annual benefit in support of middle and high school students striving to make the right choices. THE SCENE: Guests donned poodle skirts, lettermen jackets  and Grease-inspired garb to twist the night away to the sounds of Chuck Brown and The Drifters. D. C. Councilmember Jack Evans and Michelle Seiver led a line dance worthy of Sandy and Danny, and not even the pouring rain could stop the fun. THE GUESTS: Best Friends founder Elayne Bennett and Bill Bennett, Sen. Mel Martinez, Sandy and Bill Bennett, Mike Skehan and Andrea Rohan and Marcia Carlucci.

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Bailamos! The National Hispanic Foundation for the Arts (NHFA) hosted their annual gala celebrating Noche Musicál Tuesday night at the Corcoran Gallery of Art.

By Michael Clements
Photos by Tony Powell

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Supreme Court Justice Sonio Sotomayor and Esai Morales, Photo by Tony Powell

The spicy Pollywood blend of Washington political power players included Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor, FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski, Secretary of Labor Hilda Solis, and Reps. Xavier Becerra, Loretta Sanchez, and Charlie A. Gonzalez mingled with Hollywood’s top Latino entertainers like Jimmy Smits and Esai Morales. Morales, heartthrob of the classic 80’s film Labamba might have had his most important dance to date when he stepped out to do the Mambó with Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor (http://www.washingtonlife.com/video/) who, sources tell us, had been practicing her mambo for the past month in preparation for the night. It was Sotomayor’s first foray into the Washington social scene since being appointed the Court’s 111th justice, its first Hispanic justice, and its third female justice. “Justice Sotomayor reinforces the notion that you can be successful and still retain your cultural identity. We all know she is a great judge, but, I think she just proved she has some swift moves on the dance floor as well as in the courtroom,” remarked the effervescent Morales. Music for the evening was supplied by Afro-Cuan jazz drummer Bobby Sanabria as well as La India. Sanabria played a rousing rendition of the “Sotomayor Mambó.”

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Vittorio Rosso, Ron Napolillo

Location: Sassanova and Fratelli La Bufala

WL SPONSORED- Photos by Betsy Spruill Clarke

Brett Broesder and Kip Patrick

Location: Roosevelt House

WL SPONSORED: Photos by Kyle Samperton

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Location: The Hilton Washington

WL SPONSORED: Photos by Betsy Spruill Clarke

PAWING AROUND: Leashes were must-have accessories at the Washington Humane Society’s formal canine affair, which included a VIP reception and silent auction to raise funds for the ever-growing animal rescue organization. Chaired by ABC’s George Stephanopoulos, the evening featured gourmet dog treats from Barkley Square Gourmet Dog Bakery & Boutique as well as human fare. SPOTTED: Marcus Rincon, Meg Claire, Jill Lewis, Max Rabin, Joanna McIntosh, Jerry Young, Emma Brown, and Jacob Fenston.

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Carole Crawford and Beth Ann Moore

Location: Willard InterContinental Hotel

WL SPONSORED: Photos by Tony Powell

They’re Off: Guests dressed in colorful spring and summer finery to celebrate the 141st annual Belmont Stakes at the Willard’s Derby Days fête. Special “Belmont cocktails,” Champagne, and other signature drinks were passed along with tasty hors d’oeuvres as the rapt crowd tuned in for the spectacular race which was broadcast on large monitors throughout the historic hotel’s Round Robin Bar. The Spectators: Andrea Baker, Nancy Dunton, Ann and Gregory Schwartz, Karla Mitchell, Lili Alexander, and Amy Savell.

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Location: Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium

WL SPONSORED – Photos by Kyle Samperton and M.J. Love

FOODIES UNITE!: Start with the city’s top restaurants, add a splash of talented cocktail artists, and garnish with a hefty helping of charity and Voila!: a delicious evening where the stars of the metro area’s culinary universe align to support Share our Strength and help end childhood hunger. SERVING IT UP: Chef Chair RJ Cooper, Carla Hall, Roberto Donna, Bob Kinkead, Kaz Okochi, Michel Richard, Jeff Tunks, and Robert Wiedmaier.

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Cynee Simpson, Julian Epstein and Michelle Yankey

Location: Luxe Studio, Home of Fendi Casa

WL SPONSORED – Photos by Tony Powell and Zaid Hamid

TOP OF THE HILL: Is there anything Hill Harper can’t do? The Harvard- educated star of CSI: NY is the author of two inspiring books, Letters to a Young Brother and Letters to a Young Sister, and a formidable philanthropist. This night belonged to his Manifest Your Destiny Foundation – dedicated to empowering, encouraging, and inspiring underserved youth to succeed. REPRESENTING: A heavyweight crowd showed support including hosts Tanya Lombard and Yelberton Watkins, co-host Rep. James Clyburn, Rep. Adam Schiff, Darrell Smith, Lamell McMorris, John Orlando, Marie Sylla, Peck Madigan, Tami Boyd, and Ben Jealous.

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Jorge Valencia, Ernesto Santalla, and Glen Ackerman

Location: Mitchell Gold and Bob Williams showroom

WL SPONSORED – Photos by Luke Christopher

SUPER SCHOLARS: The city’s LGBT power set gathered at the stylish 14th Street showroom of interior designers Mitchell Gold and Bob Williams to raise over $30,000 for the Point Foundation National LGBT Scholarship Fund. Gold spoke about his book Crisis: 40 Stories Revealing the Personal, Social, and Religious Pain and Trauma of Growing Up Gay in America and OPM chief John Berry, the highest-ranking openly gay federal employee, spoke about growing up in Maryland and never imagining he would one day occupy such high office. A number of Point scholars were there as well to speak of their goals and aspirations. BROWSING: Andrew Barnett, Jennifer Motruk-Loy, Eve O’Toole, Randy Shulman, Amanda McLernan, and Walter Brindell.

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Location: Senate Square

WL SPONSORED – Photos by Betsy Spruill Clarke

STARRY NIGHT: The sprawling rooftop of Abdo Development’s Senate Square on I Street set the scene for a cozy summer evening’s party to benefit Starlight Children’s Foundation – MidAtlantic. Women wore summer frocks, guests sat poolside to watch the sunset, and everyone chipped in to help heal the spirits of seriously ill children through medical technology, entertainment, education, and family activities. IN ATTENDANCE: Abe and Charlotte Genderson, Dave Pollin, Al Troub, Estie and Ed Lipsit, Cathy Binder, Jaqueline Falk, Gary Carpentier, Claire Mellinger, John Sullivan, Annie and Mike Magruder, JT Scully, Liz Dougherty, Elizabeth Edmunds, and Jan King. 

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Mario Acosta Velez and Ed Spitzberg

Location: Jewish Community Center

WL SPONSORED – Photos by Kyle Samperton

ARTS FOR YOUTH: Supporters of the Sitar Arts Center gathered for wine, Middle Eastern fare, and a program featuring gifted students who attend after-school, weekend, and summer classes in the visual and performing arts center’s modern Kalorama facility. ON WITH THE SHOW: Ten young balletomanes showed their stuff on stage accompanied by a Washington Ballet company member, while others presented dramatic works or played musical instruments.

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Foree Biddle

Location: Woodrow Wilson House

WL SPONSORED – Photos by Tracy Attlee

Location: Residence of Mark Penn and Nancy Jacobson

WL SPONSORED - Photos by Kyle Samperton

GORGEOUS GARDEN: Mark Penn and Nancy Jacobson hosted National Student Partnerships’ 10th anniversary celebration at their Georgetown home, where Penn told of his firm’s pro bono work to re-name the organization “Lift” (which will go into effect this fall). NSP co-founder and CEO Kirsten Lodal encouraged guests to support local college student volunteers’ efforts to combat poverty in the U.S. 

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Sheila Johnson and Brandford Marsalis

Location: The Kennedy Center

WL SPONSORED – Photos by Kyle Samperton

ALL THAT JAZZ: On the closing night of the Duke Ellington Jazz Festival, which included 100 performances in nearly 50 venues across the city, Ellis Marsalis and sons Branford, Wynton, Delfeayo, and Jason, as well as close family friend Harry Connick Jr. and the Kennedy Center’s Billy Taylor, turned Washington into a slice of New Orleans. CELEBRATING A MASTER: Ellis Marsalis: The tribute to the great musician brought the very talented family to Washington to honor their legendary father with family tales, incredible music, and poems read by son Ellis Marsalis III. And when the second encore had Harry Connick Jr. and the entire Marsalis family parading and playing down the aisles with cowbells, trumpets, and even an umbrella, the sold-out crowd was on its feet dancing in front of the stage and following the musicians grooving across the theater.   PLAYING ALONG: Chair of the DEJF Ovation Society Sheila Johnson, honorary chair Thomas Hale Boggs, founder and executive producer of the DEJF Charles Fishman, Sunny Sumter, and Steven Stolman.

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Carmen James Lane and Danielle Reyes

Location: Ronald Reagan Building

WL SPONSORED – Photos by Betsy Spruill Clarke

RING RING: Fight For Children’s annual School Night bash rocked the gym – or more specifically, the Ronald Reagan Building – with an all-star musical line-up that included Naturally 7, Sheila E and the E Family Project, and Wyclef Jean. The night celebrated excellence in District schools. HIGH MARKS: Emcee and board member Patti Austin showed her vocal talents by sitting in with Wyclef Jean on a few tunes while the city’s leading educators and school board members loosened up and got down on a Friday (not a school night). ROLL CALL: Mayor Adrian and Michelle Fenty, Tony Williams, Katherine Bradley, Keith Wade, and Joe Robert.

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Chanel Iman and Egyptian Ambassador Sameh Shoukry

Location: Smithsonian National Museum of African Art

WL SPONSORED – Photos by Kyle Samperton

AFRICA LIVE(S): The National Museum of African Art celebrated its 30th anniversary with a first ever black-tie fund-raising gala with traditional dancers entertaining the super models, entertainers, arts patrons, politicos, and other guests.  Director Johnnetta B. Cole spoke eloquently of the museum’s mission to the crowd seated at tables covered in tropical flowers amid orange silk-covered walls. Grammy winning singer Angelique Kidjo got everyone on their feet and encouraged guests to share the mic with her, while actor Jeffrey Wright spoke about tracing his family’s genealogical roots. CELEBRANTS: Baroness Valerie Amos, the former leader of the British House of Lords,  Deputy Secretary of State for Africa Johnnie Carson, civil rights leader Dorothy Height, Egyptian Ambassador Sameh Shoukry, Gwendolyn Mikell, James D. Staton, and Howard Dodson.

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Kristina Roberson and Cocoa

Location: The Hilton Washington

WL SPONSORED – Photos by Betsy Spruill Clarke

PAWING AROUND: Leashes were must-have accessories at the Washington Humane Society’s formal canine affair, which included a VIP reception and silent auction to raise funds for the ever-growing animal rescue organization. Chaired by ABC’s George Stephanopoulos, the evening featured gourmet dog treats from Barkley Square Gourmet Dog Bakery & Boutique as well as human fare. SPOTTED: WHS President Lisa LaFontaine, Marcus Rincon, Meg Claire, Jill Lewis, Max Rabin, Joanna Macintosh, Jerry Young, Emma Brown, and Jacob Fenston.

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Barbara Gordon, June Libin, and Bonnie McElveen-Hunter

Location: Marriott Wardman Park Hotel

WL SPONSORED – Photos by Kyle Samperton

BLOWN AWAY: When the most renowned jazz musician and trumpter of his generation is the featured entertainment, your event is bound to be spectacular. Special guest artist Wynton Marsalis treated revelers to a set of swing-era jazz that matched perfectly with the roaring ‘20s “Cotton Club” theme. STEPPING OUT: The local dance troupe Step Afrika! performed after dinner and Tina Mather stepped up the auction action with a winning bid/donation of $45,000 for a private concert with violinist Gil Shaham. Corporate chairman Reggie Van Lee showed his own smooth moves as well by contributing a private dinner at his New York condominium, where an infamous Sex and The City balcony scene was shot.

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Darryl Carter and Mary Haft

Location: Andrew Mellon Auditorium

WL SPONSORED – Photos by Luke Christopher

“SPRING FORWARD”: “Deconstructionist elegance” reigned at this year’s gala co-chaired by Mary Haft and designer Darryl Carter, whose ultra-modern-but-oh-so-economical setting featured iron candelabras (instead of flowers), classic white Panton chairs, and architectural scaffolding covered in translucent cloth to silhouette lithe young company members’ graceful poses. DINNER AND A SHOW: Cocktails, a sensual performance by dancers Jared Nelson and Sona Kharatian, politically correct food  (“sustainable” seafood Newburg and chicken –surely free-range), mercifully brief speeches, and dancing to the sounds of Free Spirit. WHO WAS THERE: Ballet director Septime Webre (celebrating 10 years at the helm), and major benefactors Arturo and Hilda Brillembourg and Raul and Jean-Marie Fernandez.

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Victoria Keich, Jerzy Wrobel, and Natalia Marakova

Location: DAR Constitution Hall and the Organization of American States

WL SPONSORED – Photos by Betsy Spruill Clarke, Karin Cooper, and Russell Hirshon

“FROM MY LATIN SOUL”: Plácido Domingo & Company’s thrilling renditions of Latin music favorites, featuring a full orchestra, rising opera stars and talented flamenco, tango, and folkloric dancers, kept the audience firmly planted throughout four encores – or was it five? RHUMBA TIME!: At the post-midnight supper dance where 300  benefactors paid $1,000-and-up to cozy up to the cast, including soprano Virginia Tola,  chic and talented young conductor Alondra de la Parra and her handsome husband Carlos Zedillo Velasco (son of ex-Mexican President Ernesto Zedillo), Mexican Amb. Arturo Sarukhan and wife Veronica, co-chairwomen Lucky Roosevelt and Isabel Ernst,  Robert Duvall, Vicki Sant, and Jim Kimsey.

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Mitzi Hale and Melissa Costa

Location: Atlas Performing Arts Center

WL SPONSORED – Photos by Luke Christopher

A DECADE OF CULTURE: The Cultural Development Corporation celebrated its 10th birthday with a decidedly different bash on H Street. After admiring the  modern Marie Antoinette-inspired décor with candy-colored chandeliers and bubblegum pink candelabras handpicked by gala co-chairman Chris Boutlier, artists and arts patrons dined on smoked salmon, Champagne, and cotton candy spun on site. Between tap and dance performances, including the crowd-pleasing Step Afrika!, paddles waved during an art auction curated by Pinkline Project’s Philippa Hughes and CuDC Visual Arts manager Karyn Miller. ART CONNOISSEURS: Sam Sweet, Michael Abrams, Sandi Stewart, J. Brooks Martin, Lessie Powell-Evans, Don and Olwen Pongrace, and Cara Pomponio.

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Aaron Williams and Kymberly Wolff

Location: Home of Jose Cunningham and Greg Nelson

WL SPONSORED – Photos by Luke Christopher

COCKTAILS FOR A CAUSE: CARE celebrated its 63rd anniversary with a pre-National Conference cocktail reception at the 16th Street NW art-filled home of Jose Cunningham and Greg Nelson. MIXING AND MINGLING: Annie Totah, Carole Randolph, Rafat and Shaista Mahmood, Kris Thompson, Mark Anderson, Madelyn Spirnak, and Bryan Brewer.

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Carey Lowell, Richard Gere and Sheila Johnson

Location: Ronald Reagan Building

WL SPONSORED – Photos by Betsy Spruill Clarke

ACTORS AND ACTIVISTS: For the first time CARE’s annual advocacy conference was teamed with its yearly gala to bring together donors, corporate partners, and civic leaders to discuss global poverty issues and celebrate CARE’s work. The first day’s workshop was capped off with a benefit honoring social activist and philanthropist Richard Gere. IN ATTENDANCE: CARE president and CEO Helene Gayle, Michael Franti, ‘I am Powerful’ award recipient Arnulfa Romero Cruz, Eduardo Martinez, and emcee Tracey Neale.

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Ashley Taylor and Coventry Burke

Location: Embassy of Italy

WL SPONSORED - Photos be Betsy Spruill Clarke

CELEBRATING 30 YEARS: A major anniversary honoring Sen. Sam Brownback (R-Kans.) and Rep. Nita Lowey (D-N.Y.) for their Congressional refugee protection efforts and CNN founder Ted Turner, who was “interviewed” by the network’s ace foreign correspondent Christiane Amanpour about his savvy news sense and philanthropic impulses. MAGIC MOMENT: Turner recalling that U.N. Secretary General Kofi Annan “nearly fainted” at his revelation of a $1 billion gift to the U. N. Foundation. CELEB SCENE: Emcee Sam Waterston charmed the crowd despite a lengthy program, Richard Holbrooke spoke about Pakistan, and actor Matt Dillon ventured into foreign policy matters along with of Sen. Joe Lieberman, Wolf Blitzer, Kara Kennedy, Kerry Kennedy, Richard Ben-Veniste, poker star Annie Duke, and event chairmen Michael and Mariella Trager.

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Kevin Bacon and Sosie Bacon

Location: L2 Lounge

WL SPONSORED – Photos by Betsy Spruill Clarke and Stirling Elmendorf

GETTING STARTED: Impact Arts + Film Fund teamed with Funny or Die and Washington Life to launch the WHCAD week-end at a celeb-packed “First Amendment” party where President Obama’s wunderkind speechwriter, Jon Favreau, was spotted cozying up to actress Rashida Jones, Kevin Bacon came and went, and a very blond Megan McCain tried to avoid photographers. GETTING NOTICED: The Funny or Die guys, who made the high-five famous again, couldn’t help noting that Washington is now teeming with “lookers.”

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Nicki Kalokerinos and Mark Goode

Location: Capitol Polo Club, Poolesville, Md.

WL SPONSORED - Photos by Dana Bowden, Robert Keller, Kyle Samperton, and Jeremy Zeigler

A FASHIONABLE START: Crowds trekked out to the highly anticipated match between the U.S. and Australian polo teams with fashion, music, and culinary sideline events organized by event founders Tareq and Michaele Salahi. Before the players took to the field, the weekend kicked off Friday with an action-packed fashion show, “Rockin’ the Runway,” judged by “Apprentice” star Omarosa Manigault-Stallworth and a performance by “American Idol” icon Michael Johns. PONY UP: On match day, players and spectators alike braved the damp fields for the main event, with the lattere filling the Land Rover tent to enjoy the festivities, which included a parachute drop, air show, and evening concert featuring singer will.i.am and a surprise performance by MYA. VICTORY: The U.S. defeated the Aussies, claiming the coveted polo world championship title. The U.S. will battle India in next year’s match. Spotted: Paul Wharton, John Gobin, Debbie Nash, Rick Cutrera, Amy Angelo, and Craig Rice.

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LeAnn Rimes

Location: The Kennedy Center

WL SPONSORED – Photos by Joseph Allen, Luke Christopher, Daniel Schwartz, and Margot Schulman

WONDER WOMEN: This year’s gala celebrated women in the arts with an all-star A-list that included First Lady Michelle Obama (who made a surprise appearance), Vera Wang, Annie Leibovitz, Patti LaBelle, K.D. Lang, Midori, Chita Rivera, and, yes, Paris Hilton. Michael Kaiser had a hard act to follow after last year’s salute to conductor John Williams, but this year’s women, especially conductor JoAnn Falletta (who masterfully commanded the National Symphony Orchestra) made last year a distant memory. The gala was once again an elegant kick-off to the Spring Gala season. NOTABLES: Jenn Colella, Julia Murney, LeAnn Rimes, Amb. Prince Zeid, Amb. and Rima Al-Sabah, Steven and Christine Hearst Schwarzman, Bonnie McElveen-Hunter, Gwen Iffel, Tammy Haddad, Christopher Lu, and Lisa Brown.

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Nunda Ambegaonkar and Vandana Sheth

Location: Freer Gallery of Art | Arthur M. Sackler Gallery

WL SPONSORED – Photos by Kyle Samperton

AN EASTERN ODYSSEY: To celebrate its historic collaboration with the Moscow Kremlin Museums, the Freer and Sackler galleries welcomed patrons to a night of opulence in the spirit of imperial Russia. The spring benefit gala celebrated the opening of the exhibition “The Tsars and the East: Gifts from Turkey and Iran in The Moscow Kremlin.” Guests in Eastern-inspired gowns and accessories viewed the exhibition – which included bejeweled Russian ecclesiastical treasures, Turkish dishes, and Iranian daggers from the 17th century – before it opened to the public. John, Cindy, and Roberta McCain toured the exhibit with a guide, posing for pictures and marveling at an intricate gold bridle and saddle, before joining guests for a dinner of classic Russian specialties in the Freer’s marble halls. TSARS OF THE NIGHT: Director of the Moscow Kremlin Museums Elena Gagarina, President of Lukoil Vagit Alekperov, Sergio Millian, Singaporean Amb. Chan Heng Chee, U.S. Ambassador to Russia John Beyrle, and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.

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Amy Donnelly, Amy Baier, and Darcy Jones

Location: The Andrew Mellon Auditorium

WL SPONSORED – Photos by Betsy Spruill Clarke

MIRACLE WORK: More than 500 donors to the Children’s National Medical Center gathered for a dinner of steak and skate, a live auction, and dancing to the cult-favorite Neil Diamond cover band, Super Diamond – all in support of this world-renowned Washington-based pediatric research hospital. LIVING PROOF: During dinner, ball co-chairman and FOX News White House correspondent Bret Baier shared the story of his son, who was born in 2007 with a potentially fatal heart defect, and has had two major surgeries at the hospital in the past two years. Baier then video-conferenced the healthy, energetic two year-old onto the stage, and Paul Baier waved to guests before asking his father about a toy train. Title sponsorship was provided for the ninth year in a row by Washington Area Lexus Dealers. IN THE CROWD: Some of the city’s most engaging young philanthropists (many of whom are parents of young children), including Elissa and Tom Davidson, Sarah and David Steinberg, Jen and Scott Frederick, and Liz and Dave Roberts.

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Kristin Irish and L’Enfant Society Chairman John Cecchi

Location: The National Mall

WL SPONSORED – Photos by Kyle Samperton and Carl Bower

SPLENDOR IN THE GRASS: Nearly half an acre of the National Mall was transformed into a tented ballroom complete with a 14-piece brass band for a sold-out crowd of more than 600 junior patrons of the Trust for the National Mall. The historic evening was hosted by the Trust’s young donors’ group, the L’Enfant Society, which was formed in 2008 to help restore and protect “America’s  front yard.” Underwritten by MicroStrategy founder Michael Saylor, the gathering raised over $150,000 for the cause, and future events are planned. ON THE DANCE FLOOR: Luke Russert and Karena Neubauer, Tripp Donnelly and Amy Angelo, Nat Fogg and Darcy Jones, Desmond FitzGerald, George Chopivsky and Clara Brillembourg, Allison and Michael Signorelli, Chris Edmonds, Ted Downey, and Allison Parent.

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Abigail Blunt and Rep. Roy Blunt, Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, and Martha Ann Alito

Location: The Phillips Collection

WL SPONSORED – Photos by Kyle Samperton

CELEBRATING SPRING: This historic Dupont Circle arts landmark was filled to capacity for its annual gala benefiting top-notch educational programs. Guests mingled in the courtyard or wandered through the exhibits before sitting down to a feast of locally-sourced, sustainable cuisine by Occasions Catering. Lavish flower arrangements by Jack Lucky decorated every table, and were donated to the Dept. of Veterans Affairs Medical Center following the gala. AFTER-PARTY: Endless dessert buffets, flowing cocktails, and lively dancing followed at the Society of the Cincinnati’s Anderson House, where younger partygoers joined dinner patrons in the garden to chat and enjoy the warm spring air. SPOTTED: Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Justice Samuel Alito and wife Martha Ann, Bob McDonnell, artist William Christenberry, Rep. Roy and Abigail Blunt, Debbie Sigmund, and the ambassadors of Spain, Chile, Switzerland, Australia, Singapore, Japan, Morocco and Afghanistan.

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Camille Johnston and Desirée Glapion Rogers

Location: The Corcoran Gallery of Art

WL SPONSORED – Photos by Luke Christopher and Kyle Samperton

ARTISTIC LIBERTIES: Over a thousand guests filled the historic Washington gallery for dinner and dancing to benefit the museum’s award-winning outreach, educational and scholarship programs. Artist Maya Lin’s exhibit, “Systematic Landscapes,” highlighted the festivities showcasing her renditions of environmental phenomena, along with magnificent decorations and Jack Lucky’s transformative floral arrangements in each of the 15 galleries where dinner was served. ECO-ELEGANCE: Ball organizers took the event in an entirely “green” direction – reducing their footprint in everything from the invitations to enviro-friendly Occasion Caterers dishes – to create, as always, one of the most talked-about soirées of the season.

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Location: Champions and Lincoln Theatre

WL SPONSORED – Photos by Tony Powell

Shake it: Besides the “wow” factor of having both Redskins and Wizards cheerleaders present, the annual fundraiser was a great way to support one of the area’s leading dance companies. The Big Dance: The success of co-founders Amber Yancey and Stephanie Jojokian’s efforts to provide a forum for local dancers to showcase their talents at major media events was evident once again at their annual Lincoln Theatre showcase. With innovative twists on hip hop, modern, and classical movement, CMP remains on the cutting edge of dance in the metro area. Chorus Line: Jimmy Lynn, Thomas Graham, Richard Strauss, Seelan Abraham, and Andre Collins.

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Location: The John F. Kennedy Center for Performing Arts

WL SPONSORED – Photos by Kyle Samperton

HONORED VOICES: Over one thousand guests gathered at the Kennedy Center to celebrate the eighth annual Vital Voices Global Leadership Awards, first over cocktails and then in the Eisenhower Theater. The star-studded evening was dedicated to five honorees from Cambodia, Nigeria, Afghanistan, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, all making great progress for women in their respective nations. The final award, presented by Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison, went to Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, who was declared a “Global Trailblazer.” “As a presidential candidate last year,” Hutchison said, “she made 18 millio

Ben Affleck, Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison, and Alysee Larsen

n cracks in the ceiling and inspired women all over the world.” Needless to say, political divides don’t apply when it comes to the global advancement of women. CELEBRANTS: French Ambassador Pierre Vimont, Wolf Blitzer, Andrea Mitchell, Tammy Haddad, Nina Totenberg, Juleanna Glover, Dan and Rhoda Glickman, John Pendergrast, Ellen Bennett, and Melanne Verveer.

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Irini Tsikurishvili

Location: Warner Theatre and J.W. Marriott Hotel

WL SPONSORED – Photos by Kyle Samperton

A MAJOR SWEEP: Signature Theatre walked off with 10 prizes at the 25th annual awards ceremony, with Les Miserables nabbing all the musical acting categories except for male lead (which also went to Signature’s David Margulies for The Happy Time). LADIES NIGHT: Eight glamorous gals shared four tied awards, thus doubling the female winner quotient this year. Broadway legend Chita Rivera wasn’t there to accept, but outstanding lead actress/resident musical co-recipient Natascia Diaz held her own with a breathless tribute: “Oh my God, Chita! You are who I want to be when I grow up.” Winners received a glow necklace!

Allison and Chris Putala

Location: The home of Christopher & Allison Putala

WL SPONSORED – Photos by Kyle Samperton

ALL THAT JAZZ: At the Georgetown home of Christopher and Allison Putala, The Duke Ellington Ovation Society’s young donors counted down the days to the festival’s main event, a gala concert at the Kennedy Center with Harry Connick, Jr., and the Marsalis family on June 15th. The charismatic Steven Stolman stood barefootted on a white couch in his Palm Beach finery to address the enthusiastic guests who dined on canapés provided by Capital Grille and listened to jazz – of course. THE GUESTS: Ali Hershey, Kimberly Warfield, Keith Blackman, Diana Minshall and Bailey Rockwell.

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Pia-Maria and Steve Norris

Location: The Kennedy Center

WL SPONSORED - Photos by James R. Brantley

GLORIOUS CULTURE REBORN: Warriors, monks, dancers, singers, and musicians filled the Opera House stage for a three-hour extravaganza raising consciousness about Chinese culture and spirituality. CELEBRATING AFTERWARDS: Event sponsor Stephen Norris pronounced the show “colorful, thought-provoking, and controversial” at the post-performance reception where he and his wife Pia-Maria greeted cast members and guests who included violinist Joshua Bell, Tommy Quinn, Nini Ferguson, Gratian M. Yatsevitch III, Marlene Malek, Bill Gertz, and Wyatt Dickerson.

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David and Mary Ritchie

Location: National Building Museum

WL SPONSORED - Photos by Kyle Samperton

DINING FOR A CAUSE: Chefs from more than 40 of the metropolitan area’s top eateries, bakeries, and caterers gathered to bake, braise, fry, fricassee, sear, and sauté their signature specialties to support children being treated for catastrophic illnesses at St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital. SURPRISE PRIZE: With all the top-ranked restaurant maîtres de cuisine vying to outdo each other, who would have guessed the tasters’ choice award would go to the extravagant dessert mélange prepared by Xavier Deshayes, chef of the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center?

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Christina Fulton and Erica Riley

Location: The Liaison Capitol Hill

WL SPONSORED – Photos By Kyle Samperton

THINKING PINK: Cherry Blossom Festival supporters enjoyed cocktail and food specialties prepared by Art and Soul celebrity chef Art Smith and colleagues from Charlie Palmer Steak, Mie N Yu, and other local restaurants. CHERRY PICKED: Pink roses and ubiquitous cherry blossom branches competed with Adour’s cherry-flavored macaroons and numerous cherry-themed cocktails (although no pink champagne was sighted). Proceeds funded various cultural events planned during the March 28-April 12 festival celebrating spring and the 1912 gift of 3,000 cherry trees to Washington to commemorate Japanese-American friendship.

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Capital City Ball founders John Dunford and Bruce Fries

Location: The Washington Club

WL SPONSORED - Photos by Tony Powell

ROLL THE DICE: The Polaris Project had luck on its side when ballgoers selected its anti-human trafficking crusade as the beneficiary of the evening’s festivities. Partygoers gambled and gamboled for the cause, joining Miss D.C. Kate Marie Grinold and Olympian Kerri Strug, both strong supporters of the organization. THE PLAYERS: Erin Barnes, Randy Brater, Deborah Sigmund, Alex Kor, Pamela Sorenson, Mike and Cheryl Morehouse, Tanya Sable, Veronica Sanchez, and Gargee Ghosh.

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Actress Gretchen Mol

Location: E Street Cinema

WL SPONSORED - Photos by Kyle Samperton and Paul Morigi

AFFAIR OF THE HEART: Gretchen Mol chose winter white for the movie premiere rather than the “American flag and nothing else” look that she wore on the film’s poster, but the crowd was still atwitter at the E Street Cinema and later at Tattoo Bar. Everyone was wondering who Mol’s character — a divorcee covertly dating President Kennedy — was based on. Socialite Mary Pinchot Meyer was the leading contender according to the knowledgeable crowd. THE GUESTS: William Sten Olsson, Robin Bronk, Jessica Hoy, Carly Weisenberg, Kate Novak, James Debhorn, Alex Metcalf, and Kevin Leyden.

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Tripp Donnelly, Lindsay Shulman, and John Cecchi

Location: Vineyard Vines, Georgetown

WL SPONSORED – Photos by Joseph Allen

GREAT UNVEILING: Guests gathered at Vineyard Vines in Georgetown for the unveiling of official ties and sashes for the Trust for the National Mall’s junior members. Cocktails and hors d’oeuvres were passed throughout the prepster-heavy premises as supporters discussed the new group’s efforts to help preserve the historic Mall. L’Enfant chairmen John Cecchi and Tripp Donnelly did their duty modeling the colorful neckware.

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Doran Flowers and Tina Hsu

Location: The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts

WL SPONSORED – Photos by Kyle Samperton

GALA OPENING: WPAS made the brilliant choice of star German violinist Anne-Sophie Mutter accompanied by the musicians of the Camerata Salzburg for its season opening performance. Vilde Frang joined her in one Bach piece, then Mutter thrilled the sellout crowd with Tartini’s Devil’s Trill. THE PLAYERS: Diplomats enjoying dinner, the all-Baroque program, and post-performance desserts included envoys from Germany, Great Britain, and Cyprus, WPAS Chairman Jay Hammer, WPAS President Neale Pearl, Shirley and Albert Small, Annie Totah, Paul Stern, June and Jerome Libin, long-time supporter Barbara Gordon, and co-chairmen Rachel Tinsley Pearson and Kevin Fitzgerald.

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Maureen Berk, Women’s Committee member, in a green silk wool dress by Lela Rose

Fashion-conscious dance devotées flocked to Bloomingdale’s in Chevy Chase to celebrate Septime Webre’s 10th anniversary as artistic director of The Washington Ballet. Cocktails and hors d’oeuvres preceded the exclusive “Perfect 10” event, followed by a lively fashion show styled by Barbara McConaghy with the help of Mary Bird and featuring the corps de ballet and members of the company’s hard-working Women’s Committee. Bloomie’s donated ten percent of sales to the ballet, which put the successful evening en pointe.

Ball chairwoman Cathy Jones and Diane Schaefer

Location: Kennedy Center

WL SPONSORED – Photos by Kyle Samperton

PARTY IN PRAGUE: The annual concert’s “Winter in Wenceslas Square” theme featured carols sung in Czech (including the one about the “Good King”) as well as the inevitable “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” and other favorites. CZECH IT OUT: Cocktails, dinner and dancing for 600 followed on the Roof Terrace where over-the-top silent auction (boasting a 40-page catalog) occupied guests not swooning over the Art-Nouveau-inspired décor and Jack Lucky’s bountiful blooms. CELEBRANTS: Morton and Grace Bender, Winston Bao Lord, Carter and Lisa Cafritz, Linda Stern, Anita and Bill McBride, Jim and Ghislaine Shallcross, Bill and Erica Moorhead, Josh Rales, Pat Sagon, Chuck Ghoorah, and the ambassadors of Afghanistan, Colombia, Bulgaria, Japan, and Mexico.

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Susan Harreld and Diane Brown

Location: Andrew Mellon Auditorium

WL SPONSORED - Photos by Kyle Samperton

GLORIOUS GREECE: Actors dressed as ancient Greek philosophers, warriors, and Olympians greeted guests at the “Thessaloniki: Jewel of the Ages”-themed gala before a night of live and silent auctions, dancing, and a plentiful feast of olives, feta, dolmadakia and lamb washed down with ouzo and Greek wines (of the non-resinated variety). No bouzouki players or Zorba dancers were featured although popular Greek dance music was heard throughout the night. A SPARTAN AFFAIR: Veggie cornucopias (later donated to the D.C. Central Kitchen) replaced floral arrangements; ticket prices were halved to $500. WHO WAS THERE: Moroccan Amb. Aziz Mekouar and his wife, Maria Selice, Judith Terra, Phillip and Nina Pillsbury, Toni Gore, Carter and Amanda Hood, Edward and Marnelle Bruce, and auctioneer Conrad Burns.

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Michael Saylor, Ashley Taylor, and Winston Bao Lord

Location: Embassy of the Russian Federation

WL SPONSORED – Photos by Tony Powell

RUSSIA WITH LOVE: The tickets for this annual party sold out in less than three days, cementing its status as one of young Washington’s most popular nights of the year. The main party was held at the Russian Embassy (a rare event venue), and featured performances by Burnt Sienna on stage, and the premiere of an original Septime Webre piece of dance, performed by Jonathan Jordan. At midnight, guests were ferried down Wisconsin Ave. to the City Tavern Club, where the Winn Brothers entertained and Emperor vodka provided refreshments till the wee hours. DANCE COMPANY: Czar-level sponsor Tim Owens, Kay Kendall, Pam Pressly, Winslowe Moore, Carl Becker, Matt Fierce, Corinne and Mike Falencki, Marybeth Coleman, Katie Tarbox, Ashlee Reid, Matt Lowe, Tara de Nicolas, Coventry Burke, Bo Blair, and Lorie Peters.

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Pat and Ken Behring

Location: Smithsonian National Museum of American History

WL SPONSORED: Photos by Tony Powell

LONG TIME COMING: A thousand guests thronged the famed museum’s grand re-opening after a two-year renovation, marveling at the new skylight and balconies surrounding the vast atrium and an awe-inspiring new star spangled gallery for Old Glory. Lots of crowd-pleasers were back, ranging from the First Ladies’ gowns and Thomas Edison’s light bulb to Dorothy’s ruby slippers from The Wizard of Oz. HISTORY BUFFS: Albert and Shirley Small (donors of a new gallery), $80 million benefactor Ken Behring (for whom the facility is now dubbed “The Behring Center”), Mallory and Diana Walker, Katherine Keller, and Ivan and Nina Selin.

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Kay Kendall and Jack Davies

Location: Spices Asian Restaurant and Uptown Theater

WL SPONSORED – Photos by Kyle Samperton

YES! Continuing its connection with the Valenti family and Hollywood, Woodley House screened Warner Bros. and Village Roadshow Pictures’ smash hit, Yes Man, to celebrate its 50th anniversary and its mission to help people suffering from mental illness. ON SET: After an exceptionally catered reception, guests sauntered to the Uptown Theatre screening where Sen. Edward M. Kennedy and his son, Rep. Patrick J. Kennedy, were honored for their work on the Paul Wellstone and Pete Domenici Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act.