If you don't see images, click here to view Story Ideas  .  Events  To ensure delivery, please add newsletter@bisnow.com to your address book, learn how Real Estate | Legal | Tech/Fed IT | Association/Non-Profit | The Scene Washington | New York | Chicago | Dallas-Fort Worth | Houston | Boston     March 9, 2010       Capital All Stars! Tomorrow! Bisnow Schmoozarama II. Last time, a wave of sign-ups came last minute, so don't wait, as we're limiting the crowd to 600—and we're almost there. Open Bar and buffet. Park at Fourteenth. Low Price. Sign up now!   Last night we went to the Kennedy Center for a DC-CAPital Stars gala, presenting DC’s most talented performing arts students..   After the talent competition by the ten finalists, we went upstairs for cocktails and dinner and snapped writer Page Evans, Kastles owner Mark Ein, MVC’s Sally Stiebel, and JP Morgan’s David Lawson. As a public service announcement, we want to assure you that these couples are not in order: it’s Mark & Sally with David & Page. Superstar actress, director, and choreographer Debbie Allen, who was one of the talent judges, is flanked by another judge, pianist ELEW (Eric Lewis), and House Majority Leader (and big supporter of DC-CAP) Steny Hoyer. The students sang, played piano and flute, and danced, and the audience voted with cool little machines. DC-CAP has sent 13,000 DC students to college and awarded $18 million in scholarships in the last decade; the mayor told the crowd it’s doubled the number of DC high school students who go to college. It’s run by Argelia Rodriguez, here with restaurateur Nick Cibel, who owns G'town waterfront hotspot Nick’s Riverside Grill. Art Gala!   The Washington Project for the Arts held its much anticipated Art Auction Gala on Saturday at the AU Katzen Art Center. Here, The Art Registry's Erin Mackay and Vogue's David Stuckey. The Gala featured over 100 pieces by some of the region's most prominent artists. Here, The Pink Line Project’s Philippa Hughes and Cultural Development Corporation's Anne Corbett.   Now in its 29th year, the event drew a prestigious crowd of art enthusiasts. Here, Allied Telecom's Ken Williams and Handle with Care’s George Marmaras, whose company delivered the art to the Katzen Center.   Ackerman Legal's Glen Ackerman and Studio Santalla's Ernesto Santalla, who was eyeing a few works for his collection. Bustin’ Loose!   We attended Bustin’ Loose, a cocktail party at Rosslyn’s Waterview Conference Center Friday, which kicked off a three-day shopping event with proceeds benefitting Georgetown’s Lombardi Center Breast Cancer Research Division. Here, emcees Evolution Look’s Paul Wharton and Pamela’s Punch’s Pamela Sorenson.     It was hosted by Live * Breathe * Dance, which organizes events with luxury retailers with part of sales going to a designated cause. Its founders, Cheryl Stern and Jan Forman, here with IMPACT Marketing’s Eddie Fam, had personal experience with breast cancer which inspired them to raise funds for research and education.   Lombardi is one of only 41 designated comprehensive cancer centers in the nation, and the only one in the DC area. Guydater.com’s Bryan Catalano and Matt Suissa, Jessica and Adam Capuano, and White Star Investment’s Craig Bernstein.   Models for TSYNDYMA, a high-end Potomac fashion boutique: Korina Duverge, Nora Sommerkamp, and Ivy Jiang. Local Film Director!   The 2010 D.C. Independent Film Festival began last week and runs through this Saturday (complete list at dciff.org). One of the featured films is Tenure (note professorial attire) starring Luke Wilson. At the screening are its writer/director, NoVa native Mike Million, with K12’s Chris Ryan, and Third Story Films' Marc Ryan. Meet tomorrow’s Schmoozarama Sponsor: Nemacolin Woodlands Resort!   Nemacolin Woodlands Resort, located in Pennsylvania’s Laurel Highlands (only three short hours from DC), can host families and corporate business retreats with skiing, snowboarding, 36 holes of golf, fine dining, and a top-rated spa – and that’s according to Travel + Leisure. GM Chris Plummer tells us the five-star resort’s activities don’t slow in the summer, with onsite zip-lining, rock climbing and a Jeep off-road driving academy debuting in May. Nemacolin also hosts guided whitewater rafting and hiking at nearby Ohiopyle State Park. With six different lodging options, guests can choose from a romantic weekend getaway or a weeklong vacation with kids. At tomorrow’s Schmoozarama, they will give away two nights luxury accommodations in the Chateau Lafayette with breakfast. Makeda Saggau-Sackey, Heather Mahoney, and Vanessa Meccarielli contributed to this issue. WHERE TO BE SCENE:   Tuesday, March 16 from Noon – 1:30 PM, join Georgetown University's McDonough School of Business at Renaissance Washington Dupont Circle Hotel for an afternoon information session. Its Evening and Executive Education departments are having a lunchtime dine and learn for anyone interested in pursuing an MBA or Global MBA. http://GeorgetownMeansBusiness.com/MBALunch Tuesday, March 9 beginning at 6:30 PM, join the Alzheimer’s Association for its 7th Annual National Alzheimer’s Gala at the National Building Museum, 401 F Street NW. Over 800 of our country’s leaders will attend this high profile gala aimed at building awareness of Alzheimer’s as a national medical priority. Funds will directly benefit the care, research, and advocacy efforts of the Alzheimer’s Association. Black-tie. Price: $500/ticket, www.alz.org/news_and_events_upcoming_events.asp.  Tuesday, March 9 from 6:30 – 9:00 PM, join GreenDrinksDC to learn about the pursuit of Green Seal-certification while enjoying great food and cocktails at Hotel Helix Lounge, 1430 Rhode Island Avenue NW. Hotel Helix is in pursuit of a green seal-certification and the hotel’s GM, James Adamson will be speaking about their initiatives.  Happy Hour pricing for food and drinks throughout the entire event, including half price beers and signature Pajama Party cocktails, www.loungedc.com.  Tuesday, March 9 from 7:00 – 9:00 PM, join Young Professionals for Clark Ray, a networking event for young professionals while supporting Ray’s run for DC Council at Peacock Café, 3251 Prospect Street NW. Beer, wine, and hors d’oeuvres will be served. Price: $30 minimum contribution, rsvp: info.  Wednesday, March 10, from 6:30 – 9:00pm, come to the Environmental Film Festival Launch Party.  Celebrate the 2010 Environmental Film Festival at the Warner Building Atrium, 1299 Pennsylvania Ave. Open Bar, Hors d’oeuvres, raffle, and Nora Pouillon of Restaurant Nora as a guest speaker.  Cost $20, rsvp to EFFrsvp@gmail.com  Wednesday, March 10 from 6:30 – 8:30 PM Choral Arts will present “A Musical Evening in Russia” hosted by Ambassador and Mrs. Kislyak at the Russian Embassy in honor of Rachmaninoff’s Vespers.  The celebratory evening will featuring musical excerpts and concert insights by Artistic Director Norman Scribner, along with a buffet dinner including Russia’s best vodka and culinary delights!  Tickets: $65. To reserve, contact Emily Riffle at eriffle@choralarts.org or 202-244-3669.  www.choralarts.org Wednesday March 10 , from 6:30-8:30 pm at Georgetown's Urban Chic, 1626 Wisconsin Ave NW, come to a Fashion for Paws fundraiser.  Discounts on all merchandise, champagne and treats, while providing funds for the Humane Society to help care for abandoned animals.  Please buy tickets through   Courtney 4 Paws website. VIP seats are sold out, but there are a few VIP tables and general admission tickets available. Wednesday, March 10 from 12:00 – 1:00 PM, join legendary designer Betsey Johnson at her store at Tysons Galleria, 1809 G International Drive, McLean. Since Alice in Wonderland opens this week, the theme will be Betsey in Wonderland! Staff will dress up as characters from the book, tea and champagne will be served. In addition, ALL evening dresses will be 15% off!! No rsvp necessary – come early to line-up! Wednesday, March 10 from 4:00 – 6:00 PM, come celebrate the third annual Tequila & Mezcal Festival with the opportunity to sample some of the highest quality tequila and mezcal at Oyamel, 401 7th Street NW. Three exclusive flights will be offered at $15 and $16, tequila and mezcal cocktails ranging in price from $10 to $12. No rsvp necessary, www.oyamel.com. Wednesday, March 10 from 6:00 – 8:00 PM, celebrate the launch of the new Guy French line of women’s blazers at Wink Boutique, 3109 M Street NW. Price: free, rvsp required, RSVP@guyfrench.com.  Wednesday, March 10 from 7:00 – 10:00 PM, join Arlington Young Democrats for its 9th Annual Date Auction at Clarendon Grill, 1101 N Highland Street, Arlington. Sign yourself up to be auctioned-off or come to bid on Arlington's sexiest bachelors and bachelorettes to support a worthy cause! Price: suggested donation of $5 gets you a bid card and raffle ticket. Guest can bring a canned or non-perishable food item for donation to Arlington Food Assistance Center to receive a free raffle ticket. Event details at: www.arlingtonyoungdems.org. Thursday, March 11 from 6pm – 8pm, support Jubilee Support Alliance as Smith & Wollensky hosts the 2nd Annual Scotch Tasting featuring Master of Whiskey John Heffernan, hors d’oeuvres prepared by Chef Joseph Evens, a selection of Scotch including Dalwhinnie, Oban, Coal Ila, Lagavulin and Johnnie Walker Blue Label and a Live Auction. 1112 19th St, NW, Tickets: $100 (only 125 tickets available). Contact info: Jubilee Support Alliance at jsaadmin@erols.com or 202-328-2498. Thursday, March 11 from 7:00 – 9:00 PM, presented through the DC Commission on the Arts, Black History, and Women’s History months -celebrate with ART Salon at the Historical Society of Washington, 801 K Street NW. Performance by Dolores Kendrick, Holly Bass and The Saartjie Project. Artwork by Soloman Wondimu and Dr. Floyd Coleman. Seating is on a first come first serve basis. For more information and to RSVP, contact: dccahevents@gmail.com.  Thursday, March 11 from 7:00 – 9:00 PM, join Critters (and Couture) for the Cure, a DC non-profit providing financial aid to women with cancer for an evening of fashion and champagne at Bloomingdales (Chevy Chase), 5300 Western Avenue. Female cancer survivors and their critters will fashion new designs, while attendees enjoy a luxury silent auction, cocktails and hors d’oeuvres. Price: $75/person (VIP tickets $150 which includes a VIP cocktail reception, reserved seating, and luxury gift bag). Information and tickets can be purchased at www.crittersforthecure.com. Thursday, March 11 8pm & 9:30, Washington Improv Theater’s Fighting Improv Smackdown Tournament (FIST). 44 teams join the battle, but only one will be crowned champion. So funny, it hurts. $10. Source 1835 14th Street, NW. March 4 – April 10. Info/Tix Thursday, March 11 from 7:00-9:00 pm, join Heart’s Delight Young Professional Group – The New Vintage for an exciting cooking demonstration and tasting of Château Coutet with proprietor, Aline Baly.  Cooking demonstration and food will be courtesy of L’Academie de Cuisine’s outstanding teacher and chef, Patrice Olivon.   Three vintages of Coutet’s wonderful sauternes will be paired with traditional French cuisine – perfect combination. All to raise money for the American Heart Association.  L’Academie de Cuisine, 5021 Wilson Blvd, Bethesda, Tickets: $50 ($25 is tax-deductible) www.hdthenewvintage.org or call (703) 248-1721 Tuesday, March 16 from 6:30 - 8:30 PM join Haitian Ambassador H.E. Raymond A. Joseph and his wife Mrs. Lola Poisson-Joseph for a reception and discussion to learn more about the current situation in Haiti at the Georgetown Club, 1530 Wisconsin Avenue, NW. Arranged by Innocents at Risk. Price: $65/person, valet parking is available. RSVP: 202.625.4338 or dsigmund@innocentsatrisk.org. To donate make checks payable to Innocents at Risk, 1101 30th Street NW Suite 500, Washington, DC 20007.  RESCHEDULED from March 9.   Thursday, March 18 from 6:30 until 10 pm, Cultural Tourism DC and the Embassy of Sweden present the Embassy Chef Challenge 2010, showcasing one of Washington's best-kept secrets – the world-class talents of embassy chefs. With 350 guests and a panel of celebrity judges in attendance, chefs from Washington's embassies will compete in this second annual friendly cooking competition, with entertainment and a silent auction.  Tickets: $225 at www.culturaltourismdc.org (or 202.661.7581). Sunday, March 28 7:00 - 10:00 PM (reception 6:00 pm) enjoy the 2010 Capital Area Food Bank’s 7th Annual Blue Jeans Ball, recognized as one of the area’s most fun charitable events at the Marriott Wardman Park, 2660 Woodley Road NW. The ball’s name says it all... The dress code is all about comfort—and a good cause. A chance to sample some of the area’s finest cuisine, enjoy live entertainment and bid on live and silent auction items. Price: $150/person, Sponsorships are available to individuals or organizations, purchase a ticket or become a sponsor, visit www.CapitalAreaFoodBank.org or call Jana Richardson at (202) 526-5344 ext. 234. Want your event featured in a special red box in Where to Be Scene? Contact mike@bisnow.com. Want to see more pictures?  Join our facebook group: Send story ideas: TheScene@Bisnow.com         CONTACT EDITORIAL CONTACT ADVERTISING CONTACT GENERAL INFO This newsletter is a journalistic news source which accepts no payment for featured interviews. It is supported by conventional advertisers clearly identified in the right hand column. You have been selected to receive it either through prior contact or professional association. 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