Joining the locals were actress Jessica Biel, who stars in the upcoming Valentine’s Day; hip-hop singer and 1st and 15th Entertainment CEO Lupe Fiasco; and Australian actress Isabel Lucas (Transformers). The team battled rain, snow, hail, and effects of altitude, like headaches and dizziness, to raise awareness of the urgent need for clean water.

The executive director of global partnerships for the UN Foundation, Elizabeth Gore, Blue Planet Legacy’s Alexandra Cousteau (sister of EarthEcho’s Philippe Cousteau), and Stanford activist Kick Kennedy (granddaughter of Senator Robert Kennedy).

Our friend Elizabeth Gore, at the summit of Mt. Kili last week. Millions were able to follow the 50 mile trek on Summit on the Summit, making it the world’s first virtual mountain climb. You can also see it as an MTV documentary on March 14.

BET Honors!

The third annual BET Honors at the Warner Theatre this weekend honored Whitney Houston, Queen Latifah, and Sean Diddy Combs. On the red carpet, host Gabrielle Union told us she took her mom to Recess and ate at Georgia Browns, which is her favorite brunch spot because it’s s gotten so sexy.

R&B crooner and songwriter Ne-Yo, who’s penned hits for Whitney Houston, Beyonce, Rihanna, Leona Lewis, and Celine Dion.

Academy Award nominated actress Taraji P. Henson, a Washingtonian, told us she loves going to Tabaq and anywhere else on U Street.

Singer Mya, another local gal made good, on the red carpet, was the season’s fave on Dancing with the Stars. And thanks to Joi-Marie McKenzie, whose lens is longer than our little point-and-shoot.

Lela!

We went to the Mayflower on Thursday night for MODUS UNION 2010 featuring the Lela Rose spring/summer collection, hosted by Labels for Love. We snapped Lela, a Texas native, who told us she was delighted to have designed the bridesmaids’ dresses for Jenna Bush’s wedding.

Mary Amons, who’s rumored to be on the Bravo reality series Real Housewives of DC, founded Labels for Love, which organized the evening of fashion and philanthropy to benefit the Center for Heart, Lung and Kidney Disease at Children's Hospital.

PR at Partners stylist James Cornwell and Sveltte’s Elaine Mensah, who also serve as hosts of FashionBS Radio.

Queen Bee Design’s Allison Priebe Brooks, Julep Consignment owner Krista Johnson, and Laura Ginsburg.

After Party!

We visited Recess, the newest downtown lounge, for the after party, and snapped Matthew Hebert, who told us he’s running for Leukemia/Lymphoma Man of the Year, with Chadleon Booker.

Makeda Saggau-Sackey contributed to this issue.

WHERE TO BE SCENE:

Tuesday, January 19 from 5:30pm-9:30pm at Recess Lounge (727 15th Street NW) come to "Union Makes Strength" Fundraiser for Haitian Earthquake Relief Suggested Donation - $20. ALL (100%) proceeds will go towards helping two non profits organizations: Yele Haiti (www.yele.org) and Partners In Health (www.pih.org) Please also visit the Facebook invite for more information: more information.

Tuesday, January 19 from 5:30 – 8:00 PM visit Current for Happy Hour for Haiti -- 100% of all proceeds benefitting the Oxfam American Haitian Earthquake Response Fund. Drink specials from 5:30 – 8 and sushi specials until 7. For more information about Oxfam American visit: http://www.oxfamamerica.org/emergencies/earthquake-in-haiti.

Tuesday, January 19 from 8:00 PM – 12:00 AM join fellow fist pumpers at McFadden’s, 2401 Pennsylvania Ave. NW for a night with MTV’s Jersey Shore cast members, JWoww and Pauly D! $1 Miller High Life cans, $2 Blue Moon drafts, and $5 Jagerbombs from 8-close. No RSVP required, event is free!

Tuesday, January 19 at 7:00 PM the Citizens Association of Georgetown will honor its first participants of the Oral History Project at City Tavern,  3206 M Street NW, RSVP cagmail@catown.org or call (202)377-7317.

Wednesday, January 20 from 6:00 – 9:00 PM fundraise at Columbia Firehouse, 109 S. St. Asaph Street, Alexandria, VA. The $40 donation covers hors d-oeuvres – along with an available cash bar – and will be given to H.E.R.O (Haitian Emergency Rebuilding Operation). Visit:  http://www.columbiafirehouse.com

Wednesday, January 20 from 7:00 - 10:00 PM, join Luke's Wings for its Second Annual Fashion Takes Flight Fundraiser at Long View Gallery, 1234 Ninth St. N.W. Washington, D.C. to raise funds to fly the families of service members to their beside during their hospitalization and rehabilitation. Cocktails, hors d’ouvres, fashion show. VIP Tickets: $100 for VIP reception from 7-8, General Admission: $50 at www.lukeswings.org  – No door sales, all tickets must be purchased at http://fashiontakesflight2010.eventbrite.com.

Wednesday, January 20 from 5:30 – 9:00 PM join Smithsonian Young Benefactors at CoCo Sala, 929 F Street NW for YBs and friends for their monthly happy hour. Non-members are welcome to come learn about the organization. Event $10, For more information on the Young Benefactors of the Smithsonian, please visit: http://youngbenefactors.org.

Wednesday, January 20 from 6:00 PM – 12:00 AM join Adventurati’s DC Apres-Ski at L2 Lounge, 3315 Cady’s Alley NW, for an adrenaline junkies & risk takers happy hour!  Next on Adventurati agenda: skiing in Jackson Hole in February or yachting around the Caribbean in March. No cover for Adventurati guests. RSVP: http://www.adventurati.com/l2/.

Wednesday, January 20 from 5:30 – 8:00 PM join the Women’s National Democratic Club for Sip & Twit, combining wine tasting with the social networking platform of Twitter. Sip & Twit participants will be able to ‘tweet’ their tasting thoughts throughout the evening. Prizes will be offered to those who tweet the most. To purchase tickets, $39, visit www.sipandtwit.com. 

Thursday, January 21 from 8:00 – 11:00 PM lend your support in attending the Haiti Benefit Concert at Bloom Bars, 3222 11th Street NW. Donations will be made to Wyclef’s Yele Haiti fund. Price: $5 – You can also donate directly at http://www.yele.org.

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