Chris4Life - Blue Hope Bash

October 26, 2011 - Hope is in the Air, Blue is Everywhere. At the Decatur House in Washington DC, the inaugural Blue Hope Bash by Chris4Life.org took place near The White House.

This year’s event theme is “Hope” and that sentiment was reflected with live entertainment from Ted Garber and band, speeches from Members of Congress, a nice dinner, signature
cocktails, silent auction, local business leaders, celebrities and inspirational stories from colon cancer survivors.

The event was emceed by ABC7/WJLA-TV health reporter Jennifer Donelan and featured a
keynote address presented by Congressman Dan Boren (D-OK) who lost his mother to colon cancer.

Dr. John Marshall (Clinical Director of Oncology, Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center) spoke from the stage, and Arch Campbell (ABC7/WJLA-TV) spoke from a video presentation. Other Honorary Co-Chairs include Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), Congresswoman Sue Myrick (R-NC), Congressman Paul Ryan (R-WI),

Michael Jakaitis (Morning Drive Editor, WTOP News) was there. ABC’s The Bachelor
Pad reality show star Michelle Money spoke from the stage. She recently lost her father to colon cancer and gave a moving speech. Michelle lost her father in August 2011 due to colon cancer and has become an advocate for colon cancer awareness. Michelle has partnered with 46NYC to design a shirt to benefit colon cancer awareness. Graham Bunn, also from The Bachelor Pad was there to accompany her along with Michelle's mother. Graham is part of 46NYC and recognized the Chris4Life charity and gave a donation to them.

After a Chris4Life video was shown, Michael Sapienza, Executive Director for Chris4Life spoke about Chris4Life, the Blue Hope Bash and the importance of early detection of colon cancer.

The principal mission of the Chris4Life Colon Cancer Foundation is to permanently eliminate the threat of colon cancer through discovery of a cure. Chris4Life is committed to significantly improving the treatment experience for patients and caregivers, and to dramatically raise awareness about colon cancer in general.

Sponsors for this year’s Blue Hope Bash affair include Audi, Fresh FM 94.7, Genentech, ABC7/WJLA-TV, News Channel 8, WTOP News 103.5, Republic National Distributing Company, WPGC 95.5, Bisnow and UPMC Cancer Centers. Photography provided by Vithaya Photography.

Miss Sinergy Woman of the Future Competition

October 22, 2011 - Sinergy was in the Air

The 2012 Miss Sinergy Woman of the Future Competition has been planned for months and it came down to this exciting night at the Embassy of France in DC where twenty ladies competed at this event. "The Miss Sinergy competition is held annually to crown and promote a charitable ambassador who creates and champions the platform of her choice during her twelve month reign."

Guests mingled and enjoyed an open bar and hors d'oeuvres and some had their pictures taken in front of the step and repeat. The venue was alive with anticipation and excitement for the competition and guests soon filled the auditorium with all eyes on the stage. Dancing With The Stars (Australia) Joshua Horner and D.C.'s Stefanie Ball emceed this event. There was a special performance by Danish star MEDINA! It was Medina's first time in the United States and this event was glad to have her sing some of her songs.

View more of my pictures from this competition.

All proceeds benefit the Libby Ross Foundation for breast cancer.

Charities involved:
The Libby Ross Foundation: www.thelibbyrossfoundation.com
Becky's Fund: www.beckysfund.com
The Skin Cancer Foundation: www.skincancer.org
USO: www.uso.org

Judges:
Becky Lee, Carl Ray, Chloe Mortaud, Chris Saltalamacchio, Eva Stefan, Fred Bean, Justin Daniel, Kamie Crawford, Marianne Rhoda, Michelle Schoenfeld, Mike Shields, Ronnia Fornstedt, Yvonne Taylor.

2012 Host Committee:

Marianne Rhoda
Carl Ray
Michelle Schoenfeld
Lindsey Mask
Chris Saltalamacchio
Autumn Pusateri
Marina Harrison Cooper
Houston Sanford
Allison Gershon
Ilia Karas
Tala Raassi
Eva Stefan
Becky Lee
Justin Daniel

Other Special Invited Guests Include:

MEDINA
Miss Teen USA - Kamie Crawford
Miss France - Chloe Mortaud
Miss Universe Sweden - Ronnia Fornstedt
Miss Portugal - Laura Goncalves
Miss Puerto Rico - Viviana Ortiz
Miss Netherlands - Kelly Weeker
Miss South Carolina USA - Courtney Turner
Miss Arkansas USA - Adrielle Churchill
Miss DC USA - Heather Swann
Miss Maryland USA - Allyn Rose

"Bringing ideas together in order to share success." -Sinergy

Pink Rocks The Runway

The date of Friday, October 21 was emblazoned in the consciousness of the many who were looking forward to Pink Rocks the Runway, an annual breast cancer awareness fashion show that combines couture fashion and live rock music brought about by Pink Jams! It's a one-of-a-kind charity event thanks to all involved and this year's event was held at the beautiful and spacious atrium of the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center from 7:00-10:00pm.

Pink Rocks the Runway 2011 was proud to have headliner Christian Siriano with his ENTIRE Spring 2012 collection to our runway! This is the same collection shown at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week.

View my album of photos from this event:
http://vithaya.smugmug.com/Fashion/20111021-Pink-Rocks-Runway-VP/19710412_cGmnF2#1547067444_B6t6xNF

ON THE RUNWAY
* Young breast cancer survivor models wearing pink couture by DC designers
* Pink Tie Guys - Washington Redskins' Reed Doughty and Brandon Banks, DC United's Clyde Simms and Devon McTavish, Actor Wil Lash, ESPN's Jorge Andres, Fox-5's Will Thomas, Comcast Sportsnet's Ivan Carter, former Redskins Ade Jimoh and Ravin Caldwell, Michael Woestehoff, and more.
* Spring/Summer 2012 Runway Show from Christian Siriano

MORE
* Live Music by Charm City Devils
* Open Bar and Hors d'oeuvres
* VIP Swag Bag
* Private exclusive after-party at Hard Rock Cafe

Sponsors and front row ticket holders received a meet and greet and photo with Christian Siriano. All proceeds from Pink Rocks the Runway supports Pink Jams, a non-profit organization dedicated to raising breast cancer awareness for men and women under the age of 40. Pink Jams! will be awarding a special grant to the Capital Breast Care Center for their work in our community that evening.

2011 Host Committee:
Alan Popovsky, Alex Mehrnaz Naini, Angela Steever-Diba, Barbara Saylor, Brendan Kownacki, Bryan Thomas, Chris Brown, Deidree Bennett, Jane Roser, Kate Marie Grinold, Kate Michael, Katy Adams, Lisa Shapiro, Makeda Saggau-Sackey, M. Nicole Siobal, Ashley Estill, Mark Drapeau, Stef Woods, Susannah Fox, Kimberly Robinson, and Wendy Gordon (Chairperson).

2011 Pink Dress Designers:
Aidah, Booshie Designs, Chez Kevito, Elizabeth St. John, Estella Couture, KAS Collections, Punk Rock Bride, Walish Gooshe, Natalia Sanz, Dennya, MAVEN, LLC, Studio Maxi-D, Tsyndyma, and Tashia Senn.

2011 Sponsors Include:
Bubbles and Cibu (Ratner Companies) - Presenting Sponsors
Lifetime Television, vitaminwater, Comcast Spotlight, Gibson Guitar, Bayer Onyx, BB&T, Belmont Reconstructive Surgery, Effen Vodka, BB&T, Dining in DC, Moshe Zusman Photography Studio, Mix 107.3, Send the Trend, and Savoir Faire Media.

After-Party at Hard Rock Cafe DC
From 10pm to 2am American Giant, a 90′s and Modern Rock cover band performed live at the Hard Rock Cafe DC exclusively for Pink Jams! Admission was free for event ticket holders.

Thanks to Christa Floresca and her crew including Maggy Francois, the executive producer of the event. Thanks to the designers, models, hair stylists, make-up artists, sponsors and supporters for making this all happen.

www.PinkRockstheRunway.com
www.PinkJams.org

Key to the Cure 2011 Kick-off Party

October 20, 2011 - Off to a Good Start - It was a well-attended kick-off party for Key to the Cure and guests were all over Saks Fifth Avenue in Chevy Chase enjoying all that was offered. Event co-chairs Maura Fitzgerald Shannon and Nina Snow hosted an evening of shopping, entertainment, cuisines from local restaurants, and the exciting Key to the Treasure raffle! This cocktail party event kicks off a sensational shopping weekend benefiting women's cancer programs at Suburban Hospital.

Showcased restaurants for Key to the Cure Kick-off Party 2011 (as of 10/10/11):
Bezu, Firefly, Food and Wine Co., 42° Catering (Frederik De Pue), Neyla, Rosa Mexicana, Estadio, Melting Pot, Hudson, Georgetown Cupcake, Indique Heights, Matchbox, Mon Ami Gabi, Sushi Ko, Lincoln, The Capital Grille, The Red Tomato, Urbana, Woodmont Grill (Houstons), Yuraku.

More information: http://www.suburbanhospital.org/charitableGiving/keytocure_2011.aspx

An Evening of Fashion at The W

October 19, 2011 - It was certainly an evening of fashion at the beautiful W hotel in Washington DC where this event took place to benefit the Children's National Medical Center. This event is presented by Ninos Rising in association with Mundovision Media, and BRAG! Models Agency.

Executive Chef and Restaurant Owner, Mike Cordero has supported many causes through the years and decided to begin a cause he is passionate about (Ninos Rising). Mike grew up in an under privileged home in the South Bronx in NYC, and knows firsthand what it is like to have so many strikes against you. He is now giving back to the community.

"Children's National Medical Center is the only exclusive provider of pediatric care in the metropolitan Washington area and is the only freestanding children's hospital between Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Norfolk, and Atlanta. Serving the nation's children for over 140 years, is a proven leader in the development and application of innovative new treatments for childhood illness and injury."

Sports Anchors Britt McHenry and Jorge Andres served as the events hosts and Aaron Machado from Project Runway served as the Fashion Host for the evening. Makeup and hair styling was done by Ink Cosmetics and W Salon. The Fashion Show featured designs by Red Chapter, Donovan England and Tsyndyma. DJ Neekola helped create an energetic and atmospheric vibe within the POV Lounge and there were dynamic performances by international artist Jason Cerda and also by two child virtuoso performers: Alex Fadul, and Isaiah Lemons.

Thanks to all who helped make this evening special including the volunteers, sponsors and all who came out for this evening at The W.