During a dinner last week at Healy Hall on Georgetown University's campus, Georgetown President Jack DeGioia honored the British Ambassador Nigel and Lady Sheinwald, who arrived in Washington last fall. See below for our photos of the event.

What: The 20th black-tie benefit that King (a survivor of quintuple-bypass surgery) has hosted to raise money for his foundation, which pays heart-related medical bills for patients who can’t afford treatment.

Where: The Ritz-Carlton Washington, D.C., 1150 22nd St., NW

When: Saturday, May 3, 6:30 PM

Who: Recognizable VIPs peppered the 44 tables in the ballroom of the Ritz. King and wife Shawn Southwick-King, sitting front and center, bounced on and off the mike all night, introducing everyone from Saturday Night Live comedian Darrell Hammond to Washington Redskins owner Dan Snyder. The honorable Sandra Day O’Connor—no introduction necessary—remained modest in the corner, but mention of her name brought a round of vigorous applause. Las Vegas hotshot illusionist Nathan Burton had the crowd believing in magic, and Grammy winner Seal brought down the house (and the hearts of every woman there) with a passionate performance.

Tailgaters, many with vintage cars, produced tables with crisp white linens and enjoyed shrimp cocktail, tea sandwiches, and Champagne—not exactly the same set that floods the parking lots of FedEx Field. On Member’s Hill, a gated section where race sponsors and other businesses set up tents, crowds enjoyed Southern-style fried chicken, spicy pork loin, and more tasty bites by Grand Cuisine caterers. Each tent also included a bar with wine and beer and a flat-screen TV for watching the races in comfort.

Photographs by Chris Leaman. 

• Laurel Colless —The wife of the Finnish ambassador (she’s actually a Kiwi) is working with area developers to prove Washington can be a green-building leader.

• Pietro Sambi —The Pope’s man in Washington has stories to tell after the Pontiff’s visit—but will he share the good ones?

• Colin Powell —Whom does the former secretary of State favor in the November presidential elections? Would he reenter government under President Obama?

Guests line up for martinis.

What: The bash ended a monthlong challenge issued to area restaurants by the Corcoran’s 1869 Society: Create the most artistic martini possible.

Where: Corcoran Gallery of Art, 500 17th St., NW

When: Wednesday, April 30, 7 PM

Who: A horde of fashion-forward men and women, to the extreme that you never see in Washington sans drink in hand at a swanky event. Where are these people during the day?

Food: The refreshingly unpretentious—and totally worthy of seconds—buffet included mini-cheeseburgers, ramekins of mac and cheese, and cones of crunchy shoestring fries.

It turns out This Week anchor George Stephanopoulos and Caps owner Ted Leonsis didn’t go to the prom, and Motion Picture Association head Dan Glickman lost his prom-night photos in a flood. As for these people, the pictures speak a thousand words.

What: Dubbed “The Secretary’s Reception for Donors to the Diplomatic Reception Rooms,” this two-hour cocktail party honored more than 200 donors who contributed more than $850,000 to conserving and maintaining the rooms where Condoleezza Rice and Dick Cheney meet with foreign officials.

Where: The Department of State

When: Friday, April 25, 6 to 8 PM

Who: Rice was the main attraction, hosting a receiving line on the way in to shake hands (and score us a great new Facebook profile picture). We were one table away from Attorney General Michael Mukasey and wife Susan, who looked sharp in a pinstripe suit and black-and-white patterned dress. Marcee Craighill, director of the diplomatic reception rooms, also joined the donors.