5th Annual Running of the Chihuahuas
DC’s Funniest Cinco de Mayo Celebration is Back!
(MOVED TO MAY 7th RAIN DATE!)
When: Sunday, May 1, 2016 | 1pm to 4 pm
Where: The Wharf 600 Water Street SW, Washington, DC 20024
Why: A benefit for local animal charities and a hilarious way to celebrate Cinco
What: Chihuahua races, food trucks, beer stands, live music, dog contests, a family friendly FREE event!
Kick off Cinco de Mayo at the Fifth Annual Running of the Chihuahuas! 1pm – 4pm on Sunday, May 1st at The Wharf – DC’s amazing new destination taking shape on the southwest waterfront. The Running of the Chihuahuas is part of DC’s best Cinco de Mayo celebration, an afternoon that includes great food from Sol Mexican, Red Hook and Captain Cookie food trucks, cold beer, live music from Sly 45 and of course, the races.
The highlight of the afternoon, the races feature 96 Chihuahuas racing in groups of eight on a sixty foot “race track.” All the action is captured on a 17 foot Jumbotron screen and the winners take home $500 in cash and prizes. ALL race proceeds benefit Rural Dog Rescue – a non-profit organization dedicated to pulling dogs from high-kill rural shelters.
Don’t have a Chihuahua? You can still take part in the excitement with the all-breed contests for best dressed dog and best trick! There will be local vendors and giveaways from DC’s pet friendly businesses.
Deadline to register dogs online is Friday, April 29th, walkups on race day accepted until all spots are full. $25 per dog to race. This is a family and dog-friendly, admission-free event, but you must be 21+ to drink beer. To enter and for more information, visit http://www.cincodc.com!
| Little Miss Whiskey’s Golden Dollar partners with friend and Neighbor Chef Ryan Gordon of British Pub Queen Vic for the third year in a row to present the popular, always sold out, Kentucky Derby Pig Roast on Saturday May 7th at 3 pm. Chef Ryan’s 2016 menu boasts an array of bourbon infused selections featuring this year’s partner Bulleit Bourbon, Beer Braised Sausage featuring Brewery Partner Anderson Valley and mouth-watering sides such as Pimento Mac and Cheese.
To sip; Bulleit Rye Mighty Mint Juleps with house-made, mint simple syrup and mint infused Bulleit Rye, as well as select brews from Anderson Valley; Summer Solstice Seasonal Ale (slightly sweet and malty), Briney Melon Gose (tart with subtle watermelon flavors and aromas), Boont Amber Ale (herbal, spicy, bitter) and Wild Turkey Bourbon Barrel-Aged Stout (toffee, espresso, chocolate, barley), all on tap.
The $48 ticket prices includes all you can eat and all you can tap from the Anderson Valley kegs. Mint Juleps, Little Miss Whiskey’s 130 plus craft beers, 60 plus whiskeys and full bar will be available for purchase. The Derby will be aired live at 6:34 pm and women are encouraged to wear hats. Tickets can be purchased here: https://lmw.ticketspice.com/kentucky-derby-pig-roast-saturday-may-7th-2016
Chef Gordon continues to out do himself and this year’s roast is no different. The 2016 Kentucky Derby Pig Roast Menu:
Apple & Bulleit Bourbon Injected Whole Roasted Pigs
Bulleit Bourbon & Caramel Dipped Pork Belly Lollipop
House-Made Sausage Braised in Beer & Sauerkraut Peach & Bulleit Bourbon Glazed Slow-Cooked Ribs
served w/ sides of Jalapeno Cheesy Grits Pork Belly Potato Salad Bacon & Bulleit Bourbon Baked Beans |
BONNETS & BOWTIES
Saturday, May 7, 2016
4pm to 7pm
The Willard InterContinental
1401 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20004
Enjoy the “fastest two minutes in American sports,” at the Willard InterContinental’s Annual Bonnets & Bowties Party.
Celebrate the 142nd Kentucky Derby in the Willard Room with an afternoon of Maker’s Mark Mint Juleps (2 per person), an open beer and wine bar, a Sothern Style Buffet, a live jazz ensemble by Chris Grasso Jazz Trio, casino-style games including Black Jack, Roulette and Craps, as well as a contest for the “Best Derby Bonnet.”
$99 per person
Reservations: 202-942-7000
For the second year in a row Silent Dance Society (SDS) enlivens DC neighborhoods with a late night music and dance experience that doesn’t disturb any neighbors. The multisensory Silent Disco experience lets guests dance to 3 different music genres played by 3 live DJs as they take in the summer air and gorgeous views from city’s best rooftops. The wireless headset technology lets attendees completely submerge into the music as they switch between the different live streaming DJ channels. The music is transmitted directly to each headset so that one can adjust the volume to their liking or step away from the dance floor without losing the beat.
In partnership with the Cambria Hotel & Suites, SDS is bringing the weekly Silent Disco experience to Shaw neighborhood – every Saturday, May 7th through September 3rd from 8pm – 12am.
In partnership with the Embassy Ro Hotel, SDS is bringing the weekly Silent Disco experience to Dupont Circle neighborhood – every Friday, May 20th through September 2nd from 6pm-11pm
WHO: 3 Live DJs, 3 Different Music Channels, 1 Open Air Dance Floor
WHEN: Season Kick-off – Saturday, May 7th
8pm-12am
WHERE: Cambria Rooftop, 899 O Street NW, Washington DC
TICKETS: $10-15 online headset rental; $20 at the door if not sold-out http://silentdisco-may7.eventbrite.com, www.silentdancesociety.com
The 3rd Annual Best Buddies Prom, a night of music and friendship for young people with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities, will be held Friday, May 13 in the Carnegie Library, Washington DC.
“This is a night of friendship and celebration for young people with intellectual and developmental disabilities [IDD] and their typical peers,” said Karen Glasser, regional director of Best Buddies Capital Region. This event gives local students of all abilities the chance to enjoy an evening of dancing, food, beverages and friendship. “The evening is also a joyous fundraising event for adults,” Glasser said, “who believe in Best Buddies mission of inclusion.”
The Best Buddies evening will be hosted by Prom Committee Chairman Tommy McFly of FRESH 94.7 FM’s The Tommy Show. Music will be programmed by popular local disc jockey DJ Neekola. A video of last year’s Prom can be found at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LaUCOF06Xv4
2015 Best Buddies Prom. Photo credit: Best Buddies Capital Region
BEST BUDDIES PROM
WHERE – Carnegie Library, 801 K Street, NW, Washington, DC 20001
WHEN – Friday, May 13 from 6:30 – 11 pm
6:30 – 8 pm: VIP Reception for adults
7:30 pm – 11 pm: Doors open for students and general ticket holders
TICKETS now on sale at www.BestBuddiesProm.org
$20/student. (With complimentary food and beverages)
$150/adult. (With complimentary open bar and passed hors d’oeuvres)
$175/VIP adult (Includes access to VIP Reception featuring hors d’oeuvres prepared by area top chefs and buddy chefs, as well as a complimentary open bar)
Although students are the stars of the evening, adults will enjoy their own celebration including a complimentary open bar, an assortment of delicious passed hors d’oeuvres, and an exciting silent auction. VIPs will have the opportunity to sample sweet and savory bites prepared by DC’s most celebrated chefs alongside student “sous chefs” from local Best Buddies programs during an exclusive VIP reception prior to the event. The adult celebration will allow guests to unwind while witnessing Best Buddies’ mission of social inclusion first-hand.
2015 Best Buddies Prom. Photo credit: Best Buddies Capital Region
Food at the VIP reception will be provided by:
- Executive Pastry Chef Padua Player – SugaChef
- Chef Christianne Ricchi – iRicchi Restaurant
- Chef Brazil Murphy – SPYCE Catering Co.
- Chef Jerome Grant – Mitsitam Native Foods Cafe
- Chef Adam Howard – corporate chef of Mike Isabella Concepts
- Chef Nate Waugaman – America Eats Tavern by Chef Jose Andres
- Chef John Melfi – The Oval Room
- Chef James Woznuik – Maketto’s Chef De Cuisine
The Iraqi Children Foundation (ICF), is hosting its fourth annual IN THEIR SHOES 5K Run/Walkin Alexandria, Virginia on Saturday, May 14th to benefit Iraq’s most vulnerable children – its orphans, street children and kids fleeing ISIS. Funds raised provide social services and legal aid to children at risk of trafficking and recruitment by terrorist organizations. This 5K unites diverse advocates in an unprecedented nonpartisan coalition to support these children.
The Honorable Allison Silberberg, Mayor of the City of Alexandria, Virginia and His Excellency Lukman Faily, Ambassador of Iraq to the U.S.will kick off the fundraising 5K event that brings runners, walkers and families together in support of this worthwhile cause. Check-in is at 7:00 AM, race time 8:00 AM, starting at theUS Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) 600 Dulany Street Old Town Alexandria, VA 22314.
Register here or make a tax deductible donation to the ICF effort here.
Former US Ambassador to Iraq and Medal of Freedom recipient Ryan C. Crocker (ret) who is on the 5K honorary committee observed, “While I was in Iraq in March, it was evident a new generation is emerging, unlike any other Iraq has ever known. With access to the Internet and the right to think and speak freely, they can reshape this nation and the region. They need our help to change history.”
IN THEIR SHOES 5K honorary committee members include Ambassador Lukman Faily, Ambassador Samir Sumaida’ie (Ret.), Ambassador Ryan C. Crocker (Ret.), Ambassador James F. Jeffrey (Ret.), Ambassador Richard Schmierer (Ret.), Ambassador William Taylor (Ret.), Ambassador Ronald E. Neumann (Ret.), General David Petraeus (Ret.), Major General Jeffery Buchanan, Dr. Jeremy Kohomban, Janice Chance, Gold Star Mother; Tony Culley-Foster and Shameem Rassam.
Key sponsors of IN THEIR SHOES include Khudairigroup, BH Defense, The Children’s Village, Magnolia’s On King and Sallyport. All sponsor funds go directly to providing care to Iraqi children. This event is also supported by an array of veteran led organizations that serve as strategic partners for IN THEIR SHOES, including Team Red White and Blue, EPIC, Goals and Dreams, and the Karadah Project.
Chairman Jonathan Webb, a founding member of ICF, who served in the Marine Corps and the United States Army, describes the healing impact it can have on veterans to be a part of IN THEIR SHOES. “It is said that when it comes to conflicts, especially those where we have not been successful in restoring peace, engaging with the children and supporting their needs can have an indelible impact on veteran’s psychosocial healing.For many veterans, the 5K provides an opportunity to make sure that the sacrifice of thousands of American men and women is not wasted, and to reach back in love to help these voiceless children. We want them to know they are not forgotten.” Link to photo here. Find ICF logo here.
By participating in this event, or making a donation in support of the cause, one can make an enduring impact in the life of a child. A donation of just $20 can be vital in helping a child get off the street and back into school, or provide access to their government food rations, while a donation of $100 can help save a child that is at risk of human trafficking or being recruited for terrorist activities. ICF has a goal of raising $200,000 in 2016, which will enable them to impact the lives of 2,000 at risk children in Iraq.
Calvary Women’s Services will host its 15th Annual Hope Awards Dinner on May 18, 2016 and celebrate the accomplishments of women who overcome homelessness and empower one another to reach their goals. All proceeds from the event will support Calvary’s housing, health, education and employment programs for women who are homeless. More than 300 guests from diverse backgrounds and sectors of the region are anticipated to be part of this exciting night for women in our community.
Erica May-Scherzer will deliver a keynote address and be presented with the Hope Award. Erica is an activist, feminist, social justice and human rights advocate who works with nonprofit organizations around the U.S. As an ambassador for Polaris, she advocates on Capitol Hill for the integration of human trafficking into a variety of policies.
The Hope Awards Dinner will be held in the Atrium Ballroom of the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center. The event begins at 6 p.m. with a cocktail reception. Giselle Hidalgo-Gato, bartender at Jose Andres’ China Chilcano, will prepare and serve specialty cocktails. The event continues with a silent auction followed by dinner, live auction and program.
WHO: More than 300 individuals are anticipated to be in attendance, including event sponsors, community and business leaders and past Hope Award honorees.
WHAT: Calvary Women’s Services 15th Annual Hope Awards Dinner
WHEN: Wednesday, May 18, 2016 6-9 p.m.
WHERE: Ronald Reagan Building & International Trade Center
Atrium Ballroom
1300 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20004
WHY: All proceeds raised from the event will support housing, health, education and employment programs that empower homeless women.
Calvary Women’s Services 15th Annual Hope Awards Dinner
When: May 18, 2016 6:00 – 9:00 PM
Where: Ronald Reagan Building & International Trade Center 1300 Pennsylvania Avenue NW Washington, DC 20004
Cost: $250.00
Calvary Women’s Services will host the 15th Annual Hope Awards Dinner on May 18 in celebration of women who are overcoming homelessness and changing their lives. Join Calvary for an uplifting event that includes a cocktail reception, silent and live auction, dinner and inspirational stories shared by women who are impacted by Calvary’s programs.
This year we are delighted to present the Hope Award to Erica May-Scherzer for her active engagement in nonprofit issues and causes including women’s empowerment, education and at-risk youth.
Proceeds from the Hope Awards Dinner will support Calvary’s housing, health, education and employment programs for women who are homeless.
Treat yourself to delicious cuisine from more than 100 of the area’s finest restaurants, while contributing to the Smithsonian’s National Zoo’s critical mission to save species. Food aficionados are invited to unleash their taste buds and enjoy tastings from the area’s best restaurants and wineries. The event, hosted by Friends of the National Zoo (FONZ), will take place on Thursday, May 19, from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. all in the wild setting of the National Zoo.
In addition to extraordinary food and fine wines, ZooFari also offers a night of unforgettable entertainment. Throughout the evening, guests will be surrounded by live music, exotic animal encounters, a silent auction, and new this year, cocktail tastings with seasonal and gourmet ingredients crafted by popular mixologists. Celebrity chefs Todd Gray (Equinox) and K.N. Vinod (Indique) will be in attendance and joining the festivities throughout the evening.
“ZooFari is our premier dining and fundraising event. Many of the restaurants have been featured on Food Network, Travel Channel and Cooking Channel,” said Lynn Mento, Executive Director of FONZ. “Best of all, the proceeds from this fabulous evening support conservation and saving species.”
Tickets are available now at fonz.org/zoofari. Ticket prices are $160 for FONZ members and $200 for nonmembers. Exclusive VIP group packages are also available. Some of these packages offer all-access tickets to the Premier Pavilion, valet parking, an exclusive VIP pre-party and the LivingSocial Lion Lounge, as well as behind-the-scenes animal tours.
The ZooFari online auction offers a lively way to support the Zoo’s programs. Bidding goes live Monday, May 9 through the online site BidPal. Vacation getaways, private Zoo tours, cooking lessons with top area chefs, and animal art are just a few of the hundreds of coveted items available in the auction.
Whether you use claws or cutlery, you won’t want to miss this year’s epic event!
ZooFari is presented by GEICO® and sponsored by Big Bus Tours, The Coca-Cola Company, Comcast, Fresh 94.7 FM, LivingSocial, NBC4, Rosenthal Jaguar/Land Rover, The Washington Post, Washingtonian Magazine and WTOP Radio.
