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!
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.
SPANISH EMBASSY OPEN HOUSE
May 14, 2016 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
2801 16th Street NW Washington, D.C. 20009
http://www.exteriores.gob.es/Embajadas/WASHINGTON/en/getinvolved/Paginas/Embassy-Open-House.aspx
Our cultural center, the Former Residence of the Ambassadors of Spain, will open its doors on Saturday, May 14, 2016 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. for a taste of the best Spain has to offer. With this event the Embassy is participating in the initiative “Shortcut to Europe: European Union Embassies’ Open House”, organized by the Delegation of the EU to the US.
The open house will coincide with a special exhibition called “Spanish Illustrators: The Color of Optimism,” featuring the works of the most relevant contemporary illustrators in our country. Curated by journalist and cultural manager Mario Suarez, the exhibition aims to discover and recognize a generation of young artists who frequently contribute to national and international publications, galleries, museums and commercial firms.
Highlights
– Live paella cooking class & free tasting
– Spanish bagpipe performances
– Children’s science workshop
– Virtual reality headset demonstration with 360º views of Spain
– “Spanish Illustrators: The Color of Optimism” exhibit featuring custom mural by Ricardo Cavolo
– Spanish ham carving workshop
– Olive oil and olive tasting
– D.C. United soccer activities
– Children’s arts and crafts & Cervantes cartoons
– Face painting
Food & Drink
Wet your whistle with a sip of sangria, some Spanish wine, or a cold glass of Spanish beer. You can also indulge in a plate of succulent paella, croquetas, or Spanish omelette. Thanks to our participating restaurants and food providers, you won’t go hungry!
– Barcelona Wine Bar, La Taberna del Alabardero, Estadio, La Tasca, Mahou Cerveza, Chef Feliciano, Ines Rosales, Ethnica Foods, Fermin Ibérico, Indi & Co and Acorsa.
Embassy Offices Represented
Political Section
Meet Embassy diplomats and staff and learn about Spain’s strong bilateral relations with the United States.
Culture Office
Visit the stunning exhibition on Spanish Illustrators and find out about cultural events throughout the year.
Economic & Commercial Office
Discover how to do business in Spain, how to work with Spanish companies in the U.S. and the important trade relationship between our two countries.
Education Office
Learn about educational opporunities in Spain, including opporunities to teach English, professional development for Spanish teachers in the U.S. and much more.
Defense Attaché Office
Learn about the strong bilateral defense relationship between the Spain and the U.S.
Office of Science, Technology, and Innovation
Meet Spanish scientists and members of ECUSA and learn about the exciting research they are doing both in Spain and the United States.
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.
On Monday, May 23trd, 38 of the area’s best chefs and mixologists will serve up special tastings of their signature dishes at Chef’s Best: A Taste of Compassion presented by AT&T. Hosted at the historic National Building Museum, Chef’s Best will benefit Food & Friends, a non-profit organization based in Washington, DC serving those living with HIV/AIDS, cancer, and other life-challenging illnesses.
Thanks to the efforts of this year’s Celebrity Chef Chair Michael Friedman of The Red Hen & All Purpose, guests will enjoy tastings prepared by some of the region’s most talented chefs including: Victor Albisu, Del Campo & Taco Bamba; Erik Bruner-Yang, Maketto & Toki Underground; Jeff Black, Black Restaurant Group; Patrick Curran,Momofuku; Haidar Karoum, Doi Moi, Estadio & Proof; and Robert Wiedmaier, Mussel Bar, among other notables from the DC dining scene. In addition, attendees will have the opportunity to bid on an array of exciting silent and live auction items featuring fantastic trips, one-of-a-kind experiences and private dining opportunities.
Proceeds from Chef’s Best will ensure the delivery of medically-specialized meals and personalized nutrition counseling to Food & Friends’ clients living with cancer, HIV/AIDS and other life-challenging illnesses. This year, Food & Friends will provide more than 1 million meals to more than 2,800 individuals in Washington, DC, Virginia and Maryland.
Food & Friends depends on the support of corporations, foundations and individuals and is grateful for the sponsors who have contributed to Chef’s Best.
“AT&T is proud to be the presenting sponsor of this year’s Chef’s Best: A Taste of Compassion. We are a longstanding supporter of Food & Friends because of its lasting impact on the community — from its service learning education program to its work restoring health and hope in the lives of those facing life-challenging illnesses. AT&T is grateful for what Food & Friends does every day to serve the DMV community,” said Erik Hower, Vice President, Public Affairs for AT&T and Food & Friends Board Member.
The event will also honor long time Food & Friends Board Member Christopher Wolf with the first annual Compassion in Action award
“There is no more basic charity than feeding sick people, and that is what Food & Friends does every day, providing not only food but compassionate friendship to so many men, women and children in need,” said Christopher Wolf, Food & Friends Board Member. “It’s hard to believe, but I have now served on the Food & Friends Board for more than 20 years. I have gotten so much out of the board experience, especially from the opportunity to see what a difference the staff and volunteers make in people’s lives. To be recognized for that service is ‘icing’ on the cake.”
In addition, Minority Whip Steny Hoyer will be presented with Food & Friends’ Public Servant Spirit of Caring award for his demonstrated commitment to the fight for health care accessibility and his work as a champion for thousands of Food & Friends clients.
Tickets are $350 and sponsorships begin at $1500. Visit www.foodandfriends.org/chefsbest to purchase tickets and see a current list of chefs and sponsors. The President’s Reception for sponsors begins at 5:30pm. Doors open for the main event at 6:30pm, with bidding for live auction starting around 8:15pm.
DC Greens, an organization aimed at supporting food education, food access and food policy in the nation’s capital, will host its second annual “Spring Dig” at Dock 5 at Union Market on May 24, 2016. Top chefs will prepare a seasonal, gourmet meal utilizing local purveyors, paired with Virginia wine and DC-distilled spirits. As with last year’s event, table sponsorships will come with customized, unforgettable culinary experiences in lieu of an auction.
What: DC Greens’ Spring Dig will highlight local food, wine and spirits, while working toward their mission of building a healthy food system in DC that can be a model for the nation. Guests will enjoy a multi-course, family-style dinner prepared by a talented culinary team of chefs from the country’s best restaurants. During the pre-dinner cocktail reception, guests will be treated to drinks from Green Hat Gin, as well as wine from Virginia’s Early Mountain Vineyards, served from their Airstream. Early Mountain will also be providing wine throughout the dinner. The evening will be MCed by chair of the DC Food Policy Council and chef Spike Mendelsohn (Bearnaise/Good Stuff Eatery).
Who: Participating chefs include Bryan Voltaggio of VOLT and Family Meal, Michael Voltaggio of Ink. (LA), Jeremiah Langhorne of The Dabney, Spike Gjerde of Woodberry Kitchen, Dan Giusti of Brigaid (formerly Noma), Rob Weland of Garrison, Ruben Garcia and Rick Billings of ThinkFoodGroup, and Robb Duncan of Dolcezza. Appetizers will be provided by Chaia Tacos, Rappahannock Oysters, EcoFriendly Foods and Righteous Cheese. Wine and spirits from Virginia’s Early Mountain Vineyards and DC’s Green Hat Gin, respectively, will be served.
When: Tuesday, May 24, 2016. The cocktail reception begins at 6:00 p.m. and the dinner will begin at 7:00 p.m.
Where: Dock 5 at Union Market, 1309 5th Street NE, Washington, DC 20002
Tickets: General admission tickets are $250 per person and include the cocktail reception and dinner. Tickets can be purchased at http://dcgreens.org/springdig/. Dress code is festive attire and valet parking will be available. With three levels of table sponsorships, guests are offered different on and off site experiences, including “Cool Experiences” such as a private shopping party at Salt & Sundry or a bottling party for 15 at Green Hat Gin distillery, or “Unforgettable Events” such as backstage VIP passes for the Sweetlife Festival or a cooking class for 10 with Chef Ruben Garcia.
2ND ANNUAL REBLOOM ON THE ROOF, MAY 26, 6-8:30 PM AT THE GRAHAM GEORGETOWN
Join Room to Rebloom, a 501c(3) organization centered on the restorative impact of interior design, and Co-Hosts Barry Dixon, award-winning interior designer and principal of Barry Dixon, Inc., and Will Thomas, Emmy-winning journalist and news anchor, for Room to Rebloom’s 2nd Annual Rebloom on the Roof on Thursday, May 26, 2016 from 6–8:30 p.m. at The Graham Georgetown, 1075 Thomas Jefferson Street, NW, Washington, DC. The night of celebration focuses on the power of design to change lives for survivors of domestic violence. Tickets are $125 each and can be purchased at www.roomtorebloom.org.
Silent auction items include a signature Thos. Moser Continuous Arm Chair, Framebridge custom frames, True Syrups gift basket, Southwest Airlines tickets, and original artwork.
The Gala’s Host Committee includes Gretchen Everett, Ann Lambeth, Sherry Moeller, and Sally Roche with Board of Directors Liz Levin, Lyn McGann, Enid McKitrick, Victoria Sanchez, Christie Stute, and Kia Weatherspoon.
Room to Rebloom’s mission is to design and create healing environments for survivors of domestic violence in the National Capital Area. Confidence and hope are crucial to women who are starting over, and a home that promotes healing and growth should be available to everyone. Interior designers recognize the connection of environment to personal well-being and often participate in projects to redesign shelters for homeless and battered women and families, with Room to Rebloom being the only organization in the region whose mission is to serve domestic violence survivors in independent housing.
For more information about Room to Rebloom’s 2nd Annual Rebloom on the Roof and to learn more about the nonprofit, go to www.roomtorebloom.org.