Apr
25
Tue
Taste of Shaw Gala @ Howard Theatre
Apr 25 @ 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Shaw Main Streets will host its annual Taste of Shaw Gala on Tuesday April 25, 2017from 7pm to 9pm. The annual event celebrates the neighborhood’s diverse businesses and residents, and is a fundraiser for initiatives that enhance and promote commerce within the Shaw neighborhood. DC’s beloved Howard Theatre will be the backdrop for live music and libations and delicious bites from some of DC’s best bars and restaurants. Proceeds from the event support Shaw Main Streets’ economic revitalization and historic preservation activities in the Shaw neighborhood of DC, which have helped bring about the transformation of central Shaw since 2003. This year’s hashtag, #LoveShaw, represents the comradery of Shaw’s business owners and the citywide support and accolades the neighborhood continues to receive. From Michelin stars to Rammy nominations and stellar reviews, Shaw’s bars and restaurants continue to help raise the Shaw neighborhood’s profile locally and nationally.

 

A hospitality renaissance led by top chefs and mixologists has been under way in recent years, bringing fresh concepts and perspectives in cuisine and beverage, as well as a host of new talent, making Shaw the city’s top dining and imbibing destination. Recent openings such as the neighborhood craft cocktail bar Service Bar DC (a new take on the local watering hole from veteran bartenders Chad Spangler and Glendon Hartley), the Chinese-French concept Kyirisan from husband and wife team Tim and Joey Ma, and neighborhood anchors such as The Passenger, DC’s favorite industry bar, and Convivial, which was one of 2015’s opening highlights; will be among the many participants in the annual Shaw Main Streets Gala. Shaw Main Streets invites the entire region to explore some of the best of the neighborhood has to offer at one venue, on one special evening.

 

Guests can expect a festive atmosphere, open beer and wine bar, and unlimited cuisine and cocktails from a Taste of Shaw’s stellar host committee of chefs, restaurateurs, and mixologists.  Ward 6 Councilmember Charles Allen will receive the 2017 Shaw Champion Award, chosen by the Board of Directors of Shaw Main Streets for his consistent support of economic revitalization in Shaw and SMS’ efforts to create the thriving community that Shaw is today. Appearances by Mayor Bowser and other public officials are also slated.

The 2017 Taste of Shaw host committee includes the following bars and restaurants:

 

The Brixton                             Buttercream Bakeshop           Cava    

Convivial                                 Dacha                                     Dino’s Grotto

The Tavern at Henley Park     Eat the Rich                            El Rey

Etete                                       French Quarter Brasserie       Haikan

Half Smoke                             Kyirisian                                  La Jambe

The Passenger                       Service Bar                             Seylou

Southern Efficiency                Tiger Fork

 

Advance tickets are $80 and can be ordered online at www.smsgala17.eventbrite.com. On the day of the event, tickets will be $100. Tickets include unlimited food and cocktail tastings, beer and wine, and complimentary valet parking.

May
11
Thu
Ball for the Mall @ National Mall
May 11 @ 6:30 PM – 11:30 PM

The Trust for the National Mall will celebrate its tenth anniversary as an official partner of the National Park Service with a benefit gala, the BALL for THE MALL.

 

WHAT:            CNN’s Wolf Blitzer will serve as the Master of Ceremonies for the program, which will include a celebration of accomplishments to date and a look ahead to continued progress. The event will honor businessman and philanthropist, David M. Rubenstein, with the “History, Heroes, & Hope Award” for his dedication and continued support in restoring and improving the National Mall and visitor experience. Award-winning author and historian Douglas Brinkley will present Rubenstein with the honor. The benefit gala will also include a VIP reception, seated dinner with guest speakers and live music and entertainment. Ticket information at nationalmall.org/ballforthemall.

 

WHO:              Honoree:             David M. Rubenstein, Co-CEO & Co-Founder of the Carlyle Group

Emcee:                 Wolf Blitzer, CNN’s lead political anchor

Speakers:            Douglas Brinkley, Author & Historian

Catherine Townsend, President & CEO of the Trust for the National Mall

Chip Akridge, Chairman, Trust for the National Mall

 

WHEN:            May 11, 2017

6:30 P.M.

 

WHERE:           On the grounds of the National Mall

Madison Drive at Twelfth Street

 

Celebrating ten years of partnership with the National Park Service, the Trust for the National Mall is dedicated to sustainably restoring, improving and preserving the National Mall for present and future generations. Stretching from the U.S. Capitol to the Lincoln Memorial, the beloved but well-worn National Mall hosts 36 million visits each year but requires more than $840 million in deferred maintenance and needed upgrades. This public-private partnership is a model for bringing critical resources to the National Mall, home to the enduring symbols of our democracy.

Jun
3
Sat
2017 WNO Opera Gala & Concert @ Kennedy Center
Jun 3 @ 6:30 PM – 11:30 PM

(WASHINGTON)—Washington National Opera (WNO) today announces an exciting

conclusion to its 2016–2017 season: the 2017 WNO Opera Gala, celebrating WNO

Board Chairman Jacqueline Badger Mars, who will step down as Chairman this

summer. The Gala, on Saturday, June 3, 2017, will include a concert in the Kennedy

Center Opera House featuring the WNO Orchestra and an array of musical stars who

will pay special tribute to Jacqueline Mars’s visionary leadership of WNO: legendary

soprano Renée Fleming, superstar mezzo-soprano and D.C. native Denyce Graves,

and Hamilton Tony Award® winner Leslie Odom Jr. The Gala is presented as part of

JFKC, the Kennedy Center’s season-long celebration of John F. Kennedy’s centennial,

and explores the themes of service and gratitude, which are often associated with

President Kennedy.

The Co-Chairmen of the WNO Opera Gala are WNO Life Chairman Mrs. Eugene B.

Casey and Mrs. John F. Mars. The Opera Gala pays tribute to Jacqueline Badger Mars

for her six seasons of leadership of the WNO Board of Trustees. Highlights of her

tenure include the founding of the American Opera Initiative, which for the last five

seasons has helped identify the brightest rising American composers and librettists and

has added their work to the repertory; the programming of an annual opera for families

at the holiday season, including Hansel and Gretel, The Little Prince, and the world

premiere commission of The Lion, the Unicorn, and Me; and the presentation of WNO’s

first-ever complete Ring cycles in 2016, a feat that put WNO into a very elite group of

American opera companies.

“I have been honored to work with Jacquie Mars since 2008, and her imaginative

leadership and guidance have brought WNO unparalleled growth and success while

also making the opera more accessible to a broader audience,” said WNO executive

director Michael L. Mael. “Our next Chairman will certainly have big shoes to fill, but I

am happy that Jacquie will continue to steer this company as a WNO trustee.”

Tickets for the Gala concert start at $49 and are on sale now to Kennedy Center

members. Tickets go on sale to the general public on Friday, April 21, 2017 at 10 a.m.

For those who wish to purchase special Gala packages, the evening will begin with a

VIP cocktail reception on the Kennedy Center’s River Terrace at 5:30 p.m., followed by

the Gala concert at 6:30 p.m. After the performance, Gala package holders will depart

the Kennedy Center for elegant black-tie dinners hosted by many ambassadors at their

embassies or residences throughout the city, a longtime tradition of the Opera’s season-
ending social gathering.

The Opera Gala is WNO’s largest fundraiser and one of Washington’s most anticipated

events of the year. Proceeds from the Opera Gala will play a crucial role in advancing

the Opera’s award-wining artistic, educational, and outreach programs.

While the 2016–2017 season is coming to an end, the new season promises

excitement. WNO’s 2017–2018 season includes new productions of Verdi’s epic drama

Aida, the company premiere of Handel’s magical baroque opera Alcina, and Verdi’s

towering masterpiece Don Carlo, plus Rossini’s delightful comedy The Barber of Seville

and Bernstein’s biting satire Candide. The season also features a festival weekend of

four world premieres as part of the American Opera Initiative, the return of the holiday

family opera The Little Prince, two special Domingo-Cafritz Young Artist performances,

and more. Subscription packages are available now.

TICKET INFORMATION:

Tickets for the Gala concert start at $49 and are available online, in person at the

Kennedy Center Box Office, and by calling (202) 467-4600 or (800) 444-1324. For all

other ticket-related customer service inquiries, call the Advance Sales Box Office at

(202) 416-8540.

Oct
19
Thu
Blue Hope Bash @ Mellon Auditorium
Oct 19 @ 5:30 PM – 11:30 PM

WHAT: Colon Cancer Alliance 7th Annual Blue Hope Bash

The Blue Hope Bash is the premiere fundraising gala of the Colon Cancer Alliance. It brings together both individuals and corporations that are passionate about supporting our mission to end colon cancer within our lifetime. Since the event’s inception in 2010, it has raised more than $5 million.

The Bash aligns our community of passionate advocates for an inspirational evening to celebrate survivorship and remember loved ones. This year, the Colon Cancer Alliance has set a goal to raise a record-breaking $1 million to support our mission and strategic plan: to invest $10 million in research, save 100,000 lives through increased screening and double the number of constituents Colon Cancer Alliance serves.

WHEN: Thursday, October 19, 2017

5:30 p.m. – VIP Reception
6:30 p.m. – General Reception

8:00 p.m. – Dinner & Program

10:00 p.m. – Event Ends

WHERE: Andrew Mellon Auditorium, 1301 Constitution Ave, NW – Washington, D.C.

EVENT THEME: In This Together

BASH EMCEE: Craig Melvin, Co-Anchor of NBC’s Weekend ‘Today Show’, National Correspondent for ‘Today’, and Anchor on MSNBC. Craig recently shared on the Today Show his connection with the disease when his brother Lawrence, was diagnosed with Stage 4 colon cancer at age 39. Craig’s brother Lawrence and his wife Angela will be in attendance. (Today Show Link)

EVENT CO – CHAIRS: Avi & Michelle Benaim. Michelle Benaim was diagnosed with stage IV colon cancer in 2015 at age 47. She and her husband Avi turned to the Colon Cancer Alliance for support, guidance and information as they navigated Michelle’s diagnosis and have grown to be passionate supporters of the organization’s mission. Michelle passed away on September 30 at the age of 49. Her husband Avi, her three children, and their family will be in attendance to celebrate her life, legacy and dedication to ending the disease by increasing awareness and funding colon cancer-specific research.

SPECIAL GUESTS & VIPS IN ATTENDANCE:

Carmen Marc Valvo, American Fashion Designer, Colon Cancer Alliance Vice Chair & Survivor
Lindsay Czarniak, ESPN SportsCenter Anchor (wife of Craig Melvin)

Lawrence & Angela Meadows (brother and sister-in-law of Craig Melvin)

Former Senator Henry Waxman and his wife Janet Waxman

Roma Torre, Anchor for NY1News

John Backus, Managing Partner at Proof.VC and Colon Cancer Alliance Board Chair

 

KEY EVENING ELEMENTS & ADDITIONAL INFO:

This evening of hope, inspiration and celebration will feature a welcome reception, notable VIP’s, dinner, live and silent auctions and other elements such as:

 

Porche Car Raffle – one lucky winner will win a custom 2018 Porche Boxster. Only 850 tickets were printed and the winner does not need to be present to win. Raffle tickets are $100 and purchased online here.

 

Bubbles, Bourbon, & Bling – The Colon Cancer Alliance’s signature Bubbles, Bourbon & Bling raffle is back with a twist! Guest can purchase a glass of champagne or bourbon for $100 and be entered in for the chance to win a gorgeous 2.63 carat sapphire ring or a men’s Rolex Submariner watch courtesy of Liljenquist & Beckstead.

 

Lyn Ferriero – Recipient of the Erica & Michael Paul Memorial Award (in recognition of her long-standing dedication and generous service to the Colon Cancer Alliance).

 

For additional event information, visit www.BlueHopeBash.org.

Nov
11
Sat
10th Annual YPFP Affairs of State Gala @ City Tavern Club
Nov 11 @ 8:00 PM – 11:00 PM

10TH ANNUAL

AFFAIRS OF STATE GALA & FUNDRAISER

 

Who: YPFP

 

What: 10th Annual Affairs of State Gala & Fundraiser

 

When: November 11, 2017, 8:00pm-11:00pm

 

Where: City Tavern Club, 3206 M St NW, Washington, DC 20007

 

Why: Affairs of State is DC’s largest gathering of NextGen leaders across business, government, and civil society. A limited number of press passes will be given to members of the press attending and covering the gala.

 

Quote: “For 10 years Affairs of State has been a highlight on Washington’s

fall social calendar. But this year, Affairs of State will make an even bigger splash – on November 11, we’ll celebrate YPFP’s new impact mission and the emerging voices it amplifies. As the event will occur on Veterans Day, we’ll recognize leaders who have served our country.”
– Jarrel Price, President of YPFP

 

Tickets: Tickets on sale now through November 11th, available here.

 

Nov
29
Wed
Washington Business Hall of Fame @ National Building Museum
Nov 29 @ 5:30 PM – 9:30 PM

WHAT: The Washington Business Hall of Fame recognizes the professional and philanthropic accomplishments of outstanding business leaders in our region who have made significant contributions to the quality

of life in Greater Washington. More than 100 remarkable laureates have been inducted into the Washington Business Hall of Fame since its founding in 1988 by Junior Achievement of Greater Washington,

The Greater Washington Board of Trade, and The Washingtonian. Honorees must be either in the capstone years of their career or retired from the company most closely associated with their business accomplishments.

 

WHEN: Wednesday, November 29

5:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.

 

WHERE: National Building Museum

401 F Street, NW

Washington, DC 20001

 

WHO: Ed Grenier, President and CEO, Junior Achievement of Greater Washington

Terri McClements, Managing Partner, PwC Mid-Atlantic, and Chair, 2017 Washington Business Hall of Fame

2017 Laureates:

Philip D. M. de Picciotto – Founder and President, Octagon, Inc.

Michael N. Harreld – Immediate Past President, PNC Bank, Greater Washington

Gracia C. Martore – President & CEO, TEGNA Inc.

Christopher J. Nassetta – President & CEO, Hilton

Presenting Sponsors:

Capital One

PwC

For profiles of this year’s laureates as well as ticket and sponsorship information, please visit www.washingtonbusinesshalloffame.org.

Washington Business Hall of Fame @ National Building Museum
Nov 29 @ 6:00 PM – 9:30 PM

The Washington Business Hall of Fame recognizes the professional and philanthropic
accomplishments of outstanding business leaders in our region who have made significant
contributions to the quality of life in Greater Washington. The annual black-tie gala and awards
ceremony brings together 1,200 business and civic leaders and raises over $1 million annually
to support Junior Achievement of Greater Washington’s innovative financial literacy, work
readiness, and entrepreneurship programs for K-12 students.
More than 100 remarkable laureates have been inducted into the Washington Business Hall of
Fame since its founding in 1988 by Junior Achievement of Greater Washington, The Greater
Washington Board of Trade, and The Washingtonian. Honorees must be either in the
capstone years of their career or retired from the company most closely associated with their
business accomplishments.
For profiles of this year’s laureates as well as ticket and sponsorship information, please visit
www.washingtonbusinesshalloffame.org.

WHEN: Wednesday, November 29, from 6:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
WHERE: National Building Museum

WHO: Ed Grenier, President and CEO, Junior Achievement of Greater Washington

Terri McClements, Managing Partner, PwC Mid-Atlantic, and
Chair, 2017 Washington Business Hall of Fame
2017 Laureates:
Philip D. M. de Picciotto – Founder and President, Octagon, Inc.
Michael N. Harreld – Immediate Past President, PNC Bank, Greater Washington
Gracia C. Martore – President & CEO, TEGNA Inc.
Christopher J. Nassetta – President & CEO, Hilton

Dec
31
Sun
Art Jamz New Year’s Eve Party @ Art Jamz Dupont Studio
Dec 31 2017 @ 10:00 PM – Jan 1 2018 @ 1:00 AM

ArtJamz is hosting an arty New Year’s Eve party Dec 31st to Jan 01st from 10PM to 1AM. The 3HR ArtJamz Glitter Ball Extravaganza features jamming music, hors d’oeuvres, canvas and walls revelers can paint on, a midnight neon champagne toast and TONS OF GLITTER. Come midnight, the ArtJamz Dupont Studio will be transformed into a rocking neon-splashed art studio filled with partying Picassos, revelling Rothkos and crazy Kahlos. Not only can guests paint and glitter bomb their own canvas all night, but there will be a large group canvas where everyone can paint and write their resolutions. Packages range from $70 to $110

 

Register at

https://app.getoccasion.com/p/n/pgi1pqxv

 

Locations

ArtJamz Dupont Studio, 1728 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington DC 20009

 

Attire: tuxedo tshirt and formal sneakers.

 

Mar
10
Sat
Leukemia Ball @ Washington Convention Center
Mar 10 @ 6:00 PM – 3:00 PM

Celebrating more than three decades as one of the Washington area’s most prominent charity events, the Leukemia Ball is scheduled for Saturday, March 10, 2018, at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center. The event is dedicated to raising money for life-saving cancer research and patient programs funded by The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS). Since the first Leukemia Ball in 1988, the event has raised nearly $60 million toward finding cures for leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease and myeloma and efforts to improve the quality of life for patients and their families.

 

Guests at the 2018 gala will enjoy entertainment from Grammy Award nominee, bestselling author, radio host, and comedian Jeff Foxworthy, known best for his blue-collar humor and comedic storytelling style that has been compared to Mark Twain’s. In addition to hosting numerous television programs including the FOX game show “Are You Smarter Than A 5th Grader” and the CBS reality series “The American Baking Competition,” Foxworthy has his own comedy channel, “Jeff and Larry’s Comedy Roundup” on SIRIUSXM, showcasing some of the best in American comedy.

The crowd will also dance the night away to the sounds of Phil Vassar, one of only a handful of musicians to have multiple hits as a songwriter and as an artist. His country chart toppers include “Just Another Day in Paradise”, “Carlene”, “Six Pack Summer”, and others performed by Tim McGraw, Alan Jackson, and Jodee Messina.

 

“LLS is changing the landscape of cancer research now more than ever, as the FDA has approved 13 new blood cancer treatments in 2017. LLS has supported nearly all of them,” said Beth Gorman, National Capital Area Chapter Executive Director. “Fundraising events such as the Leukemia Ball make that research possible, are critical to raising awareness, and directly impact the lives of blood cancer patients everywhere.”

 

The 2018 Leukemia Ball is co-chaired by Rob Copito, Vice Chairman, CBRE, Inc., and David DiLuigi, Market President, Greater Washington & Central Virginia for Wilmington Trust, N.A. They lead an esteemed volunteer Executive Committee of more than 45 high-ranking executives representing major organizations across the Washington, D.C. area who volunteer their time and efforts to create a memorable evening and raise millions of dollars in support of LLS’s mission.

 

Seventy-four cents of every dollar spent by LLS funds its mission, and LLS’s commitment to funding innovative research projects has contributed to an unprecedented rise in survival rates over recent years. For example, today, the five-year survival rate for the most common form of childhood leukemia is more than 90 percent, up from 3 percent in 1964.

 

“LLS has been on the forefront of advances in blood cancer treatment since 1949, with nearly 40 percent of all cancer drugs approved by the FDA since 2000 first approved to treat blood cancers,” said Copito. “However, the fight is not over. Nearly one-third of all blood cancer patients still do not survive five years past diagnosis. As 2018 Leukemia Ball Co-Chairs, Dave DiLuigi and I are honored to lead the charge as we aim to raise $3.2 million for this very important cause.”

 

In addition to top-notch entertainment, the Leukemia Ball also features an unparalleled silent auction and Mercedes-Benz raffle. The silent auction, which raised nearly $250,000 in 2017, is one of the area’s largest, featuring a variety of travel packages courtesy of hotel partners and the Official Airline of the Leukemia Ball, American Airlines. The Mercedes-Benz raffle features a grand prize of a 2018 GLC300 Coupe 4Matic Sedan (MSRP $46,600) and a first prize of 2 spots at AMG Driving Academy at Laguna Seca Raceway in Salinas, CA including hotel and airfare (Value: $6,300).  Tickets are $100, and only 5,000 are printed.

Apr
18
Wed
America’s Promise Gala @ Newseum
Apr 18 @ 6:30 PM – 10:30 PM

America’s Promise Alliance, the nation’s largest network dedicated to improving the lives of children and youth, will honor six exceptional leaders with its Promise of America and Promise Hero Awards on April 18.  The awards will be presented by General Colin Powell and Alma Powell, the founding chair and chair of America’s Promise, at the fourth annual Promise Night Gala which will be held at the Newseum in Washington, DC.

The Promise of America award, the organization’s highest honor, recognizes extraordinary individuals who have made an exceptional difference in the lives of young people and, through their work, have demonstrated the power of the Five Promises – caring adults, safe places, a healthy and safe start, an effective education, and opportunities to serve – to change the odds, transform lives, and build positive futures.

“Our honorees are extraordinary leaders, working diligently to make the promise of America real for every child,” said Alma J. Powell, chair, America’s Promise. “As we enter our third decade of work on behalf of young people in this country, these individuals remind us of the impact we can have if we use our time, talents and influence to make life better for the next generation.”

“Promise Night is an opportunity for us to celebrate the successes of our honorees while being inspired by their community and national impact,” said John Gomperts, president & CEO of America’s Promise. “Their commitment to the advancement of young people is essential to keeping youth on the path to adult success. America’s Promise is proud to recognize such a dedicated group.”

2018 Promise of America Honorees

  • Katherine and David Bradley are co-founders of the CityBridge Foundation, a private family foundation based in Washington, D.C. In 2000, CityBridge began investigating successful practices for combating entrenched, multigenerational poverty—all with the intention of launching a new, signature program in Washington, D.C. CityBridge Education, a nonprofit enterprise dedicated to advancing equity and opportunity for all children, was launched out of CityBridge Foundation as an education incubator that seeks out the teachers, leaders, and school teams with the ideas and the drive to create new, better models of school in Washington, D.C.
  • Dr. Michael Lomax is president and CEO of UNCF, the nation’s largest private provider of scholarships and other educational support to African American students and a leading advocate of college readiness: students’ need for an education, from pre-school through high school, that prepares them for college success. Under his leadership, UNCF has raised more than $2.5 billion and helped more than 92,000 students earn college degrees and launch careers.
  • Sondra Samuels is the president & CEO of Northside Achievement Zone (NAZ), a collaborative of over 40 partner non-profits and schools. Along with parents, students, partners, and staff, Ms. Samuels is leading a revolutionary culture shift in North Minneapolis that is focused on ending multigenerational poverty through education and family stability. The NAZ collaborative is working toward a single goal—to prepare low-income North Minneapolis children to graduate from high school college and career-ready.
  • Jeff Weiner is the CEO of LinkedIn, the world’s largest professional network with more than 546 million users in more than 200 countries and territories worldwide. Under his leadership, LinkedIn for Good has reached more than 1 million underserved youth, veterans, refugees, employees and nonprofits, connecting them to greater economic opportunities. Most recently, they’ve introduced LinkedIn Coaches, their signature program to connect underserved young adults and other underrepresented communities to the mentors, networks, and jobs they need to succeed.

2018 Promise Hero Honoree

In addition, this year America’s Promise will also recognize one individual who has made a sustained commitment and unheralded contributions to young people.

  • Dr. Wintley Phipps is founder and CEO of US Dream Academy, an organization dedicated to helping  the nation’s children reach for their dreams through academic, social, and values enrichment; empowering young people most at risk of incarceration to believe in themselves and to succeed.  In addition to his role with the US Dream Academy, Dr. Phipps is a world-renowned vocal artist, education activist, motivational speaker, pastor.  For his work at the U.S. Dream Academy he has received numerous service awards, among them: The Excellence in Mentoring for Program Leadership Award from MENTOR/National Mentoring Partnerships; the Oprah Winfrey Angel Network Use Your Life Award; and Philanthropist of the Year Award from The National Center for Black Philanthropy, Inc.

Last year’s Promise of America Award recipients included Kenneth I. Chenault, former chairman and CEO of American Express Company; Common, hip-hop artist, actor, and founder of the Common Ground Foundation; Arne Duncan, managing partner of Emerson Collective; Bryan Stevenson, executive director of Equal Justice Initiative; and Dorothy Stoneman, founder of YouthBuild.

In 2017, the Promise Hero Award was given to singer and songwriter Andra Day, and New England Patriot Malcolm Mitchell.

The title sponsor for the 2018 Promise Night Gala is the Ford Foundation. This year’s platinum sponsor is Salesforce. Gold sponsors include Kenneth and Kathryn Chenault, College Board, the National Cable & Telecommunications Association, Say Yes to Education, State Farm and the Walton Family Foundation.