Washington Business Hall of Fame founders Junior Achievement
of Greater Washington, the Greater Washington Board of Trade and Washingtonian
announced the 2018 Hall of Fame laureates. Since 1988, the Washington Business Hall of Fame
has recognized the professional and philanthropic contributions of outstanding business leaders in
our region who have made Greater Washington the city that it is today. The annual gala benefits
Junior Achievement of Greater Washington and its innovative financial literacy, work readiness, and entrepreneurship K-12 programs that inspire the next generation of leaders to navigate their path to the American Dream.
This year’s laureates are:
José Andrés
Chef/Owner, ThinkFoodGroup & minibar by José Andrés
Donald A. Brown, Joseph B. Gildenhorn, and Benjamin R. Jacobs
Founding Partners, The JBG Companies
Mark D. Ein
Founder & CEO, Venturehouse Group, LLC
Dr. Sachiko Kuno
Founder & Chair, Halcyon
“This year’s laureates are an example of what’s possible from our region’s business leaders,” said
Ed Grenier, President and CEO, Junior Achievement of Greater Washington. “Their passion for
excellence and steadfast commitment to this community is an inspiration to all of us and a lesson in leadership for Greater Washington’s future leaders, innovators, and entrepreneurs.”
Washington Business Hall of Fame laureates have shaped the regional landscape of Greater
Washington and consistently demonstrated outstanding business accomplishments, visionary
leadership, integrity and strong core values, and, passionate community engagement. Following a
call for nominations from the general public, final selections are made by a nomination committee
led by representatives of the three founding organizations. More than 100 remarkable laureates
have been inducted into the Washington Business Hall of Fame since its founding in 1988. A full list is available at www.myJA.org/halloffame/laureates.
The laureates will be honored at a black-tie gala and awards ceremony, chaired by Grant Thornton
Partner in Charge, Markets, Industries, and Clients – Atlantic Coast Region, Richard P. LaFleur on
Wednesday, November 28 at the National Building Museum. At this year’s gala, more than 1,200
business and civic leaders will come together to honor this year’s laureates and raise more than
$1.4 million to support Junior Achievement of Greater Washington’s K-12 programs and their work to inspire over 66,000 students in our region annually to be financially capable, tenacious, and
equipped with the tools to manage risk effectively, solve problems creatively, and welcome
opportunity in an increasingly complex modern economy. The gala is presented by Capital One and
Grant Thornton.
To reserve a table and for event details, please visit
www.WashingtonBusinessHallofFame.org.
On Thursday, November 29, 2018 in the Main Hall of Union Station, a consortium of partners including Washington Performing Arts, the Royal Norwegian Embassy, the Norwegian-American Chamber of Commerce—Mid-Atlantic Chapter, the Bach Project, and Union Station present a holiday celebration event, with performances by local artists, the annual Norwegian Christmas tree lighting, an appearance by Santa Claus, and culminating in a simulcast of Yo-Yo Ma’s performance of J.S. Bach’s complete cello suites live from the National Cathedral, presented by Washington Performing Arts in memory of Isaac Stern.
For more than 20 years, Norway has presented a Christmas tree to the people of Washington, in recognition of its strong friendship with the United States and in gratitude for America’s assistance during and after World War II. This year’s Christmas tree is made possible by Equinor, Kongsberg Gruppen, Nammo Inc., Innovation Norway, and Insitu Inc.
Complete Schedule of Events
Norwegian Christmas Tree Lighting (6pm)
Featuring the Washington Performing Arts Children of the Gospel Choir and a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus
Mars Urban Arts Initiative Holiday Pop-Up Concert (7pm)
Featuring the Howard University Gospel Choir & more
Washington Performing Arts’ Mars Urban Arts Initiative and Brightest Young Things present a holiday pop-up concert that showcases some of D.C.’s beloved hometown musical acts, including the Howard University Gospel Choir. Throughout the evening, guests will also have a chance to learn about global holiday traditions and J.S. Bach’s music from organizations like the Royal Norwegian Embassy, the Norwegian-American Chamber of Commerce – Mid-Atlantic Chapter, the Library of Congress, and D.C. Public Library.
Simulcast: The Bach Project at Washington National Cathedral
Yo-Yo Ma Performs Bach Cello Suites (8pm)
Live audio/video feed from Washington National Cathedral
In Memory of Isaac Stern
Yo-Yo Ma’s sold-out performance of Bach’s cello suites at Washington National Cathedral, presented by Washington Performing Arts, will be simulcast at Union Station in conjunction with the annual Norwegian Christmas Tree Lighting, a beloved Washington, D.C. holiday tradition. This concert simulcast is part of Yo-Yo Ma’s Bach Project, a two-year journey to perform Johann Sebastian Bach’s six suites for solo cello in 36 locations around the world. It is an undertaking motivated not only by Yo-Yo’s six-decade relationship with the music, but also by Bach’s ability to speak to our shared humanity at a time when our civic conversation is so often focused on division.
The Library of Congress will present a display of treasures and manuscripts relating to J.S. Bach and Yo-Yo Ma’s career at Washington National Cathedral, in conjunction with Yo-Yo Ma’s performance.
Free, registration encouraged | Family-friendly
http://tinyurl.com/
Yo-Yo Ma’s performance at Washington National Cathedral is made possible in part by the generous support of
Dr. Gary Mather and Ms. Christina Co Mather, the Linda and Isaac Stern Charitable Foundation, and Daniel Heider.
The simulcast is made possible by Yo-Yo Ma’s Bach Project and the Mars Urban Arts Initiative, which is generously supported by Jacqueline Badger Mars and Mars, Incorporated.
These events are part of Washington Performing Arts’ global programming initiative, The World in Our City, which provides perspective on what it means to be a citizen of the world through a unique arts-based lens. Special thanks to Her Excellency Shaikha Aisha AlKhalifa, Spouse of the Ambassador, Embassy of the Kingdom of Bahrain; Jennifer and Brian Coulter; Dr. Gary Mather and Ms. Christina Co Mather; Jan and Marike Paulsson; Mary Jo Veverka; Michael Frankhuizen; Karin’s Florist.
Constant Contact, a leader in small business marketing, has partnered with Unique Markets to present a pop-up holiday marketplace featuring DC’s local designers, artists, and emerging brands.
The event takes place Sunday, December 9th at Dock 5 at Union Market (1309 5th St NE) 11AM to 6PM.
It’s a great way to find unique gifts for everyone on your list and support your local community while enjoying DJs, DIY projects, kid’s activities, holiday photo booths and more.
For tickets visit: Unique Markets Holiday Tour Note – you can continue to link up with these DC small business vendors and great gift ideas at this website –https://www.uniquemarkets.com/
VIDA Fitness is relieving the DC area of gift-giving anxiety by bringing fun, local retailers into their studios for a Holiday Bazaar this December. The Holiday Bazaar will be open to the public on Wednesday, December 12 at VIDA’s City Vista location and again on Thursday, December 13 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at VIDA’s U Street location. Retailers include District Distillery, District of Clothing, Dani Marie Artistry, Prescription Chicken, LuLaroe, Grape Intentions, Freres Branchiaux, Milk Bar,Snowing in Space Coffee, Metal and Stone Creations and Bicycle Trash. All local merchants will provide a discount and distribute free samples.
WHO: VIDA Fitness
Vendors Include:
- District Distillery
- District of Clothing
- Prescription Chicken
- LuLaroe
- Grape Intentions
- Freres Branchiaux
- Milk Bar
- Snowing in Space Coffee
- Metal and Stone Creations
- Bicycle Trash
WHAT: Holiday Bazar
Register: vidafitness.com/bazaar
WHEN: VIDA – City Vista
Wednesday, December 12
5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
VIDA Fitness is relieving the DC area of gift-giving anxiety by bringing fun, local retailers into their studios for a Holiday Bazaar this December. The Holiday Bazaar will be open to the public on Wednesday, December 12 at VIDA’s City Vista location and again on Thursday, December 13 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at VIDA’s U Street location. Retailers include District Distillery, District of Clothing, Dani Marie Artistry, Prescription Chicken, LuLaroe, Grape Intentions, Freres Branchiaux, Milk Bar,Snowing in Space Coffee, Metal and Stone Creations and Bicycle Trash. All local merchants will provide a discount and distribute free samples.
WHO: VIDA Fitness
Vendors Include:
- District Distillery
- District of Clothing
- Prescription Chicken
- LuLaroe
- Grape Intentions
- Freres Branchiaux
- Milk Bar
- Snowing in Space Coffee
- Metal and Stone Creations
- Bicycle Trash
WHAT: Holiday Bazar
Register: vidafitness.com/bazaar
VIDA – U Street
Thursday, December 13
5:30 to 8:30 p.m.
The DC Public Library Foundation invites you to the 4th Annual Story Time Gala Reception, celebrating libraries and learning.
Washington Performing Arts hosts its 2019 annual Gala & Auction on March 30, 2019 at the National Building Museum (401 F St. NW). Tickets begin at $750; Young Sponsor tickets (for guests 40 and under) start at $200. Tables start at $15,000.
This year’s Gala, “Sizzle & Swing,” is a grand celebration of the art of jazz, from the classic big-band era to today’s up-to-the-minute expressions, fitting perfectly with Washington Performing Arts’ stellar spring lineup of jazz programming from Chucho Valdés and Cécile McLorin Salvant to an all-star tribute to Glenn Miller.
Gala performers include:
- Vocalists Veronica Swift (familiar to Washington Performing Arts audiences through her work with Chris Botti and Wynton Marsalis) and Stephen Scott Wormley (an alumnus of the Washington Performing Arts Children of the Gospel Choir, recently seen in the D.C. area as one of the stars of Signature Theatre’s The Scottsboro Boys);
- Mars Urban Arts Initiative Ensemble-in-Residence DuPont Brass;
- The Washington Performing Arts Children of the Gospel Choir under the direction of Michele Fowlin; and
- The Sizzle & Swing Band
Gala guests will also be treated to a special preview of a newly commissioned transcription of a big band chart by Hazel Scott, the luminary American pianist, cultural icon, and civil rights advocate. This premiere anticipates Washington Performing Arts’ commemoration of Scott’s 100th birthday in 2020.
The Gala kicks off at 6:30 pm with cocktails and the Silent Auction, sponsored by Urban Winery, with the dinner and performance program starting at 8:00 pm. Stage, television, and film actress Tamara Tunie serves as the Master of Ceremonies for the evening. The Afterparty Speakeasy with DJ Dimmy is co-sponsored by Daimler and the Washington Performing Arts Junior Board.
“Washington Performing Arts has a long legacy of presenting both emerging and leading jazz musicians and amplifying jazz as a vital American art form,” said Washington Performing Arts President and CEO Jenny Bilfield. “Whether it is through our Capital Jazz program in partnership with D.C. Public Schools, master classes with artists like Cécile McLorin Salvant, or commissions by Wynton Marsalis and now this new arrangement of a Hazel Scott chart, Washington Performing Arts remains committed to spotlighting this vibrant genre in every dimension of our programs, onstage and off.”
All proceeds raised at the Annual Gala and Auction will support Washington Performing Arts’ arts education initiatives. These include Capital Arts Partnerships and the Embassy Adoption Program (both in partnership with the DC Public Schools); In-School Artist Residencies; the Washington Performing Arts Men, Women, and Children of the Gospel Choirs; master classes and lectures; and stipends for professional development teachers and Washington Performing Arts teaching artists.
The 2019 Gala Co-Chairs are Lyn & Barry Chasen and Tom Gallagher & Barbara Myers. The Junior Board Gala Chairs are Rebecca Allen, Cassidy Grunninger, and Wesley Thomas. The Washington Performing Arts Women’s Committee Gala Chair is Denise Rollins, and the Women’s Committee Silent Auction Chair is Njambi. The Gala Committee comprises Paul Ashe, C. Wallace DeWitt, Adam Farra, Jay and Robin Hammer, Susan Hepner, Jordan Hepner and Nina Damato, Margaret Hurwitz, Angela C.Y. King, Grace Lin, Christina Co Mather and Gary Mather, Haley Morrison, Michelle Nelson, Ami Scott and Lucius Outlaw, Jan and Marike Paulsson, Kerrien Suarez, Ebony Thomas, Lindsey Woody, and The Washington Performing Arts Women’s Committee.
For more information about Washington Performing Arts and the Annual Gala and Auction, visit www.washingtonperformingarts.
The 6th Annual Best Buddies PROM – two parties with one purpose – is a dynamic twist on the DC gala that features both student and adult receptions. It will be held Friday, April 5 at The Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center in Washington, DC. This joyous night of music, friendship, fundraising, and making memories for young people with and without Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) will be the highlight of DC’s spring event season. PROM2019 will treat students of all abilities to a spectacular evening which is also a fundraising event for adults who believe in the mission of inclusion. Best Buddies was founded 30 years ago by Anthony Kennedy Shriver at Georgetown University. Tickets are on sale now at www.BestBuddiesProm.org.
“This year’s PROM will push us to surpass one million dollars in monies raised since we began PROM in DC in 2013… enabling us to open 64 friendship chapters in Virginia and Washington DC schools, support 25 (adult) Jobs participants at integrated workplaces, and facilitate leadership development opportunities for nearly 200 individuals with IDD,” said Karen Glasser, Regional Director of Best Buddies Capital Region. “We can’t wait to celebrate this $1M milestone with our Best Buddies family!”
The lively evening will be hosted by Tommy McFly, Best Buddies Capital Region Advisory Board Chairman and host of The Tommy Show. Music and Entertainment will be provided by crowd favorite, DJ Neekola, and performers from the Pelonkey Agency. The Reagan Building’s beauty will be on display with decor by Design Foundry elevating the PROM goers’ experience.
Students are the stars of the evening. Adults will also enjoy their own celebration, including a complimentary open bar, delicious passed hors d’oeuvres by Reagan Building Executive, Chef Xavier Deshayes, and an exciting live and silent auction. In addition, some of the region’s most celebrated chefs will lend their time and culinary creations to an exclusive VIP reception prior to the event. PROM is the perfect place to witness Best Buddies’ mission of social inclusion first-hand.
Accessorize your look with the New Collection from Kendra Scott.
Time to get Campy!
Celebrate the launch of Kendra Scott’s Summer Collection.
