Arena Stage Artistic Director Molly Smith and Executive Producer Edgar Dobie are pleased to announce the presentation of the fifth annual Beth Newburger Schwartz Award to Melanne Verveer, with actor and performer Heather Headley headlining the 2020 Arena Stage Annual Gala. The Gala will be held on Wednesday, May 13, 2020 at The Anthem (901 Wharf Street, SW).

The evening kicks off with a cocktail reception, followed by the award presentation, a three-course seated dinner and performance. The dinner will feature the presentation of the Beth Newburger Schwartz Award to Melanne Verveer, in recognition of her efforts for women’s rights and her continual support of the arts. She is currently the executive director of the Georgetown Institute for Women, Peace and Security. Verveer served as the first United States Ambassador-at-Large for Global Women’s Issues to which she was nominated by President Obama in 2009. Previously, she was the chair and CEO of Vital Voices Global Partnership, an international NGO that she founded to invest in emerging women leaders. She also served as assistant to the president and chief of staff to the first lady during the Clinton administration.

“Arena Stage, under the exceptional leadership of Molly Smith, has become a national hub for the best in American theater in our nation’s capital. The theater company has made it possible for the public to access innovative, engaging and transformative productions that not only entertain, but also inspire and even move us to action,” shares Verveer. “It is an honor to receive the Beth Newburger Schwartz Award as Beth has set a high and exemplary standard throughout her life as an entrepreneur and civic leader. We owe her an enormous debt of gratitude for her many contributions to our community.”

The award was first presented to Arena Stage board chair Beth Newburger Schwartz in 2016. Other recipients include Arlene Kogod in 2017, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser in 2018 and Nina Totenberg in 2019. The award celebrates a female leader who strives to better the community in which she lives through her own unique strengths and talents.

“Melanne Verveer is an international champion for girls and women. She is dynamic, she is brave and she is unabashedly driven about creating a better world with women, girls and vital voices,” says Smith. “A collaborative leader, Ambassador Verveer has been successful in changing attitudes and building bridges while promoting the critical role of women in establishing peace internationally. She is a huge proponent of the arts and we are thrilled to honor her with the Beth Newburger Schwartz Award.”

All proceeds will benefit all Arena Stage artistic and educational programs.

The 70th Anniversary Gala is presented by Ourisman Automotive Group and generously sponsored by Diamond Sponsors AT&T and Hoffman & Associates and Platinum Sponsor Exelon.

Event Schedule
Wednesday, May 13, 2020
6 p.m. Cocktail reception
7 p.m. Award presentation and seated dinner
8:30 p.m. One-night-only performance with Heather Headley

For additional event details, visit: arenastage.org/gala.

Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington (RAMW) is excited to announce The 38th Annual RAMMY Awards will return to the Walter E. Washington Convention Center on Sunday, July 26, 2020. A centerpiece of the summer, The RAMMYS are presented in collaboration with top sponsor Events DC, and bring together culinary artists and hospitality professionals from across the region for one of the top black-tie events of the season. The long-standing awards honor the ability and accomplishments of the hard-working individuals and organizations that make the region’s restaurants and foodservice community thrive.

“Our diverse and vibrant restaurant scene across the region continues to flourish and we’ve added so many exciting new restaurants and new talents to the mix,” said Kathy E. Hollinger, President and CEO of Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington. “The July 26^th RAMMYS will be, as always, a perfect way to showcase all of the incredible chefs and restaurants and throw them a celebration to remember!”

Nominations for 20 awards categories will open in early January, with finalists announced in April. For more information on The 38th Annual RAMMY Awards, email therammys@ramw.org or call 202-331-5990.

WHEN:            Sunday, July 26, 2020

                        5pm to 6pm Reception

                        6pm to 7pm Awards Ceremony

                        7pm to 11pm Dinner & Party

WHERE:           Walter E. Washington Convention Center

                        801 Mt Vernon Pl NW

                        Washington, DC 20001

2020 Shakespeare Theatre Company Gala

SHAKESPEARE EVERYWHERE

Saturday, October 3, 2020

6:30 p.m. VIP Virtual Pre-Show Cocktail Reception
7:00 p.m. Virtual Performance

This year DC-based, national non-profit the Colorectal Cancer Alliance’s Blue Hope Bash goes nationwide welcoming an entire nation for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the community to unite and confront present-day challenges. The free virtual event will be a live national broadcast that will help raise funds to reverse the pandemic’s tremendous effect on the colorectal cancer community in addition to addressing the health disparities with the disease in Black communities. The event will feature special guest appearances, celebrity entertainment, and inspiring patient stories. The Alliance has a goal to raise $2 million from the broadcast to support its three core programmatic pillars: Screen, Care, and Cure.

WHEN: Saturday, October 24

8:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. EST

WHERE: Virtual Event. Registration is free to enjoy the broadcast. 

EVENT THEME: One Need. One Night. One Nation.

BASH EMCEE: Craig Melvin, News Anchor, NBC News’ TodayCo-Host, 3rd Hour of NBC News’ Today and Anchor of MSNBC Live. In 2017, Craig shared on the Today Show his connection with the disease when his brother Lawrence, was diagnosed with Stage 4 colon cancer at the age of 39 in 2017.  (Today Show Link) Melvin has been an active supporter and ally of the Colorectal Cancer Alliance.

MUSICAL PERFORMANCE: By Grammy-nominated singer and actress Vanessa Williams

CELEBRITY APPEARANCES & SPEECHES BY: Katie Couric, Stand Up To Cancer Co-Founder and renowned journalist

Ruth Carter, Emmy-award winner Black Panther costume designer

Amy Robach, Good Morning America Co-Host

and many other special guest appearances.

ADDITIONAL INFO:

Porsche Car Raffle – one lucky winner will win a custom 2021 Porsche Macan S.  Only 1,000 tickets were printed and the winner will be announced during the broadcast. 

Rolex Raffle – Reserve your raffle ticket to win the Rolex 44mm Oyster Perpetual watch with a “No Date” design, valued at $7,900. Featuring an elegant dial in the legendary watchmaker’s classic black, the timepiece is framed by a modern stainless steel case. Perfect for daily wear or special occasions, this Rolex performs with flawless mechanics and sophisticated style. Only 500 tickets will be sold at $50 each. Thanks to the generosity of donors Jay and Lyn Ferriero, every dollar benefits the Colorectal Cancer Alliance’s life-saving programs.

To register for the free event and to learn more visit BlueHopeBash.org 

N Street Village Virtual Gala & Auction
Tuesday, March 9, 2021 | 7:00 p.m. ET

Join us for this special event as a moment to gather in solidarity with our neighbors in need, and in celebration of N Street Village.

Midnight in the Garden
Thursday, April 22, 2021, 7-8 p.m.

Join Hillwood for a virtual benefit celebration. Learn about the special exhibition The Porcelain Flowers of Vladimir Kanevsky, explore the magic of Hillwood, and bid on choice items in the online auction.

Make-A-Wish^® Mid-Atlantic hosts a night of inspiration and hope at the 2022 Wish Ball on February 26, 2022. Held at the Ritz-Carlton Washington, D.C., this gala event raises funds to support granting wishes to children fighting critical illnesses in D.C., Maryland and Northern Virginia. The premier Make-A-Wish fundraiser in the Mid-Atlantic region, this evening will feature dinner, dancing, a silent auction, and inspirational stories from wish kids and their families.   

 WHY: To raise critical funds and celebrate the mission and work of Make-A-Wish Mid-Atlantic. This year alone, 840 local children are expected to be diagnosed with a critical illness – and for each wish granted, one more local child is waiting for a wish. Make-A-Wish Mid-Atlantic needs the community’s support to close the gap between children who have received their wish this year and those who are still waiting.  

What:             Wish Ball is a spectacular gala event featuring unforgettable wish experiences, exciting silent and live auction items, and a lively after-party.  

The 2022 Wish Ball is co-chaired by Amanda & Erich Cabe and Jyothi Raghavan and Ram Ramachandran.  Hatch Exhibits joins the event as the Exclusive Production Sponsor to present interactive displays telling the stories of local wishes. Guests will step into a wish kid’s dream as they explore Andrew’s unbelievable backyard treehouse, shoot hoops with Zain on his basketball court, and become a billboard model like Abi.  Entertainment includes an inspirational program with Emcees Peter Alexander (NBC News) & Alison Starling (WJLA 7 News) and live music from Lucy Black Luxe. A live and silent auction round out the evening.  

More information at wishballmidatlantic.org