When: How Soon is Saturday, February 29th
Where: St. Yves Club, 1220 Connecticut Avenue NW, Washington DC 20036
Time: 8PM – 12midnight
What: ‘80s dance tunes and their original radio star killer videos
Who: ForestPlanet, Inc. a 501c3 organization supporting high-volume reforestation projects around the world
Also Who: DJ Neal Keller, producer of the DMV’s own ‘80s Dance Party for over 25 years
How Much: $33 advance registration, $43 at the door (if available)
Features: Snacks, munchies, and sodas included, full cash bar available
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.
Engaging fans across the internet, author Laurie Halse Anderson (Speak, Shout) and artists Leila del Duca will appear in a virtual conversation with Politics and Prose based in Washington D.C., to celebrate the release of their first DC project, Wonder Woman: Tempest Tossed. The creative team will discuss continuing Wonder Woman’s empowering legacy and how they re-imagined the iconic DC Super Hero for a new, teenage audience.
Wonder Woman: Tempest Tossed explores Wonder Woman’s teen years and is a timely story about the refugee experience, activism, and finding the love and strength to create change. Anderson and del Duca examine powerful social issues like trafficking, gentrification, poverty, and American Idealism, while showing how important it is to be brave and fight back in the face of adversity. The themes of the graphic novel have earned it praise from Entertainment Weekly, People Magazine, Ms. Magazine, Today.com, in addition to Publishers Weekly, Kirkus Reviews, Booklist and School Library Journal.
On July 15, fans are encouraged to purchase Wonder Woman: Tempest Tossed through Politics and Prose online ordering site or curbside pickup before or after viewing Live virtual discussion. Fans can register for the free event via Eventbrite. All purchased books will include a free bookplate signed by Anderson and del Duca.
WHO: Laurie Halse Anderson – New York Times Bestselling Author of WONDER WOMAN TEMPEST TOSSED, SPEAK and SHOUT; Leila del Duca – Artist of WONDER WOMAN: TEMPEST TOSSED
WHEN:
July 15
7:00 PM EST
In conversation with Leila del Duca
Washington, D.C.
On September 21, 2020, Tzedek DC, a DC legal services organization will hold Eat Well, Do Justice: Bagel Ballot! The event raises funds for Tzedek DC, a nonprofit organization headquartered at the UDC David A. Clarke School of Law with the mission of safeguarding the rights and interests of DC residents with low incomes facing often unjust debt collection lawsuits and other predatory consumer crises.
The event will be held virtually, though the competing bagel dishes will be provided for attendees via
pickup. Five acclaimed DC-area bagel chefs will create their own take on the bagel, a traditional Jewish
staple. After sampling each creation, attendees will vote to determine the winning dish along with a
panel of judges.
The one-hour virtual program will be emceed by Emmy Award-winning television journalist and author
David Gregory and will feature special musical performances from Grammy Award-winning band The
War on Drugs and Vocalist Anthony Mordechai Tzvi Russell, who specializes in Yiddish song.
The five local chefs who will be featured at the event are:
Jeremiah Cohen, Bullfrog Bagels
Andrew Dana & Daniela Moreira, Call Your Mother
Mark Furstenberg, Bread Furst Bakery
Yael Krigman, Baked By Yael
Rob Rubba, Scrappy’s Bagel Bar
The guest judges who will determine the celebrity chef winner along with event attendees include:
Chef Ed Hardy, Cookology, and EWDJ 2019 Winner
Judy Lichtman, National Partnership for Women & Families
Michelle Singletary, The Washington Post’s Color of Money Column
“Tzedek DC’s focus is fundamentally on a civil rights issue, serving the communities where predatory
abuses in lending and lawsuits have been most prevalent,” says Ariel Levinson-Waldman, Founding
President and Director-Counsel for Tzedek DC. “This event is an entertaining way to raise funds for this
work, as now and in the wake of the pandemic in which we are inspired by the ancient command from
the Book of Deuteronomy: “Tzedek, Tzedek tirdof,” or “justice, justice you shall pursue.”
Looking for a way to have some fun at home while supporting one of your favorite non-profits? Please join Heart of America for its first-ever Back to School Bingo Night! This virtual, one-hour event will feature updates on our latest work as well as several rounds of games and prizes for the winners!
While Heart of America has often included take-home resources as part of our transformation and distribution projects, in March we increased our programming to reach more students during school closures. This response has focused on our network of Alumni Schools/Districts as well as a specific response effort for Native American communities heavily affected by COVID-19. We have reached more than 10,000 students so far, with more requests coming in daily! Items include, but are not limited to quality tote bags, grade appropriate, culturally relevant books, art/school supplies, STEM kits, PPE supplies, and even solar lanterns for students without consistent access to power.
All funds raised will go towards supporting our education resource distribution efforts. Festivities will be led by the one and only Chuck Cureau. You will not want to miss out!
Get your bingo markers ready and come ready for fun as we work together to prepare students for success this coming school year!
Event Details
Wednesday, Sept 23rd
7:00pm ET / 4:00pm PT
You will receive a BINGO event kit shipped directly to you. Register by Sept 11 to make sure you receive in advance of the event.
Restock your bookshelves this fall with a visit to our Rosslyn Reads pop-up book sale, in partnership with Carpe Librum. A nonprofit used bookstore, Carpe Librum supports D.C. based organization, Turning the Page, in aiding under-served students in the community.
On Saturday, September 26, in Central Place Plaza, the pop-up sale will include eight-thousand high-quality, gently used books, CDs, DVDs, and vinyls, all on sale for between $2.00 and $6.00, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
And while you’re in the area, be sure to stop by and support one of Rosslyn’s restaurants. You can find a list of local dining options, including takeout and curbside pickup, from our regularly updated directory.
HOW:
This year, the Rosslyn BID has adjusted the typical Rosslyn Reads format to one that supports physical distancing and observes Virginia’s state guidelines. Register here for a one hour time slot during the event, with a maximum of 50 people allowed in the plaza at any given time. All individual attendees must register and provide confirmation of registration at the event check-in. If attendees do not sign up in advance, they will be required to fill out a waiver onsite.
Additional safety protocols will include one-way flow of foot traffic to promote physical distancing, masks will be required in the space, and hand sanitizing stations will be available at the entrance. Before making a reservation, please review the Rosslyn BID’s COVID-19 safety protocols and note that by making a reservation you are agreeing to abide by these guidelines. Additionally, do not attend if you or anyone in your household is currently experiencing symptoms.
WHEN:
Saturday, September 26 from 10:00am until 7:00pm
WHERE:
Central Place Plaza, 1800 N Lynn St, Arlington, VA 22209
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
DC’s anticipated charity poker event, Chance for Life, returns this Saturday (2/27) … with a twist! Hosted by 13-time World Series of Poker Champion, Phil Helmuth, and founded by Brad Nierenberg (CEO of RedPeg Marketing), Chance for Life (CFL)’s mission is to save kids’ lives by funding vital childhood cancer research.
With the help of sponsors around the DMV, CFL’s annual poker tournament and taste experience has raised over $10 million to date and this year’s event has already raised $1.3 MM. This year, the event is going virtual with the most innovative online poker platform on the market, Poker 501– bringing surprise celebrity guests, entertainment and an exclusive taste experience directly to your home. To register, purchase tickets, and for more information, please click here.
Date: Saturday, February 27th
Time: 6:00PM
Venue: Virtual tournament on Poker 501
Price: $500 per player (100% of all proceeds go directly to funding vital pediatric cancer research)
