The 30th Anniversary Leukemia Ball presented by PhRMA reigns as one of Washington, D.C.’s largest non-political, black-tie fundraising galas—the extraordinary star studded evening is expected to raise $3.5 million for the fight against leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease, and myeloma.
Nearly 2,000 attendees will laugh along with the comedy of Jim Gaffigan and dance the night away to the music of Andy Grammer. The festivities also include dinner, a world-class silent auction and the Mercedes-Benz raffle. All proceeds benefit The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS), National Capital Area Chapter.
For more info, please visit: www.leukemiaball.orgEntertainment & Media
Among those anticipated to be in attendance:
Jim Gaffigan; Grammy nominated comedian
Andy Grammer; Platinum-selling recording artist
Lindsay Czarniak, Co-Emcee; ESPN SportsCenter Anchor
Craig Melvin, Co-Emcee; MSNBC Anchor and Today Show National Correspondent
Bruce Allen, President of the Washington Redskins
Ryan Kerrigan, Washington Redskins Linebacker
Bobby Mitchell, NFL Hall-of-Famer, Former Washington Redskin
Holly Morris, Anchor, Fox 5
Jim Lokay, Anchor and reporter, Fox5
Loo Katz, iHeartMedia Radio Host of 97.1 WASH-FM Morning Show
Business Leaders
Dr. Brian Druker, M.D., Director of the Knight Cancer Institute at Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU)
Dr. Louis DeGennaro, Ph.D. President & CEO, The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
Steve Ubl, Presenting Sponsor; CEO, PhRMA
Wayne Berson, Co-Chair; CEO, BDO USA, LLP
David DiLuigi, Co-Chair; Market President, Greater Washington & Central Virginia for Wilmington Trust, N.A.
Ed & Donna Offterdinger, James L. Eichberg Lifetime Achievement Award recipient; Executive Managing Partner of Baker Tilly
Beth Gorman; Executive Director, LLS National Capital Area Chapter
WHEN:Saturday, March 11, 2017 6:00 p.m. – Chairman’s Reception 6:30 p.m. – General Reception & Silent Auction open
7:30 p.m. – Dinner
9:00* p.m. – Entertainment by Jim Gaffigan & Andy Grammer (Approximately*).
Celebrating its 30th year as one of the Washington area’s most prominent charity events, the Leukemia Ball, presented by the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA) will be held Saturday, March 11, 2017, at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center. Since the first Leukemia Ball in 1987, the event has raised more than $52 million and continues to dedicate efforts to raising money for life-saving cancer research and patient programs funded by The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS). PhRMA, the trade association representing the country’s leading innovative biopharmaceutical research companies, is continuing its presenting sponsorship.
“PhRMA is proud to continue our partnership with LLS to further its mission of improving the outlook for cancer patients and their families, particularly in this milestone year for the Leukemia Ball,” said Stephen J. Ubl, president and chief executive officer, PhRMA. “Together, we are dedicated to finding new treatments and cures for cancer patients. Significant advances in recent years give us hope that we are closer than ever to a world without blood cancers.”
Guests at the 2017 gala will enjoy entertainment from actor, New York Times bestselling author and Grammy nominated comedian Jim Gaffigan, known for his family-focused “clean” comedy. In 2015, Gaffigan became one of only ten comedians in history to sell out the famed Madison Square Garden arena for the finale of his “Contagious” tour, he opened for Pope Francis in front of more than one million people in Philadelphia, and his television show, “The Jim Gaffigan Show,” debuted on TV Land to enormous ratings and reviews. Most recently during Super Bowl 50, it was revealed that Gaffigan is KFC’s new Colonel Sanders.
The crowd will also sing along to triple platinum smash hit “Honey, I’m Good” and other songs from pop star Andy Grammer. Grammer famously began his career as a street performer, logging 10,000 hours of practice on the boulevards of Los Angeles with his car battery powered amplifier and acoustic guitar. Named one of Billboard Magazine’s 2011 Artists to Watch, Grammer now resides at the epicenter of the music industry. Fresh off a tour with Gavin Degraw, Grammar recently released a new single, “Fresh Eyes,” which has become an online phenomenon with more than 70 million streams.
The Leukemia Ball is one of Washington, D.C.’s largest non-political black-tie events and is expected to raise more than $3.5 million for LLS’s National Capital Area Chapter and its mission to cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease and myeloma, and to improve the quality of life of patients and their families.
“LLS recently committed $40.3 million in new research investments which is comprised of 75 new research grants that will fund a diverse array of cancer research to find better treatments and cures for patients,” 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 2017 Leukemia Ball is co-chaired by Wayne Berson, CEO of BDO, and David DiLuigi, Market President, Greater Washington & Central Virginia for Wilmington Trust, N.A. They lead an esteemed volunteer Executive Committee of more than 50 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.
“I am inspired by the Washington, D.C. metro community and the ability of the most influential companies to come together to support the cancer research and programs that are funded by LLS,” said Berson. “The mission of LLS is of personal importance to me but also critical so that we may see cures to cancer in our lifetime, and as such I am truly humbled to continue serving as the Ball’s co-chair especially for the 30th anniversary.”
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 at the forefront of advances in blood cancer treatments for decades. With the support of LLS funding and advocacy, nearly 40 percent of all cancer drugs approved by the FDA since 2000 are being used to treat blood cancers,” said DiLuigi. “However, the fight is not over. Nearly one-third of all blood cancer patients still do not survive five years past diagnosis. I am committed to supporting LLS’s goal of a world without blood cancers.”
The Leukemia Ball has long been recognized as one of Washington, D.C.’s most popular black-tie galas. The silent auction, which raised nearly $265,000 in 2016, is one of the area’s largest, featuring a variety of travel packages, including American Airlines air travel to exotic locations. The event also boasts a Mercedes-Benz raffle featuring a first prize of 2017 Mercedes-Benz E300 4Matic Sedan (MSRP$52,150) and second prize of 2 spots at AMG Driving Academy at Laguna Seca Raceway in Salinas, CA including hotel & airfare (Value: $6,300) Tickets are $100, and only 5,000 are printed.
The event’s popularity over the past 30 years is also largely due to the featured entertainment. Past headliners have included Howie Mandel, Diana Ross, Jay Leno, Dennis Miller, John Mellencamp, Liza Minnelli, Jerry Seinfeld, Reba McIntyre, Jim Belushi, Dan Ackroyd and Lionel Richie.
N Street Village, the award-winning social services agency that provides shelter and support to homeless and low-income women in the Washington, DC metro area, is hosting its Annual Gala to honor the clients, volunteers and supporters of the organization on Tuesday, March 14 at the Ritz Carlton Hotel in Washington, D.C.
The event will feature special musical guest, two-time Grammy-nominated artist, Andra Day.
Hillary and Tom Baltimore are the Gala Honorary Steering Committee Chairs together with Sandra and Tom McCoy. N Street Village will be honoring Ruth and Arne Sorenson for their incredible and continuing support of N Street Village. Those efforts have provided new opportunities for the most vulnerable in our society.
WHEN:
Tuesday, March 14, 2017
6:00pm EST: Cocktails and hors d’oeuvres
7:30pm EST: Program and Dinner
Shaw Main Streets will host its annual Taste of Shaw Gala on Tuesday April 25, 2017, from 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.
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.
(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.
Shakespeare Theatre Company will once again welcome Members of Congress and distinguished Washington influencers onto its stage to perform in Will on the Hill, a lively show infused with comedic references to contemporary politics. Now in its fifteenth year, the much-loved bipartisan event for theatre and political fans alike will return to STC on Monday, June 12 at Sidney Harman Hall (610 F Street NW) at 7:30 p.m.
Written by Peter Byrne with assistance from D.C.’s West Wing Writers, the event will be directed by STC Associate Artistic Director Alan Paul and will star 47 Members of Congress and notable Washingtonians led by Maulik Pancholy, best known for playing Alec Baldwin’s intrepid assistant Jonathan on the classic NBC comedy 30 Rock.
“We are grateful that some of the nation’s well-known political faces are so willing to donate their time to help raise funds for our education and outreach programs. While these men and women tread the boards to showcase their acting skills and poke fun at the political landscape they are helping the theatre provide access to the arts for the entire D.C. community,” said STC Artistic Director Michael Kahn.
Proceeds from this event support STC’s many education, artistic and community engagement programs, including in-school workshops and educational resources that inspire new and diverse audiences and deepen the connection to classical theatre in learners of all ages.
About the Cast
The production will feature 30 Rock star Maulik Pancholy. The NBC show garnered 80 awards and 310 nominations. He is also widely recognized for playing Sanjay over six seasons of the Showtime hit series Weeds, created by Emmy Award-winner Jenji Kohan (Orange Is the New Black). He will soon appear on the upcoming CBS series Star Trek: Discovery, which will be the first Star Trek series to air since 2005. He played Katherina in STC’s The Taming of The Shrew in 2016. Rounding out the cast are British Ambassador to the U.S. His Excellency Kim Darroch and many Members of Congress including Senator Chris Coons (D-DE) and Representatives Joyce Beatty (D-OH), Brendan Boyle (D-PA), Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR), Ted Deutch (D-FL), Debbie Dingell (D-MI), Daniel M. Donovan (R-NY), Jim Himes (D-CT), George Holding (R-NC), Hank Johnson (D-GA), Carolyn Maloney (D-NY), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), Jared Polis (D-CO), Jamie Raskin (D-MD), Darren Soto (D-FL), Thomas Suozzi (D-NY), Dina Titus (D-NV), Michael Turner(R-OH) and Peter Welch (D-VT). Other illustrious cast members include Wa’el Alzayat (Executive Director, EmergeUSA), Gregory Angelo (President, Log Cabin Republicans), Jess Bravin (Supreme Court correspondent, The Wall Street Journal), Linda Chavez (Chairman, Center for Equal Opportunity), Ron Christie (Political Strategist), Steve Clemons (Editor At Large, The Atlantic), Maggie Coons, Bob Cusack (Editor in Chief, The Hill), Jon Decker (White House Correspondent, Fox News), Johanna Derlega (Publisher, The Hill), Karen Dunn (Partner at Bois, Schiller, & Flexner LLP, consultant for House of Cards), Dr. Michael Eric Dyson(Georgetown University professor, host of The Raw Word, and author), Paula Fitzgerald (Executive Director, Ayuda), Taegan Goddard (Publisher, Political Wire), Richard Haass (President of the Council on Foreign Relations), Rick Klein (Political Director, ABC News), Maria Teresa Kumar (President, Voto Latino), Dana Milbank (Columnist, The Washington Post), Erica Moody (Deputy Editor, Washington Life), Grover Norquist (Americans for Tax Reform), Hilary Rosen (Partner and Managing Director, SKDKnickerbocker), Christina Sevilla (Deputy Assistant, USTR), Rina Shah (Political consultant at Run with Rina), Ari Shapiro (Host, NPR), Pamela Lynne Sorensen (Pamela’s Punch), Kelly Jane Torrance (Deputy Managing Editor, The Weekly Standard), Crystal Wright (Communications consultant at Baker Wright Group), and Tim Young (Political Comedian).
* Cast members subject to change.
What:
“Happy Birthday, Mr. President”: An Obama Birthday Celebration in commemoration of President Barack Obama’s Birthday, with an outdoor screening of “Believe: The Story of Barack Obama.” Seating will be provided and guests may also bring their own folding chairs and lawn chairs.
Hosts Include:
T Street Development, Shaw Main Streets, Howard Theatre, One Love Massive, Monument Realty, Holland and Knight, Grindstone Universal, Right Proper Brewing
Entertainment:
DJ Black President aka DJ Black Santa
Speakers:
Community Advocates, Government Officials, and More
*Check Shaw Main Streets Website and Social Media for businesses offering Obama related specials and promotions: www.shawmainstreets.org and Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram: shawmainstreets
Where:
The Cornerstone Lot
625 T Street, NW
When:
Friday, August 4, 2017 (Rain Date: Saturday, August 5, 2017)
7:00-10:00 pm
***Free and open to the public***
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.
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.
