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.
The 13th annual ScopeItOut 5K, presented by national non-profit Colorectal Cancer Alliance, will take place on Sunday, March 18, in the heart of downtown Washington, D.C. Coincidentally, this year’s race is held on National Awkward Moments Day. With colorectal cancer still viewed as an uncomfortable topic of discussion for many people, despite being one of the most common types of cancer, the non-profit is encouraging participants and the community to raise awareness and take the topic from awkward to ordinary. For the seventh year in a row, the event will be emceed by Tommy McFly of The Tommy Show on 94.7 Fresh FM.
Held during National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, the race is the largest colorectal cancer awareness race in the country, attracting nearly 3,000 participants. While it’s one of the most preventable cancers, colorectal cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer-related death in the United States. This year, the American Cancer Society estimates that more than 140,000 Americans will be diagnosed with colorectal cancer, and more than 50,000 will die from the disease. Colorectal cancer doesn’t care about age, and the incidence rate is rising among adults under 50. Currently, one-in-10 individuals diagnosed with colorectal cancer are under 50 years old. A recent study by the Alliance showed 82% of young-onset patients are initially misdiagnosed. By the time they receive a correct diagnosis, in many occasions, the cancer has progressed to advanced stages. In its early stages, colorectal cancer is highly treatable, with a five-year survival rate of 90%, making it a stoppable and preventable disease through early detection.
The ScopeItOut 5K is the largest source of fundraising for colorectal cancer awareness and research in the Washington, D.C. metro area. This year, the run-walk aims to raise $400,000, which will fund national prevention, research and patient support programs through the Colorectal Cancer Alliance. Locally, this race partners with the Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center to help raise awareness and eliminate the disease within our lifetime. To date, the ScopeItOut 5K has donated more than $1.9 million dollars to further colorectal cancer research and awareness.
Other race day activities include a special appearance by the President Teddy Roosevelt from the Washington Nationals, Dunkin Donuts coffee bar, food trucks, a Celebrating You mobile spa for survivors, music, games and other activities. The 2018 ScopeItOut DC is sponsored and supported by MedStar Georgetown – The Ruesch Center, Inova Schar Cancer Institute, K&L Gates, Deloitte, and Epi proColon. For race information and sponsorship opportunities, visit www.scopeitout.org.
EVENT DETAILS
What: 13th annual DC ScopeItOut 5K
Presented by: Colorectal Cancer Alliance
When: Sunday, March 18, 2018
Where: Freedom Plaza (13th and Pennsylvania), Washington, D.C.
Time: 9 a.m. – 11 a.m.
Cost: Individual Registration/Team Registration $35 Advance/$40 Race Day
Website/Event Registration: www.scopeitout.org
Social Media
Facebook: FB.com/ccalliance
Instagram: @ColorectalCancerAlliance
Twitter: @CCAlliance
Hashtag: #SIODC
March 16 (6:30pm – 11:30pm)
What if you could do a “prom-over” and recreate all of the magic of prom night while supporting our KIPP DC KIPPsters on their journey to and through college? KIPProm is your chance! Join in for an evening of great company, awkward dancing, and spiked punch as KIPP DC rallies behind the next generation of Washingtonians. All proceeds directly support KIPP DC’s KIPP Through College & Career programs designed to empower KIPP DC alumni and propel them onward to lives full of choice and opportunity.
Cost: Tickets start at $150
On March 23rd, the One Journey Team will host its biggest fundraiser yet and will be celebrating refugee entrepreneurship in the DC area.
Too often, we only hear the negative stories and portrayals of refugees. We are working to change that! Please join us in this effort by coming to our cocktail fundraiser, in support of the One Journey Festival on June 2nd at the Washington National Cathedral.
The fundraiser will showcase refugee entrepreneurship through food, art, and storytelling. It will feature food by refugee chefs (Foodhini), coffee by Sudanese refugees, art from refugees living in Greece, and inspiring stories shared by a variety of speakers including Dina Kawar, Her Excellency Ambassador of Jordan, Ahmad Ashkar (founder of Falafel Inc and Hult Prize Foundation) and refugees themselves.
They hope you can join in for this meaningful and impactful night. Get your ticket here and please bring your friends!
*The event is being sponsored by Allianz, APCO, The Boston Consulting Group, Development Finance International, Global Works Foundation and Squire Patton Boggs.
On March 24, 2018 Womxn F*ck Shit Up DC will be shaking the patriarchy and the walls of Songbyrd, 2475 18th St NW, Washington, D.C. Doors open at 5pm and womxn movers, shakers and music-makers will be f*cking up privilege until 12am. Pre-sale tickets are $20.
WFSU DC is an extension of the LA-based music and art event Women Fuck Shit Up Fest, founded by a collective of womxn in the music industry on the west coast. Their mission is to use music and art to bridge communities and raise awareness around social justice issues, aiming to create a community of womxn to hone their power and defy the feminine stereotype of “softness.”
On March 24, we at WFSU DC aim to amplify the voices of people of color, the LGBTQIA2S+ community, and all womxn-identifying humans through a night of art, music and solidarity. We want to empower and honor the fortitude of our community. We aim to bring together diverse people, ideas, identities, and works of art in order to foster the collective empowerment of all womxnkind. Being located in the nation’s capital, we have the privilege of existing in the heart of the patriarchy and by extension, oppression. We are witnesses to how toxic masculinity wraps itself in bureaucracy to routinely oppress “otherness.” This fest is a joyful act of resistance to bring the community together.
WFSU DC’s inaugural fest lineup includes: Santa Librada, BOOMscat, The CooLots, Aurora Lloyd, Chelsea Shorte, More Than FM, Sheila, and Lauren Ileana Sotolongo to name a few – and handful of national gems – such as Militia Vox, Michi, WASI, Julia Weldon, and The Txlips. The full lineup can be found here.
This year’s proceeds will benefit Casa Ruby, a local LGBTQ+ organization serving the D.C. area. WFSU DC is proudly sponsored by Tagg Magazine.
ODYSSEY: A GRAND TASTING & EXPLORATION OF GREEK WINES
Discover Greek Wines poured by their Winemakers
100% of Ticket Sales will be donated to José Andrés’ World Central Kitchen
The Greeks have been making wine for more than 6000 years – from the age of Dionysus and Homer to the present day. But their wines have remained a mystery to many – until now. Winemakers from all over Greece are coming to Washington DC for ODYSSEY, a Greek wine tasting adventure. Expand your palate as you taste wines made from indigenous grapes found only in Greece; sip on international blends; and marvel at rare vintages uncorked just for ODYSSEY. Take the opportunity to support a great cause and experience the sights, sounds and tastes of Greece.
Attendees at the tasting will tour the three main wine producing regions: The Islands, The Peloponnese and Northern Greece each with characteristic terroirs, indigenous grapes and 6000 years of winemaking history; meet the winemakers and learn about their vinification techniques, terroir philosophies and personal stories; and of course, taste indigenous, international and rare varieties and vintages from the Cava Spiliadis portfolio. ODYSSEY is hosted by George Spiliadis, son of noted Milos restauranteur Costas Spiliadis.
WHEN: Monday, March 26, 4:30-8 pm
WHERE: The Loft at 600F
600 F Street Northwest Washington Dc 20004
COST: $50 pp 100% of proceeds from ticket sales will be donated to
World Central Kitchen
Details and Tickets
As the end of winter hibernation nears, BRABO and Catoctin Creek are gearing up for a celebration of seasonal cuisine and spirits from Virginia! Following a festive fall event where the beloved homegrown establishments brought autumnal flavor pairings together, the Old Town restaurant and Purcellville-based distillery are teaming up again for a spring sipping soiree.
On Thursday, March 29, Catoctin Creek founders, Becky and Scott Harris, will be taking over BRABO’s brasserie to offer an exclusive tasting of the distillery’s popular products and special releases including the Roundstone Rye 80 whiskey, the Watershed Gin, the Old Tom Style “Peach Barrel” Watershed Gin, and the Short Hill Mountain Peach Brandy. Becky and Scott will share the stories behind the creation of each product while pouring a healthy taste for guests to enjoy.
BRABO’s Lead Bartender Brett Oye will create special off-the-menu cocktails for the evening and provide guests with the inspiration behind each drink. As whiskey and gin enthusiasts decide whether they prefer their spirit neat or in cocktail form, Executive Chef Sebastien Rondier will serve an elaborate cheese and charcuterie display alongside a menu of satisfying French hors d’oeuvres thoughtfully created to pair with the featured beverages. The evening’s food pairings will be presented side by side with each spirit and includes the following highlights:
- Sweet corn fritter with crispy speck ham and espresso aioli
- Slow-braised Virginia quail and a sunny-side up quail egg on rye bread
- Grilled local oyster with savory fennel compote and shaved scallions
- BBQ-style foie gras with spiced pecans
- Gin affogato
The spring soiree will be filled with lively conversation, a personal Q&A with the BRABO and Catoctin Creek teams, plenty of whiskey and gin, and surprising flavor pairings reflecting the best of the season!
What: BRABO & Catoctin Creek: Spring Cocktail Party
When: Thursday, March 29
Time: 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Where: BRABO. 1600 King Street. Alexandria, VA 22314
Tickets: Tickets are $70 each, include all food and drink, and are available at https://brabocatoctincreekparty.eventbrite.com. Guests must be 21+ to attend.
ABOUT BRABO
BRABO is committed to delivering exceptional food, superior service and an outstanding experience to guests. Executive Chef Sebastien Rondier offers sophisticated cuisine that is inspired by French and European techniques and flavors, and made with the highest-quality ingredients. BRABO’s seasonal menu is complemented by carefully-crafted cocktails by Lead Bartender Brett Oye and an extensive wine list that was awarded Wine Spectator’s coveted “Best of Award of Excellence” in 2017. Adjacent to the Kimpton Lorien Hotel & Spa, BRABO is an Old Town Alexandria favorite known for its neighborly friendliness. For more information, call 703-894-3440 or visit www.BRABOrestaurant.com. The restaurant is located at 1600 King Street, Alexandria, VA 22314; is open seven days a week; and offers private-dining services. Follow BRABO on Facebook and Instagram.
- Bite-size fare from some of the District’s hottest eateries including The Red Hen, Compass Rose, Hazel and Ice Cream Jubilee
- Live music by musician Kaitlyn Aurelia Smith
- “The Playground”, an outdoor-themed bar space featuring a rosé garden and mixology stations
- A chance to participate in an intimate speed tasting with Chef Kwame Onwuachi
- Washington Post Food and Dining editor Joe Yonan will be selling and signing copies of his newly released “America The Great Cookbook”, with sales benefiting No Kid Hungry
Share Our Strength’s No Kid Hungry campaign invites Washington D.C., Maryland and Virginia residents to sip and sample the area’s most celebrated culinary creations to help kids in need at this year’s Taste of the Nation for No Kid Hungry on Monday, April 9, 2018. Hosted at the National Building Museum, the annual tasting event will feature gourmet cuisine and libations crafted by the city’s top chefs, sommeliers and mixologists as they unite to raise funds to ensure all children in America have access to the healthy food they need, every day. One-hundred-percent of proceeds from the event benefit No Kid Hungry’s work to end childhood hunger in America.
Led by Chef Chair Mike Friedman (Red Hen, All-Purpose), Dessert Chair Tiffany MacIsaac (Buttercream Bakeshop), Mixology Chair Gina Chersevani (Buffalo and Bergen, Suburbia), and Sommelier Chair Nadine Brown (formerly Charlie Palmer Steak), D.C.’s culinary tastemakers will provide guests with scrumptious bite-size fare, craft cocktails and delectable desserts. Guests will also enjoy the beginnings of spring at “The Playground”, an outdoor-themed bar space featuring a rosé garden and mixology stations, and a chance to participate in an intimate speed tasting with Chef Kwame Onwuachi. James Beard Award-winning Washington Post Food and Dining editor Joe Yonan will be selling and signing copies of his newly released “America The Great Cookbook”, with sales benefiting No Kid Hungry.
Notable Washington, D.C. area culinary talent and eateries participating include:
Agora Restaurant | Al Dente | All-Purpose | Alta Strada | Art & Soul | B&O American Brasserie | Bar Elena | Barrel | Belga Cafe | Best Buns Bread Company | Beuchert’s Saloon | BLT Steak | Brabo Restaurant | Buffalo and Bergen | Buttercream Bakeshop | Captain Cookie and the Milkman | Carlyle | Cava Mezze | Centrolina | Charlie Palmer Steak DC | Charm City Cakes | Choolaah Indian BBQ | Compass Rose | Cork Wine Bar | DBGB DC | Dino’s Grotto | Dirty Habit DC | District Doughnut | DNV Rooftop | Dolcezza | El Techo | Espita Mezcaleria | Farmers & Distillers | Firefly | Georgetown Cupcake | Hank’s Oyster Bar | Hazel | Homestead | Ice Cream Jubilee | Jack Rose Dining Saloon | Kith And Kin | Matchbox Vintage Pizza Bistro | McClellan’s Retreat | Medium Rare | Mon Ami Gabi | Oceanaire Seafood Room | Osteria Morini | Ottoman Taverna | Oyamel | POV / W Hotel | Preserve | Quarter + Glory | Radiator | Rappahannock Oyster Company | RASA | Royal | RPM Italian DC | Shake Shack | Sonoma Restaurant & Wine Bar | Stable| Succotash National Harbor | Taco Bamba | The Eleanor | The Pub & the People | The Red Hen | The Source by Wolfgang Puck | The Sweet Lobby | Tico DC | Toki Underground | Trummer’s On Main | Truxton Inn | Urbana Dining & Drinks | Vida Taco Bar | Whisked! | Wit & Wisdom, A Tavern by Michael Mina
One in six children in America struggles with hunger, including nearly 27,000 kids in the District of Columbia. No Kid Hungry is ending childhood hunger nationwide by ensuring that kids start the day with a nutritious breakfast and families learn the skills they need to shop and cook on a budget. Since the campaign’s launch, No Kid Hungry and its partners have connected kids struggling with hunger to more than 775 million meals.
In 2017, D.C.’s Taste of the Nation for No Kid Hungry raised enough to connect hungry kids in need with up to 1.1 million healthy meals. Local beneficiaries include Capital Area Food Bank, DC Hunger Solutions, and Mary’s Center.
D.C.’s Taste of the Nation for No Kid Hungry is supported by national co-presenting sponsors Citi and Sysco®, national media sponsor Food Network, and national sponsor OpenTable. The event is also made possible by the following local sponsors: Belle de Brillet, Buffalo Trace, Caledonia Spirits, Catoctin Creek, Founding Spirits, Glenfiddich Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Impossible Foods, Natalie’s Orchid Island Juice Co., New Columbia Distillers, Prosciutto di Parma, Remy Martin/Cointreau and Tito’s Handmade Vodka.
Taste of the Nation for No Kid Hungry tickets start at $100. For additional information and to purchase tickets, please visit: www.nokidhungry.org/washingtondc.
On Thursday, April 12th, diners across the Washington metro region will stand up against HIV/AIDS, cancer and other life-challenging illnesses by dining out at restaurants participating in this year’s Dining Out For Life® fundraiser (www.foodandfriends.org/
Now in its 30th year serving the Washington community, Food & Friends enlists the benevolence of area eateries – from Hyattsville to Shirlington, from Georgetown to Brookland – in support of adults and children facing life-challenging illnesses who benefit from the organization’s nutrition services. More than 60 area restaurants<https://www.
“It’s a fantastic night. With one great meal out with his or her friends, each diner is making a significant and lasting impact on their community members in greatest need,” says Food & Friends’ Executive Director Craig Shniderman. “The restaurant community has long supported the work of Food & Friends and we’re incredibly grateful. The funds raised through Dining Out For Life® make it possible for us to serve thousands of meals each day to those living with the challenges of HIV/AIDS, cancer and other debilitating illnesses.”
Last year, Dining Out for Life®, raised more than $150,000. This year, Food & Friends is thrilled to have more than 60 restaurants on board, including those that are donating their entire evening’s proceeds, or more, to Food & Friends – Freddie’s Beach Bar & Restaurant (110%) and Annie’s Paramount Steakhouse (100%). Please visit www.foodandfriends.org/
ABOUT FOOD & FRIENDS: Food & Friends is a Washington, D.C.-based nonprofit organization that provides home-delivered, medically-tailored meals and nutrition counseling to people living with HIV/AIDS, cancer and other life-challenging illnesses. Food & Friends’ services are free of charge to recipients who qualify solely based on their health status and nutritional need. With the help of over 9,000 volunteers each year, we deliver to 5,300 square miles of the District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia. Since 1988, Food & Friends has delivered more than 21 million meals to 31,000 individuals.
“Chef Jess” Jessica Swift and Karen Hoefener of Nomad Dumplings will be among the women entrepreneurs giving talks and tastings at the Junior League of Washington’s (JLW) Toast of the Tour cocktail reception at Mess Hall, a business incubator and event space in Northeast Washington, on Thursday, April 12.
JLW is proud to partner with leading female chefs and entrepreneurs for this event. Chef Jess is a registered dietician and classically trained chef whose meal delivery business caters to her clients’ individual needs. Hoefener’s Nomad Dumplings are regionally inspired, colorful dumplings with all-natural ingredients recently featured in Washington City Paper.
The evening reception will also feature tastings from other Mess Hall members and alumni businesses, including Prescription Chicken and Farm to Feast. Barefoot Wine and Bubbly will provide wine, and attendees will be able to enter a drawing for prizes including an overnight stay at the Jefferson Hotel, reservations at Rose’s Luxury, two free hours of cleaning from Maids in Black, and gift cards to restaurants and bars including Founding Farmers, Mission, Iron Gate, Momofuku, Boqueria, and more.
This event benefits the Junior League of Washington, an educational, charitable organization committed to developing exceptionally qualified female civic leaders who are prepared to address the ever-evolving needs of the Washington, DC, community through volunteer service, meaningful programs and initiatives, and innovative solutions.
Toast of the Tour is the kickoff event for JLW’s 7th annual Kitchen Tour, a walking tour that will spotlight nearby Brookland’s unique homes and food scene on Saturday, April 21. Tickets for Toast of the Tour and Kitchen Tour are available at JLW.org/KTtickets. For Toast of the Tour, general admission tickets are $55, and VIP tickets, which include specialty cocktail tastings and a souvenir oven mitt, are $65.
What: Toast of the Tour, a cocktail reception and kickoff event for Kitchen Tour
When: Thursday, April 12 from 6-9 p.m.
Where: Mess Hall, 703 Edgewood Street NE, Washington, DC
About the Junior League of Washington:
The Junior League of Washington (www.jlw.org) is a nonprofit organization of more than 2,300 women who annually donate thousands of dollars and volunteer hours to the Washington, DC, metropolitan area. JLW is committed to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women, and improving the community through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. Its purpose is exclusively educational and charitable. JLW focuses its financial and volunteer resources on the issues of literacy – adult, child, and cultural – and works with a diverse group of community partners. Since 1912, JLW has donated more than five million hours of direct volunteer service and more than $5.8 million to the Washington, DC, community.
