Co-hosted by NBC4 News Anchors, Jim Handly and Jummy Olabanji, WTEF’s 2023 Annual Share the Love Gala, will be held on Saturday, May 6th from 6:00pm – 11:00pm at the Waldorf Astoria in DC. WTEF’s largest annual fundraising event, the gala helps enable the continuance of their important work of Building Life Champions through tennis and education.
The gala features a cocktail reception and open bar, three-course gala wine dinner, a live musical performance by DC’s own The “Original” Moonlighters, and their signature “Bid It to Win It” silent auction fundraiser.
NewsBash, the annual event founded by Washington top female news anchors, announced the 13th annual NewsBash will return on Tuesday, May 16 from 7:00 – 9:00 PM at the Corcoran Ballroom in the Four Seasons Washington, DC (2800 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20007).
Since 2010, NewsBash has brought together survivors, supporters, politicos and friends, raising awareness for breast cancer. Outfitted in pink, this memorable evening has made an incredible impact on the community with nearly $350,000 raised for various breast cancer charities. NewsBash is honored to welcome back Glassman Wealth as the Pink Ribbon Title Sponsor for another year.
Each year NewsBash selects a program to honor, and this year’s event will benefit the Howard University Cancer Center’s breast cancer program. Based in Metro DC, Howard University Cancer Center specializes in risk identification, prevention and treatment of breast cancer. The HUCC was built on a mission to reduce breast cancer mortality through promoting access to screenings, diagnostics and treatment referrals. In an effort to overcome income barriers and disparities, the cancer center offers low-cost screenings, patient navigation and diagnostics for uninsured women in addition to same-day treatment granting women accessible quality care.
The NewsBash host committee includes well-known newswomen from the Washington metropolitan area’s top media affiliates. Hosts for the 2023 chairs and committee are:
-
From WJLA/ABC, Alison Starling (chair), Olivia Garvey, Melanie Hastings, Adriana Hopkins, Veronica Johnson, Kellye Lynn, Michelle Marsh, Britt Waters and Eileen Whelan
-
From WUSA9/CBS, Andrea Roane (chair), Lesli Foster (chair), Delia Goncalves, Sharla McBride, Kaitlyn McGrath, Marcella Robertson, Monika Samtani, Allison Seymour and Annie Yu
-
From WTTG/FOX5, Angie Goff (chair), Laura Evans (chair), Erin Como, Sierra Fox, Marina Marraco, Marissa Mitchell, Holly Morris, Jeanette Reyes and Caitlin Roth
-
From WRC/NBC Washington, Shawn Yancy (chair), Eun Yang (chair), Aimee Cho, Molette Green, Susan Hogan, Melissa Mollet, Jummy Olabanji, Lauryn Ricketts and Juliana Valencia
-
From WTOP, Hillary Howard
-
From 99.5, Elizabethany
The evening will be accompanied by specialty cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and delicious treats in addition to music, dancing, and more, in support of this year’s cause. Pink cocktail attire is encouraged. Tickets are available on Eventbrite and prices range from $50 to $300, with all proceeds supporting the Howard University Cancer Center’s efforts in providing affordable care through their disparity programs.
To learn more about NewsBash and purchase tickets visit, dcnewsbash.org. For more information about NewsBash, please contact Amy Clark, amy@thebrandguild.com.
Going the Extra MIle
Thursday, May 18
5:30-7:30 pm
800 17th Street, NW Washington, DC
Every year WWH Legal serves nearly 3,000 low-income clients with life-saving legal care, to accommodate housing, safety, and health, with the generous support of our community. This year, the annual cocktail reception will benefit Whitman-Walker Health’s Legal Services Program, honoring the Arnold & Porter firm. As part of Whitman-Walker’s commitment to reaffirming our mission, they are hosting an in-person event to celebrate the wonderful volunteer community. To become a sponsor and for more information about the event, visit https://whitmanwalkerimpact.
The Commentary Social House will once again feature its “Doggy Dishes” menu as they kick off the summer series of their ‘Pups on The Patio’ adoption events on National Rescue Dog Day.
The first event of the series will take place on The Commentary’s patio on Saturday, May 20th from 5 pm – 7 pm and will feature adoptable dogs from Lost Dog and Cat Rescue Foundation. Attendees can enjoy libations and delicious menu items with 20% percent of the proceeds going to the rescue league.
The Commentary’s Chef Fran Ponte has created “Doggy Dishes”, a dog-friendly menu with fresh, healthy house-made treats from kitchen scraps, in an effort to minimize waste. Furry attendees can expect a satisfying dining experience with menu options of chicken strips, sweet potato bites, and more.
Guests are welcome to bring their own dogs as they partake in an evening filled with puppies, food, and refreshing beverages while knowing that every contribution made will directly support animals in need.
In collaboration with, and in support of the emerging scholars program, the Erkiletian family (owners of The Wildset Hotel & Ruse) are hosting an intimate evening at their family farm in St. Michaels, Maryland, this June.
Dinner will be prepared in the garden by MICHELIN Star Chef Michael Rafidi of Albi in Washington, D.C. in collaboration with Chef Michael Correll of Ruse in St. Michaels, Maryland.
Tickets include a one night stay at Wildset, artisan cocktail house and hors d’oeuvres, tasting menu prepared by Chef MIchael Rafidi and Michael Correll, wine pairing by sommelier William Simons and Allie Balin, after dinner fireside cocktails, a donation to Emerging Scholars, an organization that is near to the hearts of the Erkiletian family.
Tickets can be purchased here.
Please join the Picnic Theatre Company in the beautiful Dumbarton House garden in Georgetown on Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday, June 7, 8, 9, for a live play performance and light parody of the award-winning 1976 drama Network, a dark satire of the television news industry. Be transported to another time with music and advertisements from the 1970s!
TICKETS ($18): dumbartonhouse.ticketleap.com/
(Proceeds benefit Dumbarton House museum preservation and education programs.)
In an America beset by inflation, recession, Watergate and Vietnam, a veteran broadcast anchorman channels the populist rage and becomes a national lightning rod. Ambitious network executives and corporate conglomerates take the commercialization of the news to unsettling extremes in pursuit of profits and ratings, but soon find the message and the consequences spinning out of their control. A bitingly prescient commentary on the rise of mass media and its polarizing effects on politics and American life, Network resonates more than ever today.
2715 Q Street NW, Washington, DC (Georgetown)
6pm Cocktails, 7pm Showtime
Bring a blanket for picnic seating. Wine and refreshments are available for purchase. Rain or shine (if rain in Bellevue Ballroom).
Directed by Steve Rochlin
Cast:
Sara Cook • Nova Daly • Ali Dukakis • Nihal Krishan • Alexa Newlin • Antonio Olivo • Kevin Rooney • Adam Ruben • Jayne Sandman • Christina Sevilla • Hugo Verges • David White
Please join the Picnic Theatre Company in the beautiful Dumbarton House garden in Georgetown on Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday, June 7, 8, 9, for a live play performance and light parody of the award-winning 1976 drama Network, a dark satire of the television news industry. Be transported to another time with music and advertisements from the 1970s!
TICKETS ($18): dumbartonhouse.ticketleap.com/
(Proceeds benefit Dumbarton House museum preservation and education programs.)
In an America beset by inflation, recession, Watergate and Vietnam, a veteran broadcast anchorman channels the populist rage and becomes a national lightning rod. Ambitious network executives and corporate conglomerates take the commercialization of the news to unsettling extremes in pursuit of profits and ratings, but soon find the message and the consequences spinning out of their control. A bitingly prescient commentary on the rise of mass media and its polarizing effects on politics and American life, Network resonates more than ever today.
2715 Q Street NW, Washington, DC (Georgetown)
6pm Cocktails, 7pm Showtime
Bring a blanket for picnic seating. Wine and refreshments are available for purchase. Rain or shine (if rain in Bellevue Ballroom).
Directed by Steve Rochlin
Cast:
Sara Cook • Nova Daly • Ali Dukakis • Nihal Krishan • Alexa Newlin • Antonio Olivo • Kevin Rooney • Adam Ruben • Jayne Sandman • Christina Sevilla • Hugo Verges • David White
Please join the Picnic Theatre Company in the beautiful Dumbarton House garden in Georgetown on Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday, June 7, 8, 9, for a live play performance and light parody of the award-winning 1976 drama Network, a dark satire of the television news industry. Be transported to another time with music and advertisements from the 1970s!
TICKETS ($18): dumbartonhouse.ticketleap.com/
(Proceeds benefit Dumbarton House museum preservation and education programs.)
In an America beset by inflation, recession, Watergate and Vietnam, a veteran broadcast anchorman channels the populist rage and becomes a national lightning rod. Ambitious network executives and corporate conglomerates take the commercialization of the news to unsettling extremes in pursuit of profits and ratings, but soon find the message and the consequences spinning out of their control. A bitingly prescient commentary on the rise of mass media and its polarizing effects on politics and American life, Network resonates more than ever today.
2715 Q Street NW, Washington, DC (Georgetown)
6pm Cocktails, 7pm Showtime
Bring a blanket for picnic seating. Wine and refreshments are available for purchase. Rain or shine (if rain in Bellevue Ballroom).
Directed by Steve Rochlin
Cast:
Sara Cook • Nova Daly • Ali Dukakis • Nihal Krishan • Alexa Newlin • Antonio Olivo • Kevin Rooney • Adam Ruben • Jayne Sandman • Christina Sevilla • Hugo Verges • David White
Rosé in the Rose garden celebrating the DC Pride Parade (SAT, 6/10) at Estuary
Sip on Rosé wine flights in the Rose Garden at Estuary at the Conrad Hotel DC to celebrate Whitman-Walker’s 50th anniversary and DC Pride Parade on Saturday, June 10th from 11am-5pm. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Whitman-Walker Foundation.
On Sunday, August 6th, Bourbon Steak will host a Tiki Throwdown, where former Bourbon Steak bartenders will join Head Bartender Engidawork Alebachew in a cocktail competition, battling it out to be crowned the champion. In addition to sampling each cocktail creation, guests will enjoy Bourbon Steak delights like the Duck Fat Fries and Prime Steak Burger, music from a live DJ and more. The event will be held from 4 to 7pm, with tickets available for $100, with a 10% donation benefitting Worthy Mentoring.
Guests will get the opportunity to take a front row seat for this boozy battle with local bartenders going head to head as they demonstrate building their signature craft cocktails. Guests will sample each contending beverage while enjoying passed tropical bites, and the results will be in their hands, with their votes determining the reigning champion of the night.
The competitor line up will feature Bourbon Steak’s Head Bartender Engidawork Alebachew, who will be defending his home turf by showcasing his “Fano” cocktail. Engi will be competing with industry experts, Jamie MacBain from Diageo Hospitality, Duane Sylvestre from Campari Group, Torrence Swain from Mezcal El Silencio and Greg Long from Allegory. Please see more details on each contender below.
Additionally, Bourbon Steak will be extending its general offerings, launching a new seasonal menu featuring delicious dishes inspired by and designed to be enjoyed during the summer months, including Lobster Cobb Salad, Gazpacho, Halibut, Corn Agnolotti Pasta, Tomato and Watermelon Salad.
*****
Engidawork Alebachew
Defending his home turf & representing Bourbon Steak at the Tiki Throwdown is Lead Bartender, Engidawork Alebachew, who will be showcasing his “Fano” cocktail.
Originally from Ethiopia, Engi had previously studied bioengineering before taking his place behind the bar at Bourbon Steak in 2010. Engi quickly realized his love for hospitality, engaging with guests and creating mixology magic, and embarked on a new career. Today, Engi leads the exciting cocktail program at Bourbon Steak creating innovative libations like the wagyu washed Yo, You Got Beef?!.
Duane Sylvestre
Hailing from the Campari Group, Libation Wizz, Duane Sylvestre, will return to Bourbon Steak to whip up his “Selassie” cocktail and protect his former title as Lead Bartender!
With 25+ years of beverage hospitality experience, Duane has an insatiable desire to learn and teach, believing that “raising the tide” for his industry peers benefits the entire food, beverage, and hospitality community. Prior to joining The Campari Group, Duane served as USBG DC Chapter President and led the award winning beverage program at Bourbon Steak.
Jamie MacBain
Coming in hot is The Potion Professor, Jamie MacBain, ready to throw it down at Bourbon Steak with his “Spirit Animal” cocktail and defend his former title as Head Bartender!
A 30-year industry veteran, leader and educator, Jamie has worked at some of the most popular dining establishments in the nation’s capital, including Bourbon Steak. Jamie was also the past president of the DC Craft Bartenders’ Guild, and is currently the DC/MD/DE On Premise Manager for Diageo Hospitality Partnership at Enthuse Marketing Group.
Torrence Swain
Introducing Torrence Swain, The East Coast Cocktail Crusader who will be battling it out at the Tiki Throwdown with his “Malvado Dorado” cocktail and flexing his prowess as former Bourbon Steak Head Bartender!
Well versed in spirit knowledge, education and cocktail creation, Torrence Swain is a seasoned industry professional, having represented esteemed D.C. restaurants including Bourbon Steak and Farmers Fishers Bakers. Torrence is now a leader in the spirits industry, serving as East Coast Director of Sales for Silencio Holdings.
Greg Long
Introducing our fifth and final beverage battler ready to flex his “Right By the Beach (Boiiiii)” cocktail at the Tiki Throwdown, Bourbon Steak’s former bartender, Greg Long!
A true cocktail aficionado, Greg started his journey at Bourbon Steak, where he bartended for four years. He then plied his trade at Dante in New York, before returning to DC and calling Allegory home, where he’s whipping up some of the best, most creative cocktails in the country.
