Feb
2
Sat
DC Polar Bear Plunge to support Special Olympics @ Capitol Riverfront Yards Park
Feb 2 @ 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Please join Suspicious Package and friends on Saturday February 2 at 1pm at Capitol Riverfront Yards Park for the DC Polar Bear Plunge to support Special Olympics!  There will be outdoor ice bars, food vendors, live music as part of DC Ice Yards, and two above ground pools on the deck between District Winery and Morici for volunteers taking the plunge!  No cover, family friendly and all welcome.
If you’d like to join the Cobra Kai team to dive in, see details below.  The event is Special Olympics primary fundraiser to help 1,600 kids in DC to participate in sports!
DC Polar Bear Plunge
Saturday February 2 2019
Suspicious Package concert:  1-2 pm
Plunge :  2-4 pm
Capitol Riverfront – Yards Park
355 Water St SE
Metro: Navy Yard- Ballpark
Free admission
Adult Beverages from District Winery and food by Due South
Feb
7
Thu
Environmental Film Festival Annual Benefit @ Austrian Embassy
Feb 7 @ 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM

Juliet Eilperin, the Senior National Affairs Correspondent for The Washington Post has been chosen by the Environmental Film Festival (DCEFF) for their inaugural “Excellence in Journalism” award. Eilperin, a DC native, and author of two books, has worked at The Washington Post’s national desk for 20 years, covering the White House, Congress and a host of domestic and international policies. Her work has often centered on environmental issues.

“We are pleased to honor Juliet and to present her with our first ever Excellence in Journalism Award,” said, Christopher Head, the Executive Director of the Environmental Film Festival. “The theme of the this year’s festival is “The Fierce Urgency of Now” and Juliet Eilperin’s excellent journalism has helped to pave the way for understanding what’s at stake and what our government is or isn’t doing at this moment of environmental crisis.”

The Annual benefit will take place on February 7, 2019 at the Austrian Embassy (3524 International Court, NW) and will be hosted by Ambassador H.E. Doctor Wolfgang Waldner.

“Austria is strongly committed to environmental protection and sustainable energy,” said Ambassador Wolfgang Waldner. “We are very honored to host this year’s Environmental Film Festival Benefit Reception at the Austrian Embassy.”

Many of the benefit’s co-chairs, host committee and honorary host committee will be on hand for the evening and the Austrian Cultural Forum will also be a presenter. The DCEFF will run from March 14-24, 2019 and will present more than 120 films from around the globe. Tickets for the reception can be purchased here.

The Environmental Film Festival in the Nation’s Capital (DCEFF) is the world’s premier showcase of environmentally themed films. Since 1993, our mission has been to celebrate Earth and inspire understanding and stewardship of the environment through the power of film. Each March in Washington, D.C., we host the largest environmental film festival in the world, presenting 100+ films to audiences of more than 20,000 and collaborating with over 110 partners, including museums, embassies, universities, and theaters. The festival is one of the leading annual cultural events in Washington, D.C., winning the 2017 DC Mayor’s Award for Excellence in Creative Industries.

https://dceff.org/

Feb
23
Sat
Snowed INN @ Ronald Reagan Building Pavilion
Feb 23 @ 8:00 PM – 11:59 PM

Get Snowed Inn with The Children’s Inn at NIH on Feb. 23, 2019. Join the perfect DC après-ski party and dance the night away with a live DJ or finish unwinding from the holiday rush by relaxing in a ski lodge setting, with friends old and new. What else? Enjoy unlimited drinks created by the area’s best mixologists, plus a wide range of appetizers and bites, bid on unique experiences offered through a silent auction, play games or create a small gift to lift the spirits of a child staying at The Children’s Inn. It’s great to get Snowed Inn!

Website: www.childrensinn.org/snowedinn

Mar
5
Tue
Turn Up the Heat culinary experience @ The Anthem
Mar 5 @ 6:30 PM – 9:30 PM
On Tuesday, March 5, the Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance (OCRA) will shake off the chill of winter with its annual “Turn Up the Heat” culinary experience at The Anthem (901 Wharf Street SW).
The highly anticipated event, emceed by ovarian cancer survivor Elle Simone Scott of America’s Test Kitchen on PBS, honors D.C.’s best female chefs, restaurateurs and mixologists and this year will tip its hat to Chef Seng Luangrath of Thip Khao, the Laotian sensation that has quickly become a local must-visit.
With her 2019 “Chef on Fire” OCRA honor, Thip Khao head chef and owner Seng Luangrath joins illustrious company, including past honorees Marjorie Meek-Bradley (St. Anselm) and James Beard Award nominee Amy Brandwein (Centrolina). And, the list of “Turn Up the Heat” participating restaurants and food industry pros providing the evening’s outstanding food and drinks for more than 400 guests reads like a who’s who of Washington’s female culinary visionaries, among them:
OCRA is the largest investor in ovarian cancer outside of the U.S. government and “Turn Up the Heat” is the organization’s hallmark fundraiser, raising critical funds for research and serving ovarian cancer survivors and their families.
“We’re thrilled to be hosting our annual ‘Turn Up the Heat’ event in support of all women who have been touched by ovarian cancer,” says OCRA President and CEO Audra Moran. “Having the top female chefs in Washington, D.C., supporting our cause sends a powerful message to all those affected by the disease, while also creating a fantastic evening of food, cocktails and fun.”
 
“Everything I do is to honor my late mother, she would’ve loved to see me at this year’s ‘Turn Up the Heat’ event as the Chef on Fire,” says Thip Khao head chef and owner Seng Luangrath. “Just recently, a friend of mine passed away from ovarian cancer and I’m dedicating my participation in OCRA’s largest fundraising event to her. Cancer touches all of us in one way or another – I hope everyone can join us at this thoughtful event for an incredible cause.
General admission for “Turn Up the Heat” begins at 6:30pm, with early entry at 6pm for VIP ticket holders who will mingle in the Teal Lounge, proudly sponsored by United Airlines.
For more information about OCRA and “Turn Up the Heat” and to purchase tickets, please visit: www.turnuptheheatdc.org
Mar
9
Sat
Chance for Life 2019 @ MGM National Harbor Grand Ballroom
Mar 9 @ 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM

   Chance for Life was created in 2005 in honor of Kennedy Snyder, who was diagnosed with an aggressive spinal cord tumor at age two. What began as a small get-together has become an established 501(c)3 non-profit that holds one of metropolitan Washington’s top charity events. The annual fundraiser features a Texas Hold ’Em style poker tournament, top chef taste experience, and a glamorous Vegas-style after party. Its 14th annual celebration is presented by The Boeing Company, hosted by MGM National Harbor, and powered by RedPeg, providing 100% of net proceeds to help fund vital pediatric cancer research at Children’s National Health System and through Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation.

 

The Charity Poker Tournament is a Texas Hold ’Em style tournament with over 700 participating amateur players. Prizes are awarded for the top 30 winners with a grand prize of a $10,000 seat at the World Series of Poker in Las Vegas. The event features a top-shelf open bar, sprawling buffet, silent auction, celebrities, and more throughout the day. Poker players also have complimentary access to the Taste Experience.

 

The Taste Experience features uniquely curated food from renowned chefs who cook throughout metropolitan Washington. Dance the night away with an incredible line up of live performances, capped off with a surprise celebrity headliner. The night continues with a vibrant after party featuring VIP lounges, a top DJ and even more entertainment.

 

WHEN:                 Saturday, March 9, 2019

                                Charity Poker Tournament | 11:30am

Poker registration opens – 10am

                                Poker doors open – 11am

                                Taste Experience & Party | 6:30pm

                               

WHERE:               MGM National Harbor

MGM Grand Ballroom

                                101 MGM National Avenue

                                Oxon Hill, MD 20745

 

TICKETS:               Individual tickets and sponsorships for both events now available at https://e.givesmart.com/events/buX/.

About Chance for Life

Less than 4% of the federal government’s total funding for cancer research is dedicated to childhood cancers each year. Chance for Life takes direct aim to fill this gap, providing 100% of net proceeds to help fund vital pediatric cancer research at Children’s National Health System and through Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation. The non-profit’s major charity poker tournament and taste experience has historically raised over $4.2 million to directly support those on the forefront of local cancer research and care. For more information, please visit chanceforlife.net or follow the 501(c)(3) on Facebook and Twitter.

Mar
14
Thu
Story Time Gala @ Cleveland Park Library
Mar 14 @ 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM

The DC Public Library Foundation invites you to the 4th Annual Story Time Gala Reception, celebrating libraries and learning.

Mar
31
Sun
Rock It Grill’s 30th Anniversary Fundraiser @ Rock It Grill
Mar 31 @ 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM

On Sunday, March 31 at 1pm, the Rock-It Grill will be hosting an event to celebrate its 30-year anniversary and also to raise money for Guiding Eyes for the Blind, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing guide dogs to the blind and visually impaired.

“We are excited to be hosting this event, not only to celebrate 30 years as an Old Town staple, but also to give back to the community,” said Laura Seiss, owner of the Rock-It. “Additionally, we wouldn’t be here without the tremendous support from our patrons. We’re thrilled to celebrate them the way they have celebrated us for the last 30 years.”

The event will include:

  • 50/50 raffle
  • Gift basket raffle
  • Karaoke for kids
  • Photo ops with Guiding Eyes pups in training (small donation suggested)

Visitors are welcome to stop in for food and drinks, socialize with Guiding Eyes pups and their puppy raisers, and participate in karaoke, which will begin at 1pm and will run throughout the afternoon into the regularly scheduled karaoke time, ending around 1:30am.

About Rock-It Grill (www.rockit-grill.com):
The Rock-It Grill, located on King St. in Old Town Alexandria, has been a neighborhood fixture since 1989. The bar was founded by Gary Wayne Miller, originally as GW’s, and became the Rock-It Grill in 1997. They are best known for their diverse food and drink menu, relaxed environment and karaoke 7 nights a week. The Rock-It has supported its local community with events like Karaoke with Cops every summer, raising funds for our police and K9 units. Rock-It is located at 1319 King St. and is a short walk from the King Street Metro with ample street parking.

About Guiding Eyes for the Blind (www.guidingeyes.org):
In 1954, Guiding Eyes for the Blind was founded to enrich the lives of blind and visually impaired men and women. Since that time, Guiding Eyes has become one of the foremost guide dog schools in the world, graduating more than 7,000 guide dog teams. Guiding Eyes for the Blind is a not-for-profit 501 (c) (3) organization. It provides professionally trained Guiding Eyes dogs, training and lifetime support services to students free of charge with funds raised solely through the generosity of individuals, corporations, foundations and civic organizations. Guiding Eyes for the Blind’s Headquarters and Training Center is located in Yorktown Heights, New York and its Canine Development Center is located in Patterson, New York.

The Joint fundraiser for The Welders @ Rhizome DC
Mar 31 @ 6:30 PM – 9:30 PM

Washington’s only playwrights’ collective devoted exclusively to developing and producing new plays—will host its annual fundraiser, The Joint–on Sunday, March 31, at Rhizome DC.

The Joint will take over the rooms of the Rhizome art space, familiar to some as the setting of the 2017 environmental hit Hello, My Name Is… by Deb Sivigny. Throughout the house, installations, intimate performances, and interactive projects will delight attendees as they rewind to remember the past and fast forward to the future.

There will be opportunities to celebrate the current generation of the Welders as they offer the in-process work by the last two playwrights in the second round of Welders leadership. At the end of 2019, the current roster of Producing Playwrights will be turning the company over to a new group of artists: The Welders 3.0.

The soon-to-be-announced third generation of The Welders will be in attendance at The Joint along with the past and present generations. The evening will be a fun opportunity for theater fans to engage with the generative artists taking the production of their work into their own hands.

Don’t miss this spectacular art-house-party filled with connection, sneak peeks, and a celebration of three generations “passing it on.” Plus, the event will feature a fire pit, silent auction, tasty food, and punch from Drink Company, home to the 2017 Spirited Award winning “Best American Cocktail Bar” Columbia Room.

Tickets are available athttps://thejoint2019.brownpapertickets.com/

Apr
5
Fri
6th Annual Best Buddies Prom @ Ronald Reagan Building
Apr 5 @ 6:30 PM – 11:00 PM

The 6th Annual Best Buddies PROM – two parties with one purpose – is a dynamic twist on the DC gala that features both student and adult receptions. It will be held Friday, April 5 at The Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center in Washington, DC. This joyous night of music, friendship, fundraising, and making memories for young people with and without Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) will be the highlight of DC’s spring event season.  PROM2019 will treat students of all abilities to a spectacular evening which is also a fundraising event for adults who believe in the mission of inclusion. Best Buddies was founded 30 years ago by Anthony Kennedy Shriver at Georgetown University. Tickets are on sale now at www.BestBuddiesProm.org.

“This year’s PROM will push us to surpass one million dollars in monies raised since we began PROM in DC in 2013… enabling us to open 64 friendship chapters in Virginia and Washington DC schools, support 25 (adult) Jobs participants at integrated workplaces, and facilitate leadership development opportunities for nearly 200 individuals with IDD,” said Karen Glasser, Regional Director of Best Buddies Capital Region. “We can’t wait to celebrate this $1M milestone with our Best Buddies family!”

The lively evening will be hosted by Tommy McFly, Best Buddies Capital Region Advisory Board Chairman and host of The Tommy Show. Music and Entertainment will be provided by crowd favorite, DJ Neekola, and performers from the Pelonkey Agency. The Reagan Building’s beauty will be on display with decor by Design Foundry elevating the PROM goers’ experience.

Students are the stars of the evening. Adults will also enjoy their own celebration, including a complimentary open bar, delicious passed hors d’oeuvres by Reagan Building Executive, Chef Xavier Deshayes, and an exciting live and silent auction. In addition, some of the region’s most celebrated chefs will lend their time and culinary creations to an exclusive VIP reception prior to the event. PROM is the perfect place to witness Best Buddies’ mission of social inclusion first-hand. 

Apr
8
Mon
Taste of the Nation @ National Building Museum
Apr 8 @ 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM

Share Our Strength’s No Kid Hungry campaign invites Washington D.C., Maryland and Virginia residents to sip and sample creations from area’s most celebrated restaurants to help kids in need at this year’s Taste of the Nation for No Kid Hungry on Monday, April 8, 2019Hosted at the National Building Museum, the annual tasting event will feature gourmet cuisine and libations crafted by the city’s hottest chefs, sommeliers and mixologists, uniting 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 (The Red Hen, All-Purpose), Pastry Chair Tiffany MacIsaac (Buttercream Bakeshop), Mixology Chair Gina Chersevani (Buffalo and Bergen, Suburbia), and Sommelier Chair Nadine Brown (Society Fair), D.C.’s culinary tastemakers will provide guests with scrumptious bite-size fare, craft cocktails and delectable desserts. Guests will also have a chance to participate in an intimate tasting with Chef Kwame Onwuachi (Kith and Kin, Philly Wing Fry) and Chef Tae Strain (Momofuku CCDC), and score hot items at the silent auction and “Giving Tree”. 

Notable participating Washington, D.C. area culinary talent and eateries include:

All-Purpose | Al Dente | Art & Soul | Barrel | Beuchert’s Saloon | Buffalo and Bergen | Bombay Street Food | Buttercream Bakeshop | Captain Cookie and the Milkman | Cava Mezze | Coconut Club | Colada Shop | Compass Rose | Espita Mezcaleria | Estadio | Farmers & Distillers | Firefly | Georgetown Cupcake | The Green Zone | Hank’s Oyster Bar | I’m Eddie Cano | Jack Rose Dining Saloon | Junction Bakery & Bistro | Kith and Kin | Kuya Ja’s | McClellan’s Retreat | Matchbox Vintage Pizza Bistro | Mi Vida | Milkbar | Momo Yakitori | Momofuku CCDC| Nama Sushi | Osteria Morini | Ottoman Taverna | Oyamel | Pisco y Nasca Ceviche Gastrobar | Radiator | Rappahannock Oyster Bar | RARE Steakhouse | RASA | Royal | Shake Shack | Society Fair Spoken English | Stellina Pizzeria | Succotash Penn Quarter | Sweet Lobby | The Delegate | The Pub and the People | The Source | Tico |  Truxton Inn

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 one billion meals.

In 2018, D.C.’s Taste of the Nation for No Kid Hungry raised enough to connect hungry kids in need with up to 2.5 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. Whole Foods Market is the Official Grocer Sponsor of D.C.’s 2019 Taste of the Nation and will be providing samples alongside their local vendors. This event is also made possible by the following local sponsors: Caledonia Spirits, Catoctin Creek, Chrysler Pacifica, Ecolab, Flying Dog Brewery, MacRostie Winery and Vineyards, Rémy Cointreau and Tito’s Handmade Vodka.

Taste of the Nation for No Kid Hungry tickets start at $100, with prices increasing a month prior to the event on March 8, 2019. For additional information and to purchase tickets, please visit: https://www.nokidhungry.org/tastedc.