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.

Apr
20
Sat
Earth Day Plogging @ Raymond Recreation Center
Apr 20 @ 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM

VIDA Fitness is teaming up with DC Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) to clean up the District while breaking a sweat for Earth Day. D.C residents are invited to join in the second annual Plogging event, picking up trash while jogging, as they run a preset two mile course beginning at Raymond Recreation Center.

Ploggers will be provided with trash bags and gloves to use as they run and pick up litter. VIDA Fitness and DPR will ensure appropriate disposal of all trash collected during the plogging event. This event is free and open to the public. 

After plogging VIDA Fitness will provide snacks and drinks for all participants. Sign up is requested to ensure enough supplies are on hand for all ploggers.

WHEN:             Saturday, April 20, 2019 at 10 a.m.

WHERE:           Starting at Raymond Recreation Center VIDA Fitness and DPR will lead joggers on a designated two mile route through Northwest DC.

WHY:               To clean up the trash and litter in the District in honor of Earth Day

HOW:              Sign up at https://vidafitness.com/plogging and also receive a free workout at VIDA Fitness

Apr
27
Sat
1st Annual Meow DC @ Dock 5 at Union Market
Apr 27 @ 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

With the rise of cat celebs like Grumpy Cat and Moshow the Rapper, combined  with cat videos in  every corner of  the internet —  it’s about time Washingtonians have an outlet to share their feline fervor with their neighbors. That’s why DC’s animal welfare organization, Humane Rescue Alliance (HRA), is hosting the 1st Annual Meow DC this coming spring.

This event is designed for everyone from the devoted cat lover to the fly-by feline fan.  Kitty aficionados from all over the metro area can don their cat ears and themed outfits, purchase kitty-themed goods from the many local vendors, attend talks about everything from community cats to confusing kitty behavior, and even meet internet sensation Sunglass Cat! There also will be adorable kittens and sassy adult cats alike on hand for cuddles and adoption throughout the day. Plus, it doesn’t end there. Keep your cat ears on and attend the Meow DC After Party at The Pub & The People from 5-8pm where a percentage of sales will benefit HRA, as well as $1 from every Tito’s beverage. Oh, and did we mention there will be awesome giveaways!

And if that weren’t enough, the real attraction (the catnip, if you will) is that all proceeds benefit the amazing work HRA does year round for local DC cats, both indoor and outdoor. Each month, HRA helps nearly 400 local homeless animals get adopted and 565 animals get spayed or neutered.  HRA field officers respond to 1,600 calls monthly, and HRA volunteers donate 2,400 hours every month.  While HRA does incredible work for the vulnerable animals in our community, they still rely on the generosity of individuals and organizations throughout the DC metro area.

This event is generously sponsored by Nardi Media, LLC and Design Foundry. A full list of participating booth vendors is available on the event website.

Tickets are $40 and on sale now at www.meowdc.org. Meet & Greet Tickets for Sunglass Cat are $15 and available at www.meowdc.org.

  • WHO: In-studio interviews are available with HRA representatives to discuss the importance of supporting our local furry friends through events like Meow DC. Adoptable animals can be available in-studio upon request.
  • WHERE: Dock 5 at Union Market – 1309 5th Street NE, Washington DC 20002
  • WHEN: Saturday April 27, 2019 from 10:00AM EST until 5:00PM EST
  • AFTER PARTY: 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM (The Pub & The People; 1648 North Capitol St NW, Washington, DC 20001)
May
4
Sat
Eighties Dream Night @ The Airedale
May 4 @ 8:00 PM – 11:00 PM

Party with a cause and come support one of the District’s newest non-profits, the DMP,  and their mission to provide affordable music education to adults! Come as you are or dressed to the nines, but be ready for a night of all things ’80s! Themed drinks and snacks, karaoke, live music, ’80s games, and a costume contest are all on deck, plus you’ll be treated to a very special performance by the District Music Project Chorus!

WHEN: Saturday, May 4, 8-11 pm (7 pm VIP access)

WHERE: The Airedale, 3605 14th Street NW

WHY: Benefit for The District Music Project, a local non-profit supporting affordable adult education

COST: $40 advance/$45 door/$60 VIP (includes a private concert and prosecco before the party gets going!)

WHO: Open to the public and press is welcome

All proceeds benefit the District Music Project and help us continue to provide music education to adults in the District.

May
8
Wed
18th Calvary Women’s Services Hope Awards Dinner @ Capital Hilton
May 8 @ 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Date: Wednesday, May 8th

·         Time: 6:00pm to 9:00pm

·         Location: The Capital Hilton – 1001 16th St NW, Washington, DC 20036

·         Ticket Price: $250

·         Ticket Sales Link: bit.ly/18th-hope-awards

Join Calvary Women’s Services for a fun and inspirational evening as we celebrate women who are achieving their goals and making lasting changes in their lives. Enjoy a delicious cocktail reception while mingling with community leaders, bid on incredible items and unique packages during the exciting live and silent auctions, and hear uplifting stories about Calvary’s impact and the women we serve.

We’ll come together to honor leaders who inspire and empower women, and celebrate the successes of women at Calvary who are ending their homelessness for good.

Calvary Women’s Services empowers homeless women in Washington, DC to transform their lives through housing, health, education, and employment programs.

May
13
Mon
Ryan Kerrigan Leukemia Golf Classic @ Lansdowne Resort
May 13 – May 14 all-day

Marking its fourteenth anniversary, the 2019 Ryan Kerrigan Leukemia Golf Classic is set for May 13, 2019 at Lansdowne Resort in Leesburg, VA. Proceeds benefit the mission of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS): to cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease and myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families.

Ryan Kerrigan, hosting this event for the fifth straight year, will gather with committee members and chairs, event sponsors, honored patients and more to officially kick off the event at Ruth’s Chris-Tysons Corner on Tuesday, November 13, 2018.

The Ryan Kerrigan Leukemia Golf Classic is a high-profile, celebrity golf tournament featuring Washington Redskins players, coaches, front office executives, alumni and media personalities. Linebacker and Pro Bowler, Ryan Kerrigan hosts this exclusive event which includes golf at one of Northern Virginia’s premier courses, live & silent auctions, reception, dinner and awards ceremony.

Larry Michael, Senior Vice President and “Voice of the Washington Redskins” is the Honorary Chairman of the event. The 2019 Ryan Kerrigan Leukemia Golf Classic Tournament Chairs are Jamie Graham of KippsDeSanto & Co and Brian Nelsen of The Carlyle Group. They lead an executive committee of more than 20 high-ranking executives who represent several major corporations in the Washington, D.C. area.

“The Leukemia Golf Classic is a fantastic way to make a real impact on blood cancer research and have fun at the same time.  No other tournament in our area brings together so many members of the Redskins organization, together with area business executives,” said Graham.

Providing inspiration for the committee members and golfers are the event’s Honored Hero Patients, 7 year old Josiah and 6 year old Drew. In December 2016, Josiah was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) just before his 6th birthday. Today Josiah is your typical energetic, rumbustious 7 year old boy. He loves playing video games and flag football. At 5 years old, Drew was diagnosed with Pre B Standard Risk ALL, the most common form in children. Drew’s family is incredibly proud of their brave boy as he continues on his treatment plan. With your support, LLS is advancing cures for patients like Josiah and Drew!

The Leukemia Golf Classic was founded in 2006 by then-Redskin quarterback Mark Brunell, and has since raised nearly $3 million for LLS.

About The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society ® (LLS) is the world’s largest voluntary health agency dedicated to blood cancer. The LLS mission: Cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease and myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families. LLS funds lifesaving blood cancer research around the world and provides free information and support services.

Founded in 1949 and headquartered in White Plains, NY, LLS has chapters throughout the United States and Canada. To learn more, visit www.LLS.org or contact the Information Resource Center at (800) 955-4572, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET. www.lls.org.

May
16
Thu
Rebloom on the Roof Cocktail Fundraiser @ LaVie Restaurant
May 16 @ 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM

Rebloom on the Roof Cocktail Fundraiser

What: Join Co-Hosts Barry Dixon and Will Thomas for the Fifth Annual Rebloom on the Roof cocktail fundraiser at LaVie Restaurant. Help us celebrate the power of design to change lives for survivors of domestic violence. Enjoy rooftop views of The Wharf waterfront, cocktails, light fare and a silent auction including a designer sample sale.

When: Thursday, May 16, 2019 from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.

Where: LaVie Restaurant – 88 District Square SW, 5th Floor, Washington, DC 20024

Tickets: Tickets are $125.00 via Eventbrite  http://www.roomtorebloom.org/2019-rebloom-on-the-roof

Website: http://www.roomtorebloom.org/

May
19
Sun
Wanderlust Mindful Triathlon
May 19 all-day

Wanderlust, producer of the largest yoga lifestyle events in the world, in partnership with adidasbrings Wanderlust 108, the world’s only mindful triathlon, back to Washington DC on May 19, 2018.  Coming to The Lawn at Oklahoma Avenue, Wanderlust’s unique triathlon consists of a five-kilometer run (or walk), a music-fueled, outdoor yoga class led by Faith Hunter and a guided meditation led by Tracee Stanley. Mindful triathletes can also groove to the sounds of DJ Jesse Blake, browse the marketplace of local craft and food vendors, and experience bonus fitness classes throughout the day.

New for 2018, participants in North America will be able to choose from an array of premium ticket options to create their perfect Wanderlust 108 adventure.  Prices start at $30, with premium packages from $99.  Wanderlust will donate $1.08 from every ticket sold to The Global Fund to Fight AIDS with (RED). To date, (RED) has generated more than $500 million for the AIDS fight, supporting HIV/AIDS programs and services in eight countries in Africa. 100% of money raised goes to work on the ground—no overhead is taken. For more information, visit red.org.

At all Wanderlust 108 events, the Kula Marketplace will showcase local craft vendors, including clothing, jewelry, and handcrafted items. Local and organic food vendors will be on site, as well as a retail store experience created by adidas and Wanderlust housed in a 60’ geodesic dome.  Items from the adidas x Wanderlust co-branded collection will be sold on site at each event.

Jun
10
Mon
Chef’s Best Dinner & Auction @ Marriott Marquis Washington, DC
Jun 10 @ 5:30 PM – 10:30 PM

On Monday, June 10th, 40 of the area’s best chefs and mixologists will serve up special tastings of their signature dishes at Food & Friends’ annual Chef’s Best Dinner & Auction. Hosted at the Marriott Marquis, Chef’s Best will benefit Food & Friends, a non-profit organization based in Washington, D.C. that provides life-sustaining meals to those living with HIV/AIDS, cancer and other serious illnesses.

Thanks to the efforts of Chef Chair Kevin Tien of Himitsu, Hot Lola’s, and Emilie’s, guests will enjoy tastings prepared by some of the region’s most talented chefs and mixologists including: Eric Bruner-Yang, Maketto, Tony Chittum,Iron Gate, Sanjay Mandhaiya, Pappe, Jong Son, Tiger Fork, Amy Hosseinnian, Buffalo & Bergen,andMalkhaz Maisashvili of Supra,among other notables from the D.C. dining scene. In addition, attendees will have the opportunity to bid on an array of exciting silent and live auction items featuring fantastic trips, one-of-a-kind experiences and private dining opportunities.

This year, guests will also hear from Representative Jim McGovern (D-MA), a leading Congressional advocate on issues of food security, nutrition and health. He serves as the Ranking Member of the House Committee on Rules and is the Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Nutrition in the House Committee on Agriculture. In 2018, he co-founded the Food is Medicine Working Group as part of the House Hunger Caucus, which he also co-chairs.

Proceeds from Chef’s Bestwill ensure the delivery of nutritionally tailored meals and nutrition counseling to Food & Friends’ clients living with cancer, HIV/AIDS and other life-challenging illnesses. This year, Food & Friends aims to provide 1 million meals to more than 3,000 seriously ill individuals in Washington, D.C., Virginia and Maryland.

“I am honored to serve as Chef Chair of this year’s event,” said Kevin Tien. “To me, it doesn’t matter who you are, at the end of the day, food is something that connects everyone. I am touched by the impact that Food & Friends makes in the lives of its clients, delivering nutritious meals and a healthy dose of compassion during life’s most trying times. It gives me comfort to know that Food & Friends fills such a critical need at no cost to those who rely on the organization’s services.”

Tickets are $350 and sponsorships start at $1,000. Visit www.foodandfriends.org/ChefsBest to purchase tickets and see a current list of chefs and sponsors. The President’s Reception for sponsors begins at 5:30pm. Doors open for the main event at 6:30pm, with live auction bidding starting around 8:30pm. Food & Friends depends on the support of corporations, foundations and individuals and is grateful for the sponsors who have contributed to Chef’s Best.