Get your Pig Roast on at Pike & Rose April 17th

Full disclosure - this event is in Maryland (o.m.g. so far away I know), but even Washingtonian's need to escape the District every once in a while. Pop up to Pike & Rose (just outside of 495 at Rockville Pike and Old Georgetown Road) on April 17th for a pig roast, neighborhood block party, bourbon tasting and foodie fest. Tickets are $12 to $22 HERE. And stick around for the dope movie theatre experience at iPic to catch the newest flick. 

Little Miss Whiskey’s Golden Dollar hosts Girls Pint Out April 14th

Pop over to H Street on April 14th from 7 to 9 p.m. as Little Miss Whiskey’s Golden Dollar hosts Girls Pint Out -  their 2^nd annual, seasonal cookie and beer pairing.   Guest will enjoy brews from  DC Brau, Flying Dog, and Port City perfectly paired with your favorite scout cookies. Girls Pint Out is a national craft beer organization for women whose mission is to build a community of women who love craft beer and who are an active, contributing part of the greater craft beer community.  Cookies and 4 oz pours are included in the $15 ticket price HERE.

DC Brau

Penn Quarter Porter - Shortbread cookie w/ toffee bits

Brau PIls - Oatmeal/ peanut butter sandwich cookie

Port City Brewing Company

Colossal V - Vanilla cookies w/ caramel & coconut

Optimal Wit - Lemon cookie w/ powdered sugar

Flying Dog

Mint Julep Ale - Chocolate covered mint cookies

Counter Culture - Chocolate covered peanut butter cookie

Wine Spectator’s Grand Tour Hits DC April 28th

Oenophiles unite! The Wine Spectator’s Grand Tour is returning to DC for an unforgettable tasting experience featuring more than 240 of the world’s finest wineries pouring their best bottles. Sample hard-to-find wines and discover new favorites with a few hundred of your fellow vino lovers. 

Guest will receive a souvenir Riedel® tasting glass, taste from a buffet of culinary treats and taste wines rated 90 points or higher by Wine Spectator. Tickets are $325 per person (after March 26th this increases to $395 per person). A portion of net proceeds from the event benefits the Wine Spectator Scholarship Foundation, which supports scholarships and grants to students pursuing careers in the wine industry.

Purchase HERE.

April 28, 2016 (Thursday)

7 to 10 p.m.

Ronald Reagan Building

1300 Pennsylvania Avenue

Washington, DC

Color the Night - Brighten the Future at Sitar Arts Center's Gala on April 21st at the Howard Theatre

Join fellow Washingtonian’s for a tribute to Sitar Arts Center at their annual gala and dinner. The event will honor Septime Webre of the The Washington Ballet. Enjoy cocktails, dinner and dancing with a silent auction featuring items from Crisp Kitchen and Bar, MINT gym, Washington Performing Arts, and The Phillips Collection and more.

Sitar Arts Center offers afterschool, Saturday and summer arts education programs in the visual arts, music, drama, dance, digital arts and creative writing. The center provides a safe haven to more than 800 students a year, 80 percent of whom come from low-income households, teaching important life skills and fostering personal and artistic growth in D.C.’s youth.  Sitar Arts Center relies on charitable contributions from events like their gala to ensure that no family is ever turned away because of inability to pay. You can learn more about Sitar HERE. Tickets are $250 HERE. 

On My Radar: 10 Restaurants and Bars You Must Try in DC This Week

At DC This Week my fridge stays full.....with take out. That's because DC is home to some of the nation's top notch eateries all waiting for your culinary adventures. So here are the Top 10 restaurants the fiancee and I have ventured to lately that deserve your time and your tongue. 

10. Convivial -  it's no wonder we loved this place. It is the newest opening from Chef Cedric Maupillier’s of the famed Mintwood Place we frequent.  After a sampling of about 10 menu items from Convivial we left in a food coma and wanting more. Pictured above is their Vanilla Crème Brûlée. (Convention Center)

9. The Chickery - the new fried chicken joint #StraightOuttaToronto with a location in Dupont and tasty sauces you wish you could horde in your purse. (Dupont)

8. Left Door - a non pretentious 2nd floor speakeasy bar just off of 14th Street with craft cocktails galore and a cheese plate that will make you fight over the last piece with your table guests. (14th Street)

7. Songbyrd - another neighborhood love, they recently expanded to the space next door and debuted a more complex menu. Also great for late night recording and listening sessions if you fancy tunes. (Adams Morgan)

6. Coppi's  Organic  - an oldie, but goodie Italian joint that relocated from U Street to Cleveland Park. An absolute must try if you crave fresh pasta and authenticity. It's so damn good we even Postmate it to the house out of pure laziness and joy. (Cleveland Park)

5. DC City Smokehouse - Meat, meat and more meat, but also excellent sides like their cheddar Jalepeno grits and fried onions. I learned they are fantastic at catering too this weekend where I picked up the sampler platter for 20 guests. They have easy pick up in Wicked Bloom (their temporary location on North Capitol) which also deserves a nod on this list.

4. Masseria - with 3, 4 or 5 course menu options foodies are flocking to this H Street hot spot. The service is impeccable (they can read your mind before you even know you want it), presentation on point, and their outdoor lounge makes for a cozy date-night spot by the fire. (H Street)

3. Takodo Beer & Whiskey Garden - a garden in the sky, we came across this gem this week. With roughly 50 whiskies available, we hope this U Street bar will remain a secret just for us (wishful thinking). (U Street)

2. Sotto - step into this basement oasis for cocktails, live jazz and Afro-funk, plus a menu featuring smoked meats. (14th Street)

1. Crisp Kitchen & Bar - another staple from Jamie Hess, the restaurant is getting major kudos because of two words "Hot Chicken", plus Hess plans to debut their brunch menu in the near future. (Bloomingdale)

Wednesday Wax Session: DJ Jerome Baker III

Listen HERE and check out more music from Jerome HERE.

Coming Soon: Taste of the Nation Benefiting No Kid Hungry on April 4th with Bryan Voltaggio, Nadine Brown + Derek Brown

Get ready for  Taste of the Nation for No Kid Hungry returning to the National Building Museum for the annual foodie event with the city’s top chefs, sommeliers and mixologists united for a cause. Proceeds from the event benefit No Kid Hungry's efforts to end childhood hunger in America.  Since its inception  No Kid Hungry and its partners have connected kids struggling with hunger with 460 million meals.

Did you know one in five children in this country struggles with hunger, and in DC the insecurity rate is even higher at 1 in 4?  Join fellow Washingtonian’s as they support No Kid Hungry’s efforts. The event takes place April 4th from 6 to 9:30 p.m. Tickets are $120 (General)  to $275 (VIP) a person at ce.strength.org/dc

The event is chaired by Bryan Voltaggio (VOLT, Lunchbox, Family Meal, Range, Aggio), Tiffany MacIsaac (Buttercream Bakeshop),  Derek Brown (Columbia Room, Mockingbird Hill, Southern Efficiency, Eat the Rich), and Sommelier Nadine Brown (Charlie Palmer Steak).

Participating restaurants include: 

1789 Restaurant * Al Dente * Alba Osteria * Ardeo + Bardeo * Art & Soul * Bar Civita * Bar Pilar * BBQ Joint * Beuchert’s Saloon * Bidwell * BLT Steak * B&O American Brasserie * Brabo * Carlyle * Cava Mezze * Centrolina * Clarity * Compass Rose * Cork * Del Campo * DGS Delicatessen * Dino's Grotto * Dolcezza Gelato * El Centro * Fainting Goat * Food & Wine Co. * GCDC * Hank's Oyster Bar * Honeysuckle * Jack Rose Dining Saloon * Jackson 20 * Juniper * Kapnos * Le Diplomate * L’Hommage Bistro * Maketto|Toki Underground * Mandu * Mason Dixie Biscuit Co. * Maple * Medium Rare * NoPa * Ocopa * Osteria Morini * Ottoman Tavern * Partisan * Pinea * Provision No. 14 * Requin * The Wine Kitchen * Shake Shack * Sona * Soup Up * Succotash * Tabard Inn * Thally * The Wine Kitchen * Thip Khao *  Toro Toro * Trummer's On Main * Urbana * Vidalia | Bistro Bis | Woodward Takeout Food * Vinoteca * VOLT Restaurant Group * West End Bistro * Yona * Zentan

DC This Week Reader Giveaway: 2 Tickets to "Whisky Live" on March 5th at the Grand Hyatt Hotel

Ready yourself Whisky lovers because Whisky Live is pouring in to the District on Saturday, March 5^th at Grand Hyatt Hotel in Chinatown. The event will feature more than 200 whiskies from across the globe poured by master distillers and brand ambassadors. 

DC This Week is giving away 2 free general admission tickets ($260 value) to the event for you and a friend! Tickets also include a souvenir Glencairn tasting glass.

How to win: Send an email to dcthisweek@gmail.com by March 1st with the subject line “Whiskey Live” and answer these three questions correctly: 

1. Which country's citizens are the biggest whisky consumers per capita? Scotland, Ireland, USA, China or France? 
2. What does the “Angel’s share” or “Angel tax” refer to in whiskey terms?
3. There was an uprising in Pennsylvania counties after Alexander Hamilton began taxing Whiskey in what year?

Answer all of these questions correctly by March 1st! The winner will be randomly selected and notified the morning of March 2nd. The event takes place on March 5th from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.

The winner will enjoy:

• Pop-ups from local retailers and bars including: Jack Rose, Schneider's of Capitol Hill, Southern Efficiency, Buffalo & Bergen, and the just-opened Quarter & Glory to sample signature cocktails and private label pours.
• Authors' Row, a brand new experience featuring whisky experts and their books covering topics from whiskies to cocktails. 
•  Master Class, hour-long tutored tastings guided by international whiskies experts, ambassadors, and master distillers who can provide a detailed exploration of whisky enjoyment in an intimate setting.  

Titan brands like Michter’s, Ardbeg, Maker's Mark, Dalwhinnie, Four Roses, Glenmorangie, Oban, Talisker, Yamazaki and Lagavulin (in its 200th year), will be featured side by side with dozens of spirits from craft distilleries, including Barrel Bourbon, Sonoma County Distilling and from DC’s own backyard, Smooth Ambler Spirits as well as other award-winning world whiskies from producers in the US, Scotland, Ireland, Australia and elsewhere. 

So enter to win today! Learn more at  www.whiskyliveusa.com.

Coming Soon: Cocktails, Canvas and Crayons Supporting Sitar Art Center March 5th

Join Kevonne Small, Indrid Elmore, Dr. Rachel Gow, Estelle Gow and yours truly for an afternoon of Cocktails, Canvas and Crayons at Sitar Art Center. Enjoy select bites from local Adams Morgan eateries, wine, beer and the newest installation of artwork from Sitar’s young and aspiring artists for sale.

And don’t forget the little ones! While guests enjoy a behind-the-scenes of Center and libations, we invite children ages 3 months to 12 years old to a private art class with teachers from Sitar where they will craft a special piece to take home.

Bringing high-quality arts education to families who would otherwise not have these opportunities, Sitar Arts Center relies on charitable contributions from events like this to ensure that no family is ever turned away because of inability to pay. 

Tickets are $40 (adult: includes libations, gallery opening and behind-the-scenes tour) and $25 (children: includes snacks, a 45 minute early childhood class or a 1 hour elementary children's art class).   Purchase ONLINE HERE.

Foodies Unite! Washingtonian's 100 Very Best Restaurant List is Out

Check out the full list HERE. Fiola Mare tops the list, while Bad Saint, Casa Luca, Izayaka, and Convivial jump to Top 10. Get to eating D.C.! 

Art Opening with Stephan Silipigni and Tristan Tennery on February 11th at The Monroe Trust

Join the Monroe Trust as they debut the works of artists Stephan Silipigni and Tristan Tennery. 

Come out to meet the artists, peruse the artwork and enjoy libations. And 5% of sales from the artwork benefits the DC Arts & Humanities Education Collaborative, an organization that provides DC public and charter school students with access to our nation's world class performance institutions through field trips at no cost.

The Monroe Trust

1515 14th Street Northwest, Suite 200

Washington, DC 20005 

Thursday, February 11, 2016 

7:30 PM to 9:30 PM 

RSVP HERE

Celebrate Valentine's Day Weekend with Shinola DC

This Valentine’s Day weekend pop over to  Shinola DC (1631 14th St. NW) from  Saturday, February 13 from 12 p.m. - 5 p.m. to find that perfect gift for your loved one - from a custom leather satchel to a colorful American-made journal personalized on the spot by DC illustrator, Alex Fine. 

DC This Week Reader Giveaway: Drink the District Beer Festival this Saturday July 25th

One lucky DC This Week reader will win two FREE tickets to Drink the District beer festival this Saturday from 1 to 4 p.m. And it can be you. How to win? 

Shoot dcthisweek(at)gmail.com an email with “I Want Beer” in the subject line by Friday at noon. One reader will be randomly selected. Must be 21 years of age to enter the festival and ID will be required.  The winner will be notified by Friday at 3 p.m.

The event will feature more than 75 beers and ciders, live games and entertainment, and local D.C. food trucks. And don’t worry, if you don’t win the free tickets you can purchase for just $35 HERE. The ticket price increases to $50 at the door.

The Monroe Trust presents Salvador to Rehoboth | Work & Play with Photographs by Maria Bryk on July 22nd

This Wednesday The Monroe Trust presents Salvador to Rehoboth | Work & Play, an exhibit by renowned photojournalist  Maria Bryk. Join them for the summer soirée featuring guest Chef Myra Mathis of Geechee Girl Cafe, DJ sets by Keenan Orr and a performance by the Latin American Dance Company. RSVP HERE.

Coming Soon: All American Beer Fest 2015 on July 11th at The Fairgrounds 25% OFF tickets for DC This Week Readers

The All American Beer Fest will hit the Fairgrounds (1299 Half Street SE, Washington, DC) on July 11th with unlimited tastings of some of American’s finest beers. Rock your red, white and blue and get ready for a full day of star spangled entertainment with  fellow Americans in our Nation’s Capital. The event takes place from noon to 10 p.m. (see tickets for exact entry times). The event will also feature food trucks, photo booths, a tasting glass and game zone. DC This Week readers will receive 25% off tickets with the code AMERICABLOG. Tickets are $25 to $25 HERE.

Silent Disco experience comes to VIDA on U Street this Friday June 19th and the 26th

On Friday June 19th and the 26th, Silent Disco Society will host its next party at the Penthouse Pool and Rooftop Club at VIDA (1612  U Street, NW) from 8 p.m. to midnight.   With 3 DJ’s and 3 music channels guests will enjoy a rooftop sunset overlooking the city. Tickets are $15 to $20 HERE. 

Catoctin Creek Whiskey tastings this Saturday June 20th at Shinola on 14th Street

This Saturday, June 20th pop over to Shinola (1534 14th St NW) and find the perfect Father’s Day gift. The store features American-made handcrafted watches, knives, bicycles, leather goods, journals and briefcases. Virginia’s Catoctin Creek Distilling Company will  host a complimentary, in-store all-American whiskey tastings from noon to 4 p.m.

A Summer Solstice Music Festival "Fete de la Musique” Coming to Sofitel this Saturday June 20th

Ready your dancing shoes and grab your friends this Saturday, June 20th as Art Soiree hosts Fete de la Musique a.k.a. World Music Day. Local local bands and performers featuring jazz, rock, folk, classical, pop and world will take stage from 7 p.m. to 1 a.m. at  Sofitel.  Tickets are $15 to $20 HERE.

The line up for the night includes:

Ballroom 

7:00 to 7:30pm - Serge Khrichenko

7:30 to 8:30pm - Cruzie Beaux

8:30 to 9:30pm - RadaR

9:30 to 10:30pm - Honest Haloway

10:30  to midnight - Thursday People

Le Bar

7 to 9:00 p.m. DJ Daryl Northrop

9:00 to 11 p.m. Azul Band

11:00 to 1 a.m. DJ Enea Diotaiuti

VinoFest Returns this Saturday with Questlove to Benefit DC Central Kitchen, Make-A-Wish Mid-Atlantic, and Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship

Rally the troops. VinoFest is headed to Storey Park Noma this Saturday from 3 to 10 p.m. The curated wine and music festival will feature Questlove, Black Masala, White For Bronco, Trouble Funk, DJs Adrian Loving, Neekola and Hazzard, and Alison Carney. With more than 2,000 attendees expected the fest unites food, charity and wine. Enjoy select bites from Chaia Farm to Taco, Dirty South Deli, Gouter, MilkCult,Red Hook Lobster Pound DC, Slate Wine Bar + Bistro, Straw Stick & Brick Delicatessen, Snocream Company, Swizzler, Puddin', and Timber Pizza. Guests will also taste wines from across the globe, both New and Old World style.  Tickets are $59 to $84 (VIP) HERE.  

Taste of the Nation for No Kid Hungry Returns April 13th

One in five children in this country struggles with hunger, including more than 31,000 kids in DC.  You can help change this and join other resident foodies and philanthropists in an night to end childhood hunger. The annual Taste of the Nation for No Kid Hungry returns to the historic National Building Museum on April 13th.  The event features delights from the area's top chefs and mixologists who have joined together to fight childhood hunger and nutrition education programs. 

Chefs Victor Albisu (of Taco Bamba and one my my favorite's Del Campo) and Bryan Voltaggio (of VOLT, Lunchbox, Family Meal, Range, Aggio), along with mixologists Gina Chersevani, Derek Brown, Duane Sylvestre and sommelier (and overall badass) Nadine Brown will be hand to quench your thirst with beverage and wine selections. 

Last year's event raised more than $200,000 to help feed children in need more than two million healthy meals. Be sure to register for the silent auction with nearly 100 items, culinary experiences and luxury outings. Tickets are $120 to $225 HERE. 

Participating restaurants include:

1789 • America Eats Tavern • Ardeo + Bardeo • Art & Soul • Artisan Confections • Bar Civita • Bar Pilar • Bastille | Bistrot Royal • Belga Cafe | B Too • Best Buns Bread Company • Beuchert's Saloon • Bidwell • Bistro Bis | Vidalia | Woodward Table • BLT Steak • Blue Duck Tavern • The Bombay Club • BRABO by Robert Wiedmaier • Captain Cookie and the Milk Man • Carlyle • Carmine's • Cashion's Eat Place • Cava Mezze • Centrolina • Charlie Palmer Steak • Charm City Cakes •  Circle Bistro • Co Co. Sala • Cork Wine Bar • Del Campo • Dino's Grotto • Dolcezza Gelato • Dolco Gelati • El Centro D.F. • Estadio | Proof | Doi Moi • Fare Well • Firefly • Fishnet Restaurant • Floriana Restaurant • Food Wine & Co. • Founding Farmers | Farmers Fishers Bakers • GCDC Grilled Cheese Bar •g'eclair • Georgetown Cupcake • Graffiato by Mike Isabella • Hank's Oyster Bar • Jack Rose Dining Saloon • Juniper • Kapnos • Le Diplomate • Lupo Verde • Lyon Hall | Liberty Tavern | Northside Social • Mandu • Mango Tree • Maple • Marcel's by Robert Wiedmaier • Mason Dixie Biscuit Co. • Masseria • Medium Rare • Mon Ami Gabi • New Heights Restaurant • Nicecream Factory • NoPa Kitchen + Bar • Ocopa • Osteria Morini • Penn Commons • Pinea • Pitango Gelato • Pop's SeaBar • Poste Moderne Brasserie • RareSweets • RIS • Room 11 • Rural Society • Shake Shack • Sona Creamery & Wine Bar • Sonoma Restaurant and Wine Bar • The Sweet Lobby • Taberna del Alabardero • Table • Thally • The Fainting Goat • The Hamilton • Tico • Toro Toro • Trummer's On Main •Urbana • Vinoteca • VOLT Restaurant Group • Westend Bistro

Newest obsession.... wine concierge services from DCanter on Capitol Hill

My newest obsession - wine concierge services from DCanter on Capitol Hill. Adding to my WineAwesomeness monthly subscription and weekly jaunts to the wine store, DCanter is DC's newest wine and beer boutique located on the Hill on my radar. The store recently launched a monthly wine delivery service of 6 or 12 bottles that fit within your budget delivered right to your door. How's does it work? 

• Sign up HERE.
• Have a quick phone chat with their team about your wine preferences, price points, what you like to eat, regions you enjoy and varietals you like.
• Pick your next delivery date
• Open your door when they ring and enjoy your wine! 

Co-owner Michelle Lim Warner and her team drop off a delightful selection of wines to your front door that include's tasting notes with each selection.  Skipping months or requesting additional bottles is a breeze and DC residents receive free delivery. Cheers to that! 

Why President's Day Weekend is Awesome! It's my birthday and its unlimited tapas and drinks at Boqueria

"If you want to be awesome...treat people awesome." - Robby Novak, Kid President Age 10 (who has a new book out by the way)

While I spend my birthday weekend treating other people awesome (and being awesome), making fresh pasta for friends, dining at my favorite restaurants like Coppi's, Btoo, and Fainting Goat, and rewarding myself with spa treatments at Aveda Logan Circle, you should pop over to Boqueria in Dupont for an unlimited brunch tapas and drinks brunch! 

The restaurant is rolling out the big guns for this special day and guests can enjoy the bottomless tapas specials like Revuelto de Setas de Temporada, soft scrambled eggs, wild mushrooms, goat cheese, Idiazabal cheese and basil; Tortilla de Chorizo, traditional Spanish omelet of eggs, confit potatoes, Spanish onions and chorizo; Butifarra amb Mongetes, Stachowski pork sausage, baby white beans, salsa verde, red onion and cilantro; and more. Check out the full menu HERE.

The meal includes  red, white, and rose sangria, Mimosas, and draft beer with unlimited tapas for just $38 per person. Valid from 10:30am – 2:00pm on my birthday (a.k.a. President's Day).

The Perfect Pairing this Valentine's Day: Gourmet Symphony Premiere at Atlas Performing Arts Center

Looking for something a little different this Valentine's day? Check out the  Gourmet Symphony Premiere taking place at the Atlas Performing Arts Center on February 14th. Join DC’s top chefs, mixologists, and classical musicians for multi-sensory concert experience featuring a four-course culinary-inspired meal. While you dine, guests will enjoy the works of Rossini, Tchaikovsky, Beethoven, and Ravel. Tickets are $125 and the event will begin at 7 p.m. More details at www.gourmetsymphony.org. 

Sips and Suppers Returns Benefiting Martha’s Table and DC Central Kitchen

Join restauranteur Jose Andres, Joan Nathan and Alice Waters as they host Sips and Suppers on January 24th and 25th at the Newseum and in private homes across Washington.  The event benefits  Martha’s Table and DC Central Kitchen. 

On Saturday, January 24, 2015,  pop over to the Sips cocktail reception where top artisan chefs and mixologists will prepare signature dishes and drinks on two floors.  Tickets are $95 (general) to $200 (VIP).  VIP tickets include signed cookbooks from renowned authors and the opportunity to meet Alice Waters, visionary chef and owner of Chez Panisse in Berkeley, California, Joan Nathan, acclaimed cookbook author,Charles Phan of the 2014 James Beard Award-winning restaurant Slanted Door in San Francisco, award-winning chef David Chang of Momofuku fame, and Carla Hall, acclaimed chef, author and star of ABC’s The Chew.  Click HERE to learn more and purchase tickets. 

On Sunday, January 25, 2015, dine at a Supper featuring some of the country’s finest chefs preparing meals in private homes throughout the city. Tickets are $600. Check out the full slate of private chefs dinners HERE.

It's #GivingTuesday. Now go do some good in the world

It's one of my favorite times of the year! Giving Tuesday, a day when millions worldwide unite in a day of giving and service. I hope you take the time today to find a cause to support, donate your time, attend an event (Twelve Days and Art BUZZ are coming up! this week and next), offer your services pro bono to a nonprofit in need or just do an act of good on the street for a complete stranger. 

And there is one other very cool thing you can do online via Facebook or Twitter. The DC-based tech for good platform GoodWorld enables you to #donate by simply using the hashtag and handle of ANY charity in their network.  

How You #Donate 

1. Choose one of their 30 partner charities such as No Kid Hungry, Humane Society International, or the Red Cross Los Angeles.
2. Visit them on Facebook and comment “#donate + any USD amount” (example: Awesome cause! I #donate $25”) on any post OR Visit them on Twitter and tweet “#donate + any USD amount @partnercharity” (example: I #donate $50 @NoKidHungry). 
3. You’ll receive a link in the reply – follow it to register with GoodWorld and your card will be charged. 

Lets make a big impact together this #GivingTuesday. 

Healthy Living Teams with Wolfgang Puck, Republic and Room 11 for a Night Nourishing Communities

Join Healthy Living on December 8th at Pepco Gallery to support their efforts to nourish communities. Healthy Living is an organization whose mission is to educate individuals and low-income families on how they can plan and prepare simple, healthy meals while fostering community spirit.  Guests will enjoy food from Wolfgang Puck, Republic and Room 11 and libations from Idle Cellars, Diamond District Wines and Honest Tea.  Tickets are $70 (early bird) to $100 HERE. 

#GivingTuesday is Just Around the Corner - 10 Nonprofits You Can Support

For two consecutive years the well known #GivingTuesday holiday has mobilized millions of individuals and nonprofits globally who have raised money online for charities and causes. On December 2, 2014 the international day of giving will once again commence. As I reflect on what I am thankful for this holiday season I am especially proud of the work from the dedicated staff at the many nonprofits that I have supported and worked with over the years who are making meaningful change within their communities. 

I encourage you to support a charity of your choice this #GivingTuesday or throughout the holiday season. Consider one of the below nonprofits that are filled with passionate advocates for the arts, children, animals, families and education. You can give them your time, donated goods from their wish lists, or your money. Whatever you give, take the time to appreciate what you are thankful this season.

Sitar Arts Center (D.C.) - Children's art center in Adams Morgan that provides dance, theatre, music and art classes for disadvantaged youth.

Paws of Austin (Austin, Texas) - Great Dane rescue organization in Texas (pictured a currently adoptable dog named Jack. Check out him and others up for adoption   HERE.)

Twelve Day of Christmas Inc. (D.C.) - providing Christmas gifts and meals, plus back-to-school supplies to disadvantaged children. 

Community of Hope (D.C.) - Supports families with housing and healthcare in four Wards of the District. 

Sasha Bruce House (D.C.) - provides a safe haven and counseling services for homeless and abused youth.

N Street Village (D.C.) - provides a place of empowerment and recovery for low-income and homeless women.

Washington Animal Rescue League (D.C.) - rescue dog organization.

Reach, Inc. (D.C.) - After school program providing reading instruction and tutors for disadvantaged D.C. youth

DC Arts and Humanities Education Collaborative (D.C.) - Organization providing nearly 30,000 DC public and charter school students with free field trips and tickets to cultural institutions throughout the city.

Project Create (D.C.) - Nonprofit providing arts instruction  to homeless children in transitional homes and shelters.

BONUS!

Miriam's Kitchen (D.C.) - a nonprofit working to end chronic hunger in the District.

Looking for a nonprofit in the D.C. region to support, but just don't know where to start? Check out the Catalogue of Philanthropy that provides a wealth of resources on fully vetted and approved nonprofits that are part of their network. More than 300 organizations across D.C., Maryland and Virginia are a part of the Catalogue family. 

Two Events, Two Great Causes this December

It's that time of year again! When your calendars book up with holiday parties and endless celebrations with colleagues and friends. I invite you to join me for two holiday events this season supporting two organizations benefiting D.C. children.

December 4th: Join the ladies of the Twelve Days of Christmas, Inc. for our Mingle and Jingle Holiday Soiree fundraiser from 6 to 10 p.m. at Josephine Lounge (1008 Vermont Avenue, NW). 100% donations from this event will be used to purchase holiday gifts and meals for families in need in DC, Maryland, and Virginia. 

Last year our Chapter was able to provide assistance for more than 100 area children and their families, and with your support, we hope to top those efforts this year. I personally am able to shop with these ladies for the children each year. It is a treasured moment each year when we deliver these gifts and see the joy brought to families in need.

Guests will enjoy tunes, festive cocktails, and even better company - the perfect way to kick off the holiday season. This year we'll have DJ Top Choice AND DJ Jahsonic for your entertainment.  Most importantly help us to share our blessings with others and the true spirit of Christmas  through the gift of giving. You can purchase your $40 ticket online at: https://12dayssoiree2014.eventbrite.com

 

December 12th: ART BUZZ returns on H Street.  Join Cher Castillo Freeman and I from 6 to 9 p.m. at the launch of REMAX Sky's new offices (1425 H. Street NE) for this installation of ART BUZZ with DJ Jahsonic on the decks and artwork from D.C. based artists for purchase. Come drink for a great cause and vie for raffled goodies from Sweetgreen, Ivy & Coney and many more. 100% of proceeds donated will benefit the DC Arts and Humanities Education Collaborative and their efforts to provide DC public and chartered schools with access to cultural opportunities throughout the Washington metropolitan area.

Each year 30,000 students from DC public schools attend 500 + free performances at our nation’s world-class cultural institutions through their programs. The talented artist who will display their work at the event will donate 10% of their profits back to the organization. A suggested donation of $10 is requested at the door.