Save-The-Date: 2nd Annual Erica Paul Fabulous Event

SAVE-THE-DATE

One of my favorite organizations, Chris4Life Colon Cancer Foundation, is hosting the Second Annual Erica Paul Fabulous Event  on Saturday, June 23rd at the Clarendon Ballroom.

Come out and help support colon cancer patients under the age of 50. 
Tickets are on sale now for $15, but they will be $20 at the door, so make sure to get yours in advance!

Hope you can make it out for this "fabulous" event!  To learn more about Chris4Life and this event, visit http://www.chris4life.org.

Tickets and sponsorship opportunities can be found here.

Clarendon Ballroom
3185 Wilson Boulevard
Arlington, VA 22201
703.469.2244
http://www.clarendonballroom.com

Things to Do: Celebrity Date Auction - 5/10

Join DC celebs and athletes for an evening of charity at the "Share Love, Spread Hope" Celebrity Date Auction to benefit The Autism Society of America on Thursday, May 10, 2012 at Shadowroom in Washington, DC.

Doors Open at 7:30pm, admission is FREE and complimentary Remy Martin cocktails will be served.

Register Today www.sharelovespreadhope.eventbrite.com

Shadowroom
2131 K Street NW
Washington, DC

Things to Do: NIH Children's Inn Gala

“A Night for the Children” Gala to Benefit the Children’s Inn at NIH

Saturday, April 14, 2012
Ritz Carlton - Tyson's Corner
6:30 - UNTIL

The NIH Children Inn was founded in 1990, and has helped more than 10,000 children and their families who are dealing with serious illnesses. Their services are provided free of charge.

Every year, the Bethesda Chapter of the Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association (AFCEA Bethesda) The Children's Inns largest annual fundraiser, “A Night for the Children” Gala. The event brings together nearly 1,000 attendees, including senior executives of leading government contractors, high-level government officials and local philanthropists.

A little about The Children’s Inn at NIH...
It's a non-profit “Place Like Home” on the campus of NIH in Bethesda, MD. The Inn’s mission is to facilitate research at the world’s leading biomedical research center while offering families comfort and support. AFCEA Bethesda’s Children’s Inn Gala has raised more than $4.1 million since its inception in 1999.

“The Inn continuously operates – 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year – to serve the emotional and spiritual needs of children and their families at no cost to families, “ said Robert Guerra, chair of The Children's Inn Gala. “In these difficult economic times, this Gala has become the Inn’s single largest fundraiser; therefore, the Gala’s contributions are absolutely essential for the Inn’s continuing ability to serve these children and their families in the future.“

For information, visit the event website at http://www.childrensinngala.org/.

Things to Do: Chris 4 Life Charity Happy Hour

Anyone who knows me knows that I love a good happy hour, especially those that benefit a worthy cause.

Recently, I was privileged to join the Young Professionals Board of Chris 4 Life, a colon cancer foundation. The first fundraising event I will be participating in (since joining the board) will be a happy hour to kick off Colon Cancer Awareness Month.

It will be hosted in partnership with the Pamela's Punch team for Chris4Life's Seventh Annual Scope It Out 5K Run/Walk.

The happy hour will be held on Thursday, March 8, 2012 at 901 Restaurant & Bar from 6:00-8:00PM. There will be a live auction and raffle. Plus, if you haven't been to 901 before they have great happy hour specials!

Also, I invite you to join Team 'She's Savvy'. You can register for this event here. The password required to join is: "savvyindc"

To learn more about Scope It Out, please visit: http://www.scopeitout5k.com

Saks Fifth Avenue & American Heart Association

Saks Fifth Avenue Chevy Chase has partnered with the Women's Board of the American Heart Association (AHA) Greater Washington Region for their annual "An Affair of the Heart" Luncheon. The luncheon will be held on February 13, 2012 at the Marriott Wardman Park.

During the entire month of February, Saks Chevy Chase will donate 5% of all registered Saks card sales to the AHA. To register your card, simply visit Saks Chevy Chase.

An Affair of the Heart Luncheon
Tickets for the event are $125 ($50 of which is tax deductible). Table and sponsorship opportunities are also available. For more information about the Affair of the Heart Luncheon and Fashion Show and sponsorship opportunities, contact Jay Blackwell, Executive Director at 703.248.1704 or Jay.Blackwell@heart.org.

Saks Fifth Avenue - Chevy Chase
5555 Wisconsin Avenue
Chevy Chase, MD 20815

Things to Do: St. Jude Gourmet Gala

Recently, I was invited to attend the upcoming 14th Annual St. Jude Gourmet Gala which is being held on February 21, 2012 from 5:30 - 9:30PM at the National Building Museum.

I've heard so many great things about the event in the past and have always wanted to participate, but couldn't for one reason or another. Looks like this year I will finally have a chance.

If you're not familiar with the St. Jude Gourmet Gala, please see below for more information, as obtained from their press release.

Led by Honorary Chair and Chef Geoff Tracy, more than 40 top chefs from the area’s finest restaurants will lend their culinary skills to create a memorable experience for more than 750 business, financial and political leaders.

“It’s an honor to share our talents at an event that will help St. Jude find answers to save the lives of countless children,” said Tracy. “On a lighter note, the gala presents the perfect setting for collaboration among some of the industry’s best and a friendly competition to produce the perfect dish.

Attendees will vote for their favorite dish of the evening to determine which chef is the winner of the Taster’s Choice Award. Last year’s award recipient was Chef Scott Drewno from The Source by Wolfgang Puck who prepared spicy tuna tartare-filled sesame miso cones with shaved bonito and tobiko. Additionally, guests may choose to participate in live and silent auctions, featuring items such as a trip to Memphis to tour St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

To date, the St. Jude Gourmet Gala has raised approximately $3 million for the hospital, which opened its doors 50 years ago. St. Jude relies primarily on the public’s generosity to support its lifesaving mission. It costs $1.7 million to operate the hospital every day, with more than 75 percent of that funding coming from the public through fundraising events like the Gourmet Gala. And in keeping with its mission, families never pay St. Jude for anything. St. Jude covers the cost of treatment, travel, lodging and food for each patient and a family member.

Below are some of my faves who are participating in the gala:

Brasserie Beck, Cakelove, Estadio, Founding Farmers, Graffiato, Indique, Michel Richard's Citronelle, Sou’Wester, Taberna del Alabardero, Zaytinya

For more information, to become a sponsor, and to purchase tickets, visit http://www.stjude.org/gourmetgala.

Facebook: www.facebook.com/stjudemidatlantic
Twitter: @StJudeGourmet

About St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is internationally recognized for its pioneering research and treatment of children with cancer and other life-threatening diseases. The hospital’s research has helped push overall survival rates for childhood cancer from less than 20 percent when the institution opened to almost 80 percent today. It is the first and only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center devoted solely to children, and no family ever pays St. Jude for care. For more information, visit www.stjude.org and follow St. Jude on facebook.com/stjude and twitter.com/stjude.

National Building Museum

401 F Street, NW
Washington, D.C.

Things to Do: College & Career Pathways Happy Hour

A friend just sent this to me and of course I had to spread the word. Who doesn't love happy hour, especially ones for a good cause?

College and Career Pathways' 2nd Annual New Year's Fundraising Event!
Friday, January 27, 2012
5:30 - 8:30 PM
Jin Lounge

They will be celebrating the new year by having fun and raising funds for the students of College and Career Pathways! You can look forward to an evening of great music, networking, appetizer and drink specials, and yet another exciting raffle with great prizes! Please spread the word and bring a friend (or two)!

Suggested minimum donation for admission is a tax-deductible contribution of only $10 to College and Career Pathways. Your donation will help to supply the staffing, resources, and materials necessary for us to provide students with academic advisement and tutoring, college campus tours, workshops, job shadowing experiences, scholarships and much more!

Purchase your tickets in advance by clicking here
For more information about the organization, visit http://www.collegeandcareerpathways.org.

Jin Lounge
2017 14th Street, NW
Washington, DC 2009
http://www.jindc.com/

Things to Do: Pray the Devil Back to Hell Screening

Recently, I came across the movie screening/ fundraiser for the film Pray The Devil Back to Hell. I'd actually heard of it a few years ago as my previous job held a screening of it along with commentary from the writer Abigail Disney, yes she's related to Walt. Unfortunately, I was too busy working the event I didn't have the opportunity to see it. To learn more about the film, click here

Join Refugees International Young Humanitarian Circle for this film screening on Tuesday, November 29, 2011 from 6:30-8:30 PM at Napoleon Bistro and Lounge. The cost of admission is $30 and 100% of the proceeds will benefit Refugees International, and includes complimentary champagne, hors d’oeuvres and popcorn.

For more information, contact Ashley Wright at 202.828.0110 ext. 209 or by email at Ashley@refugeesinternational.org.

Seating is limited so reserve your space today!

Napoleon Bistro and Lounge

1847 Columbia Road, NW

Washington, DC 20009

RSVP: Register at refugeesinternational.org/YHC by 5PM on November 25

DC Central Kitchen Stuff the Bus Campaign

DC Central Kitchen is looking for people to join them in their mission to "Stuff the Bus".  From September 17-30, they will have a classic 1975 Ford school bus parked in various locations around DC where they will be collecting donations of nonperishable food.  

If you don't have time to track the bus down, you can also buy from their bus' virtual farmers market. One Hundred percent (100%) of the food and proceeds will be given to DC Central Kitchen, a community kitchen that provides home-made meals to thousands of local at-risk individuals while offering culinary job training to once homeless and hungry adults.  

Their goal is to collect 5,000 pounds of food, but they can't do it without our support. Several local celebrities are supporting this worthy cause including: Ryan Zimmerman, Darrell Green, Mike Isabella, Spike Mendelsohn, Cokie Roberts, Ed Henry, Jonathan Karl, Mary Beth Albright, Geoff Tracy and Jose Andres. 

To learn more about DC Central Kitchen and their mission, visit www.stuffthebus.com for additional details, bus schedule, and celebrity photos.

Things to Do: Fundraiser for the Lung Cancer Alliance

 

While I usually don't post events outside of the Washington, DC area or the DMV, I was recently forwarded information about a fundraiser that will occur in Baltimore next week.  See more information below, I hope you can support this worthy event.

Ciao Bella Italian Restaurant Presents:
"HELLO BEAUTIFUL!"
beautiful people. beautiful cuisine. a beautiful cause.

OFFICIAL FUNDRAISER FOR LUNG CANCER ALLIANCE

Thursday, September 15, 2011
6:00 - 9:00 PMA Social Mixer for Radio/TV Personality
APRIL WATTS
And the Beautiful People of BaltimoreCiao Bella means "Hello Beautiful" in Italian. At Ciao Bella Reasaurant, everyone and everything is beautiful. That includes you!

Ciao Bella Italian Restaurant
236 S High Street Little Italy
Baltimore, MD
ENJOY LIVE JAZZ w/ DEANDREY HOWARD TRIO

Hors D'oeuvres :: Sensational Entrees :: Wine Selections
Valet Parking Available

Hosted by April Watts, Tony Gambino, & Ego Marketing LLC (Amber Chapman and Alisa Reese).

Suggested Donation: $5 (not required).
Ciao Bella will donate 20% of its profits from the evening to Lung Cancer Alliance.

Things to Do: Fashion Night Out Saks & March of Dimes

Just received an email about an event being held during the national event Fashion's Night Out on September 8. This event is a little different from many of the others being held in that it's promoting a charitable organization, the March of Dimes. See below for the press release.

SAKS FIFTH AVENUE TYSONS GALLERIA CELEBRATES FASHION’S NIGHT OUT…IN GOOD TASTE AND HEALTH @SAKS FOR FASHION’S NIGHT OUT

Once a year, the entire fashion world goes out for a nationwide late night of style, makeovers, music and more. On Thursday, September 8, from 4 to 7 PM, Saks Fifth Avenue Tysons Galleria celebrates Fashion’s Night Out with DC Magazine, the March of Dimes, the Office of Minority Health and A Healthy Baby Begins With You celebrity spokeswoman Tonya Lewis Lee to celebrate the beauty of healthy living at a celebration dubbed “In Good Taste and Health.”

Party-goers will shop the newest fall collections, bid on unique experiences and rare items, sample gourmet goodies as top chefs prepare folate-filled food live. Saks Fifth Avenue is proud to donate 10% of the evening sales and all auction proceeds to March of Dimes.

From 5 to 6 pm, Laurent Amzallag, former trainer for Oprah Winfrey's Live Your Best Life tour and Dr. Jen Faber, owner of Kinetic Health Alternatives who has served as chiropractor to Lady Gaga's dancers, deliver fitness tips that everyone can incorporate into daily life, on the first floor of the store.

Throughout the evening on the second floor, attendees will enjoy mini makeovers while student health ambassadors give you tips on healthy living. Sample gourmet goodies from top area restaurants, including Chima Brazilian Steakhouse, Bar Manager Jo-Jo Valenzuela from Jack Rose Dining and Vegan Chef Levita Mondie. Saks will also unveil the newly launched collection from B By Brian Atwood. Party-goers can immortalize themselves trying out the new and much anticipated shoe line, tag themselves on Facebook and take home pictures of themselves from the B by Brian Atwood Photo Booth.

Beginning at 6 PM, the finale of the party will take place on the third floor, where attendees will learn how to prepare healthy gourmet foods filled with folic acid. Tonya Lewis Lee will partner with: Former Top Chef Contestants Tamesha Warren of The Oval Room; Timothy Dean of Prime Steak House and T.D. Burger, LLC; and Vegan Chef Levita Mondie.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Minority Health created A Healthy Baby Begins with You to educate men and women about the high rates of infant mortality especially among African Americans and to raise awareness about the importance of healthy choices for good reproductive health. African American women, across the socioeconomic spectrum, fare worse in birth outcomes and the problem of infant mortality in the black community transcends education, income and class.

“Professional and wealthy black women may not realize that infant mortality can affect them too, and that the risks can be reduced,” says OMH’s A Healthy Baby Begins with You celebrity spokeswoman, Tonya Lewis Lee, who is also an author, producer, and wife of filmmaker Spike Lee. “We know that preconception health and care, including good nutrition and fitness, are fundamental to reducing this health disparity and the benefits of wellness last a life time. To be healthy is to be beautiful.”

Interested attendees can RSVP to rsvptysons@s5a.com or call 703.269.1206 for more information.

Things to Do: Makeovers and Margaritas

SAVE-THE-DATE

Join the ladies of the Junior League of Washington as they kick-off their annual A Capital Collection of Holiday Shops fundraising campaign on September 7 at Neiman Marcus in Mazza Gallerie.

The kick-off event is called Makeovers and Margaritas, two of my absolute favorite things in life. I'll be there to support my organization, I hope you'll be there too! Learn more below.

Ladies…there’s no better way to kick off the new Junior League year than with a girls night out. Grab your friends and help raise money at the kick-off event for the 53rd annual A Capital Collection. Come enjoy mini-makeovers and margaritas with the ladies of ACC and the wonderful beauty team at Neiman Marcus. Door prizes and goodie bags included! Hope to see you there! $25 tickets (available online soon!). Tickets will be $35 at the door.

Neiman Marcus - Mazza Gallerie

5300 Wisconsin Avenue NW
Washington D.C., DC 20015
202.966.9700

Things to Do: Refugees Int'l Event (FREE)

Just received an email about this and wanted to spread the word...

In commemoration of World Refugee Day, please join co-hosts Refugees International’s Young Humanitarian Circle and the United Nations Association of the National Capital Area for award-winning photojournalist Greg Constantine’s photography exhibit “Nowhere People: The Global Face of Statelessness.”

Greg Constantine’s photos give faces to a select few of the world’s 12 million stateless people in need of citizenship, rights, and protection. The exhibition aims to show the human toll of the denial of citizenship that has caused the involuntary exclusion of individuals from society, and to provide tangible proof that millions of people hidden and forgotten all over the world actually exist.

Thursday, June 23, 2011
6:30pm – 7:30pm
Photo Exhibition, Sponsored by UNHCR and UPS
Kennedy Center, Hall of Nations, 2700 F Street NW
Exhibit is free and open to the public. There is no fee to attend.

7:30pm – 9:30pm
Networking Reception featuring Dr. Michel Gabaudan, President of Refugees International
Maté Lounge, 3101 K Street NW
Sponsored by Peroni and Maté Lounge, featuring complimentary Peroni, cash bar with $5 cocktails and food specials.

Event is free to attend, but registration is required. Register Here

If you would like more information, call 202-828-0110 ext. 241 to speak with Katherine Wynne.

Refugees International
2001 S Street NW, Suite 700
Washington, DC 20009
Phone: 202.828.0110
Fax: 202.828.0819
ri@refugeesinternational.org

Things to Do: DC Social Innovation Project Launch Party

I recently heard about a new nonprofit in DC called the DC Social Innovation Project (DCSIP). The organization was founded by a fellow alumnus of my undergraduate university by the name of Darius Graham, who's a lawyer turned philantropist.

The DCSIP will host a launch party on Wednesday, June 8, at Funxion from 6:00 - 8:00PM. It will be an evening to learn about their organization and its mission to encourage individuals to tackle some of DC's most pressing social issues.

To learn more about this up and coming organization, please come to the launch party to show your support. Tickets are $20-25 and include light appetizers, one drink, and the chance to win prizes.

To purchase tickets, please visit: http://dcsiplaunch.eventbrite.com/

Funxion
1309 F Street NW
Washington, DC 20005

For more information about the DC Social Innovation Project, visit http://dcsocialinnovation.org/
or follow them on Twitter http://www.twitter.com/dcsocialinnov

Things to Do: emPOWER Happy Hour @ Tabaq 6/2

Come NETWORK with a purpose at the emPOWER Happy Hour on Thursday, June 2 at TABAQ BISTRO on U Street.

Each month, emPOWER Magazine hosts a happy hour benefitting a different non-profit organization in the Washington DC Metropolitan Area.

This month's beneficiary is Thursday Network and their I EMPOWER Scholarship receipient, Frank Ugboh, Frank Ugboh is a senior at Laurel High School in Prince George's County (MD). A stellar student, Frank maintains a 3.9 grade point average and has received several awards for his academic achievements including the Jesse Wise Award, awarded to the student whose contributions to the school are marked by the qualities of leadership, courage, and dignity, as well as the 2010 Upward Bound Outstanding Scholar in recognition of exemplary academic performance. Frank also is an avid devotee of community service, allowing him to "provide opportunities for those in need". Through his work at the Patriots Technology Training Center and Oakland Presbyterian Church, Frank has shown exemplary leadership by contributing to the development numerous after-school and tutoring programs.

To assist Frank with his college expenses, we are requesting a $5 minimum donation.

Let's arm Frank with everything he needs to be successful at the next level!

June 2, 2011
5:30 PM

MINIMUM DONATION: $5

TABAQ BISTRO
1336 U Street, NW
Washington, DC

RSVP: http://empowermagazine.eventbrite.com/

Questions? Contact Rita Lassiter, President, at president@thursdaynetwork.org.

Things to Do: Dining Out for Life -- March 10

On March 10, 2011 when you dine out at participating restaurants in the Washington, Dc area, 25-110% of your bill will be donated to Food & Friends.

Food & Friends is "the ONLY organization in the Washington region providing specialized meals and nutrition services to children and adults facing HIV/AIDS, cancer and other life-challenging illnesses. " More information, taken from their website: Along with nutrition counseling, Food & Friends prepares, packages and delivers meals and groceries to more than 2,800 people living with HIV/AIDS, cancer and other life-challenging illnesses throughout Washington, DC, 7 counties of Maryland and 7 counties and 6 independent cities in Virginia. Since 1988, Food & Friends has provided food and companionship to our clients, their loved ones and caregivers.

Don't worry if you can't participate in Dining Our for Life, there are a number of other ways you can show your support. Food & Friends is always looking for volunteers as well as financial contributions from the community. In the past, I've delivered meals as well as made holiday cards to be included with the meal deliveries to brighten someones day, every little thing helps! They also host a number of events throughout the year.

For more information about Dining Out for Life, click here.

Click here for a listing of participating restaurants & to make your reservation today!

Things to Do: Diamonds and Desserts with the Junior League

The Junior League of Washington (JLW) is pleased to present their second annual event, Diamonds and Desserts to support JLW projects including Tossed and Found, their annual spring fundraiser.

The event will be held at JLW Headquarters in Georgetown and will feature a diamond giveaway. According to their website, "you may find a precious sparkler in your glass of champagne", thanks to Goldman's Jewelers! Additionally, there will be an estate sale of jewelry.

Tickets are $25 and the proceeds, along with a portion of sales, will benefit the JLW projects through Tossed and Found - the annual spring fundraiser that puts fabulous finds in your shopping bag and high-quality used goods back into the community every year.

Junior League Headquarters
3039 M Street, NW,
Washington, DC 20007
202-337-2001
http://www.jlw.org

Things to Do: Chris4Life Holiday Bar & Bazaar

Passing along a holiday event, benefitting another one of my favorite charities...

Join Instructions Apparel this Wednesday, December 8, 2010 from 6:30-8:30PM for their Holiday Sales Event with the Chris4Life Colon Cancer Foundation.  Whether you are looking for something special for your upcoming holiday parties or the perfect gift for the man in your life, Instructions Apparel has something just right for you.

RSVP to theartofdressingwellevents@gmail.com 

Hudson Restaurant & Lounge
2030 M St NW
Washington, DC 20036
http://www.hudson-dc.com/

www.theartofdressingwell.com Instructions Apparel

Holiday Party: Stepping into the Season w/ Step Afrika

I admit I've been a little out of the loop over the last month or so with my thoughts focused elsewhere and I've neglected to play the role of social butterfly but don't worry I'm back in full force for the holidays.

Well, it's that time of year again.  Time to spread a little holiday cheer, by doing a little schmoozing with friends, family, and coworkers.  Why not take some time out to support a worthy cause or two?

Recently, one of my favorite local dance groups, Step Afrika, sent an email saying they are having their first Holiday Party called "'Stepping' Into the Season."  It will be held on Wednesday, December 8, 2010 from 7:00-10:00 at the Washington Design Center.  There is a suggested donation of $20 and it will entitle guests to hors d'oeuvres, music, raffles, a cash bar, and swag bags (who doesn't love swag!!)

For more information, click here.



Art Gallery at the Washington Design Center
300 D Street, SW
Washington, DC 20024

Saks Fifth Avenue - Key To The Cure 10/21

It's that time of the year again!

Join Saks Fifth Avenue in Chevy Chase, MD as they celebrate their annual Key to the Cure (KTTC) event. 

On Thursday, October 21, from 6:00- 9:00 PM, join prominent members of the community, local socialites and most importantly, cancer survivors from the Washington, DC area, including Tanya Snyder, wife of Washington Redskins owner Daniel Snyder.  It will be an an evening of shopping, entertainment, and tasty cuisines from local restaurants.

This weekend, Saks will donate 2% of sales during the shopping weekend, up to $500,000, to Suburban Hospital. For more information and to purchase tickets, click here.

Can't attend your local KTTC event (either here in MD or around the country), you can still purchase a t-shirt.  The 2010 KTTC t-shirts are available now at Saks Fifth Avenue in Chevy Chase.  Proceeds benefit women's cancer programs at Suburban Hospital!  To purchase the t-shirt online, click here.

Photo Credit: KTTC Co-Chairs Maura Fitzgerald Shannon and Linda V. Courie modeling the specially designed Donna Karan 2010 Key to the Cure t-shirt. 

Saks Fifth Avenue Chevy Chase
5555 Wisconsin Avenue
Chevy Chase, MD