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: Frida Kahlo Exhibit @ Artisphere

Recently, I was excited to learn a exhibit featuring the work of Mexican artist Frida was on display at the Artisphere in Arlington.  The FREE exhibition runs through March 25, 2012. 

I first fell in love with Frida and her work after watching the movie based on her life that came out ten years ago and starred the beautiful Salma Hayek.  She was quite a controversial figure in her day and it's reflected in her art.

According to Artisphere's website: Artisphere is the first and only venue in the United States of America to present this exhibition of photographs revealing moments of this extraordinary figure's private life. 

For more information about this exhibit as taken from Artisphere's website, see below.

Mexican artist Frida Kahlo (1907-1954)'s extraordinary life and iconic biographical paintings have earned her international renown in the world of modern art. Upon Kahlo’s death in 1954, more than 6,500 personal photographs and items belonging to her and husband/artist Diego Rivera were sealed and put in storage. For more than half a century this great collection of personal memorabilia remained hidden from the public. In 2007 this collection was opened and Mexican photographer and curator Pablo Ortiz Monasterio inventoried and catalogued 240 images to create the Frida Kahlo: Her Photos exhibition. To read more, click here

Another interesting fact, although Frida's work is on display in Virginia.  According to Diego Rivera's will, he specified that the original images belonging to him and Frida Kahlo should never leave Mexico. As such, the images on view in this exhibition are carefully crafted reproductions.

Make sure to check out this FREE exhibit before it's too late!
Artisphere1101 Wilson Boulevard
Arlington, Virginia 22209
703.875.1100http://www.artsphere.com

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

Things to Do: AT&T's 28 Days for Black History Month 2012 - Hosted by Common

AT&T's 28 Days for Black History Month 2012
Wednesday, February 15, 2012

7:00PM

Host: Common
Featured Speaker: Mario Armstrong

AT&T 28 Days takes a forward looking approach to Black History Month by spotlighting African Americans making history today. Learn more: http://att.com/28days

Mario Armstrong is a digital lifestyle expert, radio and award-winning TV tech-show host, commentator, small biz tech advocate and youth tech motivator. Read more

To learn more about this FREE program and to register for the DC event, click here.

By the way, this event will be held in various cities througout the country through the month of February. Vist http://att.com/28days for more information.

Cramton Auditorium
2455 6th Street Northwest
Washington, DC 20059

Things to Do: Cultural Cocktails (2/2 & 2/21)

For the past few years, I've been an avid supporter of the Corcoran Gallery of Art. Last year, I became a member of the museum and their special interest group the 1869 Society, a group dedicated to young professionals who are interested in the arts.

The 1869 Society hosts a number of events but my favorite is Artini, an annual event that's typically held in February/March. This year's event will be held on March 31st. They typically feature 10-12 local bartenders who will each create one specialty drink based on inspiration from a painting currently on exhibition at the Corcoran. The 4-hour event is attended by young patrons of the arts and local socialites alike.

Ladies, this is your chance to wear that cute new cocktail dress and fellas can wear their best dark suit, tuxes aren't needed. There will be tons of heavy hors d'oeuvres and desserts, plus an ample supply of drinks. As always there will be a great DJ spinning all of the latest music, which makes for a lively evening after sampling each of the drinks.

At the end of the night, one of the bartenders is selected as having the winning Artini. I've never figured out if they actually win anything other than the prestige but it's a great event and the proceeds go towards the Corcoran ArtReach program.

Tickets are not yet available for Artini but for more information and to view photos from the 2011 event, visit http://www.corcoran.org/artini/

Cultural Cocktails -
February 2, 2012 or February 21, 2012
6:30 - 8:30 PM
Cost: Members - FREE, General Admission - $20

For more information and to RSVP for the 2/2 Event: https://getinvolved.corcoran.org/1869culturalcocktails02022012
For more information and to RSVP for the 2/21 Event: https://getinvolved.corcoran.org/1869culturalcocktails02212012

Things to Do: Get Courageous Movement

Just spreading the word...

Get Courageous Movement

Saturday, February 25, 2012

1:00 - 4:00 PM

Kiki Ramsey is a life coach, licensed social worker and dynamic speaker. For over 10 years, Kiki has been a catalyst for helping women overcome challenges and transform their lives. Her own unique life experiences have laid the foundation she now uses to help women challenge themselves and begin living the lives they want.

Life coach and dynamic speaker Kiki Ramsey, has declared 2012 as the year of courage for women across the country and she is inviting individuals to join her at the kickoff event for the Get Courageous Movement. The Get Courageous Kickoff will feature expert panelists in the areas of relationships, career, finances, emotional well-being, spiritual growth and health. Attendees will also have the opportunity to visit vendor booths and network with other audacious women.

In addition, gently used suits and accessories will be collected at this event and donated to Dress for Success (Washington, DC). This is an non-profit organization that provides professional attire, mentoring programs and career assistance to women who are making the transition from welfare to work.

Cross Creek Golf Club

12800 Bayhill Drive
Beltsville, MD 20705

***For media inquiries, interviews, and/or to cover the event please contact Kimberly Smith at Kim@loft829.com.***

To purchase tickets online visit: http://getcourageouskickoff.eventbrite.com/.

For more information visit: http://www.kikiramsey.com/.

Stay Connected with the Get Courageous Movement:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/coachkikiramsey

Twitter: http://www.facebook.com/coachkikiramsey

Twitter Hashtag: #GCKickoff2012