Beltway of Giving: Giving by the Numbers
• September 20, 2012

Washingtonians may fancy themselves some of the most charitable individuals in the country and now they have the stats to back them up. D.C.-based Chronicle of Philanthropy’s recently released the “How America Gives” study analyzing the charitable giving patterns within the United States.

The data examined itemized tax returns filed with the Internal Revenue Service in 2008, the most recent year for which data are available, for individuals making more than $50,000 per year. More than one million itemized tax returns were included in the analysis of the Washington metropolitan area, placing the region 4th nationwide for a total giving contribution of $4.3 billion.

Not surprisingly, several of the region’s most affluent zip codes topped the list, including Potomac, Maryland (20854), followed by Chevy Chase, Maryland (20815), McLean, Virginia (22101), Bethesda, Maryland (20817), Washington, D.C. (20016) and (20008), Fort Washington, Maryland (20744), McLean, Virginia (22102), and Upper Marlboro, Maryland (20774 and 20772).

The Community Foundation for the National Capital Region, a tax-exempt, public charity made up of charitable giving funds established by individuals, families, corporations and other organizations currently manages more than 800 donor funds with assets totaling more than $360 million. Terri Lee Freeman, president of the Community Foundation, asserts a majority of individual donors in the region focus their dollars on higher education, K-12 education and human services. “I think many folks are interested in making sure that their philanthropy is personally rewarding and beneficial to the larger community….There are a growing number of philanthropists far more interested in solutions to problems than simply plugging the dyke.”

Potomac resident June Hess attributes her long-term individual giving patterns to life circumstances. “Having been very fortunate in my life it’s very important to give back to those who need,” said Hess. “I’ve always been surrounded by loving family and friends [and] I like to support women and children that are in financially, physically and emotionally abused circumstances.”

The Chronicle report also found that while Potomac may be one of the most affluent zip codes in the area and lead the pack in contributions, low-to-middle income communities in the region were more inclined to give a higher percentage of their discretionary income to charity. In fact, District Heights, Maryland (20753) ranked number one in the region, followed by Hyattsville, Maryland (20787), Washington D.C. (20030 and 20019), Capitol Heights, Maryland (20791), Washington, D.C. (20032), Capitol Heights, Maryland (20743), Suitland, Maryland (20746), District Heights, Maryland (20747) and Temple Hills, Maryland (20757). Important to note is the total contribution amount and number of itemized tax returns analyzed by the Chronicle for these zip codes was significantly smaller.

“I really don’t see any difference by jurisdiction in the issue-areas for giving. Years ago we could look to the suburban jurisdictions and really view them as bedroom communities of privilege,” says Freeman. “That is no longer an accurate description. I can’t think of any jurisdiction that isn’t in some way touched by an education gap and wealth gap within their population.”

Learn more about the Community Foundation for the National Capital Region at www.thecommunityfoundation.org and find out how your zip code ranks in the Chronicle of Philanthropy report [here](http://philanthropy.com/article/Interactive-How-America-Gives/133709/)

Jade Floyd serves on the board of directors for the D.C. Arts and Humanities Education Collaborative and Project Create. She is a frequent volunteer and host of fundraising events across the District, supporting arts, animal welfare and education programs.

Seniors Get a Little Help From Their Friends
• August 10, 2012

One the 6th of june lunch was served for the Georgetown Senior Center, located at St. John’s Church on O Street, got a surprise musical guest: Tony Bernardo, lead singer of Juneau Sky, a band with a military-Wilco vibe. He is the younger brother of Jorge Bernardo, who works at the center on the programs and even drives the bus. Tony serenaded many of the ladies with his own and Beatles’ songs and his laid-back good looks. The seniors were also treated to lunch by the Georgetown office of Long and Foster Real Estate and Christie’s Extraordinary Properties, which was having its company-wide community service day. [gallery ids="100844,126509" nav="thumbs"]

Georgetown Inn Celebrates Golden Anniversary
•

The Georgetown Inn threw a 50th birthday with old and young admirers, greeted by new owner Nayan Patel of Your DC Hotels. After writing about the hotel’s history in the previous Georgetowner, Mary Bird, wife of legendary manager and owner Collins Bird, was there with some of the veterans like Morgan Dodd who worked at the front desk in the mid-1970s. All could tell a few tales, whether about astronauts, Redskins, Andy Warhol, actors, Doc Dalinsky or Playboy photo shoots.

Mindful of its old world charms, Patel has plans to renovate the hotel with the help of his Your DC Hotels team, which includes director of operations Chetan Patel, general manager Kelly Curry, director of marketing Heidi Bitar and David McDermott. Also at the jazzy party, supplied with scallops, crab cakes, roast beef and other goodies from the Daily Grill, were Bob and Martha Vicas, Karen Feld (with Campari, of course), Richard Bernstein, Hiba Hakki, Vinoda Basnayake, Kate Michael, Natasha Barrett, Kris Van Cleave, Jummy Olabanji, Kunal Shah and Pamela Sorensen as well as Linda Greenan, Charles DeSantis, Mary Anne Mahin and Marjorie Boursiquot, all of Georgetown University, among others.
[gallery ids="100846,126530,126518,126526" nav="thumbs"]

Jonathan Butler’s Musical Journey
•

The Four Seasons Hotel invited friends on May 29 to the first of an ongoing “Windows On A Journey” initiative. South African singer, songwriter and composer Jonathan Butler inaugurated the series. The multi Grammy Awards artist presented a musical journey through his compelling life story. The cabaret setting enhanced his program. He is the first black artist to play on a white radio station in South Africa and said, “My weapon was love.”
[gallery ids="100847,126559,126554,126533,126548,126542" nav="thumbs"]

Washington Humane Society’s 25th Bark Ball
•

DC’s premiere black-tie event with four-footers as featured elegantly attired guests filled the Washington Hilton June 2. Megan Hilty, the star of NBC’s musical drama “Smash,” attended with an adoptable dog escort. Anissa Grossman and Beth Viola co-chaired the 2012 Bark Ball committee. ABC7 News senior political reporter Scott Thurman emceed at the dinner program with a live auction followed by dancing. The evening raised record funds to support WHS critical programs and services that benefit thousands of homeless, lost and abused animals. [gallery ids="100849,126604,126596,126588,126619,126580,126624,126572,126629,126636,126610" nav="thumbs"]

With ‘The Music Man,’ Innocents at Risk Honors Septime Webre
•

Innocents at Risk’s founder Deborah Sigmund offered yet another wonderful idea for the sixth annual “Evening To Benefit Innocents at Risk” at Arena Stage June 8 as guests enjoyed receptions before and after the enchanting “Music Man.” Sigmund called the evening’s honoree Septime Webre, artistic director of the Washington Ballet, our very own “music man” with his outreach to the community through DanceDC programs and THEARC. Sen. Scott Brown (R-Mass.) was honorary chair, and the emcee was Pamela Brown of ABC7/WJLA-TV and News Channel 8, who has championed the organization’s efforts to combat human trafficking. [gallery ids="100850,126649,126665,126641,126672,126633,126679,126625,126686,126657" nav="thumbs"]

Celebrating Countess Gertrude d’Amecourt at 102
•

While London was toasting Queen Elizabeth II at her Diamond Jubilee, Washington celebrated as well. On June 2, Princess Selene Obolensky welcomed friends and four generations of the honoree’s family to toast Countess Gertrude d’Amecourt, who at 102 years continues to exude her well-known charm. The elegant doyenne was serenaded at the piano by John Gardecki and surrounded by admirers. [gallery ids="102457,121011,121019,121024,121029" nav="thumbs"]

Princesses for a Day at VIP Pink Party
•

Some little girls living with cancer got the VIP Pink treatment June 2 in the garden at the Ritz-Carlton Georgetown, where they had a chance to escape reality for a few hours. The girls have a parent who is fighting cancer. They were deservedly pampered with music, manicures, make-up, a delicious candy bar, photos and even a photo shoot with Miss D.C., Sarah Elizabeth Hillware. Charity Chicks U.S. and We Will Survive Cancer co-hosted the uplifting event. [gallery ids="100851,126708,126700,126723,126692,126728,126683,126734,126673,126742,126716" nav="thumbs"]

Dress for Success Rooftop Soirée
•

The weather was perfect as supporters of Dress for Success D.C. gathered at the Martini Sky Bar of the Beacon Hotel June 5. The organization partners with more than 200 referral agencies in our area to prepare women to succeed in the workforce. “We help the woman from the inside and the outside,” said executive director Megan Goffney. A professional women’s group mentors clients after they find employment. “We help you arrive as good as you look,” Goffney added. Since 2002, more than 10,000 women have been “suited” for work. [gallery ids="102458,121004,120980,121009,121022,120988,120996,121015" nav="thumbs"]

A Centennial Celebration of Friendship
•

International Student House (ISH), along with Ambassador Ichiro Fujisaki of Japan and the National Cherry Blossom Festival (NCBF), celebrated dual centennials of Japan’s gift of cherry trees to Washington June 1 and the 100th anniversary of ISH’s historic main building at Dupont Circle.  Not deterred by the torrential downpour, guests gathered in the mansion’s great hall for Japanese food and music performed by members of the Washington Toho Koto Society.  NCBF donated a cherry tree for ISH’s garden commemorating the friendship between the U.S. and Japan and ongoing educational exchanges.  ISH welcomes graduate-level students from around the world.
[gallery ids="100852,126743,126729,126737" nav="thumbs"]