Volunteering the Holiday Cheer
• December 12, 2012

In addition to exchanging gifts with family and friends, helping the less fortunate is another great way to spend time during the holidays. D.C. is filled with many volunteer opportunities that can enrich your holiday season.

Georgetown Ministry Center Coat Drive. Georgetown Ministry Center, located at 1041 Wisconsin Ave., NW, serves the homeless in the winter. Several Georgetown businesses, including the Georgetowner, have teamed up to warm up the community with a coat drive. Winter coats can be dropped off at the Water Street Gym, 3255 K St., NW. You can also organize a drop off at your own place of employment – contact trish@waterstreetgym.com. Water Street Gym will be collecting coats through Jan. 31, 2013. Last year, the drive collected over 90 coats for the homeless, according to the Georgetown Ministry Center’s blog. Hats, gloves, scarves and other warm winter items are also welcome donations. Please help homeless people in our community by supporting this worthy cause.

The Holiday Project, a nonprofit serving DC, Maryland, Virginia and Delaware, brings cheerful holiday spirit to those in nursing homes and hospitals. You can get involved by donating funds or participating in a one of their Christmas visits. For a list of dates and more information, visit www.holidayproject.org.

The Cathedral of St. Matthew is once again sponsoring their Adopt-a-Family program. This program has given helped hundreds of families over the years by providing them with clothing, household items, furniture, and toys. Volunteers are needed to interview families, organizes wish lists and help wrapping and distributing gifts. To get involved, email socialjustice@stmatthewscathederal.org.

The Morris Cafritz Center for Community Service is organizing a day of volunteering on December 25. Opportunities include visiting seniors, organizing Christmas parties, preparing food, serving meals, caroling or playing music, donating blood and spending time with Children. There are special projects for both families and small groups. Visit www.dcjcc.org to sign up.

The Capital Area Food Bank takes volunteers as well as monetary donations. For those wanting to do even more, the Food Bank also has information about organizing your own food drive. More information can be found on their website, www.capitalareafoodbank.org.

Food & Friends supports those with cancer, HIV/Aids and other illnesses by preparing and delivering specialized meals. Holiday volunteer opportunities include helping with meal delivery Dec 25 – Jan 1 and kitchen assistance Dec 24 – Jan 3. For more information email dpitz@foodandfriends.org or visit
www.foodandfriends.org.
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The Beltway of Giving: A Gift of Philanthropy
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The trees are trimmed, the lists are made and the holiday party planning is underway, but what some might call the most wonderful time of the year can be a hardship for others less fortunate. The good news is that 24 percent of U.S. households report that they give during the holiday period according to Indiana University’s Center on Philanthropy, a time when many organizations need the most support.

I’ve spent this year coining the Beltway of Giving to encourage each of you to make giving a part of your life throughout the year. We’ve introduced you to some well-deserving non-profits and advocacy organizations across the District, from Fair Chance to Brain Food, and many more.

To conclude the year, I thought it was appropriate to ask the most charitable ladies I know in D.C. – businesswomen, mothers, social butterflies and philanthropic mavens who commit to giving 365 days a year through their charity work and fundraising for organizations – what local nonprofits they will support this holiday season and why. These women are giving the gift of philanthropy.

“I plan to support the Washington Jesuit Academy. There are so many issues concerning the plight of young men of color and they do an excellent job preparing them to be positive citizens. They engage men across the city to support their efforts through volunteerism. Most people lead busy lives and these men are committed to helping young boys excel in school.” Christal Jackson, Share Our Strength www.wjacademy.org

“I am passionate about the DC Metro Chapter of the Twelve Days of Christmas, Inc. We have a direct impact on children in our community. Without us, the children we serve would not have school supplies during the school year or gifts at Christmas.” Nicole Venable, Bockorny Group www.twelvedaysofchristmasinc.org

“Cancer Prevention is a year-round journey. It is important to remember, even when the weather gets cold, and we’re not running around on the beach. Just a $10 donation can cover the cost of a prostate exam or $25 a skin cancer screening. The Prevent Cancer organization provides information on the eight preventable cancers and holiday contributions can help us stop cancer before it starts!” Katherine Kennedy, Availor Group www.preventcancer.org

“Lucky Dog Animal Rescue rescues dogs from high-kill shelters in Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina and D.C. They have partnered with low-income and rural area shelters to save hundreds of highly-adoptable dogs that are euthanized each month due to overpopulation problems. The organization does not have a shelter so they solely rely on the volunteers to foster the pups until they are released to a good home. I truly believe in the organization, there is nothing better than saving the life of a defenseless, loving animal!” Lydia Arshadi, Capitalize LLC
www.luckydoganimalrescue.org

“Young Invincibles, led by D.C. resident Aaron Smith, is an organization that seeks to amplify the voices of young, low-income Americans and expand opportunity for the millennial generation. They developed a free mobile app to help persons, aged 18 to 34, take control of their health, wherever they may be. They are one of the winners of the director’s choice prize for the IGNITEgood Huffington Post millennial impact. Many organizations are investing in engaging millennials, but few are tackling the issues facing millennials on a national level. YI is doing that and doing it well.” Natalie Braga, Ignite, goodyounginvincibles.org
“I support the Adventure Theater – Musical Theater Center in Glen Echo, Maryland – the oldest children’s theater in the D.C. area. They recently celebrated 60 years, and not long ago, produced their first African American play ever – Mirandy and Brother Wind. The play is part of their African American Adventures series, created by the theater’s director after he discovered the theater had never produced a black children’s play.” Tracey Webb, Black Gives Back
www.adventuretheatre-mtc.org

“The Chris4Life Colon Cancer Foundation was founded by Michael Sapienza who lost his mother Christine to the disease. Since its inception, the foundation has fought from a grassroots level against this preventable cancer, starting in D.C. and expanding to other major markets. A few little known facts are that colon cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths for men and women combined and that colonoscopies not only discover cancer, but can also stop cancer.” Pamela Lynne Sorensen, Pamela’s Punch
www.chris4life.org

“I work at CityDance as a dance and production instructor. What inspires me the most about CityDance is the high level of quality attained in all our departments. From our Community Programs, which span 24 sites in the area, to our School and Conservatory at Strathmore, which is home to nearly 500 students, CityDance aims to create opportunities to present, teach and educate about all genres of dance, at all levels, to our community, through our broad range of programs.” Sarah Ewing, City Dance. www.citydance.net

“I support Horton’s Kids because they are an organization that nurtures the dreams and desires of children. I think success messages are very important to mental stability. Horton’s Kids makes sure that kids in Ward 8, one of DC’s most underserved communities, are confident and well rounded by exposing them to opportunities and programs.” Adra Williams, Otim Williams
www.hortonskids.org

“The Junior Council of Children is the perfect avenue for young professionals in our city to engage in philanthropic efforts. More importantly, it is a group in support of Children’s National Medical Center, where no sick child is ever turned away regardless of their ability to pay.” Amanda Burke, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation
www.dcchildrensfoundation.com

Jade Floyd works for the Case Foundation and is a frequent volunteer and host of fundraising events across the District supporting arts, animal welfare and education programs.

Fairmont Tree Lighting
• December 7, 2012

WTOP’s Bob Madigan was master of ceremonies at the Fairmont Washington D.C.’s ninth annual tree lighting ceremony Nov. 29. Mayor Vincent Gray and Councilmember Jack Evans, who encouraged holiday shopping in D.C., attended. Guests were asked to bring an unwrapped gift for Toys for Tots. There were crafts for children with American Girl, a raffle, entertainment and family photos with Santa and Rudolph in front of the gingerbread village created by Fairmont’s pastry chef Rebecca Kinsella, which took 120 hours to create. [gallery ids="101082,137341,137338" nav="thumbs"]

Up & ComingDecember 6, 2012
• December 6, 2012

DECEMBER 6

The Berrette Family Foundation Official Launch and Keystone Dinner
The Berrette Family Foundation announces its first cohort this winter with a fundraiser-launch event. The inaugural theme, ?The Beginning of a Community Staple,? showcases the desire to inspire and transform the communities in which we live. Co-hosted by ABC7?s Jummy Olabanji and poet and entrepreneur Beny Blaq, the fundraiser will include a performance by Grammy-nominated songwriter Kyonte Vincent. Tickets are $45 per person. Visit bfflaunch.brownpapertickets.com. Busboys and Poets, 2021 14th St., NW.

40th Annual Landon Greens Sale & Holiday Boutique
Celebrate the holiday season at the 40th Annual Greens Sale and Holiday Boutique at Landon School on Thursday and Friday, Dec. 6 and 7, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Shopping features specialty wreaths, artful greens and boxwood, as well as the Holiday Boutique with 40-plus vendors. Stop by the bake sale and caf? and visit the historic Landon Farmhouse. Proceeds benefit financial aid and faculty enrichment. Landon School, 6101 Wilson Boulevard, Bethesda, Md. 20817.

DECEMBER 8

Cuba + World Holiday Poster Sale
This is an annual holiday sale on Saturday Dec. 8, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., offering more than 100 silk-screen movie posters from Cuba and more than 100 cultural and social cause posters from the U.S., Asia, Middle East & Latin America. Cubans design a silk-screen poster for every movie shown on the island, whether it is from the United States, Europe, Japan or Latin America. These beautiful 20-by-30-inch posters are highly collectible and make fabulous holiday gifts. For more information, email CubanPosterGallery@msn.com. 3319 O St., NW.

Toys for Tots Drive at Rhino
Make a donation to Toys for Tots and have your holiday gifts wrapped by Rhino elves. Get your photo taken with Santa and sample sweet treats from Sweet Events Design. Rhino Bar & Pumphouse, 3295 M Street, NW. For more information, visit www.rhinobardc.com. Rhino Bar & Pumphouse, 3295 M Street, NW.

DECEMBER 9
Handel?s ?Messiah? Concert
Music at National presents: ?King of Kings: Our Coming Savior? in ?Messiah? by G.F. Handel, featuring The National Presbyterian Church Festival Choir & Orchestra. No tickets required; ample free parking available. Located a short walk from the Tenleytown stop on the Metro red line. The event is free to the public. Visit www.nationalpres.org/messiah for more information. The National Presbyterian Church, 4101 Nebraska Ave., NW.

DECEMBER 11

Bowen McCauley Dance Holiday Concert
Come see the BMD dancers perform on the Millennium Stage. Rounding out the program are guest performances by Los Angeles Contemporary Dance Company, BMD?s Dance for PD participants, and a holiday musical finale culminating in an audience sing-and-dance-along. Join us at Rivers at the Watergate restaurant for a celebration immediately following the performance. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.bmdc.org/upcoming. 2700 F St., NW.

DECEMBER 12

Hurricane Sandy Relief
Toy Drive
The celebrity chefs of the District Hogs motorcycle gang David Guas, R.J. Cooper and Robert Wiedmaier will be collecting toys to support the children in New Jersey on behalf of Wiedmaier?s employees of Mussel Bar & Grille at Revel, Atlantic City, and others displaced by Hurricane Sandy. Drop off an unwrapped gift to the motorcycle-paper covered box at any of the restaurants below on Wednesday and received a free chocolate treat.

Bayou Bakery, Coffee Bar & Eatery- Arlington, Va.
Rouge 24, Washington, D.C.
Mussel Bar & Grille, Bethesda, Md.
Mussel Bar & Grille- Atlantic City, N.J.

DECEMBER 15

Georgetown Lutheran Church Sing-along
The Georgetown Lutheran Church is hosting a community Christmas sing-along with organ accompaniment on Saturday, Dec. 15, 5 p.m. The event is free and welcome to all. For more information, call 202-333-3642. Georgetown Lutheran Church, 1556 Wisconsin Ave., NW.

DECEMBER 16

GBA Yoga Fundraiser and Reception
Join the Georgetown Business Association in raising money for the Georgetown Senior Center by taking a Restorative Yoga class at Georgetown Yoga on Dec. 16, 4 p.m., followed by a wine reception at 5:30 p.m. All donations will go to Georgetown Senior Center with GBA matching funds up to $500. Suggested minimum donation $10 for the class and reception. Not sure you are ready for yoga? You are welcome to attend the reception from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. Georgetown Yoga, 2603 P St., NW.

Azza Fahmy’s Dazzing Jewels
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Seasons at the Four Seasons Hotel was transformed into an Arabian nights fantasy on Nov. 15 as internationally acclaimed Egyptian jeweler Azza Fahmy presented a trunk show at a VIP by invitation cocktail reception. Stunningly gowned models showcased the designs which were also on display. Syra Arts hosted the presentation of hand-crafted gold, silver and precious stone pieces which carry diverse cal- ligraphic interpretations and are characterized with beautiful Azza Fahmy filigree craft and layering. [gallery ids="101071,137155" nav="thumbs"]

The Georgetowner Holiday Benefit & BazaarDecember 5, 2012
• December 5, 2012

The Georgetowner, with EagleBank?s assistance, put on its third annual Holiday Benefit & Bazaar Nov. 29 at the George Town Club to honor the Georgetown Senior Center. With hors d?oeuvres and wine tastings, the guests perused the tables, bought some great goods and did well by the silent auction. The host committee included Lolly Amons, Joe Clarke, Michele Conley, Michelle Evans, Jade Floyd, Jeanne Jennings, Krista Johnson, Cami Mazard, Victoria Michael, Nancy Miyahira, Bob Pincus and Lesley Steiner. The bazaar shops included Ella Rue, Queen Bee Jewelry, Sentsy, Ibhana, Traci Lynn Jewelry, Kamisol Accessories, J McLaughlin and Homayoun Yershalmi.

Innocents at RiskDecember 5, 2012
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Innocents at Risk (IAR), which Deborah Sigmund founded 2005 to combat the scourge of human traf- ficking, has had singular success due in large part to international support and the vigilance of airline per- sonnel. Following a Nov. 28 performance of My Fair Lady at Arena Stage, sponsors were invited to a four course repast in the private Placido Domingo room at Caf? Milano. In her remarks Deborah hailed special guest Virna Luque, Secretary General of the Minister of Security in Panama, as ?the voice of human trafficking? in her country. She acknowledged guests who included the Reeders, who had underwritten a fact-finding trip to Panama; the Carstens Family Fund; Pamela Johnson and Wes King as well as Patricia Vojack and Michael Kentor, who traveled from Austin, Texas.

Kennedy Center Honors: Guy, Hoffman, Letterman, Makarova — and Zeppelin
• December 3, 2012

Bob Dylan was right. The times, they are a-changin’. That goes for the Kennedy Center Honors, presented on Sunday, Dec. 2, that started out honoring giants in the performing arts in 1978.

Back then, the first artists to be so honored were Marian Andersen, the great singer and civil rights champion, Fred Astaire, who made dancing seem as light as air and as substantive as a heart beat, George Balanchine, the giant among American choreographers, composer Richard Rodgers and pianist Arthur Rubinstein.

In the early days of the Honors, most of the honorees were born in the previous century and tended toward being late-in-life giants in classical music, dance, film, theater and opera. What a difference 34 years makes.

Meet the 2012 honorees: Oscar-winning actor with a long and distinguished career Dustin Hoffman, blues legend Buddy Guy, late night TV show host David Letterman, the luminous Russian-born ballet legend Natalia Makarova and the surviving members of one of the greatest rock bands ever, Led Zeppelin, with keyboardist/bassist John Paul Jones, guitarist Jimmy Page and singer Robert Plant.

That’s right: blues, rock n’ roll and late night shows. Dylan was right, and even Dylan made the list in 1997, followed by Stevie Wonder the following year. Johnny Carson was the only other late night TV host to make the list.

As usual, no one knows for sure who will be at the star-studded gala, produced by George Stevens, Jr., and Michael Stevens, but President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama will be there. The president and Mrs. Obama will receive the honorees, along with the Artists Committee which nominated them, at the White House before the gala. On Dec. 1, the Kennedy Center medallions will be presented during a State Department dinner, hosted by Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.

Here are statements from the recipients upon receiving the honors:

“I am a simple man blessed to be able to make a living at what I love, and I am a fortunate man to have learned from the best—men like Muddy Waters—who made me promise to keep the blues alive. I cannot begin to describe my feelings of deep gratitude to be receiving the Kennedy Center Honor. I am even more humbled because this award was beyond my wildest dreams in 1957 when I left home and my mother and father to pluck my guitar promising to return to them one day with a polka dot Cadillac. This Louisiana and now Chicago man respectfully thanks the Kennedy Center for such high praise and especially for recognizing and helping to keep the blues alive today.”
— Buddy Guy

“For the last 45 years, I’ve had the profound privilege of making a living in the arts. I am proud to be part of the Kennedy Center Honors tradition. Thank you.”
— Dustin Hoffman

“This is something wonderful for my family, my co-workers and myself. I believe recognition at this prestigious level confirms my belief that there has been a mix-up. I am still grateful to be included.”
— David Letterman

“Surprised, astonished, grateful! What a remarkable twist of fate that I chose to leave my homeland and came to America to start a new life, joined American Ballet Theatre and performed during the unforgettable opening week of the Kennedy Center in 1971. I feel very privileged that through me Kennedy Center honors classical ballet.”
— Natalia Makarova

“We are thrilled and honored to receive this award and to be in such illustrious company. America was the first place to embrace Led Zeppelin’s music, and we owe a large debt to the vitality and variety of the music of the American people.”
— Led Zeppelin, John Paul Jones, Jimmy Page and Robert Plant

Georgetowner’s Holiday Benefit & Bazaar 2012November 30, 2012
• November 30, 2012

The Georgetowner’s Holiday Benefit & Bazaar brought together friends, shoppers and businesses at the George Town Club Nov. 29 to give an assist to the Georgetown Senior Center. Check out the photo gallery and we hope to see you next year!

The Beltway of Giving: Cooking for a Cause
• November 28, 2012

Benevolent Washingtonian’s are beam- ing over the grand opening of Cause Philanthropub (www.causedc.org/) in the U Street corridor. The restaurant has committed to donate 100 percent of its profits back to chari- ties, a first for an East Coast eatery and bar.

Founders Nick Villele and Raj Ratwani met in their respective PhD programs at George Mason. While they are new to the restaurant world, they have hired a cadre of industry experts to manage and run the bar. After a stint in the Peace Corps in Togo, West Africa, Nicholas returned stateside, where the philanthropub con- cept blossomed.

“Living in a country where the average annual income is around $300, I had seen the huge impact that a small amount of money could have when in the hands of the right people and organizations,” said Villele. “Right after I had returned, Raj told me about his idea of raising funds for charity through bar and restaurant operations, and our partnership was born.”

Noted restaurants, chefs and restaurateurs across the District have committed to support- ing charities through their kitchen, yet few have sacrificed their entire profit to benefit others. DC-based chef Jose Andres’ of Think Food Group (www.thinkfoodgroup.com/) launched World Central Kitchen to build kitchens for disadvantaged populations in Haiti. One of their current projects in Palmiste Tempe, Haiti, provides a school kitchen that will feed over 200 children. Mellow Mushroom Pizza Bakers (mellowmushroom.com) in Adams Morgan has partnered with several local charities including For Love of Children, Critical Exposure, D.C. Lawyers for Youth, Mentoring Today and Kids Against Hunger D.C.

“By sharing our success with D.C. non- profits, I’m able to connect my past work in the non-profit community to my current endeavors,” says Mellow co-owner Pooja Mehta. “Our focus is to spend an entire month with each organiza- tion to get a little more money their way and a little more exposure to their work.”

Philanthropic duo, Todd and Ellen Gray of Equinox restaurant (equinoxrestaurant.com) also lead by example. Their annual Sugar and Champagne charity event unites D.C.’s pas- try chefs and wine purveyors to benefit the Washington Humane Society. To date, the event has raised more than $300,000 for the organiza- tion. The Blue Banana Sports and Rock Bar (www.bluebananadc.com) located in Petworth, also supports the Washington Humane Society with a monthly “Yappy Hour” doggy friendly affair.

“Our patio is and always has been dog friendly. Many local dog owners were looking for a great excuse to drink for a cause and bring their pets with them,” says co-owner Jamie Hess. “We started the monthly charity Yappy Hour in April of this year and have raised thousands for the Humane Society. We donate 20 percent off the evening sales to the organization so our guests are not out of pocket anything other than what they drink and eat.”

While these restaurants are all making strides for local and international charities, Cause Philanthropub is the first in the District to donate 100 percent of its profits. Several other restaurants and food-centric businesses across the U.S. have tried, and many succeeded, including Newman’s Own (www.newmansown. com) food products and the Oregon Public House (www.oregonpublichouse.com). This quarter Cause is currently supporting Agora Partnerships, Common Good City Farm, Higher Achievement and Martha’s Table as their first group of featured organizations. Three are locale and focused on supporting the D.C. community, while Agora is based in the District and focused on impact entrepreneurship in Latin America. All four organizations were vetted and selected by Causes Advisory Board.

A key part of their model is that each custom- er has the chance to choose which organization they would like their profits to go to by checking the non-profit on their bill.

Cause accepts applications on a rolling basis at www.causedc.org causes and welcomes sug- gestions on deserving non-profits they should consider supporting.