From Food & Friends:

“For this one day, over 150 restaurants in the area will donate 25%-100% of their proceeds to Food & Friends.

Simply by dining out, you will ensure that thousands of children and adults facing HIV/AIDS, cancer and other life-challenging illnesses, will receive the daily, nutritious meals so vital to their care.”

You can find the participating restaurants here.

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A reader requested I post the following:

On Thursday, March 4 at 7:30pm (all time zones) in theatres nationwide, CARE will present its 2010 International Women’s Day event, Half the Sky LIVE. Find a theatre near you and purchase tickets today at www.halftheskylive.com.

Inspired by moving stories from the critically-acclaimed book “Half the Sky” by Pulitzer Prize-winning journalists Nicholas Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn, Half the Sky LIVE will feature an uplifting night of music, celebrity discussion and the world premiere of “Woinshet,” a powerful short film co-directed by Academy Award® winner Marisa Tomei that chronicles the struggles of an Ethiopian woman who triumphs over violence and discrimination. The event will feature appearances by India.Arie; Maria Bello; Michael Franti; Dr. Helene Gayle; Angelique Kidjo; Nicholas Kristof; Rachel Mayanja (UN): Sarah, Duchess of York; Marisa Tomei; Sheryl WuDunn and other notables.

The exclusive two-hour event is sure to be one of the most visible International Women’s Day celebrations on the planet. Tickets are approximately $10-$12.50, depending on the theatre chain, and a percentage of ticket sales will support CARE’s work in more than 70 countries. Purchase tickets and learn more at www.halftheskylive.com. And please forward this to your contacts. Spread the word!

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From an email:

“Valentine Benefit Concert and Silent Auction!!!
Presented by V-Day DC: www.vdaydc.org

Friday, February 12th
8-11pm
Bloombars (3222 11th Street NW, Washington, DC)

Featuring amazing female-powered performances from local artists:

Nila (http://www.myspace.com/musicbynila)
FREE (aka Yvette Benjamin) (http://www.myspace.com/yvettebenjamin)
The Sweater Set (http://www.myspace.com/thesweaterset)
Carolyn Malachi (http://www.myspace.com/msmalachi)

UPDATE: Capital Blend, DC’s all women a cappella group will also be performing!!! (http://www.capitalblendsings.com/)

The goal of the event is to raise awareness of violence against women while raising funds for Courtney’s House (http://www.courtneyshouse.org/default.html), the first shelter in DC for sex-trafficked children and young women. A suggested donation of $10 (or whatever you can give!) will be collected at the door, and there will be a (affordable) silent auction featuring:

Gift certificates to area restaurants
Art work and jewelry by local artists
Spa services
Much, much more!!!”

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“Dear PoP,

Operations Free Fall is a charitable event – the only one of its kind – to increase awareness of sexual violence. The organization describes it as a “Two-Mile High stand against sexual violence”. Thousands of women and men, survivors and supporters will meet at drop zones across the country and skydive to promote the main mission of SOAR (Speaking Out Against Rape). Each skydiver must raise a minimum of $1,000 to participate, with two thirds of that amount going to local community organizations to help victims.

The FBI categorizes rape as the second most violent crime a person can experience, second only to murder. To put it another way, it’s the most violent and traumatic crime any victim lives to remember. Every two minutes, another American is sexually assaulted. It is the most under-reported of all crimes in the United States.

This is a great cause, so please donate to one of the “jumpers” on the site!

On the Operation Freefall page on the top right hand side there are 2 ways to donate; you can click view all fundraising pages and read through some of the individual survivors and supporters stories and pick one that you can identify with. Or you can just click the Donate button to give directly to the SOAR organization.”

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From emails:

“Local 16, and a group of friends calling our organization Do Good, Feel Good DC (DGFG), will host an event called Friday for Haiti to benefit Oxfam America’s Haitian Earthquake Response Fund. The cause is especially personal to DGFG because one of our members was born in Haiti and his family is among those in need of help. One-hundred percent of the proceeds generated from the $25 admission price and 10 percent of the evening’s bar tab will go directly to Oxfam America.”

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=252016704930&ref=mf#/event.php?eid=252016704930&ref=mf

http://act.oxfamamerica.org/goto/dogoodfeelgood

http://dogoodfeelgooddc.com/About_Us.html

“A dedicated group of Washington, DC’s leading EDM producers and DJ’s have joined together to raise support for the relief effort in Haiti. On Sunday January 24th at Modern in Washington, DC will be a very special benefit event “Funkin’ 4 Haiti.” 100% of the door proceeds from this event will be donated to the International Committee of the Red Cross. This is going to be a real party with a purpose!

Fort Knox Recordings and Blisspop have teamed up to present a line-up of epic proportions. DC’s Finest EDM Producers & DJs have all dedicated time from their busy touring schedules to raise funds for the victims of the earthquake in Haiti. Performing at “Funkin’ 4 Haiti” will be DC’s own globetrotting talent NADASTROM, FORT KNOX FIVE, JOE NICE, WILL EASTMAN and STYLUS CHRIS. This line-up of A-List dj’s will help the event raise thousands of dollars for the International Red Cross.

“Funkin’ 4 Haiti” will take place on Sunday January 24th, 2010 from 9:00 PM to 2:00 AM at Modern in Georgetown. Modern has generously agreed to donate a portion of the bar sales from the evening. Modern is located at 3287 M St NW. A minimum donation of $10 will be collected at the door, patrons will be encouraged to donate more.”

Nerd Nite after the jump. Read Full Post

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From emails:

SNOW GLOBE
January 16 – February 20, 2010

Live Ballet Performance:
January 16, 2010; 6-7pm
(Audience viewing outside Transformer’s storefront)

Opening Reception: January 16, 2010; 7 – 9pm

Transformer celebrates the new year with SNOW GLOBE, an artistic collaboration that transforms our storefront project space into a life-size, interactive, winter wonderland that audiences are invited to experience from both inside and outside. DC based artists Jessica Cebra and Zach Storm playfully incorporate painting, drawing, mixed media collage, and sculptural elements to create a winter-themed installation (the globe), with dancers from The Washington Ballet (the snow) performing a series of new pieces choreographed by Artistic Director Septime Webre.

For more information on SNOW GLOBE and other Transformer exhibitions and programs, please see our website: www.transformergallery.org, or contact us at 202.483.1102, or info@transformergallery.org.

After the jump please see info about various Haiti Relief Fundraisers Read Full Post

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From a reader:

“Dear PoP Community,

Metro DC Parents, Family and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG-DC) is hosting its 13th Annual Gala on April 10, 2010, and is looking for donated goods and services for the Silent Auction portion of the Gala.

What is PFLAG-DC? PFLAG-DC promotes the equality and well-being of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered persons, their families and friends through a variety of support, education and advocacy activities. PFLAG-DC is a non-profit, tax-exempt, 501(c)(3) organization, not affiliated with any ethnic, religious, economic or political group. Metro-DC PFLAG is over 21 years old and has almost 1,000 members and supporters on its rolls. You can find out more about PFLAG-DC by visiting www.pflagdc.org.

The Gala, scheduled for April 10, 2010, raises a significant portion of the chapter’s budget. One way in which it raises this money is through the Silent Auction. Currently we are asking local businesses, local celebrities, artists, community/social organizations, and others to donate goods and services to the Silent Auction.

What happens during the Auction? What will I get from donating? The Silent Auction has two parts- the first part is an online version which will be marketed nationally beginning in March 2010. This online auction, viewed by hundreds of people will credit you with your donation. The second part is the onsite auction where all the items will be displayed, and Gala attendees will bid against the online bidders. Previous Galas have been attended by as many as 800 guests and family members from all over the Washington DC metropolitan area. From a marketing aspect, you will not only be able to access the lucrative GLBT market, but their straight family members and friends as well.

Continues after the jump. Read Full Post

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This an email for a fundraiser from the group that has done some great murals around town:

“The Fridge Hosts a benefit party for the Albus Cavus Classroom on Friday, 1/15/2010, 8 – 11 PM. The Fridge is located at Rear Alley, 516 8th St SE, just two short blocks from Eastern Market Metro. The fundraiser features DC’s favorite Indie / Folk / Experimental musician Aaron Thompson. Suggested Donation: $20 ($125 Supports One Student Scholarship for a Month), Cash Bar.

Please join Albus Cavus, The Fridge, and Aaron Thompson to raise funds for the new Albus Cavus Classroom, where creativity is the core subject. We want to encourage hundreds of DC kids to become active and engaged residents by empowering young artists with the creative skills to improve our neighborhoods.”

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From a press release:
“Claude J. Boushey Sr., a 25-year member of the Army who lives in La Plata, Md., will speak about the Wounded Warrior Project, a nonprofit organization that provides programs and services to assist injured veterans during their recovery and rehabilitation. Boushey will also talk about his own life as a chief warrant officer for the Army, including when he was injured in the Iraq War in 2004 as the result of a helicopter crash.

“We’re honored that Claude is taking the time to share some of his personal experiences in the Army, as well as raise awareness for the Wounded Warrior Project, a critically important organization and the EagleBank Bowl’s charitable partner in 2009,” says Marie Rudolph, a co-founder of the EagleBank Bowl. “I also want to thank our friends at Policy for providing a wonderful venue to host this event.”

The event will run from 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm, and Policy will provide light appetizers sponsored by Quality First Mortgage (www.qfmortgage.com). Drink specials include two for one beers, as well as $5.00-$6.00 beers, wine and specialty cocktails. There is a $10.00 suggested donation, and all donations and a
percentage of bar sales from the event will benefit the Wounded Warrior Project.

Policy is located at 1904 14th St NW. The nearest Metro station is U Street-Cardozo. For more information, please call Policy at 202-387-7654 or visit www.policydc.com.”

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Ed. Note: Full disclosure – What’s the Deal is a PoP advertiser.

From an email:

“What’s the Deal DC, a locally grown website offering discounts on restaurants, spas, theaters, and other cool things to do around the DC Metro area, is hosting a charity promotion this week.  If you sign up for What’s the Deal DC’s newsletter (from today through the 20th) What’s the Deal DC will donate a $1 to a DC-area charity. The newsletter emails you information about a new deal each day or two (past deals have been discounts on DC area spas, restaurants, bars, etc.). What’s the Deal DC will be donating money to three charities: Martha’s Table, Food & Friends, and Fashion for Paws.  So take 10 seconds and raise some money for charity at http://dc.sowhatsthedeal.com/charity!”

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Photo from PoPville flickr user J Y W

From an email:

“Rally for DC Marriage Equality Announced on Eve of Final Council Vote

WASHINGTON – The Human Rights Campaign, the nation’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, announced today it is joining the Campaign for All DC Families and DC Clergy United to co-host a rally in support of marriage equality in the District on Monday, December 14, 2009, at the Kennedy Recreation Center, 1401 7th Street N.W.

On October 6, Councilmember David Catania introduced the “Religious Freedom and Civil Marriage Equality Amendment Act of 2009.” After conducting two days of hearings, the Committee on Public Safety and the Judiciary marked up and approved the bill by a 4-1 vote on November 10. A first vote by the full Council took place December 1, passing by a vote of 11 to 2. The second (and final) vote will be the following day, Tuesday, December 15th.

WHAT: Rally for DC Marriage Equality

WHO: Campaign for All DC Families, DC Clergy United, co-hosted by the Human Rights Campaign

WHEN: Monday, December 14 starting at 7:00 p.m. ET.

HOW: To participate the day of the rally, go to the Kennedy Recreation Center at 1401 7th Street, Washington D.C.”

Also from an email:

THE ESPERANZA EDUCATION FUND INVITES YOU TO A BENEFIT CONCERT AT THE CARNEGIE INSTITUTION OF WASHINGTON

“On Thursday, December 17, one of the nation’s foremost young concert pianists, Elizabeth Joy Roe, will play a private concert for guests of the Esperanza Education Fund at the Carnegie Institution of Washington. Hailed as “brilliant” (The New York Times), “electrifying” (The Dallas Morning News), and “an artist to be taken seriously” (The Chicago Tribune), Elizabeth has appeared in concert halls in New York, Paris and Seoul–and on NPR, the BBC and MTV. The concert will be followed by an open bar champagne reception in the Carnegie’s rotunda with music by the Peach String Quartet.

For tickets & tax-deductible sponsorships, visit www.esperanzafund.org.

To read more about Ms. Roe, visit http://www.elizabethjoyroe.com/basics/bio.html.”

The Esperanza Education Fund, Inc. is a community-financed college scholarship for immigrant students in the District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia. It is a tax-exempt public charity under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Unlike other scholarships of its kind, the Esperanza Education Fund makes its awards without regard to ethnicity, national origin, or immigration status.

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From an email:

“This coming Friday, December 11th, will be the 5th Annual Wig Walk.

The idea behind the Wig Walk is a simple: YOU wear a wig, hang out with friends (new and old), drink at several Adams Morgan bars and support a great cause, children!

All online proceeds from the sale of wristbands go to benefit the Children’s National Medical Center and will give YOU special discounts at the three sponsoring bars. Wristbands can be picked up online at http://wigwalk.org/ for $20.

Schedule: Friday, Dec. 11th
6-8: Toledo Lounge
8-10: Madam’s Organ
10-12: Chief Ike’s”

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I first met Tim Dennis in August 2008 at the port of Vladivostok, Russia. I had just finished a month-long journey on the Trans-Siberian Railroad. Tim had spent the last several months driving his souped-up Toyota Landcruiser from Britain across Eastern Europe and Siberia on behalf of a charity called StreetKids International. Now he was trying to get to Japan to continue his journey. Between the two of us we were able to negotiate the paperwork to allow us to cross by ferry from Russia to Japan. I got to know Tim better while en route and extended him an open invitation to visit me in Washington, DC should he make it that far.

Now, 16 months later, after crossing the Pacific Ocean by ship, driving across Alaska, crossing the Arctic Circle, and transiting Canada, Tim has finally arrived in DC and taken me up on my offer of hospitality. The second part of his trip will be to the south, driving through North, Central, and South America, with Antarctica as a finish line. His home throughout this epic journey has been the same Toyota Landcruiser, now with over 300,000 miles on it.

Tim’s truck is truly a marvel of modern technology. It’s got an updated suspension system, an external air filter and compressor system, a roof rack, a Kevlar winch five times stronger than steel, and an ingenious fold-out tent on the roof. It also has a shower, a custom-fitted water heater, a rear cooking space, a backup fuel tank, a freezer, a refrigerator, four batteries, and a solar panel on the front hood, as well as dozens of other modifications and enhancements. The exterior is covered in decals from his sponsors and places he’s visited, as well as his mascot: an anthropomorphic rat named Dylan. Tim calls himself the “Rambling Rat.”

Tim was inspired to support StreetKids after seeing their label in a hat he bought. “The more I read about StreetKids, the more I realized that their projects matched some of my personal goals,” says Dennis, “So I decided to use my trip to raise awareness of their efforts.”

StreetKids supports underprivileged youth around the world by giving them training in business skills and health issues, so they can lead healthier and more successful lives. “Many youths supported through StreetKids have developed their own businesses, gotten off the streets, and even used the money they earn to go back to school,” says Dennis. (You can learn more about StreetKids on Tim’s website – www.RamblingRat.com)

Tim has also started his own projects while on his travels, including a youth skateboarding initiative in Canada. “Back in Britain,” says Dennis, “I had a home and my own business, but I didn’t feel like I was getting what I wanted out of life. Now that I’ve sold everything and am traveling to support these projects, I truly feel happier and freer than ever.”

For now, Tim’s enjoying his time in DC. “I really love this city,” he says, “I was surprised to see such lovely architecture and meet such warm, friendly people. Everyone I’ve met here is happy to listen to me talk about StreetKids. And the truck is definitely getting a lot of attention too!”

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Here’s a couple of interesting events I received via email:

Cheap Art Sale
Benefit for Neighbors’ Consejo
Saturday, December 5
1-5pm
at La Casa (3166 Mt Pleasant St NW, Washington, DC)

On Saturday, December 5th the Cheap Art Sale will host local artists from across the city who will show and sell original works of art, donating half or more of all proceeds to the nonprofit Neighbors’ Consejo (www.neighborsconsejo.org).  All art will be priced at $100 or less.  The Cheap Art Sale is an opportunity for shoppers to purchase unique holiday gifts and one-of-a-kind items.  Participating artists include Leslie Andrus, Lely Constantinople, Mike Ferguson, Henry Gallucio, Sha Grogan-Brown, Kikapika Designs, Tom Legro, Vrinda Manglik, Vida Russell, Arelle Wood and others.  Works of art include photography, prints, screen printed clothing, jewelry, paintings, etc.

Hundreds of Young Poets Shine on Local Stage
Students Compete for the DC SCORES Poetry Slam! Golden Mic

WHAT: On consecutive nights, more than 300 of the District’s public elementary and middle school students will take the stage during the 12th annual citywide DC SCORES Poetry Slam! competition to vie for the coveted Golden Mic trophy. The Slam! showcases original works of poetry written and performed by students from the DC SCORES after-school program. During this event, a boy and a girl from each of our 23 schools will receive a new bicycle courtesty of Bicycle Stations for displaying leadership during the DC SCORES fall season.

WHEN & Wednesday, December 2, 6:00 p.m.
WHERE: Columbia Heights Education Campus
3101 16th Street, NW Washington, DC (Metro: Columbia Heights)

Thursday, December 3, 6:00 p.m.
Kelly Miller Middle School
301 49th Street, NE Washington, DC (Metro: Benning Road)

DETAILS: The DC SCORES Poetry Slam!, free and open to the public, funnels the energy and creativity of youth into self-expression as a means of improving their literacy rates and raising their self-esteem.

DC SCORES is an affiliate of America SCORES, the nation’s largest after-school soccer and literacy program. For more information, please visit www.dcscores.org.

Bicycle Stations, located at 2204 14th St., NW, opened in September 2009 to motivate the DC community to make healthier decisions by commuting on bicycles. Bicycle Stations will have three locations by the end of 2010 and specializes in high-line commuter and road bikes.

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From a reader:

“I am a volunteer with local charity Neediest Kids, an organization which helps provide tens of thousands of students in the Washington Metro Area, including Petworth, with the things they need to succeed. Last year, we were able to help more than 32,000 the 600,000 K-12 students in the area by supplying clothing, backpacks, eyeglasses, meals, healthcare, school supplies and more. Furthermore, Neediest Kids offers this assistance in a confidential manner with the student’s dignity and pride in mind.

This winter, we are working with the Washington Wizards to offer some amazing auction packages, the proceeds of which will directly help even more school children in the area. The online auction (at http://www.cmarket.com/auction/AuctionHome.action?auctionId=89736172) is live now through March 14, 2010. Some sample packages are:

Gimme Five:
Bid for Ten “High Five Kids” to line the tunnel and give a high five to Wizards as they enter court for Indiana vs. Wizards game. Also includes watching the game in a great suite for 18 fans; two Parking Passes; catered food; Wizards Swag and recognition on Jumbotron for your special event.

Rock n’ Roll in Cleveland:
Win 2 Round Trip AA tickets to Cleveland to enjoy an astounding Wizards vs. Cavaliers game with 2 club level seats. Have a smashing good time with this package that includes 2 nights at a Cleveland Marriott, dinner for 2 and 2 tickets to Rock n’ Roll Hall of Fame.

Many of these packages are once-in-a-lifetime experiences, and the purchase of a single package could help hundreds of students.

For those unable to bid, but still interested in helping, Neediest Kids also has a text campaign for $5 donations directly through any major U.S. mobile carrier. To donate, text “NEED” to 90999, or use the widget on www.neediestkids.org. Also, Papa John’s is donating $1 for every pizza ordered online when you enter the promo code “NEED” before ordering at www.PapaJohns.com.

More information on the organization and these new campaigns can be found at www.neediestkids.org.”

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