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Catalogue Blog

Season of Getting, Season of Giving

The following blog was published by Barbara Harman, Catalogue President and Editor, on December 30th 2013.

To see the original post, click here.

There is a new kind of inequality in our nation and it isn’t between blacks and whites, gay people and straight, or men and women, though these inequalities remain. Income inequality — the new buzz word, or really buzz phrase, that has emerged in recent years and gained momentum in recent months — is really about the gap, the no-man’s land, that divides people not by race or gender but by economic status. The numbers, and their implications, are staggering.

In the nation as a whole, the average net assets of the top 1 percent of the population are 8.4 million which amounts to 70 times -that’s right, 70 times — the average net worth of the rest of the population. According to UC Berkeley economist Emmanuel Saez, average real income during what some have deemed the “lost decade” (2002-12) went up 86 percent for the top 1 percent, while for everyone else it went up 6.6 percent. Hold on for one more stat: from 2007-2009, a period that includes the market crash and “recovery” from the recession, 95 percent of the recovery went to the top 1 percent.

In our nation’s capital, income inequality reflects this national trend, but with a twist. Studies released by the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities reveal that the richest 5 percent of individuals in the District of Columbia bring in an average of $436,900, while the poorest 20 percent average $17,000 and the poorest 5 percent clock in at $9100. This last figure reveals wealth disparity, or income inequality, at its starkest: on average, the wealthiest among us make nearly 40 times what the poorest do.

What complicates the picture locally is the fact that the Washington region has a greater share (1/3rd) of what are called “super zips” than any region in the country (Washington Post, “A World Apart”). A super zip is an interesting hybrid: it includes people who are in the top 5 percent for income AND for education. When super zips are contiguous, as they are here, it is possible to live one’s daily life without ever encountering people who are different from oneself — different because they lack a college (or even a high school) degree, live on less (even a lot less, even on virtually nothing) — and whose daily lives are, effectively, invisible. A century and a half ago, author (and, later, British Prime Minister) Benjamin Disraeli referred to the rich and the poor as “two nations between whom there is no intercourse and no sympathy, who are as ignorant of each other’s habits, thoughts, and feelings as if they were dwellers in different zones or inhabitants of different planets.”

At the intersection of income inequality and the super zip (the “different zone” or “planet”), the problem takes on an even darker meaning — and creates an imperative that has particular force at this time of year. People who have no experience of, or exposure to, those who live in the other “nation” are unlikely to experience the empathy that generates giving. They have the capacity to give — if income inequality shows us anything, it shows us that — but if they can’t see what need looks like or if they lack knowledge of where to give, then will they give? We can advocate (and should) for an increase in the minimum wage, an extension of unemployment benefits, and a dead halt to cuts in key programs like SNAP and TANF. But as individuals, we should also be, we can also afford to be, more philanthropic.

Research shows that the poor give a greater percentage of their income to charity than the rich, and that they do so because they see before them on a daily basis just what real need really looks like. The rest of us have an exposure problem: where the need is greatest it is also the most invisible. What we don’t witness we can’t experience, and what we can’t experience we don’t connect with, and what we don’t connect with we aren’t likely to support.

In the final days of this year — when giving picks up speed because it has the added benefit of reducing tax liability — we might all take a moment to learn about causes that are addressing the needs of the neediest among us. One way to do this is to explore the Catalogue for Philanthropy: Greater Washington, which features over 300 vetted community charities that are all based right here, in our nation’s — or two nations — capital. The Catalogue shines a light on the invisible among us, tells their stories, and opens up to all of us worlds of need that we might otherwise not experience. For many in our region, this has been a season of getting. We can also make it a season of giving.

You’ve made your list, but have you checked it twice?

Still searching for the perfect gift?

This year, save yourself from a frantic last-minute trip to the mall and consider giving the gift that gives back. The Catalogue for Philanthropy offers gift e-cards that make the perfect gift for anyone on your list: from that one person who has everything to the budding junior philanthropist in the family. In fact, we can’t think of a time when a Catalogue gift card wouldn’t be a great gift.

Still looking for inspiration? What about giving a Catalogue gift card…

  • as a “thank you” to your favorite hard-working barista, postal carrier, dog-walker or doorman?
  • as a way to introduce philanthropy to the next generation in your family? (We think the inspiring work of our charities as told in the Catalogue makes a great substitute for the annual reading of “Twas the Night Before Christmas”)
  • as a hostess gift for holiday parties?
  • as a creative gift for teachers at your child’s school?
  • for the neighbor who is always there to lend a hand?

The Catalogue for Philanthropy’s e-gift card not only captures the spirit of the holidays through the joy of giving, but it also gives recipients the opportunity to support the causes that mean the most to them, whether in the environment, arts, education or human services. And it’s SO easy to give! Simply click. Give. And inspire.

Guest Post: Washington Youth Garden

Today we welcome the Washington Youth Garden to GoodWorks! Using the garden cycle as a tool to enrich science learning, inspire environmental stewardship and cultivate healthy food choices http://iga.edu/best-paper-writing-service-essay/ in youth and families, the Washington Youth Garden is in its 40th year to service to local youth and families.

Today’s post is from Mel Jones, the Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) Coordinator at John Burroughs Education Campus. Gardening is hard work. So is being a public school teacher. It’s no surprise then that school gardens are such an uphill battle for DC teachers and administrators. This letter from one of the Washington Youth Garden’s partner schools helps show why partnerships are so valuable.

Growing Green Dreams at Local Schools

by Mel JonesDisplaying Mel Watering.jpg

Since beginning as a science teacher here over ten years ago, I have made repeated attempts to start a garden. I knew my students would have a better understanding of science if there was more hands-on learning. However, despite my efforts, I didn’t have the expertise or the time to develop a real, working garden.

In 2011, our partnership with the Washington Youth Garden made the dream of a school garden come alive as third graders filled new raised beds with soil and transplanted lettuce, which they later harvested for salad pitas. Since then, the garden has become a part of every student’s experience, from compost investigation projects to school-wide sweet potato tastings.

The garden continues to expose students to new fruits and vegetables and provide an outdoor science laboratory. With grant funding, we’ve hired a School Garden Coordinator who regularly teaches our Early Childhood classes and collaborates with teachers to integrate the garden into science and literacy lessons. Plans are in progress to install a kitchen classroom to give our students year-round opportunities to cook healthy foods and learn about science and nutrition. The Washington Youth Garden has made a truly wonderful difference for our students and our school!

How does the Washington Youth Garden support school gardens?
The Washington Youth Garden provides multi-stage school garden partnerships that help schools integrate their school garden into the curriculum, teach garden-instruction best practices, seek independent funding, and plan for long-term sustainability. Currently, we support thriving school garden programs at four low-income partner schools in Ward 5.

How can you support this?
A pledge of $500 supports the cost of closely collaborating with a teacher to deliver four hands-on, curriculum-aligned garden lessons.

Learn more about the Washington Youth Garden on their website, blog, Facebook page and current Indiegogo Online Fundraiser.

Around Town 12/13-12/19

It’s cold outside but you can warm up this weekend–and beyond– with these great events put on by Catalogue nonprofits!

Saturday, December 14, 2013

Vision Contemporary Dance Ensemble in Holiday Extravaganza

Joe’s Movement Emporium/World Arts Focus
Come celebrate the Holiday Season with this newly-created dance company as it presents an expression of Holiday Cheer through an action-packed dance performance. The ensemble is under the creative and artistic genius of legendary artistic director Katherine Smith.
When: Sat Dec 14 2013 (7:00 PM)
Where: Joe’s Movement Emporium, 3309 Bunker Hill Road, Mount Rainier, MD 20712
Fee? yes $20 General Admission
Contact: Malori Rhones, (301) 699-1619
For more information: click here

Handel’s Messiah

National Philharmonic
Rosa Lamoreaux, soprano Magdalena Wor, mezzo-soprano Robert Petillo, tenor Kevin Deas, bass National Philharmonic Chorale Stan Engebretson, conductor Begin your holidays with Handel’s 1741 masterpiece, Messiah, one of the most beloved and most frequently performed works in Western choral literature. The critically acclaimed National Philharmonic Orchestra and Chorale, conducted by Stan Engebretson and joined by a superb cast of soloists, bring the joy, spirit and tidings of the season to you with this glorious oratorio, which includes such timeless favorites as “And the Glory of the Lord” and the “Hallelujah Chorus.”
When: Sat Dec 14 2013 (8:00 PM)
Where: The Music Center at Strathmore, 5301 Tuckerman Lane, North Bethesda, MD 20852
Fee? yes $28-$84 (Kids Free)
Contact: Deborah Birnbaum, (301) 581-5
For more information: click here

The Christmahanukwanzakah Special

District of Columbia Arts Center (DCAC)
The Capital City Showcase (www.capitalcityshowcase.com) is proud to present its first annual Christmahanukwanzakah holiday special on Saturday, December 14th, at 10:00pm at The DC Arts Center in Adams-Morgan! The special features holiday performances from some of the DMV’s best performing artists. All of the proceeds from this amazing show will be donated to DC Central Kitchen (www.dccentralkitchen.org)
When: Sat Dec 14 2013 (10:00 PM – 12:00 MIDNIGHT)
Where: DC Arts Center, 2438 18th St, NW, Washington, Dist of Columbia 20009
Fee? yes $15 online/ $10 at the door
Contact: DC Arts Center, (202) 462-7833

Sunday, December 15, 2013

Canal Stewards at the River Center

Potomac Conservancy
Join us at the River Center! We’ll be meeting at 10 am at the River Center to clean up the lockhouse area and the nearby towpath. This cleanup is open to all ages, and we’ll provide all the necessary supplies – just wear clothes that can get dirty. This event is part of the National Park Service’s Canal Stewards program, engaging volunteers to become long-term caretakers of a site within the C & O Canal National Historical Park.
When: Sun Dec 15 2013 (10:00 AM)
Where: River Center at Lock 8, 7906 Riverside Drive, Cabin John, MD 20818
Fee? no
Volunteer Info: Typical activities include picking up trash, invasive plants removal, pruning vegetation, or repairing the towpath and trails.
Contact: Lien Vu, (301) 608-1188 ext 205

Handel’s Messiah

National Philharmonic
Rosa Lamoreaux, soprano Magdalena Wor, mezzo-soprano Robert Petillo, tenor Kevin Deas, bass National Philharmonic Chorale Stan Engebretson, conductor Begin your holidays with Handel’s 1741 masterpiece, Messiah, one of the most beloved and most frequently performed works in Western choral literature. The critically acclaimed National Philharmonic Orchestra and Chorale, conducted by Stan Engebretson and joined by a superb cast of soloists, bring the joy, spirit and tidings of the season to you with this glorious oratorio, which includes such timeless favorites as “And the Glory of the Lord” and the “Hallelujah Chorus.”
When: Sun Dec 15 2013 (3:00 PM)
Where: The Music Center at Strathmore, 5301 Tuckerman Lane, North Bethesda, MD 20852
Fee? yes $28-$84 (Kids Free)
Contact: Deborah Birnbaum, (301) 581-5
For more information: click here

Festive Music of the Americas Concert

DC Youth Orchestra Program
DC Youth Orchestra Program’s Youth Orchestra and Junior Orchestra will perform festive music of the Americas in the beautiful Hall of States at the Organization of American States’ Main Building. The concert includes “Danzon No. 2″ by Artur Marquez and “Sleigh Ride” by Leroy Anderson. This concert is free, but there is a suggested $10 donation. No tickets are required. A reception that is open to all will follow the concert.
When: Sun Dec 15 2013 (4:00 PM – 5:30 PM)
Where: Organization of American States Main Building Hall of States, 17th Street & Constitution Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20006
Fee? no
Contact: Rashida Coleman, (202) 698-0123 ext 1264156

Tuesday, December 17, 2013

Tuesday Warehouse Volunteering

DC Diaper Bank
Come help us in the warehouse! Volunteering is family friendly and all are welcome whether it’s for one hour or four. We’ll be sorting and packing diapers and even little hands can help with that (or just play in the play area!). Our Volunteer Dates are a great way to starting talking about giving back and community in a very tangible way that kids can relate to well.
When: Tue Dec 17 2013 (09:00 AM – 1:00 PM)
Where: DC Diaper Bank Warehouse 8858 Monard Drive, Silver Spring, Maryland 20910
Fee? no
Volunteer Info: Sorting and packing diapers; helping with other inventory
Contact: Corinne Cannon, (202) 656-8503

BUILD Metro DC Holiday Sales Bazaar

BUILD Metro DC
Shop local this holiday season and pick up one-of-a-kind products designed and crafted by our youth entrepreneurs at this family-friendly event.
When: Tue Dec 17 2013 (6:00 PM – 8:00 PM)
Where: 1776, 1133 15th Street NW, 12th Floor, Washington, DC 20005
Fee? no
Contact: Alyza Weinberg, (202) 450-1483

Wednesday, December 18, 2013

Volunteers Needed for Jubilee Jobs Job Friends Event

Jubilee Jobs
On the third Wednesday of each month, Jubilee Jobs hosts an event called Job Friends. These informative celebratory meetings are held for Jubilee Jobs clients who have found employment through our program and for those considering enrollment in our Move-Up career advancement program. We would love to have volunteers serve a prepared holiday meal to our clients. Many of the people we have placed in jobs are or have been homeless and poor and appreciate the dinner and companionship. Job Friends clients now hope that gaining employment will help change their circumstances and we are there to support them and walk with them every step of the way. We hope you will join us.
When: Wed Dec 18 2013 (5:45 PM – 7:30 PM)
Where: The Festival Center, 1640 Columbia Road, NW, Washington, DC 20009
Fee? no
Volunteer Info: Volunteers will serve a prepared holiday meal to our clients.
Contact: Sheila Robinson, (202) 667-8970

FLOC College Night

For Love of Children
An event for FLOC families, including a College Fair and postsecondary exploration activities targeted towards students and their parents. Information is given about the college application process, FLOC postsecondary students speak about their personal experiences, and families learn about financial aid and scholarship opportunities.
When: Wed Dec 18 2013 (6:00 PM – 8:00 PM)
Where: Cloyd Heck Marvin Center, 800 21st Street, NW, Washington, DC 20052
Fee? no
Volunteer Info: Volunteers who have a strong tie to their undergraduate institution could share information with potential candidates at the event.
Contact: Kate Fleischer, (202) 462-8686 ext 3613
For more information: click here

Whine/Wine Wednesday

DC Diaper Bank
Come join us Wednesday nights for Whine/Wine Wednesday! Bring your own “whine” or wine! Help us bundle diapers for the families we serve and make great new friends.
When: Wed Dec 18 2013 (6:30 PM – 8:30 PM)
Where: DC Diaper Bank Warehouse 8858 Monard Drive, Silver Spring, Maryland 20910
Fee? no
Volunteer Info: Sorting and packing diapers; helping with other inventory
Contact: Corinne Cannon, (202) 656-8503

Guest Post: LearnServe International

Today’s post comes from LearnServe International, whose programs spark high school students’ passion to make a difference and equips them with the knowledge, tools, and relationships to effectively drive local solutions to pressing global challenges. Bringing together students from across the DC area, LearnServe prepares them with the skills of business leadership, innovative problem-solving, and cross-cultural fluency. Then students are challenged to lead community-based change in their schools, across the DC region, and around the world.Empowering high-schoolers who have the motivation to make a difference, the Fellows Program guides them through the creation of their own “social venture.”

LearnServe Fellows Prepare to Speak Out

by Scott Rechler, Director & CEO, LearnServe International

When is the last time you saw someone teased, harassed, or picked on simply because of who they are? Did you recognize it as bullying? Stand up to the perpetrator? Console the person these attacks were directed towards?

Madison and Alichea, both students at Parkdale High School in Prince George’s County, ask these questions every day. Both Madison and Alichea have seen bullying first-hand. And both are ready to do something about it.

In September we challenged Madison, Alichea, and the other 70 members of the 2014 class of LearnServe Fellows to articulate the injustices they witness or experience, that they would like to put an end to. As LearnServe Fellows, Madison and Alichea and their peers will spend the year developing business plans around their respective causes, then mobilize teams to get these “social ventures” off the ground.

Madison herself has been bullied. She knows the sting of teasing and intimidation, which she has endured for more than a year. She appreciates all that her school — through counseling and peer mediation — has done to address the problem. But she feels that students can also do more to support their classmates who have been targets of bullying.

Madison plans to create a peer-to-peer support network for targets of bullying and their allies. With additional guidance from the school’s counselor, students would support each other in working through some of the emotional effects of bullying.

Alichea, a member of Parkdale’s JROTC squad, sees it as her responsibility to intervene when she sees other classmates being bullied. She wonders why more students don’t step in. Do they see it all as a harmless joke? None of their business? They’re too afraid to respond? Or they simply don’t know what bullying looks like – and feels like – in all the forms it can take?

Alichea would like to help would-be bullies and would-be bystanders better understand what bullying is and why it must stop. Through school outreach she hopes to shed light on bullying at her school and build a network of allies ready to step in and stop it as it happens.

Each year, the LearnServe Fellows Program offers leadership and social entrepreneurship training to 70 high school students like Madison and Alichea – students who represent more than 30 public, private, and charter schools in DC, Maryland, and Virginia. LearnServe guides these students as they translate the causes they are most passionate about into community impact.

LearnServe invites you to meet Madison, Alichea, and the other members of the 2014 class of LearnServe Fellows as they debut their social venture ideas at the 7th Annual Innovators Coffee House, tomorrow, December 12, 2013. The LearnServe Fellows will offer a series of 30-second “elevator pitches” on the causes they have chosen to address and the solutions they plan to design and implement this spring.

For more information about the LearnServe Fellows Program visit www.learn-serve.org/fellows.

For details or to RSVP for the 7th Annual Innovators Coffee House, visit http://learn-serve.org/learnserve-fellows-events/.

Around Town 12/7 – 12/13

Miss #GivingTuesday? You’re in luck: there’s still plenty of time to get involved with our great nonprofits! Check out what’s coming up and how you can support them this holiday season.

Saturday, December 07, 2013

Canal Stewards at Fletcher’s Cove

Potomac Conservancy
Join us at Fletcher’s Cove! We’ll be meeting at 10 am at Fletcher’s Cove to clean up the picnic area and surrounding trails. This cleanup is open to all ages, and we’ll provide all the necessary supplies – just wear clothes that can get dirty! This event is part of the National Park Service’s Canal Stewards program, engaging volunteers to become long-term caretakers of a site within the C & O Canal National Historical park.
When: Sat Dec 7 2013 (10:00 AM)
Where Fletcher’s Boathouse, 4940 Canal Road, Washington, DC 20007
Fee? no
Volunteer Info: Typical activities include picking up trash, pruning vegetation, or repairing the towpath and trails.
Contact: Lien Vu, (301) 608-1188 ext 205

Hospice Caring Tree of Love and Candle Luminary

Hospice Caring
Make the world a brighter place this holiday season as we honor and remember those who have touched our lives. Event includes: traditional lighting of the Tree of Love; Instrumental and Vocal music; Responsive readings; Reading of the Names; Light Refreshments
When: Sat Dec 7 2013 (5:00 PM)
Where: Hospice Caring Cottage, 518 South Frederick Avenue (Bohrer Park), Gaithersburg, MD 20877
Fee? yes: sponsor a name $25, or 5 names for $100
Contact: Penny Gladhill, (301) 990-8904
For more information: click here

Le Villi & Heart of Madrid

The In Series
Pocket-Opera Double-Bill: Puccini’s first triumph, an opera-ballet in which the spirit of a jilted young woman returns to haunt her unfaithful lover. Paired with a charming Spanish fairy tale of lovers reunited serves as the vehicle for a cavalcade of zarzuela hits. In Elizabeth Pringle’s delightful libretto, fun-loving madrilenos reunite an estranged American couple.

Director: Abel Lopez Conductor: Carlos Cesar Rodriguez Cast: Randa Rouweyha, Peter Burroughs, Gregory Stuart, Heidi Kershaw, Eduardo Castro, Adriana Gonzalez, Aurelio Dominguez, Mary Gresock, Adrienne Starr, Christine Soler, Brendan Sliger
When: Sat Dec 7 2013 (8:00 PM)
Where: GALA Hispanic Theatre, 3333 14th St NW Washington, DC 20010
Fee? yes $42 general admission; $37 seniors; $20 students with school id & children
Volunteer Info: Ushering, box office
Contact: Gregory Stuart, Executive Assistant, (202) 204-7765
For more information: click here

Sunday, December 08, 2013

Living Well With Cancer One-Day Retreat

Smith Center for Healing and the Arts
This condensed version of our longer retreats help participants strengthen their innate healing mechanisms, complementing medical care with knowledge and tools to live healthier and more fulfilling lives. The day features group discussions, gentle yoga, a simple yet profound creativity activity, and talks on nutrition and healing.
When: Sun Dec 8 2013 (09:00 AM – 4:00 PM)
Where: Smith Center for Healing and the Arts, 1632 U St. NW, Washington, DC 20009
Fee? yes $40
Contact: Adrienne Dern, (202) 483-8600
For more information: click here

Do Good Things Sunday

Volunteer Fairfax
On December 8, Stone’s Cove will partner with Volunteer Fairfax for a do good things Sunday. Join us to eat well and 10% of your purchase will be donated to support the Volunteer Fairfax mission.
When: Sun Dec 8 2013 (11:00 AM – 9:00 PM)
Where: Stone’s Cove KitBar, 2403 Centreville Road, Herndon, VA 20171
Fee? no
Contact: Emily Davis, (703) 246-3892
For more information: click here

A Family Reunion

The In Series
The world premiere of a haunting American opera-musical by Chris Patton & Bill Moses. When disparate family members gather for the holidays, love, loss, duty and memories of happy times converge as they wrestle with strained relationships and issues of care for their aging mother. Director: William Moses Music Director: Paul Leavitt Cast: Laura Lewis, Anastasia Robinson, Patricia Portillo, Alexandra Linn, Sean Pflueger, Andrew Adelsberger, Brian Shaw, Alessandro Topa, Nephi Sanchez
When: Sun Dec 8 2013 (3:00 PM)
Where: GALA Hispanic Theatre, 3333 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20010
Fee? yes $38 general admission; $35 seniors; $20 students with school ID & children
Volunteer Info: Ushering, Box Office
Contact: Gregory Stuart, (202) 204-7765
For more information: click here

Aerial ARts

Joe’s Movement Emporium/World Arts Focus
Elevate Studios and Archane Aerial Arts proudly present this afternoon of aerial work. See just how possible it is to fly and the many ways it can be accomplished! Choreography and performance by the students and teachers of Elevate Studios and Archane Aerial Arts.
When: Sun Dec 8 2013 (4:00 PM)
Where: Joe’s Movement Emporium, 3309 Bunker Hill Road, Mount Rainier, MD 20712
Fee? yes $12 General; $10 Students & Seniors; $7 Youth
Contact: Malori Rhones, (301) 699-1619
For more information: click here

Tuesday, December 10, 2013

Tuesday Warehouse Volunteering

DC Diaper Bank
Come help us in the warehouse! Volunteering is family friendly and all are welcome whether it’s for one hour or four. We’ll be sorting and packing diapers and even little hands can help with that (or just play in the play area!). Our Volunteer Dates are a great way to starting talking about giving back and community in a very tangible way that kids can relate to well.
When: Tue Dec 10 2013 (09:00 AM – 1:00 PM)
Where: DC Diaper Bank Warehouse 8858 Monard Drive, Silver Spring, Maryland 20910
Fee? no
Volunteer Info: Sorting and packing diapers; helping with other inventory
Contact: Corinne Cannon, (202) 656-8503

One Hour, One World Tour

Ayuda
If you would like to get a first person introduction to Ayuda’s work and learn how you could get involved, please join us for one of our frequent One Hour, One World tours. Please sign up for a time and feel free to bring friends. (Tours are conducted in English)
When: Wed Dec 11 2013 (6:00 PM – 7:00 PM)
Where: Ayuda DC office, 6925B Willow Street NW, Washington, DC 20012
Fee? no
Contact: Elise Webb, (202) 387-4848 ext 130
For more information: click here

Global Kids’ DC Friendraiser

Global Kids
Global Kids presents, Live at Spike’s place: A Senator, an Ambassador, a Film, a Celebrity Chef and an Exceptional Group of Youth Leaders Please join Global Kids for dinner, drinks, and a special screening of “21st Century Global Kids: The New Soul of the City,” a short film created by DC high school students enrolled in Global Kids’ Summer Foreign Policy Institute and service-learning trip to Costa Rica. With special guests: Muni Figueres, Ambassador to the United States from Costa Rica Senator Harris Wofford (ret.) of Pennsylvania – former advisor to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.; advisor to President John Kennedy on civil rights and the formation of the Peace Corps; CEO of the Corporation for National and Community Service Spike Mendelsohn, Top Chef veteran and Washington, DC celebrity chef (We the Pizza; Good Stuff Eatery; Bearnaise) Enjoy great company and great food with a great cause: Washington, DC’s youth leaders learning locally and acting globally. Attendance for this occasion is at cost: $38. Space is limited to 150.
When: Wed Dec 11 2013 (6:30 PM – 8:30 PM)
Where: We the Pizza, 305 Pennsylvania Ave SE, Washington, DC 20003
Fee? yes $38 (covers food & beverages)
Contact: Catalina Talero, (202) 263-4534
For more information: click here

 

 

#GivingTuesday: We’re not done yet!

Still looking for opportunities to give this #GivingTuesday? Look no further! The organizations below are all running #GivingTuesday campaigns, and need your support.

Arlington THRIVE
As winter approaches, your Arlington neighbors in need require your support now more than ever. Your gift of $250 can prevent the shut-off of an Arlington family’s heat and keep them safe and warm this winter. You can be confident that your gifts to Arlington Thrive prevent evictions and utility shut-offs and pay for emergency medical and dental care for our Arlington neighbors.
http://givingtuesday.razoo.com/story/Emergency-Needs-Utility-Assistance

A-SPAN
On December 3rd at 5pm, please consider?making a gift to A-SPAN?(as little as $10) to make an impact on Giving Tuesday. Razoo is hosting a giving Power Hour from 5 to 6 pm where the nonprofit who receives the most number of donors will earn bonus money! When you give, share your donation on twitter and facebook through Razoo and ask your friends to give as well. Tag each post with#GivingTuesdayand spread the word!
http://www.razoo.com/story/Givingtuesday-For-A-Span

Asian American LEAD
Help us spread the good word AND reach a fundraising goal of $2,500 to go towards our AALEAD After School, Summer and Mentoring Programs serving low-income and underserved Asian American youth! https://donatenow.networkforgood.org/AALEAD

CASA Prince George’s County
Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA)/ Prince George’s County empowers community volunteers to advocate and provide a voice for abused and neglected children in the Prince George’s County foster care system. A CASA volunteer is very often the only adult a child has been able to rely upon in their entire lives. It’s that simple – a qualified, caring adult can change everything. Your tax-deductible donation to our #GivingTuesday for the Child! Campaign will help us recruit and train more volunteers who will bring a voice to children in foster care.
http://givingtuesday.razoo.com/story/Givingtuesday-For-The-Child

DC SCORES
If you walk around in a community that includes one of DC SCORES 47 schools, you’re guaranteed to see a child in a DC SCORES T-shirt. The jersey is only one element of a DC SCORES soccer uniform. To participate in a weekly Game Day, a student also needs socks, shinguards and shorts. Can you help provide a soccer uniform for 250 new studentshttp://www.razoo.com/story/Givingtuesday-Provide-A-Child-A-Soccer-Uniform

FACETS
As you share in the joy of the holiday season we hope you will remember that there are hundreds of families in Fairfax County needing FACETS’ help. They are living in cars or motels or doubling up with family members. Some are barely scraping by in their own homes with the specter of eviction looming. And there are hundreds of people who simply need a helping hand to break the cycle of homelessness and poverty. Your generosity this season will not only open doors for people in need, it will also literally bring people home for the holidays’
http://givingtuesday.org/partner/facets/

Girls on the Run – DC
Girls on the Run is growing by leaps and bounds in Washington DC! In the past year alone, we have experienced a 100% growth in the number of girls we serve! Our goal is to continue this kind of growth until we can reach as many girls in Washington DC as possible. We invite you to join us by helping us financially to expand to more schools and offer scholarships to girls who otherwise would not be able to afford this transformational program.
https://www.raceplanner.com/donate/Girls_on_the_Run__Washington_DC

Healthy Babies Project
Healthy Babies Project’s recently-opened Perennial Transitional House gives homeless, pregnant teen moms a roof over their heads, a safe place to live, and a chance for a healthy baby. Will you help us reach our goal of $50,000 to fund household expenses so these pregnant teenagers can come off the streets and live in a safe place, eat healthy food, have medical care, and continue with their education?
http://myemail.constantcontact.com/Black-Friday–Cyber-Monday–But-the-Best-is-Giving-Tuesday–Join-Us-.html?soid=1103044049871&aid=McYFJDUECFc

Joy of Motion
Our Seniors in Motion outreach program provides free dance classes to low-income seniors at seven housing communities and wellness centers in five wards of DC and Silver Spring, MD, along with our annual “by seniors, for seniors” concert at the Atlas Performing Arts Center. All classes are provided at no cost to the centers or the participants, and our Seniors in Motion Concert is free and open to the public. Support from our community members is how we bring this program to life. We depend on you to share uplifting arts experiences with those of all ages. Join us on #GivingTuesday! http://www.razoo.com/story/Givingtuesday-2077

KidPower
Kid Power students are achieving their ambitious goals for the school year, and Kid Power is there every step of the way to help students achieve these goals through regular goal tracking, small group academic instruction, hands-on enrichment activities, and service-learning projects. Will you support our goal to raise $4,000 on Giving Tuesday so that we can help these amazing students reach their goals?http://givingtuesday.razoo.com/story/Giving-Tuesday-For-Kid-Power-Community-Leaders

Life Pieces to Masterpieces
Help us mend shared humanity‪#‎1stitch at a time! Life Pieces to MasterpiecesColor Me Community Conversations is a series of community discussions that provide a diverse group of people from all around Washington, DC with a safe environment to discuss challenges in our community. Participants commit to one-stitch (#1stitch) towards mending shared humanity. Hear more about their experienceshere. Our goal is to have one workshop every month in 2014, and we need YOUR help in order to continue this important conversation!

Offender Aid and Restoration (OAR)
Founded in 1974, OAR is a community-based, non-profit organization working with incarcerated individuals, returning citizens, and those performing court-mandated community service in Arlington County and the Cities of Alexandria and Falls Church, VA.
http://www.razoo.com/story/Oar

Our Daily Bread – Fairfax: Give the gift of HOPE this holiday season. It always fits, and it never goes out of style! Sponsor a Fairfax area family for holiday meals and gifts for kids through ODB’s Holiday Program. 2,400 people are still waiting for help in December. Share our #GivingTuesday page and help spread the word.
http://givingtuesday.org/partner/odbfairfax/

PEN/Faulkner
Last month, author Maria Semple visited the SEED School of Washington where she met with 21 11th grade students who had read her novel “Where’d You Go, Bernadette?” This visit (and the approximately 170 others we’ll hold in DC this school year) was made possible by the generosity of our friends and donors. On Tuesday, Dec. 3rd, PEN/Faulkner is proudly participating in Giving Tuesday, and we’re raising funds to help buy great books for great students!
http://givingtuesday.org/partner/penfaulkner-foundation/

Reach, Inc
Donate During December: Children’s Book Challenge!
Help us raise $50,000 from individual and corporate supporters before the end of the year! If we raise $50,000, Reach will donate 200 sets of our children’s books. Each set of donated books includes all four of ouracclaimed, teen-authored children’s books. All books will be donated to schools and programs serving low-income students in the District of Columbia. Learn more at: http://www.reachincorporated.org/donate/

Washington Youth Garden
A local family foundation and long-time Washington Youth Garden supporters have pledged to match every dollar we receive in this campaign up to $7,000.00. Some of the needs you’ll be supporting with your gift include school garden development, SPROUT field trip subsidies, Green Teens internship program, Family Garden Day scholarships and Nature Explore classroom renovation.
http://www.indiegogo.com/projects/washington-youth-garden

Young Playwrights’ Theater
Join YPT in celebrating how far we’ve come, and how far we can go. By teaching students to express themselves through playwriting, our programs empower students with the creativity, confidence and critical thinking skills they need to succeed in school and beyond. Your donation will help us say “yes” to new students throughout the DC region.
https://donatenow.networkforgood.org/1436983

#GivingTuesday is here! How will you make an impact in your community today?

Since Thanksgiving, retailers have been promoting incredible steals and deals to help you complete your holiday shopping. What if you could turn the pennies you saved from those deals into pennies given to our Catalogue for Philanthropy charities?

The Catalogue’s #APennySaved campaign, in partnership with #GivingTuesday, combines the thrill of saving with the thrill of giving. We encourage you to turn your holiday savings into tangible good in the community through your support of our 350+ vetted charities.

After you give, don’t forget to tell us about it on social media! Use the hashtags #GivingTuesday and #APennySaved to tell us about how you’re supporting our community with the money you saved. Together we can make this a season of getting AND a season of giving.

Looking for ideas on ways to give? Think about how you saved, and use the wish lists below to guide your giving! Remember, this is only a small sample of our network of 350+ charities. Go to cfp-dc.org/nonprofits to learn more about them.

Saved $10 on a gift for your sibling? Use that $10 for:

Saved $25 on a gift for mom or dad? Use that $25 for:

And for the really savvy shoppers out there…Did you save $50 on a holiday gift?Use that $50 for:

Happy Giving!!