April Showers Bring Fun

Wednesday, April 23
2008 Kalil Gibran
“Spirit of Humanity” Awards

Established in 1999 by the Arab American Institute Foundation, the Gibran Awards honor acts of leadership and dedication that promote the common good. This year’s honorees include Refugees International, Reporters Without Borders, and Congressman Ray LaHood. 5:30 p.m. Reception; 6:30 p.m.  Gala. Location: JW Marriott Hotel, 1331 Pennsylvania Ave, NW. Black Tie. Individual tickets $200, full table for 10 $2500. Sabeen Altaf (saltaf@aaiusa.org) or call 202 429-9210.

Thursday, April 24
School Night

Legends are made of nights like these as John Legend performs at School Night 2008: Back to School with the Stars produced by Fight For Children. School Night emcee David Gregory, NBC News Chief White House Correspondent, welcomes 1,000 DC education supporters and Washington VIPs to enjoy entertainment by DC Urban Nation H.I.P. H.O.P Choir, five-time Grammy winner, John Legend, and late night dancing with Big Ray & the Kool Kats. School Night’s 2008 Chairwoman is Sheila C. Johnson; The Honorable Adrian and Mrs. Michelle Fenty are event Co-Chairs.
Fight for Children (FFC) will award four schools in the District with a $100,000 grant each through a new program called the Quality School Initiative (QSI), which ultimately hopes to reduce the achievement gap in every school and strengthen best practices across the District. 6:30 p.m. Washington Convention Center. Festive Cocktail. $500 each; sponsorships available from $250,000 to $7,500. 202-772-0436 or Jeff.Travers@FightForChildren.org

Friday, April 25
Sorensen Institute Gala

The Sorensen Institute for Political Leadership will honor Senator John Warner for his service and leadership to the Commonwealth. Governors Kaine, Warner, Gilmore, Allen, Baliles, Robb and Holton are expected to attend. Funds raised will benefit the Sorensen Institute’s programs which educate Virginia’s emerging political leaders in ethics and public policy. 6:00 p.m. at Ritz-Carlton Pentagon City. Black Tie. Tickets $500 (sponsorship opportunities available). Call 434-982-5234 or capron@virginia.edu

Saturday, April  26
Mad Hatter Benefit Bash 2008

Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company’s Wonderland-themed event includes cocktail reception and silent auction, dinner and live auction and entertainment and dancing. All proceeds support the theatre’s artistic and educational  programming. Beginning at 6 p.m. at the The  Fairmont Washington, DC. For ticket information call 202-312-5261 (ph), 202-289-2446.

Saturday, April 26
The Summer Opera Theatre’s
30th Anniversary Gala

Reception, Musicale, Seated Dinner, Awards Presentation, Silent Auction and Dancing.  6:00 pm at the Four Seasons Hotel in Georgetown. Black Tie. Tickets: $300. 202-237-0090 ext 18.

Monday, April 28
Women & Wine III

What To Expect: Women & Wine III is a high profile event that affords a prestigious group of women the opportunity to enjoy an evening among their peers in an upscale dinner setting, while raising significant dollars in support of breast cancer research at the Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center at Georgetown University.  5:30 p.m. at The Palm - Tysons Corner, 1750 Tysons Boulevard at Tysons II, McLean, VA. Business Attire. Ticket:  $275. Contact  Daphne Baker - bakerdncpf@earthlink.net or Elena Jeannotte at ej48@georgetown.edu

Monday, April 28
24th Annual Helen Hayes
Awards & Gala

One of the country’s most prestigious cultural honors, The Helen Hayes Awards recognizes and celebrates excellence in professional theatre throughout the DC-metro area. The star-studded black tie gala brings together 2,000 theater makers and lovers for an evening of sensational entertainment, moving tributes, and numerous  surprises. The Chairmen’s Reception at 6:00 PM – Dinner reception for sponsors, celebrities, and VIPs at JW Marriott, 1331 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW. The Awards Presentation at  8:00  PM at the Warner  Theatre, 513 13th Street, NW. The Ovation Gala immediately following the Awards Ceremony, Washington’s largest cast party, back at the JW Marriott, 1331 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW. TICKETS: Individual Tickets $300 - $500; Sponsorship Packages $500 - $10,000. Call 202-337-4572 or email info@helenhayes.