Velocity 5 closeout 80s party and fundraiser June 12

Next week on Wednesday June 12, Velocity 5 in Courthouse is throwing their last big party. Before the location becomes the German themed Social Haus, an 80's themed dance party is happening with music by the Screaming Monkeys. This combo event goes from 5:30 to 8:30pm and is both a throwback dance party and a networking event, featuring some free appetizers, drinks and valet for those who get there early. The event is free, but you can RSVP here.

The night will raise money for a local nonprofit FACETS, which operates in Fairfax to "end the cycle of poverty through education and counseling", by giving 20% of the bar proceeds to the charity. This is also the last event organized by HD Happy Hour, as have been acquired by the Washington Business Journal.

Making-Models Fashion and Beauty Seminar Thursday

This Thursday May 23, Making-Models is hosting a Fashion and Beauty Seminar in Clarendon. Hosted by Link Locale, the seminar starts at 6pm. They will feature a guest appearance by Angela Rose, founder of PAVA, the Promoting Awareness Victim Empowerment non profit organization that provides a voice for those silenced by sexual violence.  They try to provide help through the arts, advocacy, prevention education, and legislative action.

Car Wash Fundraiser today at TJ Community Center

Today from 10am to 3pm get your car washed by youth in the Buckingham community for local fundraiser for BUGATA Youth Center. It is perfect weather to drive down to 3501 2nd St South at Thomas Jefferson Community Center in Arlington to a hand car wash. As a community-based non-profit, BU-GATA has focused on defending tenants, educating residents about their rights, and fighting to preserve the community when gentrification threatens.

The Reading Connection 7th Annual Of Wine & Words

The Reading Connection is a local nonprofit that focuses on connecting books with local at-risk families in Arlington. Volunteers read aloud to children at shelters and community centers and provide donations that give children free, new books to keep. Last October I attended their successful fundraiser happy hour at Mister Days where they gave away a free iPod (not to me though, sadly).

This Friday March 25 they are having a Wine & Words fundraiser in Rosslyn. Ten local restaurants are donating food for the event, including Restaurant 3, Willow, Liberty Tavern, the Java Shack, and Eventide. Also provided are "robust meats, elegant side dishes and to-die-for desserts are on the menu at Of Wine & Words, along with a tasting of fine Virginia Wines provided by Chateau O’Brien at Northpoint."

Tickets are $75 and available now, proceeds going to the charity of course.

Busboys and Poets hosts Charter School fundraiser

Come out to Busboys and Poets in DC this Thursday 7pm for a fundraiser for the local nonprofit Imagine Hope Community Charter School. It's the five year anniversary of the organization and they plan on continuing creating a school environment that helps students gain confidence and hope for their futures in the DC area.

The event will include guest speakers and a raffle, with prizes of a pair of tickets to a Wizards game or a new iPod. Tickets are $40 and available online now. Make sure to show your support and will help further a truly inspirational mission!

Mike Green charity event for Arlington Food Assistance Center

Thanks to DCist and Living Social for heads up on Mike Green of the Washington Capitals hosting the Greenlife Rock for Charity event at the 9:30 Club in DC tonight at 8pm. There will be performances by G Love and Special Sauce and Billy Woodward and The Senders, with $50 ticket proceeds going to the Arlington Food Assistance Center.

Mike Green has been involved with AFAC over the last year and generously contributed the top item to their live auction benefit in June for AFAC’s Permanent Home Campaign.

Party Crashers Art Show at Arlington Arts Center Nov 19

Comic book influenced art is invading Arlington Arts Center this weekend as the Party Crashers show debuts Nov 19.  The show "mashes up comic art and contemporary gallery culture, and features artists who pass back and forth between the two worlds." Thanks to Andy Warhol for jump starting this trend.

The Arlington Arts Center is a private, nonprofit contemporary visual arts center just down the street from Clarendon past Mario's and Pio Pio. The show premiers to the public with an opening reception Friday Nov 19 from 7 to 9pm at 3550 Wilson Blvd Arlington. The art will be on display until Jan 16.

Charity Happy Hour at Mister Days Thurs

Drop by Mister Days this Thursday Oct 21 for a charity happy hour to benefit child literacy. Local nonprofit group The Reading Connection will be holding a raffle with prizes such as a Kindle and gift cards to Arlington restaurants and stores.

The Reading Connection serves the at-risk and homeless children in our area by providing them fun, literacy-rich experiences. Volunteers visit their shelters or housing complexes on a weekly basis to read to them and provide them with new, free books to keep.

Tonic in DC Nonprofit Fundraiser Oct 16

One Brick is a local non-profit that promotes volunteering in the community by connecting volunteers with non-profits such as food banks, youth organizations, and local parks. They are having an Annual Campaign Kickoff Event on October 16th at Tonic in Foggy Bottom.

Tonic will feature two hours of open bar, live DJing from The DJ's Ball, a chance to win raffle prizes (including box tickets to a Caps Game), and guest speakers.

Tickets are $35 through 10/15, and $40 the day of 10/16.

Charity Fundraiser at Rhino Bar

Come out to Rhino Bar in Georgetown tonight for a fundraiser to benefit Back on My Feet, a nonprofit organization that promotes the self-sufficiency of homeless populations by engaging them in running as a means to build confidence, strength and self-esteem.

Two local sisters organized this event and will be hosting a $20 all you can drink happy hour on Thursday June 17th from 7-10. If you aren't in the area, but would still like to donate, please visit their website: http://www.active.com/donate/kilimanjaro2010/bomf

Phoenix Bike Show on Thurdsay

Phoenix Bikes, the non-profit bike shop here in Arlington, is having its third annual Bike Show Fundraiser this Thursday April 8th, 2010. The family friendly event is from 7-9pm at the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association on 4301 Wilson Blvd. Activities include:

• Raffle for four new bikes
• Silent auctions for lots of bike gear
  
• Speakers Chris Eatough, Eric Gilliand, and Jay Fisette
• Local art inspired by extraordinary rides

Phoenix Bikes is a local non-profit bike shop dedicated to empowering young leaders through a program that teaches entrepreneurship, leadership and teamwork. Come out to support this great local store, which I can personally attest to the friendliness and helpfulness of its staff in purchasing a bike.