Ready, Willing & Working was recently awarded a $2,500 Spring Grant from the Capitol Hill Community Foundation for RWW’s efforts in helping formerly homeless and incarcerated individuals become productive, contributing members of society through meaningful employment.

The funds will be used to provide supportive services to the “men in blue” you see in Capitol Hill everyday. Supportive services include case management meetings, relapse prevention, Metro fare cards and incentives like meal tickets to restaurants in Union Station.

The Capitol Hill Community Foundation is a community organization funded entirely by contributions from Capitol Hill neighbors and friends. They support activities, projects and groups that enrich the lives of residents and celebrate the history and beauty of the community. Since its founding in 1989, the Foundation has directed more than $6.6 million to a broad range of projects.

Thank you to the Capitol Hill Community Foundation for your continued support of RWW!

The 8th Annual Magic & Miracles benefit for Ready, Willing & Working (RWW) was held last Wednesday, December 2nd at The Atlas Performing Arts Center on H Street, NE.

The event began at 6:00pm with cocktails, live music by the Herb Scott Jazz Quartet and plenty of delicious food provided by Belga Cafe, Trattoria Alberto and Geppetto Catering. Guests mingled and placed bids on over 50 silent auction items from DC’s top local businesses.

Guests were invited into the Sprenger Theater at about 7:30pm, where they were greeted by our “men in blue,” who handed out programs as they entered. Paul Pascal, Vice President of Ready, Willing & Working, introduced Master of Ceremonies Kojo Namdi, who is a radio talk show host for WAMU 88.5 FM. Local 17 year-old singing sensation Adalia Jimenez began the program with the singing of our National Anthem.

Ward 6 Councilmember Charles Allen and Councilmember At Large Vincent Orange each spoke during the presentation, offering their praises and support of the program.

The event continued with a moving video, RWW IS LOVE, which showcased some of the “men in blue” and how the love that Ready, Willing & Working provides has changed their lives for the better. Check out the video here (filmed and produced by Matthew McClain and Pete Couste).

After watching the video presentation, Linda Brekke was honored for her many years of service as Silent Auction Chair of Magic & Miracles. Linda has dedicated countless hours to the event and has an unparalleled eye for design and attention to detail that always makes the silent auction a huge success!

Next, Director of Operations Andrew Lee shared his story of how he rose from pushing the bucket straight out of prison in 2003 to second in command of the entire group. “Today I am a happily married man who enthusiastically goes to work every day, and I’m the kind of father my son can be proud of,” Lee said. “I owe this to the Ready, Willing & Working, the program that not only showed me how to continue to stay clean and sober, but a whole new way of life.”

Some of our “Men in Blue” with Director of Operations Andrew Lee

The evening concluded with Adalia Jimenez singing “Can You Feel the Love Tonight” to honor this year’s theme: “Love changes the world. RWW is love.” Kelly Maslar was also recognized for five years of outstanding service as Marketing Director of the Capitol Hill BID. Kelly’s husband recently accepted a job transfer to Pittsburgh – she will be greatly missed! Thank you to our sponsors, silent auction donors and everyone who attended Magic & Miracles. Click here for more photos from the event!

“Men in Blue” with President Patty Brosmer & Marketing Director Kelly Maslar

Our newest video, “RWW IS LOVE,” premiered at The 8th Annual Magic & Miracles on Wednesday, December 2nd. Check it out and see how the love that Ready, Willing & Working provides is changing lives.

[vimeo 147803106 w=500 h=281]

Join Us in Experiencing the Magic of Opportunity and the Miracle of the Human Spirit at The 8th Annual Magic & Miracles on December 2nd at The Atlas Performing Arts Center from 6:00-9:00PM. Magic & Miracles is hosted by WAMU FM 88.5 Talk Show Host Kojo Nnamndi. CLICK HERE TO BUY YOUR TICKETS!

Magic & Miracles is sponsored by National Capital Bank, The Capitol Hill Business Improvement District, PCI Investments – Thomas F. Pumpelly, Capitol Hill Exxon, The Capitol Riverfront Business Improvement District and The Law Firm of Pascal & Weiss.

This year’s event again promises to be fabulous and will feature a silent auction, live music, delicious food from top local restaurants and an inspirational video presentation about Ready, Willing & Working. We will also be honoring Linda Brekke for her exceptional service as Silent Auction Chair since 2011. We hope to see you there!

CLICK HERE TO BUY YOUR TICKETS!

Check out this incredible list of business participating in our 2015 Silent Auction for Magic & Miracles! Thank you all for your support! Join us at The 8th Annual Magic & Miracles and you can bid on some fabulous items!

Aveda Georgetown
Baked & Wired
Barrel
Boutique on the Hill
Capital Teas- Barracks Row
Capitol Hill Bikes
Capitol Hill Framing Shop
Capitol Hill Hotel
Change for Life Wellness and Aesthetics
CorePower Yoga
Dawn Price Baby
Edible Arrangements – Capitol Hill
El Centro
Hank’s Oyster Bar
Hill’s Kitchen
Homebody
House Calls on the Hill – Heidi Johnson, CPNP
Howl to the Chief
Jeff Lubin Fine Portrait Studio
Lake Arbor Dental Associates
Lavagna
Lavender Retreat
Labyrinth Games and Puzzles
Madame Tussauds
Malmaison
Martin’s Tavern
Michael Anthony Salon
Mr. Henry’s
New Life Wellness Center
Olivia Macaron
Pinstripes
Sapore Oil and Vinegar
SoulCycle
Sprinkles
Total Wine and More
Tracy & Company
Washington Capitals
Washington Nationals

Ready, Willing & Working just received a $25,000 grant from a wonderful philanthropic organization that wishes to remain unnamed. This is the third such grant we’ve received from this generous foundation – Thank you for believing in and supporting our mission of providing opportunity to every willing soul. Because of your support, we are able to provide supportive services to over 50 participants who are on the road to becoming productive, contributing members of society and fathers to their children. Below: Team Member Damon with his daughter Amia. 

Ready, Willing & Working is excited to announce that WAMU 88.5 Talk Show Host Kojo Nnamdi will be the Master of Ceremonies at The 8th Annual Magic & Miracles Benefit at Atlas Performing Arts Center on Wednesday, December 2nd. It will be a fabulous evening with an open bar, delicious food from top local restaurants, a silent auction and an inspirational program. We will also be honoring Linda Brekke for her exceptional service as Silent Auction Chair since 2011. Buy your tickets today! Hurry! Our early bird discount ends soon!

CLICK HERE TO BUY YOUR TICKETS!

We are proud to announce that Ready, Willing & Working (with the Capitol Hill BID) just secured a contract with the newly formed Southwest BID. With this addition, 14 new men will have full-time, living wage jobs with excellent benefits!

RWW is experiencing a growth spurt like none we’ve had before. RWW/Capitol Hill BID is now the largest non-profit provider of Clean Team services in DC! We’re now serving over 50 individuals and are focusing on raising additional funding to provide supportive services to these men who are on the road to self sufficiency. Please consider making a donation to Ready, Willing & Working or attending our 8th Annual Magic & Miracles Benefit on Wednesday, December 2nd at The Atlas Performing Arts Center.  This year’s fundraiser is heavily focused on raising funds to provide supportive services to our wonderful new and existing “men in blue.”

Ready, Willing & Working (RWW)  empowers individuals  to break the cycles of homelessness, welfare dependency and criminal recidivism through a paid-work rehabilitation program offering a holistic approach and supportive services that allow participants to achieve permanent self-sufficiency.

Save the Date for The 8th Annual Magic & Miracles Benefit for Ready, Willing & Working to be held Wednesday, December 2, 2015 from 6:00-9:00PM at The Atlas Performing Arts Center on H Street, NE. This year’s event will again be fabulous with live music, an open bar, delicious food from top local restaurants, a silent auction and an inspirational video presentation: Ready, Willing & Working: Eight Years of Opportunity and Excellence.

In addition, we will be honoring Linda Brekke for her exceptional service as Silent Auction Chair; a role she has held since RWW added the silent auction to its Magic & Miracles benefit in 2011.

Sponsorship opportunities are still available. Please contact Patty Brosmer at 202-842-3333 ext. 11 or pbrosmer@rwwdc.org for more information.

While Ready, Willing & Working is a charity, we’re mostly in the business of providing opportunity to the homeless and formerly incarcerated, and top-notch service to our customers. Check out this video to see how we’re doing!

[vimeo 126414405 w=500 h=281]

CHBID/RWW Testimonials from Matthew McClain on Vimeo.