The 5th Annual Magic & Miracles benefit for Ready, Willing & Working was held Thursday, November 29th at The Atlas Performing Arts Center on H Street, NE.

The event began at 6:00pm with cocktails, a silent auction, raffle drawing and plenty of delicious food provided by Cava Mezze, Matchbox Capitol Hill, The Sweet Lobby and MK Catering. TopChef Contestant Bart Vandaele of Belga Cafe (right)entertained guests as he prepared one of his signature dishes: Celery Waffle with Duck Confit and Orange Cotton Candy.

Guests were invited into the Sprenger Theater at about 7:15pm, where they were greeted by our “men in blue,” who passed out programs as they entered. Paul Pascal, Vice President of Ready, Willing & Working, introducedMaster of Ceremonies Paul Berry (left: Paul Pascal, Paul Berry and Brenda Pascal).

Local 14 year-old singing sensation Adalia Jimenez began the program with the singing of our National Anthem.

Councilmembers Tommy Wells and Vincent Orange each spoke during the presentation, offering their praises and support of the program.

The highlight of the evening was when National Capital Bank was honored for their generous support of the Ready, Willing & Working program since its inception. “Honor Guard,” a video produced by Matthew McClain, featured Team Member Willie Taylor, along with National Capital Bank President Jimmy Didden and his brother, CEO Richard Didden. Kathy Didden, the widow of the late George Didden, shared her story of how George wanted to employ formerly homeless and incarcerated individuals to clean the streets of Capitol Hill, which eventually led to the formation of Ready, Willing & Working. Click here to watch the video tribute, or see the link below.

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k4hc_2xH8xc]

Ready, Willing & Working would like to thank everyone who came out to support the “men in blue” at The 5th Annual Magic & Miracles.

Above, from left: Jimmy Didden, Kathy Didden, Richard Didden and RWW President Patty Brosmer