The 8th Annual Magic & Miracles – Love changes the world. Ready, Willing & Working is love.

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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.

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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.”

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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!

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