Third Annual “Magic and Miracles” Benefitting Ready, Willing & Working with Former Channel 7 Anchor Paul Berry

WASHINGTON, D.C., Dec. 7, 2010 – Ready, Willing, and Working (RWW), a Washington, D.C.-based nonprofit organization focused on ending the cycles of homelessness, welfare dependency, and criminal recidivism, hosted the Third Annual Magic & Miracles at The Ritz-Carlton, on Thursday, December 2, where they honored George and Harriet McDonald, founders of The Doe Fund (Ready, Willing & Able) and announced the launch of Ready, Willing & Recycling.

Over a hundred guests and supporters of RWW enjoyed cocktails, classic piano and magic tricks before sitting down to dinner and a presentation presided over by former Channel 7 anchor Paul Berry, who stepped in to MC when WAMU’s Kojo Nnamdi became ill.

The presentation began with remarks from Drew Hubbard, Committee Director, Housing and Workforce Development, for DC Council Member Michael Brown, who commented on the economic benefits as well as the positive social impacts a program like Ready, Willing & Working brings to D.C.  Following Mr. Hubbard was an introductory video by writer/producer Carl Kurlander (St. Elmo’s Fire, Saved by the Bell, etc.) and Matthew McClain of OkTake5 Productions.

Subsequent speakers included Robert Hess, Vice President of Ready, Willing & Able’s Expansion Program and Clarence Carter, Director of the DC Department of Human Services. Director Carter reinforced DCHS’s commitment to RWW and announced further advancements in a pre-fabricated facility for RWW on the St. Elizabeth’s Campus in Southeast DC.

Mr. Berry then announced the new venture Ready, Willing & Recycling, a work-place recycling program that will create jobs, reduce homelessness, and reduce waste. Through Ready, Willing & Recycling, District businesses and organizations can have their used ink and toner cartridges picked up by one of the programs trained workers at no cost and get a tax deduction. 

Mr. Berry then shared the story of George and Harriet McDonald, founders of the New York City based The Doe Fund (Ready, Willing & Able), the program RWW emulates in Washington D.C. Patty Brosmer, president of Ready, Willing & Working, gave special tribute to the McDonalds for their vision and many years of successfully implementing programs that provide life-changing opportunities for thousands of homeless and formerly incarcerated individuals inspired the creation of Ready, Willing & Working in Washington, DC.

The evening ended on words from the honorees and George McDonalds concluding statement, “Work Works.”

This event also featured a guest appearance by Elaine Roecklein, Ms. Classic American Woman 2010 and was sponsored by The Squires Group, Inc., The National Capitol Bank, The Capitol Hill Business Improvement District, The Heritage Foundation, Capitol Hill Exxon, Judy Wood, CPA, and CHAMPS – Capitol Hill’s Chamber of Commerce.

All proceeds from the reception benefited Ready, Willing, & Working.

Photos from the Third Annual Magic & Miracles are located in the righthand column under flickr photos.