Sitar Arts Center's Bet on the Arts Gala Program

Thank You! Dear Friends, I’m delighted to welcome you to Sitar Arts Center’s Bet on the Arts Gala! You are joining more than 200 guests who are attending in-person tonight at multiple dinner parties, and hundreds more who are enjoying our first hybrid gala on YouTube from locations around the globe. Thank you for innovating with us.

We feel lucky tonight. Sitar turned 21 in this 21st year of the 21st century, and we are gathering now on the 21st of October. We mark the good fortune of this event and the resiliency of our community, while acknowledging the extreme hardships and heightened inequities that the pandemic wrought.

Sitar families bet on the arts over the past 18 months as our students continued their learning and self-expression via Sitar Online. As of this month, Sitar students — infants, children, youth, and young adults — are back in-person in our state-ofthe-art center which has been upgraded to a “gold” standard of health and safety.

As you bet on the arts through your support of Sitar, know that this is not a gamble. Your support is an investment in community, creativity, and joy. Your generosity provides belonging and possibilities for the next generation of DC youth.

To make tonight possible, we turned to Gala Co-Chairs who deeply care about youth development and equitable access to education: Marla & Peter Schnall and Ileann Jimenez-Sepulveda & Hector Sepulveda. Thank you to satellite dinner hosts Ileann & Hector and Greg Albright & Wes Combs. We could not have pulled off this feat of a fête without the multi-talented Be Dismond Sweet as Gala Producer.

Together, these leaders inspired an outstanding Gala Committee who kept the momentum high to ensure our financial success.

And then YOU, Sitar’s community, responded with your unwavering commitment to our young artists. Thank you, for joining us this evening, and for believing in the possibilities of the arts and the power of youth.

With gratitude,

Maureen L. Dwyer Executive Director P.S. If you plan on live-tweeting or posting on Facebook or Instagram about tonight’s event, which we hope you do, please use #SitarGala21 to share your favorite moments.

#SitarGala21

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Acknowledgments We hit the jackpot with these featured student and alumni performers* Violet Acosta Arsema Alayu Kathia Arias Lulia Berhane Rekik Berhanemeskel Yeramiah Brewster Anisa Butler Camila Calderon-Molina Sara Castro Elizabeth Catano Ahmed Salim Conte Akila Ford Falilou Gueye Selena Jackson Manuela Balouchi Mesa Ja’Kiya Montgomery Ja’Niya Montgomery

Dinda Nugroho Gabriela Gallego Ortiz Natalia Vasquez Mejia Amy Pierce Cristofer Quinde James Reyes Herbert Scott Elliott Sepulveda Livia Solano Shirley Soto Moustapha-sahale Sow Anujin Suned Aliyah Surafel Duran Tazewell Noelle Tesfaye Michael Ventura John Wood

Thanks to these teaching artists, speakers, and producers who raised the stakes and made tonight’s performances possible Rhonda Buckley-Bishop Herman Burney Naomi Cohen Mario Garcia Durham Maureen Dwyer Joe Fox Ileann Jimenez-Sepulveda Kathryn Kincaid Jessica Leskin Joe Link

Jill Minneman Diyanna Monet Jana Nelhybel A. Lorraine Robinson Marla Schnall Sunny Sumter Be Dismond Sweet Loretta Thompson Shawna Williams Sylvia Zwi

And our special thanks to those who doubled down and helped make today as special as possible Greg Albright and Wes Combs Herman Burney Tina Dela Rosa Maddy Goodhart Craig Horness Ileann Jimenez-Sepulveda and Hector Sepulveda

Valeria Palacios Shanica Sandra Lee Gloria Scruggs Nicolas Sepulveda *Confirmed individuals as of October 11, 2021

Our heartiest thanks to our production partners on Sitar Arts Center’s Bet on the Arts Gala & Auction: BeSweetLife, The LINE Hotel DC, Encore, Swisher Auctions, The RMartin Group, Ryan Portell and Brian Galm Catering Services, Bozzelli’s, and Party Hands.

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Tonight’s Program BALLERINA WELCOME FROM THE WASHINGTON BALLET AT SITAR In memory of Marcia McBride’s ten years of loving commitment to Sitar’s children and mission, passion for the arts, and relentless pursuit of social justice.

7:30 PM EMCEE Be Dismond Sweet Gala Producer; Volunteer Teacher; Owner, BeSweetLife

REMARKS Mario Garcia Durham, Board President Ileann Jimenez-Sepulveda and Marla Schnall, Gala Co-Chairs Maureen L. Dwyer, Executive Director

PERFORMANCES Sitar Arts Center’s Anniversary Video Series Finale Premiere Camp Sitar 2021 Ages 5-7 Music Class with Mr. Joe Camp Sitar 2021 Musical Theater Student Showcase

AWARD PRESENTATIONS 9th Annual Peter Fox Award Presented to John Wood Remarks by Joe Fox Visionary Award Presented to Jill Minneman

CHALLENGE FUND LIVE AUCTION Led by Justin Swisher, Swisher Auctions

SILENT AUCTION Closes at 9:30 PM

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Gala Committee CO-CHAIRS Ileann Jimenez-Sepulveda and Hector Sepulveda Marla and Peter Schnall

Ileann and Marla, 2021

GALA PRODUCER Be Dismond Sweet

BeSweetLife

Be Dismond Sweet, Gala Producer ~ Meaningful Event Design ~ ~ Virtual, Hybrid & Live ~ ~ Emcee ~ Voice-work ~ Inspirational Speaker ~ ~ Movement, Meditation, & Wellness Teacher ~ ~ Silver Model ~

besweetlife@gmail.com 703.899.9675

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GALA COMMITTEE Greg Albright and Wes Combs Quanda Allen Rhonda Buckley-Bishop and Kelley Bishop Samantha Dean and Robert Mileff Charles DeSantis and David McDermott David DeSantis and Todd Malan Carroll Dey Melissa and Ken Doyle Mario Garcia Durham and Craig Horness Ellen Fern and Brett O’Brien Jean-Marie and Raul Fernandez Nancy “Bitsey” Folger Jill Herscot and Andrew Bartley Grace Hong and David Olsen Sara and Chris Lange Jana Nelhybel Ellin and Jim Nolan Nan and Nick McConnell Jaya Saxena and Viyas Sundaram Vivek Srivastava

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Gala Sponsors GOLD

Greg Albright and Wes Combs Ted and Lynn Leonsis Be Dismond Sweet ~ BeSweetLife

SILVER

Dan Cameron Family Foundation Melissa and Ken Doyle Dweck Charitable Fund Jill Herscot and Andrew Bartley Ileann Jimenez-Sepulveda and Hector Sepulveda Mohini Malhotra and Tilman Ehrbeck Jill Minneman and Tom Fulcher Marla and Peter Schnall Ruth Sorenson Melissa Wyers

Kelley Bishop and Rhonda Buckley-Bishop

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BRONZE Carol Apelt and Paul Prokopovich Arent Fox LLP Marion Ballard Capital One CohnReznick Foundation Charles DeSantis and David McDermott Ellen Fern and Brett O’Brien Jean-Marie and Raul Fernandez Foundation Housing GRF CPAs & Advisors Harkins Builders Sara and Chris Lange Nan and Nick McConnell Kristan McMahon Ellin and Jim Nolan Isabel Reiff and Lee Pasarew Spectrum Management United Bank Jennifer Weiss CHALLENGE FUND TEAM Gifts from the Challenge Fund Team are used to leverage gala donations during tonight’s Challenge Fund Live Auction.

Sitar Arts Center is deeply grateful to these generous donors for multiplying the impact of their contributions.

American Jewish World Service Argent Wealth Management LLC Bose Public Affairs Group Kristin Burka Melissa and Jason Burnett Anne and Michael Dawson Jack Devine Seth Goldman and Julie Farkas Grace Hong and David Olsen Kay Kendall and Jack Davies Robert and Dandy Korzeniewski Pepco, an Exelon Company Frank Perna Julie and Neil Reinhard Carolyn Roberts and Jim Everett Sid Stolz and David Hatfield Trent & Co.

Commitments received as of October 11, 2021

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Peter Fox Award Sitar Arts Center annually presents the Peter Fox Award, named in memory of a gifted musician and generous soul in our community, and funded by the Peter Fox Project which raised funds toward this award from 2012-2018 in support of his love, light, and legacy.

By covering full travel, room and board, and tuition at a premiere summer music program, the Peter Fox Award honors an aspiring Sitar musician and provides opportunities for them to hone their talents. Past award winners have received private training with renowned musicians and attended intensive summer programs at Berklee College of Music in Boston, MA and Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp in Twin Lake, MI. We share our thanks with those who have supported Sitar Arts Center so generously in their leadership and service as board members of the Peter Fox Project and who carry Peter’s legacy forward, including Mark Blaylock, Mark Guenther, Michael E. Hill, Barbara Kurzeja, Im Lynde, Jody Manor, Tom Nichols, and Richard Weinberg. Special thanks are extended to Peter’s siblings and family.

We also give thanks to all who have donated to Sitar Arts Center over the years in Peter’s memory, totaling over $250,000 to date, building his legacy and supporting the artistic education of thousands of students in Washington, DC.

PETER FOX AWARD WINNERS (2013-2020) Dimas Nugroho, Piano Osvaldo Duran Rojas, Bass Duncan Matthews-Cox, Trumpet Isis Reyes, Violin

Daryn Coates, Piano Michael Ventura, Saxophone Dinda Nugroho, Violin Amanda Chulick, Vocals

Joe Link, Alejandro Marquez, Michael Ventura, Joe Fox, Isis Reyes, Duncan Matthews-Cox, Dinda Nugroho, and Tom Nichols at the 6th Peter Fox Award Presentation.

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2O21 Peter Fox Award Winner John Wood Bass Tonight we honor John Wood with the 2021 Peter Fox Award, recognizing the talent, dedication, and passion John brings to Sitar. A high school sophomore at School Without Walls, John joined the Sitar community as an elementary schooler in Joe Link’s Beginner Guitar class and has flourished as a musician and artistic leader ever since.

John is described as a “perfect” musician, who both loves music and loves playing music. He is a regular in the Jazzin’ Afterschool class at Sitar taught in partnership DC Jazz Festival, and travels across the city playing professional gigs with Sitar’s in-house band, The Saints Band, directed by Joe Link. John enjoys playing all styles of music, from Jazz to Rock to Fusion to Latin.

This summer, John attended Berklee College of Music where he studied bass during the prestigious learning program and gained confidence as a musician. We cannot wait to see how John continues, like Peter, to be a bright light in this world as both a community leader and a performing artist.

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Visionary Award The Sitar Arts Center Visionary Award celebrates the remarkable contributions of arts leaders and the inspired generosity of individuals whose commitment and support has been transformational for Sitar’s community, strengthening the cultural fabric of Washington, DC and beyond.

VISIONARY AWARD HONOREES (2010–2020) Greg Albright Rhonda Buckley The Morris and Gwendolyn Cafritz Foundation Capital for Children The Corcoran Gallery of Art DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities Donald deLaski Nancy “Bitsey” Folger Kathryn Kincaid and Michael Lainoff Sandra Masur Dr. Jaylee Mead Meridian Hill Pictures The Meyer Foundation Steven Smith Sunny Sumter, DC Jazz Festival The Washington Ballet Septime Webre

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2021 Visionary Award Honoree Jill Minneman Sitar Arts Center is proud to honor Jill Minneman with this year’s Visionary Award in recognition of her remarkable leadership and profound commitment to creating access for all youth in our city to develop their artistic gifts. Jill is the immediate past president of Sitar’s Board of Directors and her leadership at Sitar spans more than a decade. In 2008, she was introduced to Sitar by our mutual dear friend Myra Peabody Gossens and began her Sitar journey as our volunteer yoga teacher. She served on the Leadership Council, as chair of the 2017-2022 Strategic Planning Committee, and as secretary of the Board.

Jill Minneman is a community leader who works with individuals and nonprofit organizations to spark positive, transformational change.

Jill believes in the inherent dignity of every person and that all people deserve access to opportunities that lead to a fulfilling life. As president of the Sitar Arts Center Board of Directors, Jill’s leadership led to increased Board engagement – especially as Sitar has pivoted to serve its community during the pandemic. As a member of the Board of Directors of American Jewish World Service (AJWS), a leading human rights organization, Jill chairs the Programs Committee which oversees an extensive grantmaking portfolio and advocacy work. Jill chaired the Grants Committee and Education Committee of the Tikkun Olam Women’s Foundation.

Jill is a certified leadership coach with a special interest in adult development theory. She teaches yoga and meditation and previously worked as a global consultant on telecommunications privatization and financial sector development.

Jill holds an MA in International Economics and Business from the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University. She is the mom of two adult sons and lives with her husband, Tom Fulcher, and adorable dog. She enjoys reading, cycling, and swinging kettlebells.

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Tribute To Joe Link Where would Sitar be without our beloved Music Associate, Joe Link? Joe and Sitar’s Saints Band have had a tremendous, reverberating impact in our community and our city. More than 25 years ago, Joe met fellow musician Rhonda Buckley-Bishop and they connected over their passion for music and shared belief that every child should have the opportunity for a music education.

Rhonda was developing a music center within the Good Shepherd Ministries afterschool program and Joe jumped right in as a volunteer faculty member. He then joined the staff, teaching music lessons and originating Sitar’s storied ensemble– the Saints Band. Soon after, Rhonda founded Sitar Arts Center with her vision to create equitable access for youth to engage in visual, performing, and digital arts learning and a nurturing community, all under one roof. At Sitar, Joe continued to bring his signature ability to inspire and challenge our music students and the legacy of the Saints Band lives on.

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Across the last two decades, the Saints Band has encouraged students of different gifts, backgrounds, ages, and abilities to develop as talented musicians and accomplished young people. Saints Band alumni include Herbert Scott, founder and Executive Director of the Capitol Hill Jazz Foundation, Michael Ventura, who is studying saxophone at the Berklee College of Music, and Dinda Nugroho, who is forging a career in nonprofit management and international development. Even during the COVID-19 pandemic, the band has never missed a beat and plays on through socially-distanced garage rehearsals and sharing performances through recorded sessions.

Joe has nurtured hundreds of young musicians through his twenty years at Sitar. His commitment to the potential of every child, and the power of the arts to support their development, is infused in our philosophy of education and abiding values as an organization and as a community. We thank Joe for his years of service and for bringing out the light and music in all his students. We also thank all Saints Band members, current and past, for being role models in our community and for their jazzin’ tunes. #SitarGala21

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Auction Rules & Claiming Items Welcome to tonight’s Silent Auction and Live Appeal! Thank you for opening your hearts and wallets to support the students at Sitar Arts Center.

AUCTION RULES The Silent Auction is officially open for bidding and closes at 9:30 PM on October 21, 2021. You do not need to be streaming the Virtual Gala to win.

All silent auction sales are final. There will be no refunds or exchanges. The minimum opening bid on any item is typically 60-80% of that item’s posted value but may be more if specified by the donor or the Silent Auction Committee.

• You will bid electronically via your cell phone, tablet, or computer. All auction and bidding information can be found at bit.ly/SitarGala21 • It is the sole responsibility of the purchaser to check expiration dates or other instructions from the donor(s) on auction items (expiration dates, blackout dates, and other restrictions).

• A select number of auction experiences are provided by a third party on consignment and winning bidders will be given information on how to redeem their winning packages within 7 days following the event.

• A select number of auction experiences are provided by Elite Island Resorts.

Please read the full description, including restrictions and added fees, when placing your bid on an Elite Island Resort auction item.

• All proceeds from the Silent Auction support Sitar Arts Center.

CLAIMING YOUR AUCTION ITEMS If you are the highest bidder at the time of the auction closing, your item(s) will be sent to you within 1-3 weeks.

For large pieces of artwork and other bulky items, it is the sole responsibility of the winning bidder to pick up auction items from Sitar Arts Center. If this is the case, you will be contacted about pick up.

If we have your credit card on file, your card will be charged automatically for your winning bid(s). Payments are to be made in full on October 22, 2021.

HOW TO USE MOBILE BIDDING If you have any issues with the QGiv or Givi Bidding platform, please email paige@sitarartscenter.org or call 202.797.2145 ext. 113.

BIDDING BY SMART PHONE – USE THE GIVI APP • Make sure you are registered for the event by visiting bit.ly/SitarGala21 and navigating to the Register page using the top navigation.

• Download the Givi App on your iOS or Android mobile device by visiting www.getgivi.com.

• Sign up on the Givi app using your ticket code that you received in your registration e-mail and add your payment information.

• Start bidding! You can browse by Category, or search by item number or name. Swipe the green Bid bar to place your bid.

• Tap the three horizontal lines in the bottom navigation bar to view additional settings, including Auction FAQs, payment settings, and pay balance.

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BIDDING BY COMPUTER OR TABLET • Make sure you are registered for the event by visiting bit.ly/SitarGala21 and navigating to the Register page using the top navigation.

• Once registered, visit bit.ly/SitarGala21 and navigate to the Auction page using the top navigation toolbar.

• Start bidding! Scroll down to browse by Category, or search by item number or name. Click on an item and press the gold Place Bid button to place your bid.

• To make a general donation, select “Donate Now” at the bottom of the page.

AFTER THE EVENT • When the Silent Auction closes at 9:30 PM, the guest with the highest bid will win.

• All credit cards on file for winning auction bids or live auction donations will be charged on October 22, 2021.

• In the Givi app, tap the shopping cart icon to check your winning packages.

• Auction items will be mailed to the winning bidder within 1-3 weeks. Bulky items will need to be picked up from Sitar Arts Center and the winning bidder will be contacted if this is the case.

CHALLENGE FUND LIVE AUCTION Led by Justin Swisher, Swisher Auctions

RAISING YOUR VIRTUAL PADDLE FOR SITAR ARTS CENTER • During the Challenge Fund Live Auction, you will have the opportunity to virtually “raise your paddle” to make a fully tax-deductible donation to support Sitar Arts Center.

• The auctioneer will describe various donation amounts and the impact each donation makes possible for Sitar’s students.

• To make a donation, visit bit.ly/SitarGala21 and select “Donate Now” at the very bottom of the screen. If you have any issues with the QGiv or Givi bidding platform, please email paige@sitarartscenter.org or call 202.797.2145 ext. 113.

• Donations received by phone will also be counted towards the Live Appeal total.

Professional Benefit Auctioneer & Fundraising Services ABOUT JUSTIN SWISHER Justin Swisher brings industry best practices and more than a decade behind the gavel to non-profit organizations across the country. His clients consistently exceed their goals through fun, exciting events and ask him back year after year. Justin is always honing his skills and looking for new ideas to improve the bidder experience, while helping to break fundraising records for worthy causes. He is honored to be a part of this important work.

ABOUT SWISHER AUCTIONS The Swisher Auctions team is comprised of carefully selected, highly-trained fundraising professionals. They are committed to learning from each event and from each other to make every night better than the last. Offering a full breadth of consulting services and careful guidance, from selecting a venue to item pickup, Swisher Auctions is dedicated to their partners’ success. Since 2005, the team has helped to raise more than $75,000,000 for a wide range of charitable endeavors.

Phone: (804) 986-3176 Justin@SwisherAuctions.com SWISHER AUCTIONS, LLC

www.SwisherAuctions.com #SitarGala21

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Thank You We thank the many individuals, businesses, and cultural institutions for generously donating their goods and services to the Silent Auction.

AB Liquors Aboud Dweck Alexandra Arata Align Fitness Anastassia Ivanova Annie Mahon Anonymous Anoop Singh ANXO Arena Stage Barrel Oak Winery Betsy Fisher Blue Mash Golf Course Charles DeSantis and David McDermott Circle Yoga Shereen Rubenstein, Coaching That Moves You Cultura Dermatology & Laser Center Dan and Jacki Fox Distillery Lane Cidwerworks Eaton DC Elite Island Resorts Fabio Trabocchi Restaurants Field & Main Ford’s Theatre Grace Hong Hirshhorn Museum Hope Floats I.M.P. International Spy Museum Jade Floyd and Charles Small Jay Pastore Jaya Saxena and Viyas Sundaram Jeff Garneau Jill Herscot and Andrew Bartley Jo Borsh

Ladyreds Art Lauren Chelec Cafritz Lauren Rubenstein Logan Mackethan Lost City Books Lubin Portrait Studio Marianne Alberti Mario Garcia Durham and Craig Horness Marla Schnall Mary Hall Surface Melissa and Ken Doyle Michael M Clements Miss Pixie’s Furnishings and Whatnots Mission – Navy Yard Mohini Malhotra National Symphony Orchestra Peacock Café Pulse Fitness Quanda Allen and Justin Hobson Ristorante i Ricchi Robert and Cathy Butz Round House Theatre Shakespeare Theatre Company shakti art LLC Sixth & I Steven Girson Tennis Central The LINE Hotel DC The Perfect Fit Jewels Inc. The Phillips Collection The Washington Ballet Theater J Tom Sietsema Washington Walks Weygandt Wines Zainab Sumu

Commitments received as of October 11, 2021.

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Create Change At Sitar Arts Center SILENT AUCTION HIGHLIGHTS #101

THE GIFT OF ENRICHING AFTERSCHOOL ARTS CLASSES

Every gift is a winner when you place your bets on Sitar Arts Center! Your gift will support one student as they explore their potential through a semester of unlimited afterschool arts classes.

Value: $1,000

#102 THE GIFT OF INCLUSIVE COMMUNITY Every gift is a winner when you place your bets on Sitar Arts Center! Your gift will help provide one semester of therapeutic arts workshops for students and families.

Value: $500 #SitarGala21

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Arts Experiences And Pieces SILENT AUCTION HIGHLIGHTS #208 AN EVENING FOR TWO WITH SHAKESPEARE THEATRE COMPANY AND RASIKA If you’re ready for live theatre again, Shakespeare Theatre is ready to welcome you back! Take home two tickets to the 2021/22 season performance of your choice. Productions, including two plays by William Shakespeare (Much Ado About Nothing and The Merchant of Venice), a gripping drama about pioneering Black actor Ira Aldridge (Red Velvet), and a beloved 20th century American classic (Our Town). It’s going to be an amazing season.

Visit https://www.shakespearetheatre.org/healthandsafety/ to view Shakespeare Theatre’s health and safety protocols.

Before your show, enjoy a Dinner for Two – Tasting Menu with Wine at Rasika Penn Quarter, right around the corner from Shakespeare Theater. Named one of the 100 best restaurants in the USA by OpenTable, Rasika offers modern Indian cuisine and an authentic Indian experience.

Restrictions: This offer does not include productions Remember This: The Lesson of Jan Karski or Once Upon a One More Time. All Rasika taxes and gratuities are included. Rasika certificate does not expire.

Donor(s): Shakespeare Theatre Company, Anoop Singh Value: $700 Starting Bid: $525

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#202 TWO TICKETS TO “GRACE” AT FORD’S THEATRE PLUS VIP TOUR OF THEATRE AND PRESIDENTIAL BOX A world-premiere musical celebrating African-American food, family, and tradition! Packed with an eclectic mix of styles including jazz, R&B, rousing up-tempos and raise-the-roof ballads, Grace is an electrifying musical feast celebrating the perseverance of family and the power of traditions.

Grace examines the little-told history of African-American culinary tradition and the challenges faced by Black-owned businesses. The musical captures a day in the life of the Mintons, a Philadelphia family who gather to mourn the loss of their matriarch and deal with the future of their family restaurant in a changing neighborhood. Heartfelt and hopeful, timely and timeless, Grace is the new American musical where, although family comes first, everyone has a seat at the table.

With memorable titles such as “Three Okra Seeds” and “Potlikker,” every song holds a story to savor. The show’s finale, “When Gran’Me Cooked,” the first song from the musical to be released, honors the historic role women have in gathering families and communities alike.

After the show, take in an exclusive VIP tour of Ford’s Theatre and the Presidential Box from Craig Horness, former Associate Director and Stage Manager.

Visit https://www.fords.org/performances/current-and-upcoming/ covid-health-and-safety-performances/ to view Ford’s Theatre’s health and safety protocols.

Restrictions: Excludes Saturday evenings and dress circle. Must be redeemed at least one week prior to selected performance.

Valid between the dates of March 19 – May 14, 2022.

Recommended for ages 10 and older.

Donor(s): Ford’s Theatre, Craig Horness and Mario Garcia Durham Value: $150 Starting Bid: $120 #SitarGala21

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Food And Drink SILENT AUCTION HIGHLIGHTS #316 FOUR COURSE CHEF’S TASTING DINNER AT FIOLA MARE FOR FOUR PEOPLE, WITH SOMMELIER SELECTED WINE PAIRINGS Fiola Mare celebrates Fabio Trabocchi’s love for life by the sea.

This dreamwork is inspired by Italy’s coastlines and the bounty of its most pristine seafood. The Adriatic Sea and Fabio’s native coastline of Monte Conero, the world-renowned Amalfi Coast, Sicily, and Forte dei Marmi, are the inspiration of our menu experience featuring the finest crudos, seafood towers, delightful salads, handmade pasta, and the signature “Carrello del Pesce”, a seafood cart featuring the daily best catch from Italy and all over the world is showcased at your table.

Located in the chic and timeless Georgetown, Fiola Mare, with its unique, elegant, and nautical design, features scenic views of the waterfront and its marina. Its beautifully crafted cocktails and the superb wine list are recognized with a Wine Spectator Best Award of Excellence. Known for its “see and be seen” ambiance, Fiola Mare is home to Washington, D.C.’s best power lunch and offers exquisite private dining spaces for social and business events.

Restrictions: Fiola Mare kindly requires 72-hour advance notice prior to making a reservation.

Certificate is valid at the Fiola Mare location only. Reservations are only available outside of Saturdays and Holidays. Does not include tax and gratuity.

Expires October 21, 2022.

Donor(s): Fabio Trabocchi Restaurants Value: $800 Starting Bid: $480

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Travel Destinations SILENT AUCTION HIGHLIGHTS #707 ONE WEEK STAY AT MASSANUTTEN RESORT – YOUR SPRING BREAK PLANNED! Enjoy one week in a Woodstone Casa at Massanutten Resort: Friday, March 11 - Friday, March 18, 2022. House sleeps 8 (2 bedrooms, 2 full baths, full kitchen, fireplace, soaking tub with jets, porch). Woodstone is located outside of the “Kettle” mountain area, yet very close to the Woodstone Meadows Golf Course, the Spa, Indoor WaterPark and Woodstone Recreation Center.

A breathtaking property, Massanutten Resort features 6,000 acres of mountain fun at its very best. Unique in both its size, variety of amenities, and outstanding accommodations, Massanutten has secured its spot as one of the premier all-seasons resort destinations on the East Coast.

Massanutten Resort offers many unique amenities including the Indoor/Outdoor WaterPark, Ski and Adventure Park area, two fantastic golf courses, farm-to-table dining experiences, shopping and recreation options, along with a day spa for complete relaxation and rejuvenation. Located in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley, Massanutten is easily accessible from many major cities.

Restrictions: Valid only for the week from March 11 - March 18, 2022.

Donor(s): Melissa and Ken Doyle Value: $3,500 Starting Bid: $2,100

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Unique to DC SILENT AUCTION HIGHLIGHTS #803 PRIVATE BOAT TOUR FOR 5 ON THE POTOMAC OR THE CHESAPEAKE BAY Enjoy DC’s waterways with a private, captained cruise for up to 5 people! Take a morning or afternoon (about 4 hour) trip on a sleek 36’ Day Cruiser with your very own captain. Enjoy comfortable seating, shade if desired, and a small private lavatory.

Perfect for celebrating a special event or for a care-free summer activity. Bring along your own food and beverages to enjoy as you cruise up and down the waterways and view the City and surrounding areas. This private boat tour can be taken out from Annapolis, MD, Belmont Harbor in Woodbridge, VA, or The Wharf DC. Restrictions: Limit 5 guests on board. For a mutually agreed upon date, between Oct. 21 – Nov. 30, 2021 or Mar. 20 – Nov. 30, 2022. Expires Nov. 30, 2022. Pick-up and dropoff from Annapolis, MD, Belmont Harbor in Woodbridge, VA, or The Wharf in DC but pick-up and drop-off must be from the same location. Safety equipment provided.

Donor(s): Jill Herscot and Andrew Bartley Value: $1,000 Starting Bid: $600

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#804 U.S. CAPITOL & MALL AT SUNSET: FRAMED PHOTOGRAPH AND “WASHINGTON, DC: HOME AGAIN” BOOK Visit our Nation’s Capital from your easy chair. Get the best views of Washington D.C. without the crowds or tour buses. Native Washingtonian and photographer Aboud Dweck returned home after 25 years to see our nation’s capital with fresh eyes. Yours to take home is an exquisitely framed, 24” long photograph of an aerial view of the U.S. Capitol and National Mall at Sunset. This is a sight you’ll want to look at forever!

Plus, win a copy of Washington, DC: Home Again signed by the artist! Washington, D.C. Home Again is a beautiful heartfelt tribute and a metaphor for the uniquely American spirit that binds us.

Over 100 original photographs, taken over a six year period from the air and ground, capture the beauty and grandeur of Washington’s iconic sites and spaces. The book is a large coffee table format, 11X14 inches, hardbound, printed in the U.S.A on art quality paper.

Donor(s): Aboud Dweck Value: $500 Starting Bid: $500

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People Who Make It Possible SITAR ARTS CENTER STAFF Maureen L. Dwyer

Executive Director

Jamie Barnes David Beck Nickole Best Ayanna Blue Diyanna Monet Burton Naomi Cohen Missy Curl Paige Girson Selena Jackson Jessica Leskin

Registrar and Program Operations Manager Publications Intern Artistic Advancement Coordinator Director of Community Arts Education Senior Coordinator of Multimedia Youth Programs Manager Executive Coordinator Annual Giving Manager Gallery and Events Intern Associate Director of Development and Institutional Marketing Music Programs Associate Development Coordinator Chief Development Officer Grants Coordinator Senior Director of People and Operations Program Operations Coordinator Director of Program Operations Aftercare Coordinator Early Arts Manager Receptionist Chief Programs Officer

Joe Link Marco Negrete Essence Newhoff Dinda Nugroho Angela Robinson Jenny Shirley Megan Short Lezlie Silverstein Kelly Sloan Lilia Solano Loretta Thompson

ORGANIZATIONAL PARTNERS At Sitar Arts Center, each artistic discipline taught is strengthened by a corps of partnering arts organizations that provide programs, expertise, and teaching artists. The following partnerships all enrich the programs as Sitar Arts Center and the lives of the children: ARTS PARTNERS American University – Music Program Berklee City Music Network DC Jazz Festival ICIC Inner City – Inner Child Meridian Hill Pictures Levine School of Music Project Create The Washington Ballet Washington Improv Theater Young Playwrights’ Theater STRATEGIC ALLIANCE The Platform of Hope

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COMMUNITY OUTREACH PARTNERS Briya Centro Nia Columbia Heights Education Campus H.D. Cooke Elementary School Hope and a Home Jubilee Housing Marie Reed Learning Center Mary’s Center Oyster-Adams Bilingual School The Parkmont School

People Who Make It Possible BOARD OF DIRECTORS

LEADERSHIP COUNCIL

Mario Garcia Durham, President Quanda Allen, Vice President Ellin Nolan, Vice President Dan Fox, Treasurer Ellen Fern, Secretary Maureen L. Dwyer, ex officio Blanche Cotlear Charles DeSantis Carroll Dey Jade Floyd Jill Herscot Ileann Jimenez-Sepulveda Mohini Malhotra Kristan McMahon Jana Nelhybel Jaya Saxena Marla Schnall Scott L. Spector Vivek Srivastava Edward S. Tuvin Christopher Wingert Rhonda Buckley-Bishop, Honorary Nancy “Bitsey” Folger, Honorary

Jade Floyd, Co-Chair Sara Gibson, Co-Chair Greg Albright Robin Bettarel Samantha Dean Reid Dunavant Erica Easter Nancy “Bitsey” Folger Heather Perram Frank Tom Glass David Gorodetski Tom Helf Kevin Lavin Andy Lee Clint Mann Robert McNamara Dorothy McSweeny Erika N. Pont Jeanette Radford Karen Robinson-Ogbebor Nicole Siegel Jennifer Stevens Lauren Yayboke

SITAR ARTS CENTER’S VOLUNTEER FACULTY The faculty at Sitar Arts Center is made up of more than 100 dedicated volunteers who teach classes each week in visual arts, dance, creative writing, drama, music, digital arts, and private music lessons. These local artists who volunteer their time and talents enable Sitar to achieve its mission. The faculty does more than just teach at the Center; they become mentors and role models for their students, often forging meaningful and lasting relationships and creating a safe and nurturing community.

#SitarGala21

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Ways To Stay Involved VOLUNTEER Every week more than 100 volunteers give an hour of their time to teach classes in the visual arts, dance, creative writing, drama, digital arts, and private and ensemble music lessons with Sitar Arts Center.

GIVE Your charitable support offers possibilities. Make a donation online, by mail, through your workplace giving campaign, Donor Advised Fund, stocks, or corporate support.

FOLLOW & SHARE @SITARARTSCENTER On Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube.

DONATE ART SUPPLIES New or gently used arts materials, books, and instruments help make programs.

Contact our Development Department to make sure your donation can be matched to a student or class.

About Sitar Arts Center Sitar Arts Center offers possibilities that transform the lives of children, teens, and young adults born into a world of unequal access to opportunity. Our vision is a city where families across the cultural, economic, and racial spectrums can live and thrive and a city that fervently believes that high quality arts education and transformative arts experiences for all are essential.

Sitar’s Annual Gala raises essential funds for equitable arts education and yearround out-of-school time activities for DC youth. 80% of Sitar’s students are from households with low income and 85% are Black or Latinx.

At Sitar, our talented students take classes in art, music, dance, drama, creative writing, digital arts, and design, taught by a teaching corps of volunteers and partners from our city’s finest institutions. Sitar offers transformational possibilities, creative exploration, and community, so that all young people can discover their full potential.

Visit www.sitarartscenter.org to learn more.

28 | Sitar Arts Center’s Bet on the Arts Gala & Auction