Congress Heights on the Rise

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Advoc8te on the scene : AfterDark@THEARC

When: Saturday, September 28, 2013
Where: THEARC, 1901 Mississippi Avenue SE

For the third year in a row yours truly was privileged enough to attend THEARC's annual gala -- my third. AfterDark@THEARC is the fundraising/celebratory event of the year. It's amazing and then some. It is truly inspirational to see the progress THEARC makes year after year providing arts, recreation, music and health services to the east of the river community.



There was so much to see and to do and this year's special musical guest was Roberta Flack! To experience Ms. Flack performing live was nothing short of a dream!

Major kudos to Michelle Freeman the gala's chair, THEARC's Executive Director Edmund Fleet, His Excellency, the Ambassador of Gabon and the entire THEARC team and partners for coordinating such an amazing event! They work so hard every day to provide stellar creative services and experiences for our community's children and families. So many wonderful people came out to show their support and appreciation of THEARC, it was indeed a very special night -- and of course we danced like there was no tomorrow!

Including some pictures I took of the night's event. It was an particularly long (and fun) day for me as the Anacostia Coordinating Council annual boat ride was earlier in the day. It was a special time to be a Ward 8 resident!

THEARC is located in Congress Heights at 1901 Mississippi Avenue SE. To learn more about their programs, partners and events visit them on the web at www.theardc.org. To make a donation to THEARC go HERE.

Guest are greeted by ballerina's from ballet students of the washingtonballet@thearc

Students of the Levine School of Music were music to our ears!

An amazing turn out -- again! 


Finding our seats in the theater for the night's performances


Michelle Freeman, AfterDark@THEARC gala chair

Students from the washington ballet classes at THEARC





Regan Ford of Levine School of Music and ANC Commissioner Charles Wilson



Can you believe this is the gym at THEARC?

Robert Flack performs! Squeal! 



THEARC Executive Director Edmund Fleet

The food and drinks were amazing!!!!! 

Guests were able to text their pledges for THEARC during the gala. So many generous people contributed.  

Time to shake a leg!




Michelle Freeman can dance!!!! 


So can Katrina Toews! Makes sense as she is the ED for the Washington Ballet - go Katrina! 

THEARC Stars were present at every table. 




Good night -- until next year! 




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