Water, water, not everywhere

On Monday, the prestigious National Press Club hosted Alexandra Cousteau, granddaughter of the late Jacques-Yves Cousteau, daughter of Jan and the late Philippe Sr., and older sister of Philippe, who co-founded EarthEcho International with her.  Alexandra wasn’t there to just talk to the educated and  interested group about the environment as a whole, but rather to concentrate on the very pertinent topic of “water”.  Actually, the absence of water, is more like it.

Absence of water?  How silly!  What about the oceans?  What about the rain - water literally falls from the sky!  We are surrounded by water, how could there be an absence?  This little thing we call Earth is made up of about 70% water.  Of that 70%, only about 2.5% of that water is drinkable (fresh).  Of that 2.5%, only 1% is accessible for human consumption - on this planet for all mankind.  Alexandra likened it to if all the water that was drinkable (i.e. lakes, rivers, glaciers, aquifers) was put into a gallon, only less than a teaspoon would represent the accessible part. 

For two years, Alexandra shared with us in her soft spoken, yet passionate and thoughtful manner, she lived in Central America to study the lives, dwelling habits, and survival rituals that coastal communities performed.  During her stay, she and her group were able to teach the people sustainable fishing practices while receiving a better understanding of what the bare essentials were to live in this beautiful, but terribly devastated part of the world.  They studied the nexus of community, the individual and water.  “Water will be the defining issue of this century,” she said.

Over a 1 BILLION people in this world do not access to clean drinking water.  For those of us who are used to the days of running through the sprinkler in the lawn that was left on for hours as kids, taking showers and baths whenever we want, flushing toilets without a second thought, running water when brushing our teeth, doing laundry and running the dishwater multiple times during the week or day, or just turning on the faucet, letting it run to get cold then filling up a glass - this statistic is unfathomable.  Every once in awhile, my apartment building needs to do a water test.  We get the unwanted notice “From 9am - 3pm, the water will be turned off on XX date.”  For someone who works from home, it is one of the worst days.  In fact, often out of sheer habit, I turn on the faucet for a drink, or flush the toilet.  I think - how can I do that pile of laundry that I want to do right now!  What about a shower after a workout (if and when I do workout)?  And folks, this is only SIX hours of ONE day that I would be without water. 

Alexandra said she and her group, the newly formed “Blue Campaign”, believe there will be more water refugees than conflict refugees if we continue down this spiral. 

There is hope however, and that is through the multimillion dollar water recycling plants that are taking sewage and turning it into water that is cleaner than the water out of your tap today or even in bottles.  This is happening in Southern California now, but other countries are looking into creating these types of plants.  Over 1 billion gallons of raw sewage gets dumped into the oceans a year.  That is not only hurtful to the waters, but is a true waste. 

Children in the Anacostia, DC area have started “Earth Conservation Corp”, where they are dedicated to cleaning up the terribly polluted and dangerous unhealthy Anacostia River.  This group serves an even larger purpose in that these kids are learning about responsibility, accountability, teamwork and community giving.  They are going on to higher education and further success. 

Alexandra also stated that these next 50 years will be the most critical.  There needs to be action from the government at the local, state and federal level. We need to communicate and learn from other countries who are already preserving their water resources.  But what can we, the average people do?

Turn off the faucet when brushing your teeth; don’t water the lawn during the day when most of the water evaporates anyway; take the car to the carwash, don’t use your own water at home; buy an eco-friendly toilet (Nationals Ballpark is full of them, make sure you flush UP when flushing!); do your laundry once a week or when you truly need to; wait until your dishwasher if completely full until running it.  These are just “little things” that EVERYONE can do on a daily basis. 

EarthEcho International was founded on the belief that “Everything you do, makes a difference - everything.”   Even if it is small, even if you think it won’t matter, it will, especially if everyone is doing it.

Please read more about Alexandra Cousteau and her mission on preserving water internationally and how you can get involved.  www.earthecho.org  For more information on the NPC, past and future speakers, please go to http://npc.press.org/.

(Pictured from top to bottom: Alexandra with her mum Jan to her left looking on; a passionate message; Alexandra with co-worker Philip Gibbs and Cara Santos Pianesi, Communications Officer, United Nations Development Program)

This just in: DC By Foot Introduces BenefacTOURS; donates proceeds to local charities

Thanks to Jenna Mills of Sapient for this hot tip …

DC By Foot, which was founded in July, 2007 by recent college graduates and licensed tour guides, accomplishes a new twist on an old practice. DC By Foot offers FREE, completely tip based, twice-daily walking tours of the National Mall. It is the company’s mission to offer tours of the highest quality to visitors with literally any budget. DC By Foot guides are “part professors, part performers” that bring the history behind the monuments to life through trivia, humor and anecdotes.  

Beginning in May 2008, DC by Foot will identify a local charity to be the beneficiary of all revenue generated by the groups 6pm Sunday night tours. All Sunday night tours will now be coined “BenefacTOURS.”

Continue Reading »

Windows of opportunity

I recently had the honor of enjoying a private tasting luncheon at the Windows Catering HQ in Alexandria, courtesy of Alina Zhukovskaya, who does their BD and Communications.  This huge one-story building houses not only the company office space with such chic contemporary decor you may think you are in a boutique hotel, but also the 20,000 square foot catering kitchen and client sampling areas.  There is a warmth and comfort in the entire space, which makes total sense, considering many of Windows clientele are brides-to-be, as well as long time corporate clients who may have special dietary needs. Catered cuisine, the right catered cuisine, the best catered cuisine, is made with care, attention to details, appreciation, creativity, experience, thoughtful presentation, and most of all, from listening to your customers’ needs.

Started in 1987, Windows Catering (which used to be Windows on the Potomac in the old Rosslyn USA Today building, but they were so loved by so many prestigious Washingtonians who wanted their talents outside the restaurant space, a partnership grew to a full- on catering company) brings this region just the right recipe of strong experience, respect within the foodie and critic community, long time relationships, a high-level clientele with intricate, precise needs, and an executive staff in and out of the kitchen who have a great reputation, amazing innovation, and presentation in all aspects of their business.

Our special meal was created (I am a veggie) by Executive Chef Pasquale Ingenito, with whom I got to meet, shake hands, and give a glowing review (he, like many of my chef friends in town, jokingly asked me if I was ready for the big steak yet.) 

Our meal consisted of a few courses, which was just right for a luncheon.  It was enough to fill, not enough to put us under the table:

Eggplant Tempura with Fresh Mozzarella

Mashed Potato Cigars with Gorgonzola Cheese

Portabella Mushroom Ravioli

Four Cheese Spring Salad

Pear Tart with Caramel Ice cream (by 2005 National Pastry Chef Laurent Lhuiller)

(Pictured from top to bottom: Portabella mushroom ravioli; does this pear tart make me look fat?; it’s all in the details … a lovely centerpiece, a gorgeous table setting with matching silk napkins)

As someone who travels the gala function and corporate dinner circuit, Windows has always been at the top of my list of event caterers.  They continue to be consistent and impress.  Thank you to Alina, Chefs Pasquale and Laurent for the wonderful accommodations, and hats off to Chef Proprietor Henry Dinardo and owner Carol Bloom.

For more information on this full service catering, party planning, events management company, please go to www.catering.com

Happy Birthday cont.

A few more birthday wishes go out today.  May must have been a busy month in the delivery ward … Steve Andronico of the City Tavern Club, band boy Gordon Winn, Lauren Mason, founder of WINK Boutique, and Jen Berlin and Matt Gorman.  Seems like everyone is in the mood for celebrating now that the sun back out.  More parties to come …

Current Boutique Fashion Show - May 22nd

Come check out a mix of modern styles paired with Current Boutique’s favorite designers: Gucci, Prada, Marc Jacobs, Dior, Betsey Johnson, DVF, D&G and many many more! 

Current has been in business for only one year and already has seen a great continuing growth in new and designer consignment inventory as well as a loyal following.  This event is a way to showcase the Arlington boutique’s progress, involve its partners and give back to young fashion designers and artists.

When - Thursday May 22nd    Where: Nena (Gua Rapo Upstairs) 2039 Wilson Blvd, Neighborhood Courthouse Arlington - Nena & Gua Rapo are properties of Latin Concepts

7:00pm - Complimentary Tapas & Cash Bar

8:00pm - Fashion Show

Live Music - Rising Pop Star “Mo”  and DJ Double O7

The fashion styling will be done by Anna Birdsall with Hair & Makeup by Jouvence Aveda of Reston.  Shoes are compliments of Shoe Fly of Clarendon and all Jewelry by Abigail de Casanova.

The MC is none other than yours truly.

We are asking for a suggested donation of $10 at the door.  This will go directly to the DC Fashionista Foundation, which is a scholarship fund for local emerging designers and artists.

There will be valet parking, but please feel free to take the Metro to Courthouse or cab it. 

To RSVP or for more information, please contact carmen@currentboutique.com or call 703.528.3079.  Media and press are welcome - we hope to see you there to support, have a fun time, and check out some very stylish looks.

Move over gator … there’s a whale coming to town!

How will our friends at Lacoste feel once vineyard vines (R) hits their Georgetown?  We will find out soon enough, as the Grand Opening of the Martha’s Vineyard founded clothing line is slated for this Wednesday.  Will whales trump alligators this season?  That seems to be the question on all of young Georgetown’s mind.  In the meantime, brothers and co-founders Shep and Ian Murray will grace us with their presence on Wednesday with a Media luncheon held at the store during the day, a Washington Life sponsored party that evening and an After Party held at none other than the iconic staple of Georgetown, Smith Point. 

More to come on Wednesday’s chock full activities with vineyard vines (R), but please do visit the web site and the 1225 Wisconsin Avenue store… and get your whale on.  www.vineyardvines.com

Nordstrom Fashion Show to benefit Knock Out Abuse Against Women

Save the Date ladies and gents!  Cindy Jones, one of the city’s most fashionable philanthropists, is chairing this year’s Nordstrom Designer Preview, so watch out - you know you are going to have a "fabulous" time and it will be an over the top superb event.

Nordstrom Designer Preview
Tuesday, June 17th
6:30 p.m. 
The National Building Museum
401 F Street, NW
Washington, DC

This phenomenal evening will feature a preview of the Fall 2008 collections, and you will get a first look at the most inspired—and inspiring—designs of the season from renowned American and European designers.

Priority Seating Tickets (Limited Availability) - $200
Individual Tickets - $125

*100% of Ticket Sales go to benefit Knock Out Abuse Against Women

To purchase tickets please call Ellen at 202-725-5604

Capital Partners for Education Raises Funds on an Evening with Michel Richard

Saturday evening, Capital Partners for Education (CPE) which was founded in 1993 by Ambassador Henry D. Owen and Theodore A. Schwab, held an intimate fundraiser dinner of 250 at the Potomac residence of Ken Bajaj and his wife Kavelle.  The $1,000 a plate event was more than worth it, not just because one of the country’s best chefs (THE Michel Richard) was personally overseeing our meals, or that we were surrounded by a crowd of prestigious influential entreprenuers and executives (including Ted Schwab, Charlie Thomas of Razorsight, Greg Baroni of Unisys Federal, and Charles Rossotti of the Carlyle Group to name a few), or that even the dinner was held under a huge tent around a pool that held beautiful floating floral arrangements.  It wasn’t even because Wizards play-by-play announcer Steve Buckhantz was more than entertaining as the MC, or that one of the auction items was an original signed copy of the classic “To Kill a Mockingbird” that went for $2,500, or that the delightful string quartet provided us music to our ears during the dinner.  Nor was it because six of the graduating seniors who had been recipients of CPE’s annual scholarships to private high schools in DC were in attendance, a few going to Ivy League schools on full scholarship and all going on to higher education.   All of the reasons above would have made sense alone or together, as to why this was such a special function.  The biggest reason to me however, is that Mr. and Mrs Bajaj, paid for the entire event out of their own pockets, so that each guest’s $1,000 as well as further donations, went directly to the foundation. 

This organization gives at-risk, inner city kids a chance for a better life through education.  These children are smart, dedicated, hard working, inspired youth who apply for a scholarship from CPE (up to $4,500 yearly) in order to attend a private DC high school.  The scholarships are automatically annually renewed, as long as the student adheres to the program’s strict guidelines.  The success rate is astronomical.  CPE students who have stayed in the program graduate high school - 100% of them.  Eight-seven percent then do gone on to higher education, some of them gaining full scholarships to Ivy League institutions.  If they had not had the opportunity to attend these private high schools and develop strong academic and leadership skills, who knows where they would end up. 

The Board of Directors is extremely strong and they are looking to the community and corporate and private donors to continue to grow the organization and number of children they can postitively affect. 

For more information on Capital Partners for Education, please check out the web site www.cpfe.org.  There you will find fantastic, motivating success stories of what some of the past program graduates are doing.  Thank you to Khari Brown, CPE’s Executive Director, for the great work he and his staff do, the Board of Directors, Michel Richard for auctioning off his “Happy in the Kitchen” books as well as his TWO private dinner parties, and of course, the generous Bajaj family for opening up their stunning home and donating the entire event. 

(Pictured from top to bottom: L-R, Charlie Thomas, Ken Bajaj and Greg Baroni; Master of Ceremonies Steve Buckhantz; Auctioneer Audrey Cramer of Cushman & Wakefield with Chef Michel Richard; I never met a dessert from Michel Richard I didn’t love)

Alexandra Cousteau speaking at NPC

Today (Monday) at 12:30pm, Alexandra Cousteau will be speaking to members and non-members of the National Press Club about a very hot topic being widely addressed right now, water conversation.  The world’s water crisis is a global issue that cannot afford to be ignored anymore.  We hope you can attend this luncheon, if not, the Punch will be there to cover it. 

For more information on Alexandra’s mission, please go to www.earthecho.org.

Birthday Wishes

Some of these are a bit on the tardy side, so deepest apologies … but here goes:  Happy Birthday to Alina Zhukovskaya of Windows Catering, Caroline Alexander of the Healthy Muse, Gary Clark (if you don’t know who Gary is, you don’t know NFL Football nor Redskins legends!), Fletcher Gill, a fellow Penn State grad, Helen Bodron, who helped out Team Pamela’s Punch last year to raise over $126,000, Krista Johnson of WeOneYouTwo, and Charlie Thomas, CEO of Razorsight and my past CEO at Net2000 Communications (ahhh, the good old days before the telecom bubble burst), wonderful friend and mentor.