Fundraising Events

**Hi Everyone,** **I'm deeply sorry, but I am cancelling FUTURE FREE HUGS events until such time that I know what's happening regarding the COVID, FLU and RSV hospitalization data!!** **For FREE HUGS events in the past, I have consulted the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to determine if the hospitalizations for COVID, FLU and RSV were elevated or not.** **However, the Trump administration has restricted what CDC communicates to the public and has purged or stopped recent hospitalization data on the CDC website.** **There have been no updates on the chart since September 27, 2025** **[https://www.cdc.gov/resp-net/dashboard/](https://www.cdc.gov/resp-net/dashboard/)** **As a result, I'm not willing to risk people's health, nor mine, unnecessarily and am cancelling FREE HUGS events until the hospital data become available.** **Lots of Hugs and Much Love,** **Jeff** \*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\* \*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\* **FREE HUGS on National Mall** **"Spreading More Love"** [FREE HUGS October 2017. 32 sec.](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jh7v3zucDas) [FREE HUGS Veterans Day 2016. 58 sec.](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ebTt9Q177zQ) **HEY EVERYONE!** FREE HUGS gatherings generate so much excitement, joy, appreciation, connection, peace, love, smiles, “Thank you’s,” lots of laughter and such positive energy!! Our FREE HUGS movement is all about "Spreading More Love" regardless of political, religious, racial or gender identification or any other identification. **!! IMPORTANT !!** We meet OUTSIDE of the National Museum of Natural History on the NATIONAL MALL SIDE OF THE MUSEUM near the Refreshment stand. ADDRESS: 1306 Madison Dr. NW · Washington, DC **PARKING:** On the street parking OR [Nearest Parking](https://washingtondc.bestparking.com/destinations/national-mall-parking) **METRO:** Smithsonian National Mall Metro Station (NOT Independence Ave.) **We hope you will join us for an AWESOME time!** **Lots of Hugs...jeff** 301-885-8259 (c) \*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\* Note 1: if you agree to participate in any FREE HUGS Event, you agree to the following terms: By choosing to attend this event, you are acknowledging the risks involved (COVID, etc.), and you are committing to participate nonviolently and in accordance with the law. You agree: (i) not to engage in any act of violence or violation of any applicable law (ii) to obey the orders of authorized event marshals and law enforcement authorities (iii) that any Meetup group will not be responsible to any injury or damage to your person or property resulting from or occurring in the course of your participating in the Event; and iv) to release and forever hold harmless Jeff Maurer, Meetup group and their respective employees and volunteers from liability for any such injury or damage. Note 2: FREE HUGS gatherings are 1. NOT for advertising our businesses; 2. NOT about promoting political or religious or racial or gender issues or any other issues.

Sunday Texas Hold-Em Tournament Cost: no cost to play Time: 12:00 (noon) - 2:00 pm Starting Stack: 30,000 chips Bonuses: 5,000 for arriving early, 5,000 for new players, 5,000 for registering online Blind structure Level 1: 100 chips / 200 chips Level 2: 200 chips / 400 chips Level 3: 300 chips / 600 chips Level 4: 400 chips / 800 chips Level 5: 500 chips / 1,000 chips 10 minute break / chip up Level 6: 1,000 chips / 2,000 chips Level 7: 2,000 chips / 4,000 chips Level 8: 3,000 chips / 6,000 chips chip up Level 9: 5,000 chips / 10,000 chips Level 10: 10,000 chips / 20,000 chips Level 11: 15,000 chips / 30,000 chips Level 12: 25,000 chips / 50,000 chips chip up Level 13: 50,000 chips / 100,000 chips Level 14: 100,000 chips / 200,000 chips Level 15: 200,000 chips / 4000,000 chips

\*\*\* New Trial Process - No More Signing In \*\*\* **Step 1:** **Read the Liability Disclaimer:** [https://www.nvhc.com/signin.pdf](https://www.nvhc.com/signin.pdf) **Step 2:** When prompted, **type:** **"I Accept**/**Full Name/Contact Number/Emergency Contact Number"** Example: "I accept/Jane Doe/703-555-5555/301-666-6666" This is a trial process and is not available on all hikes. **Length**: 2 mi. Elevation: Negligible. Pace: 2.0 miles per hour \*\* Not suitable for fast paced hikers \*\* **DESCRIPTION** On this "hike" a leisurely stroll will be followed by dinner and drinks in downtown Bethesda, MD. We will meet in Bethesda at the junction of Woodmont and Elm streets in front of the restaurant, "The Matchbox" at 6 p.m. We will explore downtown Bethesda on foot for an hour and visit the Capital Crescent and the Bethesda Trolley Trail endpoints. All pavement. Dinner will be at Silver at 7 p.m. Menu includes appetizers, soups, salads, steak, chicken, fish, and plant based selections. Choice of beer, wine, and cocktails. Menu can be found on the restaurant website link below. Approximate cost is between $25 - $35 per head. Everyone pays for their meal, [Silver New American Brasserie - Unforgettable Dining Awaits: Award-Winning Cuisine at Silver Brasserie (Bethesda & DC)](https://www.eatatsilver.com/dinner) **WHERE TO MEET** Two options: **Option #1: WALKING: Meet at the junction of Woodmont and Elm streets (in front of the restaurant "The Matchbox") at 6:00 pm.** Coordinates: 38.982300, -77.095969 **Option #2: Dinner Only**: **Meet at the restaurant "Silver" (7150 Woodmont Ave) at 7:00 pm.** Coordinates: 38.980832, -77.095067 Garages nearby; streetside is an option. Parking is free on Sundays. The closest Metro station is Bethesda (Red line). We will limit attendance to 20. You can bring up to two guests. DOGS not permitted due to the nature of the event.

Sunday Texas Hold-Em Tournament Cost: No cost Time: 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm Starting Stack: 30,000 chips Bonuses: 5,000 for arriving early, 5,000 for new players, 5,000 for registering online Blind structure Level 1: 100 chips / 200 chips Level 2: 200 chips / 400 chips Level 3: 300 chips / 600 chips Level 4: 400 chips / 800 chips Level 5: 500 chips / 1,000 chips 10 minute break / chip up Level 6: 1,000 chips / 2,000 chips Level 7: 2,000 chips / 4,000 chips Level 8: 3,000 chips / 6,000 chips chip up Level 9: 5,000 chips / 10,000 chips Level 10: 10,000 chips / 20,000 chips Level 11: 15,000 chips / 30,000 chips Level 12: 25,000 chips / 50,000 chips chip up Level 13: 50,000 chips / 100,000 chips Level 14: 100,000 chips / 200,000 chips Level 15: 200,000 chips / 4000,000 chips

Join us for a festive evening hike to **ZooLights at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo** before the season wraps up on **January 3rd**. This is a great chance to enjoy the colorful displays, connect with fellow outdoor enthusiasts, and soak in the holiday magic together. We’ll **meet at the main entrance on Connecticut Avenue** before making our way through the illuminated paths at a relaxed, social pace. The weather is expected to be mild for late December, but please **dress in layers and wear comfortable walking shoes** so you can enjoy the evening comfortably. Whether you're here for the lights, the community, or just a peaceful night outdoors, we’d love to have you with us. Come share the glow and celebrate the season before ZooLights closes for the year. **Fees: The Adventuring Trip Fee will be waived. General Admission is $9 per guest and can be booked with the link below.** [ZooLights | Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute](https://nationalzoo.si.edu/visit/events/zoolights) **What to Bring: Comfortable walking shoes, and warm layers.** **Park Information:** [ZooLights | Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute](https://nationalzoo.si.edu/visit/events/zoolights) **Metro:** The Zoo is accessible via the Red Line to the **Woodley Park-Zoo** or **Cleveland Park** metro station. The Zoo entrance lies halfway between these stops, and both are a short walk from the Zoo. **NEW!** Please [click here](https://adventuringlgbtq.com/Adventuring_Release_Form.pdf) to review our release form. When you **RSVP** to an event, you affirm that you have read and agree to the terms of the release

Always nice to get to the National Gallery, especially this time of the year. I heard the Australian Indigenous Art exhibit - **[The Stars We Do Not See](https://www.nga.gov/exhibitions/stars-we-do-not-see?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23225053626&gbraid=0AAAABBBT5I0Pq8aixeDHSLmHS1Txu_KtD)** \- is amazing\, so we might get to that after\. And a late lunch \(or early dinner\) after if folks are interested\. And there's always ice skating\. :\-\) George Cukor’s classic comedy of generational and class differences, *Holiday* stars the legendary Katharine Hepburn (Linda Seton) and Cary Grant (Johnny Case) at their charismatic, bantering best. Following a whirlwind engagement, the acrobatically inclined, free-spirited Johnny literally tumbles into the lives of his fiancée’s aristocratic family, setting up a clash of values with her staid father while firing the rebellious imagination of her brash, black-sheep sister Linda. (George Cukor, 1938, DCP, 95 minutes) **You must [register here](https://www.nga.gov/calendar/vaults/holiday?utm_source=National+Gallery+of+Art&utm_campaign=2ff335950b-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2024_12_23_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_2085ff9475-2ff335950b-343447879&mc_cid=2ff335950b&mc_eid=f372f1b956). It's free and it won't take long.** From a City Paper review last year: Certainly, *Holiday* wears its sadness on its sleeve, but it’s also incredibly fun. No one should dismiss the pleasures of watching two gorgeous people fall in love, especially when it’s based not just on attraction but an actual meeting of the souls. Grant and Hepburn are two of the best at this sort of thing, and they’d do it to more acclaim two years later in *The Philadelphia Story*. We don’t have stars like them anymore, who can make you believe in love again in a tight 95 minutes. Johnny and Linda may sail off to see the world, but the real holiday is ours. The film is a classic and it's free, but you must register.

**Want to help bring your city’s community together?** We’re looking for local hosts to organize small group lunches, evening drinks, mixers, movie get-togethers and curated experiences. **No experience necessary,** just a friendly attitude, some local knowledge, and a willingness to meet a few new people. After each event, we’ll send a short feedback form so we can improve and support you. The host will also be able to provide feedback so we can learn what worked and what didn't. **[Click here](https://form.questionscout.com/6926c9ab87a828a5c11a79fc)** to apply and get started: if you’re selected, we’ll reach out for a quick screening call.

Guest Speaker: Dr. Paul White: a mindfulness workshop to navigate burnout for activists and animal lovers post-holidays Please be sure to RSVP here! https://stampede.proanimal.org/events Join your fellow animal lovers and DC Animal Protection to discuss what’s happening in the animal advocacy scene in DC! This series is a weekly meetup, with guest speakers from all of the major animals rights orgs. We’ll host non-profits such as Pro-Animal Future, International Council for Animal Welfare, DC Voters for Animals, The Humane League, Mercy for Animals and Direct Action Everywhere as well as local grassroots groups like the DC Coalition Against Foie Gras and sanctuaries. We’ll also have special sessions related to health, nutrition and mindfulness! We encourage anyone who is interested in helping animals to attend- no need to be vegan! Come learn about our rich variety of local activism. With protests, outreach, wheat-pasting, signature collecting, leafletting, lobbying, tabling etc. there’s something to match everyone’s comfort level and skill set. Coffee, bagels and community will be provided! Feel free to bring any extra treats to share (no animal products please.) Hope to see you soon! :) Note: Unfortunately, animals are not allowed at our venue. Please leave your furry friends at home.

Suffering post-Christmas letdown? Then come to the Silver Diner at 1250 Half Street SE, Washington, DC for some post-Christmas cheer! Located just blocks from Navy Yard Metro on the Green Line and across the street from Nationals Park, the Silver Diner is two stories and features an ever-rotating menu with everything from vegan to vegetarian to gluten-free to omnivore. Driving is NOT recommended. Parking is expensive and difficult to find. NOTE THE FIRST: The Navy Yard Metro station's Nationals Park entrance is closed. Only the New Jersey Ave. entrance is open. Please allow some extra time to account for this and any other service changes. I will post service changes the week before the event. NOTE THE SECOND: If the weather calls for sleet, ice, wintry mix, or lots of snow, I'm rescheduling the event for January 2026. See you soon and Happy Holidays! Jenny

Join us this Sunday to check out the new “Korean Treasures” exhibit (FREE!) at the Smithsonian's Sackler Gallery. This extraordinary collection features masterpieces donated to the Korean nation by the estate of the late Samsung CEO. It is the first time these magnificent pieces are accessible to the public. The works span from ancient times to the present, showcasing paintings, sculptures, ceramics, and more from Korea's rich artistic heritage. 📅 When: This Sunday, 2:00 PM - 4:30 PM 📍 Where: We'll start at the museum’s brand new Moongate Cafe (which has been getting rave reviews!) at 2:00 PM, then head to the exhibition together. ☕🍜 About Moongate Cafe: This new pan-Asian cafe overlooks the Smithsonian’s famous Moongate Garden and serves an assortment of dishes, snacks, and beverages, including: • Vietnamese bánh mì • Sesame salmon rice bowls • Tokyo-style hot dogs • Summer rolls • Thai mango sticky rice • Yuzu cheesecake • Vietnamese iced coffee • Specially curated teas Whether you're a Korean art enthusiast or just curious to learn more about Korea's cultural legacy, this is a wonderful opportunity to experience these treasures—accompanied by great food in a serene setting. See you Sunday! ☕🎨 Exhibition Location: Arthur M. Sackler Gallery, Galleries 23, 24, 28 1050 Independence Ave SW, Washington, DC 20013 More info: https://asia.si.edu/whats-on/exhibitions/korean-treasures-collected-cherished-shared/

Open gaming at Panera! New players welcome. We have many games on hand or you can bring your own. We are happy to teach or learn one of yours.

Start the New Year off right! Join us as we get together to help those in need at this CMG Gives Back event to distribute food at the Champion Food Pantry! We’ve created a great little community of Movie Group friends! Rather than see a movie this time, we’ll help “Create a better world” by helping serve people in need. Here are complete details and our plan for this event: CHAMPION FOOD PANTRY: The Champion Food Pantry provides needed food to neighbors experiencing food insecurity. For this event, we’ll be volunteering to help with Food Distribution during client pick up times. Our group will receive on-the-spot training from some of their seasoned regular volunteers. PLAN FOR CHAMPION FOOD PANTRY: Please arrive by 2:45pm. Our volunteer time will be from 3:00 to 6:00pm. LOCATION & PARKING: The Champion Food Pantry is located at 1460 S. Champion Ave in Columbus. Parking is located in the lot on Frebis across from the pantry. Please enter through the door marked "Volunteers enter here” on Frebis Ave. A map has been uploaded to the photos. IMPORTANT REMINDER: Our group will be providing the majority of the volunteers on this day so a firm RSVP count is essential. Please only sign up if you are certain you’ll be able to attend. If something unavoidable comes up, please update your RSVP no later than one week prior to the event. No shows or cancelations within 1 week of the event will mak you ineligible for future CMG Gives Back events. I appreciate your understanding as we try to ensure the agencies have the volunteers needed to provide the essential services they provide to the vulnerable population they serve. LINKS & INFO: Below are some links / attachments with additional info/details: • Champion Food Pantry Civil Rights Training: Attached file. • Champion Food Pantry Parking and Entrance: Attached file. • Champion Food Pantry Orientation Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_0wI-AwOYLY • Link with Additional Details / Info: https://lss.vomo.org/opportunity/foodpantrieschampion THANK YOU: This CMG Gives Back event provides an opportunity for YOU to get involved in helping others in our community! But the benefits go well beyond the help we give to others. Volunteering can provide a wide range of personal benefits, including positive effects on mental and physical health, reduced stress/depression/anxiety, increased happiness and improved purpose, life-satisfaction and personal well-being! Plus, the opportunity to get involved, connect with others and help those in need. PARTNER AGENCY: This event is hosted by Lutheran Social Services (LSS), which serves thousands of people in need each day in 27 Ohio counties by addressing the four core societal issues of food, shelter, safety and healing. LSS offers food through the LSS Food Pantries, housing and supportive services through LSS Faith Mission and LSS Faith Mission of Fairfield County homeless shelters, domestic violence services through LSS CHOICES for Victims of Domestic Violence, senior living and health care, affordable housing communities, and other services that uplift families and strengthen communities. Thanks for your help and look forward to seeing you there, Dan

Coffee and conversation at [The Roosevelt Coffeehouse](https://www.olentangybrew.com/roosevelt-coffee), located at Olentangy River Brewing. They will also have a Venezuelan [food truck](https://www.olentangybrew.com/eventsandfood) that always gets good reviews.

**PLEASE BUY TICKETS THROUGH EVENTBRITE. RSVP THROUGH MEETUP IS NOT A TICKET PURCHASE CONFIRMATION.** Strive welcomes you to 'General Business Networking', Columbus' hottest networking event! We are set in the perfect central location in Downtown for all to join. Are you interested in business? Want to elevate your career? Meet Consultants, Analysts of all types, Bankers, Software Engineers, Entrepreneurs, and more who are active in the space or are eager to get started. **\*\*This will be a multi-vertical event\*\*** **There will be professionals with backgrounds in the arts, finance, tech, real estate, healthcare, and more. Come with an open mind, and leave with connections that wouldn't be possible otherwise!** Pack some business cards and come with an open mind! Meet your future business partners, employers, coworkers, investors, and friends. You don't want to miss this opportunity to expand your network and create a brighter future. We will have a space for our event to check-in. The event will go from 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM (feel free to come at any point in this timeframe). Name tags will be provided. Business casual dress code. Job fair attire. **Remember, it's not who you know, it's who you meet tomorrow!** We look forward to meeting you at the event! Sincerely, Strive Networking Team *Refund requests are permitted up to 24 hours after purchase, so long as we are not within 48 hours before the event start time. Refunds will be made in full and repaid to your method of payment. Note that we are unable to reimburse PayPal fees.* *Disclaimer: By attending Strive Networking events you agree to photos/videos taken during the event being used to promote future events.*

# Save the date! FUTURE MEETINGS! [](https://www.meetup.com/funandfood/events/299189211//attendees/) [Hosted By](https://www.meetup.com/funandfood/events/299189211//attendees/) [Dara T.](https://www.meetup.com/funandfood/events/299189211//attendees/) This listing is information only. Each event will be scheduled individually. ## DO NOT TRY TO SIGN UP ON THIS LIST! January 12 , 2025 - Greek epiphany: Blessing of the Waters, Mad Greek Restaurant February 9, 2025 - Valentine's Day in Germany, Hillgarten Beer Garden, Hilliard March 15, 2025, Indian Holi Festival, Aab India Restaurant April 6, 2025 - Chinese: Hanchi / Qingming Festival May 4, 2025 - Japanese Golden Week, Akai Hana Japanese Restaurant June 8, 2025- Hawaiian King Kamehameha Day, Ohana Grill Hawaiian Restaurant July 5, 2025, 60's Nostalgia: Dance to the Moonbats, JT's Restaurant (Fabulous pub food and great beer, as well as dancing music). They play British Invasion music. Dining Out Fun Times Make New Friends ## Photos (1) [See all](https://www.meetup.com/funandfood/photos/34336422) Add photos