Proceeds from the event went to the B’nai B’rith Flood, Tornado and Hurricane Disaster Relief Fund, which was opened May 21 after a strong tornado devastated the Oklahoma City suburb of Moore. B’nai B’rith International has been committed to disaster relief since 1865 and continues to play a major role in providing short- and long-term relief to victims of disaster across America and throughout the world.
In addition to the individual attendance fees, proceeds for the happy hour also came from the sale of raffle tickets and the auctioning of an autographed baseball bat signed by Nationals outfielder Bryce Harper. Amanda Ladden-Stirling attended the fundraiser to support the Oklahoma campaign. She’s a big Nationals fan and won the silent auction for the autographed bat. “I’m going to give the bat to my father, and we’ll proudly put it on display,” said Ladden-Stirling.
Raffle items also included autographed baseballs signed by the Nationals’ Jason Werth and Ryan Zimmerman, an autographed hockey stick signed by the Capitals’ Alex Ovechkin and Baltimore Orioles baseball tickets. Other items were donated by Georgetown University, Sixth & I Historic Synagogue and Mr. Yogato, a D.C. frozen yogurt shop.
The autographed hockey stick was won by Laura Bentz. She managed to take home the stick, winning it via an impromptu rock, paper, scissors duel after the owner of the first ticket pulled from the raffle had left early and was unable to claim the prize.
In addition to the happy hour, the Washington, D.C. BBYPN has regular embassy events, a monthly trivia night co-hosted with Sixth & I, as well as social and community service programs. Those interested in attending or getting involved with the BBYPN should email Renee Howard Rodriguez, B’nai B’rith young leadership director, at rrodriguez@bnaibrith.org.
To donate to the Oklahoma City Disaster Relief Fund, visit http://bit.ly/17RN9qk.