What's new....

The Catalogue for Philanthropy: Greater Washington is pleased to announce that Perry School Community Services Center, Inc. has been chosen by reviewers for the 2010-11 Catalogue. Selected from a field of nearly 240 organizations the Catalogue calls Perry Center, Inc. "one of the best small charities in the Washington DC Region" visit the new Catalogue website at cfp-dc.org

Family Night

Perry Center's Social Services and Youth Development Department have recently started Family Night, a new monthly get-together where families have dinner together, and participate in educational activities and workshops. Some of the highlights so far include communication-building role-playing, working on art projects, and even a healthy snacking workshop that cumulated in families having to work together to prepare a healthy meal for the entire group.

Summer Appeal: We Need Your Support

During these hard economic times, there are even more demands on Perry Center this summer. An important summer Perry project is CAMP DREAM. With your support, over 60 kids who are currently enrolled in Perry's after-school programs can enjoy a fun-filled camp experience that gives inner-city children a safe and enriching place to go when school is out. Camp highlights range from building and launching underwater robots to field trips to museums and plays! Click here now to donate.

Spring Job Fair: A Success!

Perry Center, Inc. had one of its bi-annual Job, Career & Health Screening Expo on April 14, 2010 at Gallaudet University. The event showcased 54 different vendors that offered a wide variety of career-related assistance, from employment opportunities to programs for higher education. One of the vendors represented, DC Central Kitchen, also catered the event, offering a free lunch to all of the more than 400 individuals who attended.

Pollin Family Honors Abe Pollin Commitment to the Community with a Private Stevie Wonder Concert

In honor of the late Abe Pollin, the Pollin family honored the employees of their company, Washington Sports and Entertainment, and those of several civic and public service organizations with a free, private concert event featuring legendary entertainer Stevie Wonder on Wednesday, May 26 at Verizon Center.

The concert was open to employees and family members from the following list of civic organizations: Capital Area Food Bank, DC Department of Public Works, DC Fire Department, DC Metropolitan Police Department, DC Public School teachers and staff, George Washington Hospital, Jubilee Jobs, Metro, Perry Center, Inc., Sibley Hospital, Sister to Sister and Thrive DC.

Young Leadership Council Hosts Kentucky Derby Event

Our 2nd annual Kentucky Derby event was held on May 1st at the Iron Horse taproom in Penn Quarter. The night was hosted by Perry Center Young Leadership Council, a group of young professionals who donate their time to the efforts of spreading awareness and helping to organize fundraising events.

Guests enjoyed hor d'oeuvres as they watched the televised races and tried their hand at shuffleboard and ski ball. There was an exciting selection of raffle items that ranged from Ballroom dancing lessons for two to four VIP tickets to Preakness! The over 250 guests in attendance helped to raise more than $16,000 from a combination of ticket sales, sponsorships, and raffles.

Night at the Museum

On April 16th, the Perry Center hosted the first of a future annual event, Night at the Museum, an art gallery opening and silent auction. All of the art pieces were created by children involved in the Perry Center, Inc. youth development programs, and twelve of these artists were present at the event to explain their techniques to potential buyers. By the end of the show, 26 art pieces had been auctioned off for at least $30 each.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Community Day: We Want YOU to Donate!

Community Day is scheduled for August 14, 2010. This event brings together community members for a day of fun, food and games on the lawn in front of the Perry Center. Riding on the excitement of going back to school and aligning with Perry's mission of strengthening clients' education base and providing job skills, we pass out over 500 backpacks filled with school supplies to the youth in the community. Community members also enjoy the moon bounce, DJ, BBQ and games (volunteers needed!) in the afternoon. Currently, we are seeking volunteer support and donations for the backpack drive for the event. If you're interested in helping out, please contact Sarah Reintjes, our Director of Development, at (202) 213-2449 or sreintjes@perryschool.org

TEAM UP! Save the Date- November 6th!

You are invited to this year's TEAM UP! to help us raise money for the Perry Center, Inc. It will be held at the National Education Association (at 1202 16th Street NW) on Saturday, November 6th. The night promises to be a fun one, featuring dinner and cocktails, and then rounds of trivia played by teamed-up tables. An individual ticket is $125- we hope to see you there! More information will follow closer to the date.