During the holiday season, the Ford’s Theatre Society partnered with D.C. non-profit Miriam’s Kitchen for a donation drive that would embody the themes of charity portrayed in the Dicken’s classic “A Christmas Carol,” which was performed at the Ford’s Theatre from November 18 through December 31. Connie Milstein, a local philanthropist and businesswoman, serves as a member of the theatre’s Board of Trustees.

Earlier this month, the Ford’s Theatre Society announced that the donation drive raised $83,007 for Miriam’s Kitchen. The local non-profit has served as a critical resource for the District’s nearly 12,000 homeless individuals for the last 30 years. Through the work of volunteers, the kitchen provides meals, mental health and medical care, legal assistance, substance abuse counseling and case management services in a safe and encouraging environment. On December 8, members of the “Christmas Carol” staff spent the afternoon and evening at Miriam’s Kitchen, cooking and serving dinner.

“I am deeply touched and grateful for our audience’s overwhelming generosity this holiday season,” said Paul R. Tetreault, Director of Ford’s Theatre Society in a press release. “This tremendous outpouring of goodwill will help Miriam’s Kitchen feed and provide critical resources for thousands in need within Washington.”

This is the third year that Ford’s Theatre has partnered with an area non-profit during its performances of “A Christmas Carol.” In 2010, the theatre raised over $77,000 for So Others Might Eat (SOME). It partnered with Bread for the City in 2009 and helped raise money to provide 1,846 meals for D.C. families.

With St. Patrick’s Day upon us, it’s time to enjoy yourself at Quill, Jefferson Hotel’s elegant lounge. Quill, as part of the Jefferson Hotel which was beautifully restored by Ogden CAP Properties, LLC with Connie Milstein, is getting inspired with the holiday.

The Quill Cocktails on St. Patrick’s Day will include an 1800’s Irish coffee recipe, a specialty four leaf clover Mojito that is made with fresh limes, a fresh watercress and tarragon mixed with Bluecoat gin and green tea liquor, and an Irish Whiskey tasting. The Irish Whiskey tasting will include: Jameson 12 years, Knappogue 12 years and Clontarf.

If that’s not enough, Quill is also offering great fun to the first 70 guests. They will be able to sample one of the homemade four leaf clover St. Patrick’s Day cookies. Quill is getting into the holiday spirit and looks forward to welcoming guests to do so as well.

At the Kennedy Center’s gala in honor of the 50^th anniversary of John F. Kennedy’s presidency, Denyce Graves sang a powerful tribute to Grace Bumbry and the White House concert in 1962, in which Bumbry was introduced to America. Bumbry, a 2009 Kennedy Center Honoree, pushed past racial, social and artistic boundaries through her voice.

The event is part of the Rubenstein Program, and is supported by David and Alice Rubenstein, Connie Milstein and others.

Connie Milstein

The Collegiate Seminar Program is an exclusive program established by NYU graduate Connie Milstein in 2007. This special program, unique to NYU’s College of Arts and Science, provides seminars for freshmen students and creates a mentoring relationship with the faculty of the Seminar program with each student; a relationship that continues throughout the student’s undergraduate careers.

Connie Milstein has been the force behind other innovative programming at the University, including the establishment of a branch of NYU in Washington, D.C., the Constance Milstein and Family Academic Center. With a branch in the nation’s capital, students of politics have a ‘home away from home’ in which to observe the workings of government up close.

Connie Milstein is about to embark on a new building project, the Washington, D.C. branch of the New York University study-abroad program.  Ms. Milstein is directing $10 million to construct the 12-story, 75,000-square-foot center, which will join 11 other extensions of NYU which are located throughout the world.

The Washington, D.C. campus will offer a one semester study-abroad program in which students will be able to learn journalism, political science and American history just steps away from the White House, in one of the most powerful governmental cities  in the world.

Groundbreaking is due to commence in September, 2010 with the first students arriving at the campus for spring semester in 2012. Students will arrive to find a building with dormitories on the upper floors, suitable for 125 students. The rest of the building will house lecture halls and seminar rooms. Located within the walls of the new building will also be the offices of Government and Community Affairs and the Brademas Center for the Study of Congress.

Connie Milstein explains her special interest in this project:

“I used to think New York was the capital of the world, but being in D.C. will give these students a totally different view of the United States and its position in the world.  It’s an important place to teach students how the government works and the history of the U.S., not to mention opportunities for internships, which will allow them to understand the political system and get exposure to a much larger global network.”

New York University is the latest recipient of the largesse of Connie Milstein and her philanthropic activities.  Ms. Milstein is embarking on a $10 million project to expand the NYU campus to Washington D.C. by building an extension there.

The 12-story building will be the 12th additional campus for NYU which houses their extensive study-abroad program. The Washington campus will join the other satellite campuses which are located in internationally important cities such as London, Shanghai, and Tel Aviv. The Washington, D.C. program will be offering a one semester study-abroad program in journalism, political science and American history. Internships will also be offered in various government offices and non-governmental organizations.

The new building will be located on  northwest L Street, just a few blocks from the White House. Ground-breaking for the new structure is scheduled to commence in September, 2010.