In April 2007, the Capitol Hill Business Improvement District (BID) planted an 8-foot evergreen tree (species cedrus deodara) in Eastern Market Metro Plaza’s Northwest Quadrant to honor our founding President George Didden III. Just days before the dedication ceremony, George was stricken with a devastating illness and spent months fighting for his life.
In light of his precarious condition, the BID Board decided George deserved a more monumental tree. After 3 months of eager anticipation, the perfect tree (affectionately named “Big George”) made the cross-country trip from its original location in Oregon and was planted in September 2007.
On December 7, 2007 the community came together to illuminate the tree for the
first time adding a dash of holiday cheer to our neighborhood.
Just a few weeks later, right before Christmas, George Didden — our friend, colleague, community partner and leader, passed away. We’re told he was very happy to know both trees were here.
In the summer of 2019 the tree was diagnosed with a fatal disease and was no longer able to be decorated for the holidays. We are thankful that the original tree “Little George”
(the tree being lit this Saturday) still flourishes and now stands at a strong 30’ in honor of
George Didden and his indelible contributions to Capitol Hill.
Join us for the 13th Annual Capitol Hill Tree Lighting TOMORROW Saturday, November 30 at 5:30 PM in the SW Quadrant of Eastern Market Metro Plaza.
SUPPORT READY, WILLING & WORKING THIS GIVING TUESDAY
Giving Tuesdayis next week butReady, Willing & Working is getting a jump start on the season by asking you NOW to support the organization that helps formerly incarcerated or homeless men get back on their feet so they can be fathers to their children.
Help us reach our goal of $15,000 by Tuesday, Dec. 3 with a contribution that will impact dads, kids and our great city! Give what you can~ every dollar helps.
If you want to make your donation in person, Ready, Willing & Working is hosting a Happy Hour at Trattoria Alberto on Giving Tuesday, December 3 from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM.
Hand in your donation, grab dinner
or a happy hour drink, and a portion of the
restaurants proceeds will benefit RWW .
From Thanksgiving until New Year’s Day, Capitol Hill Hotel is offering a special Spare Room Package designed for friends and family visiting Capitol Hill residents this holiday season.
The package offer is 15% off superior and one bedroom suites, complimentary parking and use of the hotel's mobile wrapping paper station to wrap all those important holiday gifts for friends and loved ones.
Guests can prepare themselves to spend time with extended family with a “Christmas Vacation”-themed wine hour featuring, of course, eggnog in a moose punch bowl.
Ready, Willing & Working has been designated as the beneficiary for a month long World's Finest Chocolate Fundraiser at Frager's HardwareNovember 30 - December 31! This is in honor of their company wide initiative to support a local community organization affiliated with 11 DC/Baltimore area Ace locations.
100% of the profits from each chocolate bar sold at the register at Frager's Hardware ($1 each) will be donated to RWW to help provide supportive services including case management, relapse prevention and life-skills training to our clean team members.
Stop by Frager's Hardware any time in December to grab a chocolate bar and support RWW!
