Wine and beer may not be the first things that come to mind when you think of children’s literacy. But a fundraiser is combining the two in an event called “Of Wine & Words.”

The Reading Connection is hosting the event on Friday at the Boeing Conference Center (1200 Wilson Blvd). Attendees can enjoy a wine and beer tasting, food from local restaurants and a silent auction.

WJLA Meteorologist Brian van de Graff will emcee and children’s book author Jarrett J. Krosoczka will be the literacy honoree. Lyon Hall‘s Executive Pastry Chef Rob Valencia has earned the distinction of being the event’s first ever Chef Chair.

A special VIP reception will allow guests to speak with Krosoczka, Valencia and representatives from Tallgrass Brewery and Chateau O’Brien at Northpoint winery.

The 8th Annual Of Wine & Words runs from 7:00-10:00 p.m., and the VIP reception begins at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $75 per person, or $115 including the VIP reception.




The Arlington Young Democrats are preparing for their biggest night of the year, not counting election night.

The Young Dems will be holding their 10th annual charity date auction Wednesday from 7:00 to 10:00 p.m. at Clarendon Grill (1101 N. Highland Street). More than 100 people have RSVPed for the event, which will feature “over twenty of Arlington’s sexiest bachelors and bachelorettes,” as well as celebrity auctionees Rep. Jim Moran, Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, former Rep. Tom Perriello and former DNC Chair Terry McAuliffe.

AYD has released YouTube videos featuring two of its non-celebrity auctionees. Kat, above, is a personal trainer who says she can squat 175 pounds, enough to (probably) lift her date. Be forewarned, gents: you don’t want to pay for her meal with a Groupon. Chris, seen here, will take a lucky lady on a Potomac River sailboat ride with wine and cheese. He expects to fetch at least $10 to $15 at auction.

The auction will benefit the Arlington Street People’s Assistance Network. Attendees are encouraged to bring a new pair of men’s boxer shorts — in large, XL or XXL sizes — to donate at the door for a raffle ticket.


The Arlington Young Democrats are holding their 9th annual date auction tonight at the 7:00 p.m. at Clarendon Grill (1101 N. Highland Street).

Attendees (185 have RSVPed on Facebook) are asked to donate $5 and a canned or non-perishable food item at the door. The auction benefits the Arlington Food Assistance Center.

In addition to the 30 bachelors and bachelorettes being auctioned off, raffle drawings will be held for the following prizes:

  • Lunch with Congressman Jim Moran
  • Lunch with Terry McAuliffe, former Democratic National Committee chair and former Virginia gubernatorial candidate
  • Tasting for four at Boccato Gelato
  • Wine tasting for 20 at Best Cellars
  • Weekend getaway to Shenandoah River vacation home