About CHD
Columbia Heights Day Initiative is a local, independent, grassroots 501(c )(3). We were developed to kick-start the Columbia Heights Day Festival to host community events through volunteer efforts and corporate donations. Our goal is to highlight Columbia Heights businesses, to provide information from community organizations, and to promote the values, character and history that make Columbia Heights what it is: a neighborhood of relationships principled on generosity, inclusion, harmony and family.
Two years ago, we decided to "put-up or shut-up" after discussing how wonderful a community celebration, akin to the Adams Morgan Day Festival, would be for Columbia Heights. Seeing no other alternative, we rounded up a few friends who liked the idea and pitched the concept to a few local businesses, Councilmember Jim Graham and local civic associations. Everyone we approached enthusiastically endorsed the idea, and before we knew it we had created a 501(c)(3), registered with the city, opened a bank account, and had a fundraiser. Too bad that's not all it takes to organize a festival. . . .
This year marks the 3rd annual Columbia Heights Day Festival. The event date is Saturday, August 29, 2009. We have reserved the Harriet Tubman Elementary field, and Kenyon Street will be closed from 11th Street to 13th Street. Our basic idea is to celebrate our unique community and bring its people (every single soul) together. While anyone can attend, festival booths and kiosks are limited to only D.C. restaurants, artists and businesses (especially those in or near Columbia Heights). We would love for every possible community organization to be represented. We want our neighbors to celebrate together at our community's attractions and on their blocks before and after the festival. Come celebrate with us!
General Contact
- 1314 Kenyon St. NW
- Washington, DC 20010
- columbiaheightsday@gmail.com
Columbia Heights Initiative Team
- Sergio Herrera
- 979.229.9139
- President and Executive Director
- Alan Petner
- Vice President
- Allison Basker
- 202.290.4729
- Chief Operating Officer and Treasurer
- Iris Chavez
- Secretary
- Rose Donna
- Board Chair
- Tavarious Butts
- Board Member
- Patrick Mara
- Board Member
- Donald Parker
- Treasurer
- Michael Corones
- Webmaster
- Kenny Dubin
- Perfromance Director
- Hilary Turnipseed
- Community and Government Outreach
- Lindsay Hill
- Family Programming Associate
- Ian Wolf
- Media Liaison
- Jeff Stein
- Program Associate
- Jamie Treworgy
- Program Associate