Annual So What Else Charity Gala 2025
2025-11-07 | Lakewood Country Club, 13901 Glen Mill Rd, Rockville, MD, 20850, United States
Annual So What Else Gala
Come support So What Else and everyone it serves at our Annual Gala!
SWE has continued to rise to the challenges faced by underserved communities in the local area.
Our dedicated team has persevered in running high-quality youth development programs, and fighting food insecurity.
Please join us in celebrating the crucial work we do.

Get all of the details here!

Thanksgiving Give Back Week 2025
2025-11-20 - 2025-11-26 | 4924 Wyaconda Rd, North Bethesda, MD 20852, 4924 Wyaconda Rd, North Bethesda, MD, 20852, United States
Give Back with So What Else this Thanksgiving to help us feed 30,000 people!
Every year So What Else hosts a week long of giving to ensure families receive food for Thanksgiving. This year our events will run from Thursday, November 20 through Wednesday, November 26. Our Wyaconda Food Pantry will have extended hours from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
We need your help to:

Drop off Thanksgiving food donations at our food pantry
Make a donation to So What Else to help us support our community
Volunteer with us to help us organize and provide Thanksgiving meals to families

For more information and if you’d like to contribute to our goal of raising $480,000 to support 30,000 families this year, click HERE.

Holiday Day of Giving
2025-12-20 05:00 - 15:00 UTC | 4924 Wyaconda Rd, North Bethesda, MD 20852, 4924 Wyaconda Rd, North Bethesda, MD, 20852, United States
Holiday Day of Giving 2025
Date: Saturday, December 20
Time: 5:00 AM-3:00 PM (Volunteer in shifts!)
Join us for a festive day of giving back to families in need! Volunteers will help distribute toys, a hot meal, Christmas trees, 75 lbs of food, and firewood to brighten the holidays for our community.
Enjoy hot cocoa and coffee in the morning, and families with kids can participate in fun holiday art projects while volunteering together.
Special Highlights:
11:00 AM: Event Tour
11:30 AM-12:00 PM: Q&A Session
12:00 PM: Lunch for Volunteers
Best Dressed Holiday Outfit Award: Show off your festive style!
How to Get Involved:
Volunteer: Sign up for a shift here and help us spread the joy this holiday season!
Sponsor: Companies interested in leveling up their impact can contact Executive Director Dave Silbert at: dsilbert@sowhatelse.org for more information on sponsorships.
Donate Food: This year, we are extending a heartfelt invitation to restaurants across the region to partner with us by providing free soup for families in need during the event. Your support can directly touch hundreds of lives in a meaningful way. Restaurants interested in partnering are encouraged to contact us Hunger Relief Director Megan Joe at mjoe@sowhatelse.org to coordinate contributions.

Bonefish Grill Give Back Night
2026-01-29 | Bonefish Grill, 82 Market Street, Gaithersburg, MD, 20878, United States
Dine at the Gaithersburg Bonefish Grill location on January 29, 2026 and show this flyer for 10% of net sales from the event to be donated to So What Else!

Kendra Scott Gives Back Event
2026-02-12 16:30 - 18:30 | Kendra Scott – Tysons Corner Center, 8093U Tysons Corner Center, Tysons, VA, 22102, United States
Join us for a Kendra Gives Back event!
Thursday, February 12th | 4:30pm–6:30pm
Kendra Scott Tysons Corner Center(2nd floor, next to the Bloomingdale’s wing)
20% of all sales will go directly back to So What Else
Can’t make it in store?
Shop online & use code GIVEBACK-LAXIW at checkout or place a phone order at 703-248-7013.
Must mention So What ElseGiveback code valid all day 2/12–2/14

Pearl & Rose x TGIF Pickleball Palooza
2026-02-22 10:00 - 16:00 | Dill Dinkers, 4942 Boiling Brook Pkwy, North Bethesda, MD, 20852, United States
Join us for the 2nd Annual Pickleball Palooza — a feel-good day on the courts for midlife women ages 45–65 who are looking for laughter, connection, and a fun way to spend the day with other amazing women.
This year’s event is proudly partnered with Pearl & Rose and Teach Give Inspire Fridays (TGIF) and all proceeds of this event benefits So What Else!
Whether you’re brand new to the game or ready to rally, expect laughter, connection, encouragement, and the kind of energy that makes you want to stay long after the last point is played. No matter your level of pickleball prowess, there is something for everyone at Pickleball Palooza.
Event Schedule

10:00–11:30 AM – Morning Clinics (Newbie & Beginner)
12:00–12:30 PM – Tournament Check-In
12:30 PM

Welcome remarks from David Silbert of So What Else?
Group warm-up led by Amy Peters of Shape of Strength

1:00 PM – Let the games begin (Advanced Beginner and Intermediate+)
By 4:00 PM – Tournament wraps up
(Feel free to stay, cheer, and socialize!)

REGISTER HERE

Capital Classic
2026-04-04 10:30 | Capital One Arena, 601 F St NW, Washington, DC, DC, 20004, United States
The 53rd Hoop Culture Capital Classic (presented by Events DC) returns to Capital One Arena on Saturday, April 4, 2026. One of the nation’s most prestigious high school all-star showcases, the Capital Classic brings together the next generation of basketball stars, featuring top DMV talent vs. elite players from across the United States in an unforgettable doubleheader experience.
At a Glance

Date: Saturday, April 4, 2026
Location: Capital One Arena (601 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20004)
Doors Open: 9:30 AM
Tip-Off: 10:30 AM
Tickets: On sale now (starting at $25)

Game Schedule

10:30 AM — Vicki Brick-Zupancic DMV Girls All-Star Game
12:00 PM — Boys Capital Classic Game

Why It Matters
This event uses its historic platform to support meaningful community causes:
So What Else will receive proceeds as well as our entire youth network will be able to come for free as well!

The Girls All-Star Game benefits the Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance
The Boys Game supports the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Washington
Through the Capital Classic Youth Foundation, the event also helps expand access and opportunities for young athletes on and off the court.

How To Get Involved

Want to attend the event? Buy tickets here
Interested in sponsoring the event or a SWE youth group’s attendance, bringing your own youth group, volunteering, or donating? Reach out to Dave Silbert at dsilbert@sowhatelse.org

6th Anniversary Open House of the So What Else Food Rescue Bank
2026-04-18 09:00 - 13:00 | 4924 Wyaconda Rd, North Bethesda, MD 20852, 4924 Wyaconda Rd, North Bethesda, MD, 20852, United States
Join us as we celebrate six years of impact at the So What Else Food Rescue Bank! This special Open House is a day of volunteering, connection, and celebration in honor of the incredible community that makes our work possible.
We welcome everyone to join us to celebrate our 6th year of fighting food insecurity! Lend a hand in distributing food, take a behind-the-scenes tour of the food rescue bank, and connect with supporters, partners and volunteers.
Event Details

Date: Saturday, April 18
Time: 9am-1pm (Volunteer shifts available 7am-3pm)
Location: So What Else Food Rescue Bank – 4924 Wyaconda Rd, North Bethesda, Maryland

Agenda

9-10am: Welcome Breakfast
10:30am: Gather for Official Event Kickoff
10:45am: Remarks from So What Else & Speakers
11:15am-12pm: Food Bank Tour and Q&A
12-1pm: Volunteer Appreciation Lunch sponsored by Mamma Lucia

How To Get Involved

Volunteer with us! Shifts are available between 7am-3pm. Sign up online here or reach out to volunteer@sowhatelse.org to sign up for a shift.
For information on sponsorships, partnerships, and other involvement in the event, contact info@sowhatelse.org

Cards for a Cause
2026-05-06 19:00 | 1610 E. Jefferson St. Rockville, MD 20852, 1610 E Jefferson St,, Rockville, MD, 20852, United States
Cards for a Cause – Charity Poker Tournament
Join us for Cards for a Cause, an exciting charity poker tournament where every hand played helps support So What Else and Nourish Now in their mission to fight food insecurity and serve local communities. Hosted by the Progress Club & MGM National Harbor!

Test your poker skills in a lively, competitive tournament.
Enjoy a night of fun, camaraderie, and giving back.
Every buy-in makes an impact—helping provide food and essential resources to those in need.

Whether you’re a seasoned player or just looking for a great night out, come go all in for a cause that matters!
📅 Wednesday, May 6, 2026
⏰ 5:45PM Registration + Dinner & Drinks | 7PM Cards Dealt
📍 Progress Club – 1610 E. Jefferson St. Rockville, MD 20852
$100 Buy-In (pre-tournament)|$125 at the door | $50 Social Fee (Dinner & Drinks only; non-player)
Winner receives Free entry into MGM Poker Tournament plus overnight stay and $200 Restaurant Voucher!
Register now

4th Annual Summer Soirée: Peace, Love & Nourish
2026-05-16 18:30 - 22:30 | Potomac, Maryland
The 4th Annual So What Else Summer Soiree is an exclusive evening of dinner, drinks and entertainment to benefit the So What Else Food Rescue Bank.
Event Details

Date: Saturday, May 16
Time: 6:30pm-10:3opm
Location: Potomac, Maryland (Exact location provided upon registration)
Ticket Price: $300/ticket
RSVP by: May 2

This year’s theme is Peace, Love & Nourish. The dress code is elevated hippie.
100% of proceeds will go toward food recovery and distribution efforts in the Greater Baltimore-Washington region.
How To Get Involved
To purchase tickets to the event or for information on sponsorships, please visit the event landing page here.

Metro Move Fest
2026-05-17 11:00 - 15:00 | Bethesda Chevy Chase High School, 4301 East-West Hwy, Bethesda, MD, 20814, United States
Metro Move Fest is a community-driven festival designed to bring people together through movement, connection, and purpose.
This inclusive event will feature a mix of competitive and recreational movement experiences, fitness activities, and opportunities for all ages and ability levels to participate.
Don’t miss a special appearance and football clinic with NFL Players Association guests!
Event Details

Date: Sunday, May 17
Time: 11am-3pm
Location: Bethesda Chevy Chase High School – 4301 East-West Highway, Bethesda MD 20814
Cost: Starting at $10

So What Else is the proud sponsor of the SWE Donation Derby!
Saddle up for a fun, fast-paced race that’s all about teamwork, community, and giving back. The So What Else Bag Donation Derby is a one-of-a-kind, Kentucky Derby–inspired event where teams will race to fill food donation bags. It’s got everything from derby hats to taped-up hooves!
How To Get Involved
⭐️ Ticket sales and donations go directly toward advancing So What Else’s food rescue and redistribution efforts ⭐️
Our goal is to send 200 families that So What Else serves to the event for free!
Attend
Buy tickets here to bring your family and friends to this fun day of movement!
Donate
Sponsor a family to attend the event and pick up food for their families. Donate $50 to sponsor a family of 4!
Please note “Ticket donation to So What Else” in your donation.
Volunteer
Come help with set-up, activities and food distribution to support your community!

Volunteer Shift – 10:30 AM – 3:30 PM: Sign up here
Volunteer Shift – 10:30 AM – 1:30 PM: Sign up here
Volunteer Shift – 12:30 – 3:30 PM: Sign up here

Teams/Groups/Organizations: Reach out to volunteer@sowhatelse.org

A Night of Local & Global Unity
2026-06-13 18:30 - 21:30 | Javid Residence, 11816 Smoketree Rd, Potomac, 20854, United States
Join us for an evening of compassion, culture, and unity as we come together through music, art, and storytelling to honor resilience, celebrate our shared humanity, and stand in solidarity with those affected by the recent uprising in Iran. Enjoy an authentic Persian tea room, delicacies, and a fusion Persian dinner followed by a candlelight performance by renowned Iranian and American singers and poets. This meaningful gathering supports So What Else, and victims impacted by the crackdown. Your presence will help turn hope, healing, and community into action.
Unity Bridge is honored to begin its first mission to connect communities through philanthropic and humanitarian efforts, in partnership with three amazing organizations.

So What Else, a large Food pantry, serving 1500-2000 families a week.
Houses, an organization that restores hope, dignity, and belonging to survivors of severe trauma and human rights violations, through inclusive, holistic care that honors each person’s journey toward healing.
Victims: Urgent humanitarian and medical support is needed for several Iranian survivors of violence, persecution, and displacement following recent political unrest in the country.

Event Details

Date: Saturday, June 13, 2026
Time: 6:30 PM
Location: Javid Residence, 11816 Smoketree Rd, Potomac, MD 20854
Cost: Starting at $125

Buy tickets here

Nourish & Flourish: An Inside Look at So What Else
2026-06-27 11:00 - 13:00 | 4924 Wyaconda Rd, North Bethesda, MD 20852, 4924 Wyaconda Rd, North Bethesda, MD, 20852, United States
As temperatures are rising, so are food and gas costs. We need your support to help us sustain operations and meet extreme demand. Join us at our special event for a day of volunteering, connection, and support to help fight hunger in our communities.
Lend a hand in distributing food, take a behind-the-scenes tour of the food rescue bank, and connect with supporters, partners and volunteers.
Event Details

Date: Saturday, June 27
Time: 11am-1pm (Volunteer shifts available 7am-3pm)
Location: So What Else Food Rescue Bank – 4924 Wyaconda Rd, North Bethesda, Maryland

Agenda

11:00am-12pm: Food Rescue Bank Tour and Q&A Session
12-1pm: Lunch

How To Get Involved

Volunteer with us! Shifts are available between 7am-3pm. Sign up online here or reach out to volunteer@sowhatelse.org to sign up for a shift.
Become a donor! Join our mission today and help us build a better DMV. Explore the many ways to donate here.
For information on sponsorships, partnerships, and other involvement in the event, contact info@sowhatelse.org.

2026 Summer Olympics
2026-07-31 09:00 - 15:00 | 1500 Anacostia Dr, Washington, DC 20020, 1500 Anacostia Dr, 20020, United States
🏅 2026 Youth Summer Olympics 🏅

Friday, July 31, 2026
9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Anacostia Park
1500 Anacostia Dr SE
Washington, DC 20020

In partnership with Mentoring Through Athletics, So What Else is hosting this free, full-day community event designed to promote youth health, wellness, and unity through movement and fun! As part of our summer camp curriculum, we are bringing together our summer campers from across the DC Metro area to get moving and have fun together.

Youth participants will represent different countries (i.e., SWE summer camp sites) and compete in Olympic-style games, fostering team spirit and cross-community connection. This event celebrates the Olympic values of friendship, peace, and diversity while building leadership and social skills along the way!
What to Expect at the Event

Team Events
Skill Competitions
Wellness Zones
Lunch and snacks provided!

How to Get Involved

Volunteer
Do you want to support in-person at the event? We need helping ensuring the event runs smoothly all day! We are looking for volunteers to run all of the activities stations, as well as lead dynamic and engaging workshops throughout the event. We are open to both individuals and teams.
✔️ Sign up to volunteer during the event — Shift 1: 8AM-12PM | Shift 2: 12-4PM
Donate or Become a Sponsor
Do you want to help us ensure this FREE event provides as much value to our youth participants as possible? Donate or be a sponsor of the event! Your donation or sponsorship will help us put on a truly special event for our summer campers!
✔️Click here to donate or become a sponsor
Sign Up Your Child or Group for the Event
We welcome all children (ages 6-13) and youth groups to join us for a day of movement, fun, wellness and community! Register by July 2nd.

✔️ Individual Sign-Up Form — Registration is now closed.

✔️ Group Sign-Up Form — Registration is now closed.
Please sign up for our newsletter for updates on next year’s Summer Olympics and other opportunities.

Day of Giving in Rocky Mount, NC
2026-08-01 07:30 - 09:30 | Abundant Life Ministries, 734 Falls Rd., Rocky Mount, NC, 27804
So What Else is partnering with Abundant Life Ministries for a special food distribution in Rocky Mount, NC. Join us for the 20th anniversary of Abundant Life Ministries and to strengthen our community by providing food and hope to individuals and families.
Event Details

Date: Saturday, August 1, 2026
Time: 7:30-9:30 AM
Location: Abundant Life Ministries, 734 Falls Rd., Rocky Mount, NC 27804

Get Involved

Volunteer or partner — Contact abundantlifeministriesrm@gmail.com.
Donate to support this effort. Please note “NC” for the contribution designation.

Bingo Happy Hour
2026-08-06 17:00 | 11920 Grand Park Ave, North Bethesda, MD 20852, 11920 Grand Park Ave, North Bethesda, MD, 20852, United States
Join us for BINGO Happy Hour, benefiting So What Else, on Thursday, August 6 at Pinstripes in North Bethesda.
Enjoy happy hour, beer, wine, delicious bites, exciting bingo games, and great prizes while supporting So What Else’s mission to provide food, youth programs, and critical resources to children and families across our community. Thank you to Hope and Light Collective for hosting this fun event!
Event Details
Thursday, August 6
Happy Hour: 5:00–6:00 PM
Bingo: 6:00–8:00 PM
Pinstripes (2nd Floor Ballroom)
11920 Grand Park Ave., North Bethesda, MD
A $20 suggested donation gets you in the game, with all proceeds supporting So What Else’s work in the community.
Bring your friends, enjoy a great night out, and help create lasting impact. We hope to see you there!

Annual So What Else Golf & Pickleball Tournament
2026-10-26 | Norbeck Country Club, 1720 Cashell Road, Rockville, MD, 20853, United States
Join us on October 26th for a fun day of friendly competition, delicious food, and more at the 10th Annual So What Else & Mamma Lucia’s Golf & Pickleball Tournament!
Click here to enter the tournament or become a sponsor!
Event Details

Date: Monday, October 26, 2026
Time: 8 AM – 4 PM
Location: Norbeck Country Club — 17200 Cashell Road, Rockville, MD 20853

Golf Tournament Schedule

8 – 9 AM — Registration
9 AM — Shotgun Start
9 AM – 3PM — Golf Tournament
2 – 4 PM — Reception

Pickleball Tournament Schedule

9 – 10 AM — Breakfast and Welcome
10 AM – 12:30 PM — Round Robin and Tournament Play
12:30 PM — Sausages on the Turn – Stay and enjoy lunch with us!

Everyone is also welcome to join us afterward for the Golf Reception.

16th Annual So What Else Love One Another Gala
2026-11-06 18:30 - 23:30 | Lakewood Country Club, 13901 Glen Mill Rd, Rockville, MD, 20850, United States
