By Alexia Pugh and Andrew Rouff, STRIVE Interns
Events DC’s 10 STRIVE interns planned a super fun employee appreciation event for Martha’s Table.
The Martha’s Table Appreciation Event was a great way for the interns to dive into the events world and get a complete understanding of what Events DC really does while giving back to the community. Martha’s Table is an organization that provides education, health and familial support, and access to healthy foods to local youth and their families.
Events DC, an active and engaged member of the District, is committed to continue its support of non-profit organizations, as well as encouraging the next generation towards success in the hospitality industry. The STRIVE (Students Training in Rich Individual and Valuable Experiences) summer interns work in every department in the company. The program also focuses on professionalism, communication, respect, teamwork; and accountability.
The interns were given money, some loose guidelines and told to dream up an event to celebrate the Martha’s Table staff. They planned a 90s cookout themed with hot lunches, games, a photobooth and gift boxes containing a light-up speaker and electronic stylus for each of the employees. There were also multiple raffle prizes that anybody could win, including tickets to a Nationals game, a Wizards jersey and a Visa gift card. The main prize was two tickets to a Kevin Hart concert!
In addition, the interns put together a “Thank You Video,” featuring Events DC Interim President and Chief Executive Officer Samuel Thomas, vice presidents and department heads thanking the employees of Martha’s Table for everything they do for the community. The Martha’s Table crew were encouraged by Thomas to “...keep up the magnificent work.”
As a part of their 10-week internship, every Friday, executives and accomplished people in the company came and spoke about their path to Events DC and gave words of wisdom. They also held lessons about soft skills. For example, the interns did exercises on implicit bias and communication to help them operate better in a workplace environment. Lastly, they volunteered at different charities and non-profits throughout DC.
Their first volunteering opportunity was at the Ronald McDonald House where they did various tasks to clean up the house and make it more organized. The next opportunity was at Martha’s Table where they bagged groceries and made sandwiches for people in need. They went on to volunteer at Bread for the City, Food & Friends, and Capital Area Food Bank over the course of their internship.
Throughout their summer here at Events DC, the interns were able to experience what it means to be an Events DC employee through their hard work both in the office and in the community.
