A Weekend of Fundraisers for Carolina Alcalde
The derecho that hit the DMV at the end of June is still a conversation topic around town and, for many, the effects are still being felt. One of those people is Carolina Alcalde, 38, who was hit by a falling tree as she made her way home up 15th Street on her motorcycle during the storm, paralyzing her from the midsection down. People who spotted the accident from their home across the street rushed to help her, removing the tree and catching an ambulance as it passed by. Alcalde thankfully lived through the accident, but faces a long recovery for a severed spinal cord, five broken ribs, a fractured shoulder blade, and lung trauma.
While Alcalde will remember that storm for the rest of her life, her strength of personality, as described by her friends, will ensure that she won’t let it overshadow her. She is active in organizations such as Latinas Leading Tomorrow, a national program for Latina youth, the LGBT business community, and the Latin American Motorcycle Association.
This week, there are four fundraisers for Alcalde and her family to help with the huge cost her injuries will incur—up to $600,000 in the first year alone.
Wednesday, July 25
8 p.m. - Midnight
Join CampoCaro at the Rooftop at Rockville Town Center for a no-cover evening where 100% of the drink proceeds will fund Alcalde’s recovery. This red-line-accessible venue's beautiful view and a pile of raffle prizes will definitely make this night a success.
Friday, July 27
9 p.m. - close
Phase 1 might be one of your regular haunts, but this Friday there’s an extra reason to head over to Eastern Market. The night is a benefit for Alcalde and her family, with a $10 cover and $3 drink specials.
Sunday, July 29
9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
The Mohawk Ryderz are hosting a scenic morning ride starting from the Hard Times Café & Cue in Manassas. After a breakfast buffet and door prizes, kickstands go up around 10:30 a.m., with plans to return to the café in time for the bikini bike wash at 1 p.m. (below)
Sunday, July 29
1 p.m. - 5 p.m.
This event, hosted by the Latin American Motorcycle Association, will feature women in bikinis washing motorcycles, just in case you needed some extra motivation to get out there. If you have a bike or a friend with a bike, a country ride to this fun afternoon will be a great way to spend your Sunday. Proceeds go to Alcalde and Friends of the Wounded Veterans.
If you can’t make it to any of these events, consider making a donation to Alcalde’s cause through CampoCaro, the group of friends and family leading the fundraising, or join the CampoCaro Facebook group to keep up-to-date on her recovery.
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Victoria
During the day Mandy works at a small gallery in Dupont Circle. After-hours she can frequently be found at gallery openings and artist’s studios, on the lookout for new talent around the DMV. After-after-hours--if Mandy isn’t on the dance floor--she’s sitting in the corner, mulling over her G&T, waiting for the day Aubrey Plaza walks up to her at the bar.