RaPpfest ’12 A Capitol Affair; Scenic Fundraiser Raises Thousands For Georgetown's Lombardi Cancer Center!

NORTHWEST -- Sometimes a family affair is just that, while at other times it’s not. And as evidenced by the hundreds of Washingtonians who streamed onto the picturesque rooftop terrace of 101 Constitution Ave., NW on Saturday night, the 2012 edition of RaPpfest was most definitely a celebration of family and friends.

What started out as a fairly intimate annual family gathering organized by Kevin Rapp in honor of his father, the late William Anthony Rapp III, has grown over the years into an outright fundraising event.

Last year, RaPpfest made the leap from the family’s hometown of Kensington, Maryland to the District, where it has since remained. A change for 2012, however, was the new nighttime setting, which clearly was welcomed by ticketholders eager to cut loose for the weekend.

Greasing the wheels of the benefit’s crowded dance floor on Saturday was popular D.C.-based Motown band The Mustangs, who kept guests grooving on the venue’s outdoor patio until the very end.

With all proceeds, including ticket sales and silent auction receipts, from RaPpfest earmarked for Georgetown University's Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, it was important to the event’s organizers to save as much money as possible in planning the event.

And thus everyone from the bartenders pouring chilled glasses of beer and wine to the attendants at the entrance on Saturday were unpaid volunteers, who donated their time in exchange for a great cause and an equally great party.

While much of the city sat paralyzed by the weekend’s thunderstorms, the overcast skies failed to make a dent in RaPpfest’s festive and philanthropic plans thanks to an enormous white tent that shielded guests from the rain.

Indeed, taking the rapp for something has never been quite so much fun.