The Good People Party: A Night of Community, Conversation, and Celebration

by Phil Di Ruggiero

A Night Worth Remembering

On Friday, November 21, we hosted our Good People Party at the Engel & Völkers Washington, DC shop - and the name truly captured the spirit of the night. Friends, family, and clients filled the space with warmth and good energy, and the Phil Di Ruggiero Team, including Phil, Nic Makris, and Shane Butler - was grateful to share the evening with the people who make our lives and work meaningful.

Music, Food, and Connection

The band Emergency Mouse kept the atmosphere lively with a lineup of familiar cover songs, capped by a surprise freestyle from Phil that had the whole room smiling. Guests enjoyed top-notch barbecue and food that earned plenty of compliments, while Tom the Bartender made sure no glass went empty.

What stood out most were the conversations - deep, engaging, and filled with the kind of authenticity you only get when the room is full of good people. Folks from all walks of life connected, laughed, and reminded us why community is at the heart of what we do.

Shining a Light on Special Olympics

The party also carried a purpose close to our hearts. We were honored to welcome the President and CEO of Special Olympics Washington, DC, along with Special Olympics athlete Madison Gaines, who joined us for the evening and brought a joyful presence to the room.

Throughout the night, attendees donated via QR codes placed around the event, helping us raise over $1,600 to support the incredible work of Special Olympics. The generosity was inspiring, and our fundraising doesn’t stop there.

For anyone who would like to join in and help us continue supporting this important organization, donations can still be made through this link.

We Love Good People

Real estate is ultimately a people-first business, and events like this allow us to honor the relationships behind every home, move, and investment. For those who came, thank you for bringing your spirit and good vibes. For those who couldn’t make it, we hope this recap offers a glimpse of what made the evening special - and encourages you to join us at the next Good People Party.