It?s another feather in his hat ? his chef?s hat, that is. Roy?s Hawaiian Fusion?s founder Roy Yamaguchi was in town last Tuesday for their sixth anniversary party at the Baltimore location. Fans of Chef Yamaguchi have seen him on countless television appearances, including a recent stint as a celebrity judge in the finals of the reality show “Top Chef.”
This was also a party with a cause; proceeds from the ticket sales, 50/50 raffle and silent auction went to the Muscular Dystrophy Association. Supporters were greeted by Polynesian dancers and in true Hawaiian tradition, the ladies received a fresh floral lei, gentleman the Kukui nut lei. (Insert male joke here ? how the gals got flowers, and the guys got nuts.)
Back to Waikiki-Baltimore, where Socially Speaking came across Baltimore attorney Al Day, a self-professed Roy?s addict. Seems he has made it a habit to visit as many Roy?s restaurants as he can nationwide. Bartender CoolDJ-Willie served up some exotic cocktails that could pass for artwork. “One is just as pretty as the next one he makes,” commented Liz Losover, Roy?s fan and longtime supporter of the MDA. Guiding this luau was Roy?s managing partner Byrson L. Keens, who had a blast participating in the hula lessons.
The power team of Janinne Rodgers and Mary Lynn Mullican from Hill & Company brought client Merrie Griffin, who?s new to Charm City, as chief of the Department of Nursing and Anesthesiologists at Johns Hopkins Hospital. All this fun brought lots of coconuts to the “panako,” which means bank,in Hawaiian, by raising more than $10,000 for the MDA. For more information on this organization, call 410-494-7106 or mdusa.org.
FOR THE LOVE OF A SISTER
It?s not very often you will see the chairman and chief executive of a bank out washing cars. Ed Hale, fearless leader of the 1st Mariner Bank, did just that last weekend. He and a cast of characters, including Elvis impersonators, held a car wash with the proceeds going to his sister?s foundation. Jane Hale Jones lost her battle with breast cancer in 2006, and this foundation was formed to raise funds for some of Jane?s favorite charities.
The car wash raised $1,200 and will be added to the proceeds from a bazaar this weekend at the Du Burns Arena, Boston Street and Ellwood Avenue in Canton. Rumor has it that Ed has donated a little something-something to the bazaar, and if you have ever been lucky enough to check out his digs at Mount Mariner, it surely will be lovely. For more information on this event or the foundation, go to janeslegacyfoundation.org.
ANNE?S PICKS OF THE WEEK
» What: The Women?s Auxiliary of the Engineers Club Afternoon Tea
» When: 2 to 4 p.m., Sept. 11
» Where: The Garrett-Jacobs Mansion, 11 West Mount Vernon Place, Baltimore
» Tickets: $25, proceeds going to the improvement fund for the historic mansion
» Info: Call 410-321-1295 for ticket information
» What: The National Academy Foundation 13th Annual Academy Awards
» When: 6 p.m., Sept.17
» Where: The Renaissance Harborplace Hotel
» Tickets: $100 per person, can be purchased on baltimoreacademies.org or call 443-984-1593
» Info: Baltimore High School will honor leaders in the hospitality and tourism, finance and information technology industries ? this is the school?s largest fundraiser.
Anne Boone-Simanski is the social columnist for The Examiner and can be reached at [email protected] or 410-878-6131.
