If you have traveled past Canton in Baltimore lately you surely have seen Mount Mariner (aka The 1st Mariner Bank Tower), a structure that very much contains many of the same characteristics of 1st Mariner Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Ed Hale ? tall, attractive and charming.
Last Friday, Ed kicked up his boots by hosting the “Boots-N-Bangles Bar-B-Cure” to benefit The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.
Starting it all off was a V.I.W. (Very Important Wranglers) reception atop Penthouse Hale, where the views of Baltimore are amazing. Some of the tenderfoots who showed up for this fine affair included William Badger (an exec at M&T Bank), “crabby” sisters Cheri Cernak and Cindy Bacon (of the Baltimore seafood institution Obrycki?s), and cutie Kyle Richardson (former Ravens kicker) and his beautiful wife, Dawn.
After the reception we herded down a few floors for a good old-fashioned hootenanny. On the way, Gloria Lighthizer turned to her hubby, former Anne Arundel County Executive Jim Lighthizer Sr., and quipped, “Wonder what the Penthouse parting gifts will be. Darn, I wish I had brought a bigger purse.”
The inspiration to this fundraiser was Conor Lighthizer, Jim?s son and a 1st Mariner employee who died at age 28 of ketoacidosis, a complication of juvenile diabetes, during a September 2006 hike with his dad in California?s Sierra Nevada.
Said Conor?s brother Jimmy, while holding his wife of one week, Jen, close to his side: “Thank you, Ed, for honoring my brother and my family with this fantastic night to raise money for the JDRF.”
“Wanted” posters ? as in “Wanted: A surefire cure for diabetes” ? dotted the 10th floor, showing the faces of kids living with diabetes. One of the more poignant posters spotlighted 5-year-old Aidan Woodward, whose quote read: “When a cure is found I will have a big party and celebrate with cake!”
Committee Chair Lauren McMahon was thrilled with the support given by the 500 or so generous cowpokes. The event?s program exclaimed; “Throw out that tux and help raise some bucks!” The call was heeded, as more than $235,000 was raised.
A SAINTLY THING TO DO
Edward St. John (St. John Properties) is just that ? a saint ? to the folks at Cystic Fibrosis.
Recently, St. John hosted a party at his lovely home on the Severn River to benefit The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. This just wasn?t any party ? it was a “Grape” Gatsby affair to honor H&S Properties President Michael S. Beatty.
Flappers and their fellas got all dolled up at this scenic Severn speakeasy to kick up their gams, just like the invitation read. Speaking of gams, Baltimore divorce attorney Julie Ellen Landau was showing off her sexy wheels in support of CFF.
As the movie “The Great Gatsby” played on the big screen, guys and dolls sipped on fine wines provided by AXIOS-Napa Valley. Part of the ritzy crowd included event chairs Gus Kalaris and Aris Melissaratos; committee member Bob Saunders and his wife, Judy; Entre Quest CEO Jason Pappas; and entertainer extraordinaire Russ Margo.
To say the live auction was anything short of lively would be an understatement, thanks to St. John Properties? Dennis Castleman, as he showed off his auctioneer talents.
“Come on folks, it?s just money, and we are so close to a cure,” he reminded everyone.
It worked, as more than $150,000 was raised.
YOU CALL THAT FUNNY?
Mr. Media himself ? Eddie Applefeld ? recently had the pleasure of dining with Jackie Mason before the legendary comedian?s performance at the Hippodrome as part of the Baltimore Zionist District Brandeis Gala. The Capital Grille wasn?t laughing at Mason?s act, however, as the King of Comedy returned his peppercorn steak not once but twice ? the first time, it wasn?t done enough; the second time, it wasn?t warm enough. He also changed tables twice. Whew!
“It was like his act coming to life,” Applefeld said.
ANNE?S PICKS OF THE WEEK
» What: Legal Aid?s 10th annual Caribbean Cocktail Party
» Where: Little HavanaRestaurante y Cantina, 1325 Key Highway in Baltimore
» When: 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. today
» Tickets: $45
» Info: Mark Stanley, 410-347-7353
» What: Crab Feast & Fish Fry, to benefit The National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Anne Arundel Chapter
» Where: Odenton Volunteer Fire Company, 1425 Annapolis Road in Odenton
» When: 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday
» Tickets: $40 adults ($45 at the door), $15 under 12
» Info: Jackie McGuire, 410-721-0955; [email protected]
Society Spotters
The Examiner needs you to be the eyes and ears of Crabtown, and not just B?more. We?re calling on Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Carroll, Harford and Howard counties, too. If you spot a celeb, let me know at [email protected].
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