It may have been raining cats and dogs outside, but it was “Raining Men” ? a cult pop disco hit ? inside Chuck Bower?s Hippo Club in Baltimore. Even more fitting for the recent fundraiser for LIGHT Health and Wellness Comprehensive Services was that the disco diva herself, Martha Wash, was in the house to perform her hit at the inaugural Limelight Gala. Joining Wash were fellow divas Linda Clifford, Jeanie Tracey and Debbie Jacobs Rock, the founder and executive director of LIGHT who scored national dance hits in the late 1970s.
A VIP party, which featured wines from Bacchus and fantastic food from Brass Elephant Catering, kicked off the event, at which honorary chairs Marty and Sharon Bass were stunned that Socially Speaking never had been to the Hippo. “Straight up, the best place to get your dance on,” WJZ?s Marty Bass said.
It didn?t take long for more than 200 guests to pack the club, and that thrilled event chair Kevin Bareham, who was decked out in drag and looking fab. “The things we do for charity” said Bareham, who is the clubhouse manager at The Maryland Club.
Celeste Corsaro, marketing director for baltimore eats magazine, which was pivotal in promoting the event, was looking beautiful as was Jacobs Rock, whose nonprofit assists families affected by AIDS/HIV.
When asked how Charm City was treating them, all the stars agreed the weather could have been better, but the accommodations at the Tremont were outstanding.
More than $15,000 was raised for this worthwhile cause.
SPOTTED
“Saturday Night Live” funny man Jimmy Fallon was seen enjoying the local fare at McCormick & Schmick?s Restaurant recently. His fiancée, Nancy Juvonen, is producing the film, “He?s Just Not That Into You,” which is being shot around B?more and stars Scarlett Johannson and Kevin Connelly. The couple watched the Ravens? nail-biter against the Browns last Sunday from the Mid-Atlantic Sports Network?s suite at M&T Bank Stadium.
ANNE?S PICKS OF THE WEEK
What: The Baltimore Symphony?s 14th Annual Homes for the Holidays tour to benefit the symphony?s educational programs.
When: Dec. 6 through Dec. 8, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: Laurelford in Cockeysville.
Tickets: $20 in advance (410-783-8000); $25 at the door.
What: The Kennedy Kreiger Institute?s Festival of Trees.
When: Friday and Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Where: Fairgrounds in Timonium.
Anne Boone-Simanski is the social columnist for The Examiner and can be reached at [email protected] or 410-878-6131.
