For Kathleen Filippelli, Sue Nolan and Jeanne Stringer, the furthest thing from their minds as high school chums in the 1970s was what they would be doing in 2007. But today, Filippelli is the principal of Father Charles Hall Catholic Elementary School on North Fremont Avenue in Baltimore City, and Nolan and Stringer are still two of her best pals ? as well as key supporters of the school.
Father Charles Hall Catholic Elementary?s annual tuition is approximately $3,900 in a community where the average income is $16,000.But thanks to the fundraising efforts of Kathleen, Sue and Jeanne, the school has become accessible to a lot of families who otherwise couldn?t afford it.
“Over the years, we?ve seen her do amazing things [at the school], and we ? her friends ? wanted to be a part of it,” Nolan said. So three years ago, Filippelli?s high school buddies, led by Nolan, Stringer and Jeanne?s husband, Gavin, started an annual charity bull roast with the proceeds going to a tuition-assistance program at the school.
Recently, they gathered at the Hunt Valley Golf Club in Phoenix, and once again the event was a great success.
DJ Kenny Davis rocked the house, and there was a silent auction that included a trip to Palm Springs, Calif., and tickets (with limo) to see The Who next month at the Verizon Center. This year?s committee members included the Stringers, Nolan and Filippelli, along with Cecilia Hazel, Nancy Poole and Meghan Cosgrove.
Their hard work paid off, as the Hunt Valley Golf Club was packed with supporters. Guests included Brown Advisory?s David Brown, Baltimore County Circuit Judge Pat Stringer, 100.7 – The Bay?s Michael Filippelli, Paige and Jeff Fick, Mary Ellen and Patrick Barthleme, and Lacy and Hollis Pica. The evening?s festivities raised more than $20,000 for the school.
ALL TOGETHER NOW
The Baltimore Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, the Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce, the Maryland Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and the Hispanic Business Association of Baltimore gathered recently in Annapolis for the Maryland Hispanic Business Legislative Reception, which was held in the Miller Senate Building. Guests included Baltimore Hispanic Chamber of Commerce president Maria Welch, state Sen. Verna Jones and Mark Furst of the United Way of Central Maryland. There were the usual speeches and mingling, but the real fun began with the music and tapas. Information on any of these organizations can be foundon their Web sites.
ANNE?S PICKS OF THE WEEK
» WHAT: Why stop at Valentine?s Day? Meals on Wheels of Central Maryland is hosting a “Chocolate Bingo”
» WHEN: Friday
» WHERE: Rosedale Gardens (8037 Philadelphia Road in Rosedale). Doors open at 6 p.m., with games starting at 7 p.m.
» TICKETS: $20 for 20 games, with extra game packs available for $5 each. All prizes will be more than $100. This event requires reservations. There will be no tickets sold at the door
» INFO: 410-558-0932, ext. 3026
» WHAT: “Concert For Hope” for the benefit of Hopewell Cancer Support
» WHEN: Saturday
» WHERE: The Recher Theater (512 York Road in Towson). Doors open at 7 p.m.
» WHO?S PLAYING: Mister Wilson, Ethyl and the Mermen and Gypsy Dawg
» TICKETS: $20 to $22 at the door or from the Recher box office; tickets also available from Ticketmaster at www.ticketmaster
.com
» INFO: 410-337-7178
Anne Boone-Simanski is the social columnist for The Examiner and can be reached at [email protected] or 410-878-6131.
