For the American Heart Association, it was a night to remember.
Who could ever forget meeting 5-year-old Joseph Biegel, who as an infant underwent scary ? and life-saving ? open-heart surgery? On this evening, he was a hero in a tux.
And for those who put together the recent 23rd Harbor Hearts Heart of Baltimore Gala at the Renaissance, the night exceeded their wildest expectations. No one will forget that a record $459,500 was raised, according to Sue Manning, vice president of corporate relations for the association.
More than 600 guests enjoyed the Heart Ball?s festivities, which benefited research that is vital in the fight against heart disease and stroke. But certainly a highlight was the story of Joseph, whose multiple heart defects were repaired and his life most likely saved by the caring and skilled doctors and surgeons at the Johns Hopkins Children?s Center.
“The joy of watching him grow, develop, play and enjoy a normal childhood is something that we would have not dreamt possible when we received his initial diagnosis,” Joseph?s father, Mark, wrote in the evening?s program.
“My heart had five holes in it,” Joseph added. “Hopkins fixed my heart.”
Co-chairs Lisa and Greg Barnhill got the Gala off to a rousing start with a pre-VIP party. Fox 45 cutie Jennifer Gilbert made the rounds sporting an $18,000 bracelet, a raffle item donated by J. Brown Jewelers. Although the tickets were a hefty $100 apiece, few could turn down Jennifer?s charm.
Some of the VIPs included Dennis Castleman of St. John?s Properties, escorted by his beautiful daughter Alexandra; Dr. Mark Midei and his wife, Denise; Dr. Rick Lange; former Gov. Robert Ehrlich and his wife, Kendel; Ed St. John; and one of our favorite people, Aris Melissaratos, who shared two news tidbits: He will be chairing this event next year, and he has a new position with Johns Hopkins Hospital as special advisory to the president for enterprise development.
Other guests seen enjoying the evening were Brown Advisory?s John Reith and Bruz Frenkil (president of Jarvis Steel and Lumber) and his wife, Nancy, who looked smashing in a ruby red gown. Also spotted was PricewaterhouseCoopers managing partner William Corey and his wife, Katherine.
Probably no one?s heart was beating faster at the Gala?s end than Joanne Boyce?s. Her raffle ticket was the winner, and she went home with a new ? and very expensive ? bracelet.
NEW KID ON THE BLOCK
A Charm City welcome goes out to E. Wickey Helmick (Wickey?s Caterers), who has expanded his York, Pa.-based catering business to Baltimore. Located at 25 W. Preston St. (Preston Hall, Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral), Helmick held a grand-opening party recently, where guests sampled some of Chef Wade Smith?s delicious delights.
ANNE?S PICKS OF THE WEEK
What: American Association for Women in Community College?s sixth annual CCBC Women?s Expo, to benefit the school?s scholarship fund.
When: Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: The Community College of Baltimore County in Catonsville.
Tickets: $6; free for students with ID.
Info: 410-455-4500; www.womensexpomd.com.
What: Children?s Guild Gala, to benefit the Guild?s educational programs.
When: Saturday, 6.30 p.m.
Where: The Children?s Guild?s Baltimore campus at 6802 McClean Blvd.
Tickets: $175, which includes cocktail reception, gourmet dinner and both a silent and live auction. Baltimore entrepreneur Lou Grasmick will be honored.
Info: Courtney Dunevant at 410-654-0000, ext. 4.
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].
Share photos of your charity fundraising event with the community. E-mail high-resolution jpg attachments to [email protected].
All images must include full names and basic information about the event, including the proper name of the organization, the date and place of the event and any specific cause being supported.
Anne Boone-Simanski is the social columnist for The Examiner and can be reached at [email protected] or 410-878-6131.
