Thank goodness for the angels at Mercy Medical Center, one of whom is Dr. Susan Dulkerian, the chief of Mercy?s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. Dr. Dulkerian, and her proud hubby, George, welcomed VIPs last Thursday to The Center Club on Light Street for the first-ever “Nick and You” fundraiser.
Chairwoman Janine DiPaula could not have picked a better venue for this event, which supports the hospital?s NICU. The Center Club has one of the best views of the city, and the food and service was fantastic. Hey, did I mention the view?
Throughout the evening there were cooking demonstrations, and one of the more interesting was conducted by celebrity pastry chef Nick Malgieri, who shared two dessert creations from his latest cookbook, “A Baker?s Tour.” I was told that Nick has been nominated for a James Beard Foundation Award for culinary excellence. A real treat was meeting Mary Ann Cricchio, owner of Da Mimmo?s in Little Italy and author of “The Owner?s Wife” ? a book about her life with husband Domenico (Mimmo) Cricchio, the restaurant?s founder. Rumor has it that the book will be made into a Hollywood movie. My suggestion is to cast Kelly Preston as Mary Ann.
Fox 45?s morning news guy Steve Fertig was spotted nibbling treats from the beautiful cheese display provided by Wegmans? Laurie Katerle. Mercy?s media director Dan Collins introduced me to the T. Berry Brazelton of Baltimore, Dr. Charles Shubin, and his lovely wife, Susan. Dr. Shubin is a great advocate for children?s health and serves as Director of Pediatrics at Mercy FamilyCare.
The Jim Stewart Jazz Trio entertained.
Committee members Bill Baird of Deutsche Banc-Alex. Brown and Jennifer Campion of Smith Barney were thrilled that their efforts had delivered such a great turnout for a deserving cause. Every year, Mercy delivers between 2,300 and 2,600 babies. Of those, 350 to 450 require care in the NICU.
HONORING THE HONORABLE
Francis X. Kelley Jr. is no stranger to being honored. The Hunt Valley Inn was a who?s who of Maryland politics last week for an event to benefit the Community College of Baltimore County?s Parallel Enrollment Program. A scholarship is being established in the former senator?s name to help high school students take advantage of the program.
Gov. Robert Ehrlich, Congressman C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger and Democratic Senate hopeful Dennis Rasmussen were in attendance. The Parallel Enrollment Program is near and dear to Hizzoner?s heart. Frank, aka “Big Frank,” and his wife, Janet, enjoyed the many presentations, the most entertaining of which was provided by their son, David Kelley, who served as Master of Ceremonies with a Jay Leno flair. Seen mingling were Northrop Grumman?s Robert L. Noble, former PEP student Brian Jagat, former Baltimore Colts linebacker Stan White and CCBC Chancellor Dr. Sandra L. Kurtinitis. The scholarship fund will pay tuition for area high school students who want to get a head start on their post-secondary education. If the packed room is any indication, this fund is off to a great start. And what a nice way to honor a man who has given so much to his community.
Anne Boone-Simanski is The Examiner?s society columnist. Contact her at [email protected].
