Now in their eighth year of fundraising for the TurnAround organization, a growing committee of tireless volunteers outdid themselves this year.
Compliments to Ralph Rizz, of R and R, the official event decorator, who transformed the M&T Bank Stadium Club Level into Vegas East. But unlike the Western version, what happens in Vegas East doesn?t stay there, baby!
With more than 600 pre-sold tickets, board member Sandra Unitas was very busy welcoming partiers for a cause very near and dear to her heart. TurnAround Inc. is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping individuals and families affected by domestic violence and sexual assault/abuse through counseling, education, support services and advocacy.
Steppin? Out is TurnAround?s signature annual fundraising event. Some of those putting their John Hancock on the March 30 event were honorary chairs Mindy and Steve Geppi; event co-chairs Claudia Grimm and Jean Thomas; food chairs Deborah Niels and Fred Tancordo; committee members Paige Unitas, Nora Koontz, Nancy Egan, Sarah Fleischer, Kelly Mazulli (who also happens to be Baltimore Colts legend Artie Donovan?s daughter) and Jane Bagby; A&S Trucking president William D. Schmidt Sr.; Custom Clothier?s J.T. Mullin; and lead sponsors Denny and Cindi Mather.
More than 40 of Baltimore?s finest fares lined “The Strip,” dealing out samplings of their restaurant?s specialties. For Baltimore Examinerpublisher Michael Phelps, Andy Nelson?s famous barbecue was “Love Me Tender” good!
But for 3rd District congressional candidate Andy Barth, Ciao Bella?s chef Tony Gambino got the vote with his delicious Chicken Gambino.
Others making the rounds were PSA Financial?s Chip Lewis, accompanied by his son, Trevor Lewis, of the Gunpowder Bison and Trading Co., Frank and Robin Lotman, contractor Jeff Duerbeck and the always smiling master of ceremonies, Kirk McKewen.
The fundraiser hit the jackpot with its musical entertainment as well, as The Mood Swings, loaded with area musicians, rocked the room with its special brand of 1940s big-band swing music.
Congrats to everyone involved with Steppin? Out, the best yet! Can?t wait till next year.
JUST FOR THE HALIBUT
Pier 5?s McCormick & Schmick?s served as a perfect venue to celebrate the opening of the halibut season. A group of us were invited by executive chef Anthony Marcello to bone up on our fish knowledge, get deep with halibut humor and enjoy the freshest halibut in Baltimore. A seafood social, if you will.
As the chef schooled all of us in the different types of preparation of this wonder of the sea, WCBM?s Eddie Applefeld, Style magazine editor Brain Michael Lawrence, photographer Jim Burger, and the managing partner of the newly opened LaTasca, Chris Novashinski and his lovely expectant wife, Emma, tried to keep the giggles down to a low roar! All funny business stopped when the top-notch wait staff brought on the main course of stuffed halibut, which was to die for! Special thanks to the folks at Purple Dot Public Relations in keeping Baltimore up to date on the Aegean scene.
Anne Boone-Simanski is The Baltimore Examiner social columnist. Reach her at [email protected], 410-878-6131.
