It was a feast for the eyes as well as the mouth at the Grand Masonic Lodge in Hunt Valley recently, as the 16th annual Great Chefs? Dinner, a fundraiser for The Family Tree, featured not only great food but also table settings that were truly inspirational. The sold-out event put nothing but smiles on the faces of Family Tree President Thomas McDonald and Vice President Douglas Brinkley.
The Family Tree is a nonprofit organization that works to prevent child abuse and neglect.
“The growth and overall success of this event comes from a long-standing and growing committee,” said co-chair Xandy Waesche. “I?ve been involved for 10 years, and this year?s meal was the best.”
The culinary expertise of award-winning and highly acclaimed chef Louis Osteen, from Pawley?s Island, S.C., highlighted a five-course meal ? and Osteen even shared his shrimp and grits recipe as part of a take-home gift bag. Osteen, who specializes in Southern foods, has been featured in such magazines as Gourmet and Southern Living and has made appearances on PBS, the Discovery Channel and the Food Network.
Seen enjoying this gastronomical dream were Provident Bank President Kevin Byrnes and his lovely wife, Maureen (Provident sponsored the event); Ted and Nancy Herget; Tom and Laura Fitzpatrick; Chris and Susan Helmrath; Michael Smith; dinner committee members Megan and Jeffrey Kalkstein; Ed St. John; Family Tree board member Keiffer Mitchell; and event co-chairs Lori and Tom Hauser; Ellen and Larry Macks; and Xandy and Roger Waesche.
More than $570,000 was raised for Family Tree programs. For information, visit www.familytreemd.org
A FUN WAY TO LEARN
Construction was all around the Baltimore School for the Arts, but that didn?t stop a sizable crowd from turning out for the recent Expressions Gala, where guests got a chance to learn from the school?s faculty and students how to play the electric guitar, salsa dance, sing or be a part of an orchestra ? all without feeling silly.
Injured Workers? Insurance Fund board Chairman Dan McKew was quite comfy when we came across him belting out Grease?s “Summer Lovin?.” Folks were treated to a wonderful dinner and both a silent and live auction. The highlight of Expressions was a performance by the talented BSA students. Expression chairs Terri Alexander, Nathalie Beatty, Elizabeth Linehan, Mary-Ann Pinkard and Krissie Verbic did a fantastic job, as the event raised more than $325,000.
ANNE?S PICKS OF THE WEEK
What: The St. Pius X Weekend Carnival
Where: 6432 York Road, Baltimore.
When: 4 to 10p.m. Friday; noon to 10 p.m. Saturday; noon to 6 p.m Sunday.
Admission: Free.
Info: 410-427-7500.
What: Paint and Powder Club?s
performance of “Mustang Margie.”
Where: Lorenzo?s Timonium Dinner Theatre (9603 Deereco Road).
When: Today, Friday and Saturday. Dinner, 6 p.m.; show begins at 8 p.m.
Tickets: $65.
Info: Marian Drach at 410-825-8877.
