Charles Street is one of the oldest thoroughfares in America, and for more than 200 years it?s been changing ? and growing, according to the folks of the Historic Charles Street Association.
A huge part of that growth has been the Tremont Grand ? Baltimore?s premier site for social and business events, which opened in 2005 after a $27 million restoration to what was the Grand Lodge of the Maryland Masonic Temple. What a great location for the recent ? and first-ever ? “Masquerade on Charles.”
There was no disguising the evening?s fun, however, as the Tremont?s beautiful restorations were matched only by the aromas from the various Charles Street-area restaurants that were participating in the festivities. They included The Brass Elephant, The Brewer?s Art, Cazbar, Charm City Cupcakes, Copra Restaurant, IXIA, Red Maple, Sascha?s and the host Tremont Grand. Seen sporting around and supporting the HCSA cause were event committee members Robin Budish, who is the association?s executive director, and Ann Meade Daniel, whose decorative headdress got two thumbs up from The Examiner in the female category. Daniel Govar was the male winner with an beautifully decorated mask. “You have to touch it,” Govar insisted. “It feels as cool as it looks.”
Masqueraders enjoyed a silent auction and dancing to the fantastic tunes of the Mood Swings.
Seen shopping and bopping were H. Robert Hergenroeder Jr. and his wife, Pat. Hergenroeder is the executive director of the Maryland State Board of Dental Examiners and a founding sponsor of HCSA. Also spotted were Carrollton Bank?s Jeanette Neal with hubby Brett, Sam Fine, Gary Rubin, Beth Felder and Robin Perthro. More than $25,000 was raised for the Historic Charles Street Association,which will use the proceeds ? according to its news release ? “to further cultivate the unique businesses, restaurants and entertainment venues located on Charles Street.”
For information on HCSA, visit its Web site at www.charlesstreet.net, or call 410-332-4144.
SHOP ?TIL YOU DROP 5851
More than a thousand bargain-hunters recently jammed the Spring Boutique Warehouse Sale, which was sponsored by the Junior League of Baltimore. Its first such sale this past fall was such a huge success that JLB decided to do it again. What a fantastic idea.
The Spring Sale at 5851 York Road brought in nearly double the number of shoppers from the fall and twice the revenue, according to the league?s marketing gal, Tanzi Craig. The line was long, but the wait was worth it. “I usually shop in New York, but I found a pair of shoes for $60 that I bought there for $600,” said one fashionable shopper. “This sale was amazing.”
Some of the area?s favorite boutiques joined forces with JLB and donated half their $40,000 in sales proceeds to benefit the league?s programs. Congrats to all the volunteers and especially committee chairs Ginger Mihalik and Melissa Johnson.
For more information on the Junior League of Baltimore, call 410-435-5521.
ANNE?S PICKS OF THE WEEK
» What: The Arc of Anne Arundel
County?s annual Awards Banquet.
» Where: Sheraton Annapolis
(across from the Annapolis Mall).
» When: Tuesday, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
» Features: Dinner and the awards presentation.
» Tickets: $35 (staff is free).
» Information: Angie DeMoreland at 410-990-1935.
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.
