More than 400 friends of the Family Tree gathered last week to support this wonderful organization. For 15 years, the Family Tree?s Annual Great Chefs? Dinner, widely regarded as one of Baltimore?s finestculinary traditions, has been the coveted ticket in Crabtown. But really dressed to impress were the tables, thanks to Style magazine, which gathered local designers, artists and retailers who decorated each table, all vying for the creative
honors of being named the best tablescape. While the artists put their final touches on the tables, a pre-dinner reception and silent auction were preparing the crowd for chef George Perrier?s five-course extravaganza.
Co-chairs Barbara and Tom Buzzuto, B.J. and Bill Cowie, and Carrington North led the event committee members in making this event a success before the doors even opened.
Hardworking committee members Dorothy and Dennis Graul; Dorothy Hamill; Megan and Jeffrey Kalkstein; Julia and Michael Keelty; Dot and Henry Rosenberg; Patty and Robert Rubino; Pat and Donald Kirk (whose son, Andrew, was competing for the perfect setting) and the tireless Xandy Waesche made board member Lois M. Shofer proud.
Faces in the crowd included longtime family friend Rhea Feikin; designer Missy Connelly; Mammoth Golf?s Bill and Stephanie Albright; I.B.M.?s P.J. Mitchell; Daily Record?s Nancy Sloane; and freelance writer for the Sun, Sloane Brown. The great public relations gal for Provident Bank, Vicki Cox, made sure to introduce me to the bank?s prez, Kevin G. Byrnes, who proudly served as the presenting sponsor for this event. Tim P. McDonald said, “The bank?s commitment and leadership in supporting Maryland?s children and our community is inspiring.” Says it all!
The Family Tree is Maryland?s leading nonprofit working to improve the community by providing families with proven solutions to prevent child abuse and neglect.
MISS USA AGAIN?
Tiring of reading of the Miss USA stuff? Well let me do some math for you! IT?S IN BALTIMORE, PEOPLE! Paula Shugart, president of the Miss Universe Organization, told the VIP crowd thatthe return to Baltimore decision was a “no-brainer, slam dunk, we love this state!” That, my friends, means lots of dollars, as echoed by Gov. Robert Ehrlich, with the first lady at his side. The Lyric proved to be a wonderful venue for this party, just ask 1st Mariner?s Edwin F. Hale Sr., Maryland?s Chief Marketing Officer Dennis M. Castleman, the Honorable, and beautiful, Catherine Curran O?Malley and City Council Member Shelia Dixon. Marketing guru Edie Brown, who is always shining, shined a bit brighter when her Connecticut-residing son came to pay Mom a visit and see her in action as she handles a great deal of the public relations for the Miss USA events. As the days wind down on the contestants, be proud O? Maryland and cheer on our own Ocean City native, Melissa DiGiulian. The grand event this year will be Friday in the 1st Mariner Arena.
Anne Boone-Simanski is The Baltimore Examiner?s social columnist. Reach her at [email protected] or 410-878-6131.
