For the second straight year, the tireless volunteers at the United Way?s Women?s Leadership Council held a “di-vine” event.
Nearly 200 supporters and wine lovers made their way into the historic Johns Hopkins Evergreen House for quite a tasty time this past Friday night. A big thanks goes to the always generous David Wells (The Wine Source) and Peter Wood (Wine Sense), who provided vinos from all around the world ? there were 14 tables full of wines to be tasted.
Even though Baltimore State?s Attorney Patricia Jessamy, a United Way of Central Maryland board member, hails from Mississippi, her taste buds were all Bordeaux on this night. “This is just liquid heaven,” said Jessamy as she sampled the Capcanes Mas Donis Barrica (Translation: “fantastic!”) red wine from northeast Spain.
“Youth mentoring is important to all of us,” said the event?s chairwoman Jenny Trostel, of Saab of Baltimore (a contributing sponsor). “And for this organization, it?s supporting events like this that makes it happen.”
The “grape” was some of the best around, as were the hors d?oeuvres by Tracey Watson and Watson Caterers. Seen enjoying the event were power couples Robert and Melanie Sabelhaus and William and Catherine Corey.
The evening?s real highlight was the $8,000 raised to support the United Way?s youth programs.
UCP GETS BIG BOOST FROM EMMYLOU
The United Cerebral Palsy of Central Maryland held its annual fundraiser ? Black Tie and Blue Jeans Concert with Emmylou Harris ? this past Saturday at The Meyerhoff Symphony Hall.
Chaired by Debi Kuchka-Craig, vice president of MedStar Health, and Darlene Miller, special events coordinator for United Cerebral Palsy, the evening?s event kicked off witha preconcert dinner for a select crowd. It was catered by Innovative Gourmet, and in keeping with the country theme, each table?s centerpiece had multicolored miniature cowboy boots as flower vases.
More than 1,500 guests got into the toe-tapping atmosphere of the evening. The ladies wore sequins and denim, and the gents donned checkered shirts and bowties. Even the Meyerhoff ushers “got in on it,” dressed as sheriffs, complete with silver stars.
Channel 2?s Jamie Costello was the emcee, and Harris, a 12-time Grammy Award-winner, was the star. Opening for Harris was Maryland native Laura Bryna (a Glenelg High grad), who gave a powerful performance of her new single, “I Don?t Have a Thing to Wear.”
“I was once that young,” said an impressed Harris, “but never that tiny.”
More than $200,000 was raised to support the construction and equipping of a new UCP foot facility that will be built in Owings Mills.
ANNE?S PICKS OF THE WEEK
What: The Baltimore area?s top comedians join together to promote Autism Awareness Month. All proceeds from a series of shows will benefit Pathfinder for Autism, which is based in Towson.
When: Thursday to Sunday
Where: Baltimore?s Comedy Factory on Thursday (8 p.m.); Hampden?s Mobtown Theatre on Friday (8 and 10 p.m.), Saturday (7, 9 and 11 p.m.) and Sunday (7 p.m.)
Tickets: $20, available through www.baltimorecomedyfest.com. Click on “extra” for ticket plus T-shirt or CD of one of the featured performers.
Info: www.baltimorecomedyfest.com; www.pathfindersforautism.org
What: Third Annual After dARC Celebrity Chef and Auction Event, hosted by the ARC Northern Chesapeake Region
When: 7 p.m. to midnight Saturday
Where: Maryland Golf and Country Club in Bel Air
Tickets: $125
Info: Paul Levine at ARC, 410-879-6785, or e-mail [email protected]
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].
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