The Govans Ecumenical Development Corp., a 23-year-old nonprofit that assists the city?s special-needs population, held its annual fundraiser Nov. 8 at the lovely Carriage House at Evergreen in Baltimore. More than200 guests gathered to celebrate the life of J.P. Blasé Cooke (of Harkins Builders Inc.) ? a true gentleman, visionary and dedicated father.
His death in October at the age of 60 turned the evening?s event into fitting tribute, and Cooke?s sons Kevin, Jason and Brian accepted honors in memory of their father, who was involved in several charitable and civic organizations.
According to the Harkins Web site, Cooke “believed strongly in giving back to the community and encouraged the employees to follow his example. He was a major contributor and fundraiser for My Brother?s Keeper in his old neighborhood of Irvington.”
According to GEDCO?s Nan Rosenthal, “We raised more than $120,000, which will help us deliver vital programs and services to the Baltimore Community.” Cooke would have been thrilled with this outpouring of support.
WJZ-TV?s weekend sports anchor Stan Saunders emceed the event that included cocktails, dinner and a spirited auction by Jonathan Melnick. For information on GEDCO, call 410-433-2442 or visit www.gedco.org.
CELEBRATING ?GIFT OF LIFE?
“Celebrating Maryland” was the theme for this year?s annual Gift of Life Gala at the Hyatt in Baltimore this past Saturday to benefit the National Kidney Foundation of Maryland. Master of ceremonies Fred Manfra ? the voice of the Orioles ? led the way for chairs Michael Hodes (corporate) and Christine and Larry Snyder.
There were honorees a- plenty, including Sen. Ben Cardin, who received the Public Service Award, and Drs. Robert Montgomery (Johns Hopkins University) and Stephen Jacobs (University of Maryland), who received Champion of Hope awards. Auctioneer Andy Billig hit a home run by coaxing Manfra into the winning bid for a mink jacket from Michael Miller Furs, which he promptly presented to his wife Marlene, who is board president for NKF-MD.
The event raised $130,000.
IMAGINE PEACE
Those who are staying at the Loews Annapolis Hotel this week during the Mideast Peace Conference are finding something other than chocolates on the pillow. Instead, guests are receiving a homemade dove-shaped sugar cookie with white icing.
“The white dove is the universal symbol for peace,” said hotel general manager Larry Beiderman, who added that the dove is carrying an olive branch, seeking peace. Lyrics from John Lennon?s “Imagine” are printed on a keepsake card.
ANNE?S PICKS OF THE WEEK
What: Reginald F. Lewis Museum Gala (including performance by Little Richard).
When: 6 p.m., Dec. 9
Where: The Valley Mansion, 594 Cranbrook Road in Hunt Valley.
Tickets: 443-263-1812.
What: The Women?s Wine & Dine?s Party with a Purpose to benefit The Giving Spirits Foundation.
When: 7 p.m. to 10 p.m., Dec. 3
Where: The Tremont Grand on Charles Street in Baltimore.
Advanced tickets required: $100.
Info: 410-585-9902; www.womenandwineevents.com.
Anne Boone-Simanski is the social columnist for The Examiner and can be reached at [email protected] or 410-878-6131.
