For 25 years, Harbour School, with campuses in Annapolis and Baltimore County, has provided a great education for some very great and special children. Recently, the school held its 17th annual “Magical Journey” live and silent auction to raise funds for the extra costs that go into the maintenance and advancement of the school?s outstanding services.
Upon arriving at the Baltimore campus (in Owings Mills), we were impressed by the large lighthouse that greets all visitors. This lighthouse is symbolic of the special light that guides the Harbour community of children, staff and parents.
Director of Development Stephen Peacock welcomed parents and supporters, and Dr. Linda J. Jacobs, the school?s executive director and founder, shared her deep passion for the school?s 25-year journey and all the children with learning disabilities who have made the trip.
“I remember their challenges and triumphs, their smiles and all those hugs,” Jacobs said.
Everywhere, there were auction tables. Supporters were actively bidding on a true treasure chest of items, but none more special than those created by the students. The title sponsor of the evening?s festivities, Merrill Lynch, was well represented by Sandra Liotta, first vice president of investments and Lisa Peay, financial advisor.
“Because of sponsors like Merrill Lynch, Force 3, Annapolis Bank & Trust and Moran Insurance, kids get a chance here,” Jacobs said.
Spotted supporting the cause were Carl Osterman, Paul Sell, Stacey and Jim Sullivan, Peggy Hall, Diane and Dave Wallace, Hal Wasserman, and the school?s Yvonne Callaway and Martha Schneider. The show of support raised more than $50,000, which will be used at both schools. For information on The Harbour School, visit www.harbourschool.org.
Forbidden Planet Ball was, well, far out
“Out of this world” is really the only way to describe the Creative Alliance?s Forbidden Planet Marquee Ball and Preview Dinner, which was held Saturday. Themed to the 1956 film “Forbidden Planet,” the ball was full of extraterrestrial life ? everything from aliens to spacemen.
Local artist Robert Zimmerman?s decorations, all made from recycled materials, turned the old Patterson Theatre into a galaxy far, far away. Metallic meteors hung from the ceiling, painted blue spaceships zoomed along the walls, and green glowsticks adorned necks and wrists.
Introduced by Richard Bennett (honorary chair and chief operating officer at Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center), Debra Rubino, who is director ofcommunications at OSI-Baltimore and a professional artist, presented the coveted Golden Formstone Award to Nancy Haragan, the executive director and co-founder of the Greater Baltimore Cultural Alliance. The award is presented for significant contributions to Baltimore through the arts. Calling her “Baltimore?s cultural maestro” and an “amazing person, role model and advocate,” Rubino gave the award to Haragan, who declared she had “the best job on Earth.”
Bob Heck, who has been involved with the Creative Alliance since its founding in 1995, served as witty emcee and auctioneer, heckling the crowd and garnering laughs. “The spirit at the Creative Alliance is very good,” he said.
The Peter Pan Award for Exuberant Arts Endeavors in Baltimore was presented to Aaron Henkin and Lisa Morgan of WYPR?s “The Signal” for their in-depth coverage of the arts.
Emily Campbell contributed to this report.
Anne Boone-Simanski is the social columnist for The Examiner and can be reached at [email protected] or 410-878-6131.
