After their father William E. Proudford, who suffered from sickle cell disease, passed away three years ago, his children decided to create a fund to honor the memory of a man known for his gentle and calm manner.
And thanks to the hard work of the Proudford children ? daughter Karen and sons Marc, Ronald and William E. II, his wife of 50 years Rubye and niece Kathy Dutton ? this year?s recent second annual fundraiser at the Renaissance Harborplace Hotel was an enormous success.
Supporters for this worthwhile fund came from all over the mid-Atlantic region and from as far away as North Carolina.
And star power certainly was in full glimmer. Dr. Robin Smith of TV?s “The Oprah Winfrey Show” and satellite radio?s “Oprah and Friends” was the featured speaker, and Fox 45?s Patrice Harris was the mistress of ceremonies. Representatives for Sen. Barbara Mikulski, Sen. Ben Cardin and Rep. Elijah Cummings were in attendance as well.
Spotted enjoying the upbeat spirit of this function were state Sen. Verna Jones, who?s also chair of the Maryland Legislative Black Caucus, state Del. Shirley Nathan-Pulliam, Mimi Roeder Vaughan (Roeder Travel) and David Slaughter (LaFarge North America).
The Proudford family was thrilled, as more than $43,000 was raised to help in the fight against sickle cell disease.
For information on the William E. Proudford Sickle Cell Fund, call 410-963-5092, or visit wepsicklecell.org.
EVENING OF EXCELLENCE
The Independent College Fund of Maryland celebrated 45 years of community leadership last week at its annual dinner at The Center Club.
Benefactors enjoyed not only the fantastic views from atop the Legg-Mason Building but also terrific food and a silent auction that included baskets from each of the colleges affiliated with the I-Fund.
Board members Tim Thomas, Kevin Cash and Peter Keith were spotted meeting and greeting supporters.
The recipient of the I-Fund Leadership Award was CitiFinancial North America Chairman Harry Goff. In recognition of Goff, the I-Fund has established a one-year $50,000 scholarship that will provide 10 $5,000 scholarships to each of the I-Fund schools.
I-Funds Executive Director Rick Haberstick presented the Impact Award to The Campbell Foundation for its longtime support.
“We provide the private sector a vehicle for investing in the quality of independent higher education” Haberstick told the audience, which pitched in to raise more than $150,000.
For information, call 443-997-5703, or visit I-fundinfo.org.
ANNE?S PICKS OF THE WEEK
» What: The Casey Cares 5th Annual Rock N? Roll Bash.
» When:7:30 p.m., Saturday
» Where: The Marriott Waterfront Hotel, 700 Aliceanna St. in Baltimore.
» Tickets: $150 (443-568-0064 or caseycaresfoundation.org).
» Info: Musicians from Billy Joel?s band, Bon Jovi?s band, Night Ranger, 38 Special, David Bowie?s band and John Mellencamp?s band will play all the songs you know and love.
» What: Baltimore Clayworks presents “The Annual Clay Ball.”
» When: 7 p.m., Saturday
» Where: The American Visionary Arts Museum, 800 Key Highway in Baltimore.
» Tickets: $150 (410-578-1919 or baltimoreclayworks.org).
Anne Boone-Simanski is the social columnist for The Examiner and can be reached at [email protected] or 410-878-6131.
