“The Erickson Difference” is the mantra of Bob Erickson?s flagship retirement community Charlestown in Catonsville.
But this past Wednesday, Bob and Nancy Erickson were making a difference of another kind.
The Andrea Bay is their beautiful 120-foot yacht, designed specifically for the open sea.
On this evening, her journey was a lot less challenging, a leisurely jaunt around the Inner Harbor.
But it was for a cause near and dear to the Ericksons ? the Children?s Scholarship Fund of Baltimore.
Guests were welcomed by the fund?s Executive Director Paul Ellis and his wife, Tricia, along with Board ofTrustees Chairman Dr. Howard Baetjer Jr.
As guests enjoyed the views of Baltimore and the yummies provided by Classic Caterers, Baetjer talked about the organization, whose mission, as written in its brochure, is “to improve educational opportunities for needy Baltimore families by offering privately funded tuition assistance and promoting a diverse and competitive educational environment in Baltimore.”
The yacht was loaded with supporters, potential donors and fund members, who celebrated the continued success of this program.
Guests included William C. Baker, president of the Chesapeake Bay Foundation; Paul C. Wolman, president and CEO of P.W. Feats; Mercantile Vice President Matthew W. Wyskiel, who also serves as the vice chairman of CFS; hostess with the mostess Nancy Erickson; Annie Baetjer Hopkins; John and Katherine Hornady; Pete and Sue Powell; Jim Brinkley and Cathy McClelland, of Independent Can Co.; and her pals, Shiny and Bob Evans.
Joanne Sanders introduced me to Nicole Allen, whose son Maurice was chosen last year ? by lottery ? from a waiting list of 2,000. He was one of 37 chosen, and that also was good news for Maurice?s sister, Imani, since CSF?s policy is to award scholarships to families. Both kids will receive tuition assistance through the eighth grade.
For more information on this wonderful organization, go to www.CSFBaltimore.org.
Anne Boone-Simanski is the social columnist for The Examiner. You can e-mail her at [email protected].
