Crystal Palace USA ? the first pro soccer team in this country with ties to an English pro team ? the Crystal Palace Football Club) ? took its game indoors to Tully?s Restaurant near Fullerton recently to help raise money for Nick?s House, a Maryland charity dedicated to children mainly through its Christmas gift program.
More than 300 people jammed Tully?s, including Crystal?s managers Jim Cherneski and Pete Medd and players Bryan Harkin, Val Teixeira, Harold Urquijo and Matthew Mbuta.
Nick?s House founder Kevin Williams was visibly touched by the outpouring. “This is one of the best events I?ve ever hosted,” he said. “For all of [the guests] to take the time to come out really says a lot about their generosity.” Fox 45 meteorologist Steve Fertig made sure everyone “flooded” the donation box.
“Everybody loved the [Crystal Palace] players,” guest Lonnie Nelson said. “They definitely were the life of the party.”
John Valentini Jr., owner of VPP Studios, was among the crowd. And that?s no surprise, because Valentini?s commitment to a number of worthwhile causes is well known. He is a longtime board member for the Ed Block Courage Foundation.
For information on Nick?s House, go to www.nickshouseinc.net. For info on Crystal Palace USA, which starts its season April 25 against the Pittsburgh Riverhounds at UMBC Stadium (7:30), visit www.crystalpalaceusa.com.
PSST! YOU HEARD IT HERE FIRST
You may already know President Bush?s daughter Jenna is engaged to longtime boyfriend Henry Hager. What you may not know is that the prez?s future son-in-law has lined up a powerful new position with big bulb Mayo Shattuck and Constellation Energy. Keep your eyes open for the soon-to-be newlyweds as they house-hunt around Charm City. “The neighborhood they choose should not be too hard to figure out,” Shattuck shared.
STAYING IN TUNE
If you?re a listener of 105.7 FM, you couldn?t help noticing that yesterday?s lineup was “all shook up.” Baltimore?s top-rated talk-show host, Ed Norris, was nudged to the 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. drive-time slot while veteran broadcaster Brian Wilson ? no stranger to these airwaves ? took over Ed?s midday spot. Baltimoreans will remember Wilson from the hugely popular “Brian & O?Brien Show” on B-104 back in the day.
ANNE?S PICK OF THE WEEK
» What: An Evening of Acoustic Jazz to benefit Paul?s Place
» When: Saturday, 8 p.m. (reception at 6:30 p.m.)
» Where: Goucher College?s Kraushaar Auditorium
» Tickets: $50 to $65
» Info: www.paulsplaceoutreach.org
