This year?s always-popular Heartfest celebration, which benefits the Johns Hopkins Ciccarone Preventative Cardiology Center, turned to Baltimore native John Astin to get the ball rolling at its recent VIP reception at Martin?s West.
Astin, a celebrated actor made famous for his portrayal of Gomez Addams in the popular 1960s TV show “the Addams Family,” was the honored guest, and that couldn?t have pleased event co-chairman Ed Speno more. “We are honored to have John at Heartfest,” he said, adding that Astin, 76, has become an integral part of the Johns Hopkins University family as the founder and director of the school?s new Theater Arts Program.
Now that?s heartwarming, so much so that it brought out many of Hopkins? top heart doctors, including Dr. Roger Blumenthal, Dr. Stephen Achuff and Dr. Lawrence Griffith. A notable honoree was missing, however, as Abe Polin owner of the Washington Wizards (formerly our beloved Baltimore Bullets) continues to recover from a broken hip. Standing in for Abe and Irene Polin ? this year?s Heartfest community service honorees ? was Lou Grasmick of Grasmick Lumber, who paid tribute to the Polins for their extensive commitment to the extended Baltimore-Washington community.
Also supporting the cause were Maryland Athletic Club owners Liz and Tim Rhodes, Citypeeks.com?s Patti Neumann, the state?s Superintendent of Schools Dr. Nancy Grasmick, and Bank of America legal beagle Larry Macklin. This year?s Heartfest raised $150,000.
?GIVING BACK? FUNDRAISER HITS JACKPOT
Thousands of people herded into the 4-H Building at The Maryland State Fairgrounds last Saturday for the 14th annual G.B. Charities Bull and Oyster Roast. The G.B. stands for “Giving Back to Our Community,” and this charity does it in a big way.
GBC President Richard Bozel said the group?s mission is to provide quality education ? rooted in moral values ? to children of hard working, limited-income families in the Baltimore area. Charities committee member Craig Pfeiffer took the opportunity to announce that Merritt Properties has generously signed on as a “summa cum laude” sponsor for the next three years.
The food was delicious, the John LT Band was swinging, and the crowd was having a blast.
Event chairman Donald Brennan was more than pleased with the turnout, especially with Gov. O?Malley and his wife Judge Catherine Curran O?Malley in the house. Also spotted were Judge Robert Cahill and his wife Elizabeth; Judge Pat Stringer; Frank and Kathleen Meeder; C.B.S. Radio?s Bob Philips; Gordon and Susan Boone and Mike and Michelle Leonard.
All those who supported this event should be very proud: $150,000 was raised.
For information on this organization, go to www.gbcharities.org.
ANNE?S PICKS OF THE WEEK
What: The third annual Bull Roast to benefit the Father Charles Hall Elementary School in Baltimore.
Where: Hosted by area business owners Gavin and Jeanne Stringer, this event will be held at the Hunt Valley Golf Club in Phoenix.
When: Saturday.
Time: 7 to 11 p.m.
Cost: $50.
Information: 410-706-0585.
What: Babe?s Birthday Bash, a tribute Babe Ruth on his 112th birthday.
Where: Sports Legends Museum at Camden Yards.
When: Friday.
Time: 5:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Tickets: 410-727-1539, ext. 3013.
Added attraction: The Babe Ruth Museum Community Service Award, which will be presented to the Ravens? Edwin Mulitalo.
Society Spotters
The Examiner needs you to be the eyes and ears of Crabtown, and not just B?more. We?re calling on Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Carroll, Harford and Howard counties, too. If you spot a celeb, let me know at [email protected].
Share photos of your charity fundraising event with the community. E-mail high-resolution jpg attachments to [email protected].
All images must include full names and basic information about the event, including the proper name of the organization, the date and place of the event and any specific cause being supported.
Anne Boone-Simanski is the society columnist for The Examiner and can be reached at [email protected] or 410-878-6131.
