More than 130 golfers took to The Hayfields Country Club course in Hunt Valley recently “fore” some great golf and “fore” a wonderful cause.
Pathfinders for Autism, which according to its Web site is “a parent-sponsored nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of individuals with autism and their families,” has grown into a powerful resource for the community. Its dedication to the cause resulted in yet another sellout for this year?s sixth annual tournament.
Mother Nature cooperated with picture-perfect weather, and after golfers conquered ? well, completed ? the course, 19th-hole festivities were enjoyed in the clubhouse. Pathfinders Treasurer Bruce Schindler, of Bob Davidson Ford, was a popular guy at this event, not only for being one of the major tourney sponsors, but also for being the guy who brought the cars that dotted the course as an incentive to hit a hole in one.
“I tried to win one of them, but I got closer to hitting the cars than the cup,” Smith Barney Vice President Mike Ford said with a laugh. Schindler told Ford, “I think you need to consult the golf gods to help you with that shot.”
People of note included golf committee members Brad Donovan, Rebecca Fay Smith Galli, Rick Opfer, Alisa Rock and tournament chair Ray Brusca. Former Orioles outfielder B.J. Surhoff and his wife, Polly, have been active in Pathfinders for many years. Their son, Mason, 15, lives with autism, and at the post-golf event, he gave a heartfelt thanks to the group?s supporters.
Executive Director Dawn Koplos said, “It?s been amazing to see [Mason] grow and thrive.” Koplos? son, Rooney, 8, also lives with autism.
Schindler, who lives next door to the Surhoffs, added, “Mason is the reason I got involved ? and stay involved ? with this organization.”
Congratulations to Pathfinders President Brian Mund and his family for all the work they did in helping to sponsor this event, which raised $160,000.
A REALLY EXPENSIVE DRINK
The Capital Grille on Pratt Street in Baltimore has a unique twist on fundraising. If you have a spare grand, you can order a special martini, and all $1,000 will benefit Share Our Strength ? Stamp Out the Hunger programs.
So what?s in this martini, liquid gold? Not quite. The Capital Grille?s ingredients: a little bit of Ciroc vodka (made from grapes), Creme de Mure, fresh berries and garnished with a little bit of bling. That?s right, bling. Philadelphia jewelry designer Steven Lagos created a lovely blue topaz and diamond rope bracelet to help wash down this pricey libation.
According to the Capital Grille?s managing partner, Jim Kinney, six martinis had been purchased as of Sunday. This very special martini will be available through June 30. For more information, go to www.share
ourstrength.org.
PICKS OF THE WEEK
What: The Yellow Dress Golf Classic to benefit The Kristin Rita Strouse Foundation For Mental Health Awareness, Education, and Suicide Prevention
Where: Hillendale Country Club
When: 10.30 a.m. Monday
Info: Sharon and Douglas Strouse, 410-667-9384 or 410-339-5787
What: Baltimore Zionist District?s 64th annual Louis D. Brandeis Gala, featuring comedian Jackie Mason
Where: The Hippodrome Theatre in Baltimore
When: Sunday, reception at 6 p.m.
Tickets: Start at $175
Info: 410-356-1140
Society Spotters
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