The Casey Cares Foundation is all about caring for others when times get tough. But the folks who run the day-to-day operation of this wonderful nonprofit had no idea that so many people cared for them.
After a devastating six-alarm fire leveled its Violetville headquarters June 3, Casey Cares was left homeless. But it didn?t take long for the community of “Small”-timore to rally around the stricken foundation.
First, an anonymous donor offered ballroom space at the Sheraton Baltimore City Center Hotel for a fundraiser. Then, a pair of power moms kicked in. Susan Wollenweber, mother of CCF founder Casey Baynes, and Trish Webb, mother of CCF program director Erin Webb, ignited a fire of their own, and they called it Phoenix Fest. Just like the bird of ancient Egyptian mythology that rose from the ashes, this recent fundraiser was all about new life, and supporters lined up to raise funds for the organization that helps families cope with critically ill children.
One of the evening?s special moments occurred when the Hargadon family took the stage for a special presentation to Casey Baynes. When 10-year-old Amy Hargadon, whose family has received calming support from CCF, heard of the fire, she and her siblings set up a lemonade stand in their neighborhood. Keeping their neighbors hydrated pulled in $800 for the cause.
“It was all the children?s doing; they wanted to help since this organization has been there for us during Amy?s illness,” said Amy?s mother, Laurel.
Angela and Byron Ware, whose son Eric recently passed away, also came to show their support. Eric?s twin, Aaron, 10, released a balloon in honor of his brother and to mark their first birthday apart. Another brother, Bryce, 12, pulled the winning 50/50 raffle ticket, which was donated back to the foundation.
Sharon Akers, representing St. John?s Properties, proudly sharedthat CCF would have a temporary home in one of St. John?s buildings while it rebuilds. Everywhere you turned were examples of generosity.
Legal Seafood, Chef?s Expressions and Sam?s Club of Catonsville donated tasty treats, and table decorations made by the first-graders of New Town Elementary School in Baltimore County were a hit. It was only fitting that entertainment was provided by the band Small Miracle.
More than $7,000 was raised. To be a part of this wonderful rebirth, call 443-568-0064 or go to caseycaresfoundation.org.
ALL HANDS ON DECKS
There were no cries of “The British are coming! The British are coming!” around Crabtown?s harbor July 4. Why? Because it was the Greeks who got nautical. More than 120 guests from the Greek community boarded the Black-Eyed Susan Riverboat in Fells Point to celebrate America?s Independence Day ? Greek style. Although the evening was about fun, food and dance, it was also about raising funds for the local Greek Independence Day Mid-Atlantic Parade, which is held annually in late March.
Traditional music performed by the Odyssey Greek Orchestra had toes tapping as fireworks boomed overhead. “Lots of ambience, little rain and ouzo [a Greek liquor] ? no problems,” said Alexander Karas, who enjoyed the evening with his lovely wife, Amalia. Two top officials from the American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association, Capital District 3, were in attendance ? Gov. Pete Chambers and Treasurer Steve G. Mavronis. Others supporters included Georgia Vavas, Dr. George Pirpiris, Demetrios Prapas, Eugenia Kallis and Diane Homberg.
Anne Boone-Simanski is the social columnist for The Examiner and can be reached at [email protected] or 410-878-6131.
