A ?Visionary? experience for The Arc of Baltimore
One of the coolest places in town, the American Visionary Arts Museum near Federal Hill, was the location for the recent Art in the Round to benefit the ARC of Baltimore.
Showcasing works by individuals with developmental disabilities, this very worthwhile fundraiser had a wide range of artwork from sculptures and oil paintings to folk art.
According to Becky Rosenberg of Stanton Communications, he Arc of Baltimore is widely recognized for its work in improving the quality of life of persons with developmental disabilities.
For a modest $25, guests not only got to enjoy the art but also a light dinner and wine, thanks to Business Food Solutions and Beltway Fine Wines. The Blue Duffs from the Maryland School for the Blind provided the music.
Some of the guests seen purchasing art included Frank Cannon (UBS Financial Services) and Loretta Letke (Unisys). Also in attendance were Sean O?Conor (O?Conor and Mooney Realtors), Judiyth Lewis (Wachovia Bank) andBaltimore ARC board members Gil Kennedy, James List, Mary Scott and Dr. Gordon Bonham.
With more than 60 pieces of art sold (100 were submitted), the sale raised more than $4,000.
CELEBRATING A ?BEAUTIFUL? CROWD
The lovely Marriott Waterfront served as the perfect locale for the 20th annual Maryland?s Most Beautiful People Volunteer Awards.
Baltimore?s own Vicki Mabrey, of “60 Minutes” and “Nightline” fame, made the trek home to host this very special event. The star-studded cocktail party included Eddie and Sylvia Brown and Suzanne Amos.
Other guests included Frank DeLuca and his wife, Kerrie Burch-DeLuca (who is director of communications for Catholic Charities), and Sharon Higgins (Mercy?s director of marketing and communications) and her husband, Bob.
This event is proof of how beautiful Maryland folks are.
HOPE SPRINGS ETERNAL FOR CASA
The lodge at Oregon Ridge in Hunt Valley served as a perfect location for CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) to hold its fifth annual Harvest of Hope.
Channel 2 news anchorwoman Mary Beth Marsden took center stage as the honorary chairwoman and mistress of ceremonies, giving a brief overview on the impact the CASA volunteers have on the youth of Baltimore County.
Comcast?s Director of Government and Public Affairs Candi Humphrey, who also is president of CASA?s board of directors, praised the generous support of Concentra Medical Centers and the countless number of other sponsors.
A special moment came when executive director Susan Daddio introduced The Honorable Judge Kathleen G. Cox of the Circuit Court of Baltimore County, who gave firsthand accounts of the contributions of the volunteers and praised Congressman C.A. “Dutch” Ruppersberger, who has been on board with this program since its inception in 2000.
“Every day, abused and neglected children in our community are taken from their homes and placed in foster care, and CASA volunteers serve as mentors and advocates for these children, working to ensure a safe environment where they can thrive,” said Daddio. “These volunteers are ordinary people who do extraordinary things for children who are the most vulnerable.”
Everyone loves a great silent auction, and CASA came through in fine fashion. Seen bidding ? and outbidding ? were Craig and Brenda English; Pete and Joan McGill; Chip and Terry Lewis; retired Baltimore County Circuit Court Judge Norris Burns; Mr. and Mrs. Mike Lawlor; Judge Dickie B. Watts; and Rick Gilbert.
The food, which was provided by Kooper?s Tavern in Fells Point, was second to none. Proprietor, Patrick Russell has donated all the fixings for the past three years, and from the reaction of the event?s supporters, they want him to go for four.
Frank and Trish Curreri of Vintage Entertainment kept the place swinging with great music.
For information con CASA, call 410-828-0515.
TALKIN? TURKEY
Lynne Brick of Brick Bodies has an ounce of advice for all of us. “Burn calories now, eat turkey later.” Hope that helps keeps the pounds off next Thursday on Thanksgiving.
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, Carroll, Harford, Howard and Baltimore 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.
