The Maryland State Fairgrounds in Timonium was transformed into Santa?s playground last weekend with more than 300 decorated trees and an assortment of gingerbread houses, train gardens and holiday goodies. It was all part of the Kennedy Krieger Institute?s Festival of Trees, which was established in 1989 as a fundraiser to benefit children with neurological disorders. According to the Institute, the Festival of Trees has become the largest family-oriented holiday tradition in the mid-Atlantic region. This festival kicked off with a Preview Party breakfast, allowing guests a sneak peek into Santa?s Theme Park.
Those getting into the holiday spirit included Henry A. Rosenberg Jr. (chairman emeritus of Kennedy Krieger), Mayo Shattuck (president and chief executive officer of Constellation Energy) and his family, Maria Welch (president and CEO of Respira Medical and the festival?s volunteer chair), Dr. Gary Goldstein (president and CEO of Kennedy Krieger) and Lainy LeBow-Sachs (a senior vice president at the Institute). Under Armour?s Kevin Plank missed the breakfast but was spotted later taking in all the holiday delights.
BIT OF HEAVEN IN CANTON
Putting their best face forward is what the gang at About Faces Salon did with a VIP party for the newest jewel in their crown. The third floor of the new Canton Crossing Tower has become a slice of pampering heaven.
Managing partners Helga Surratt and Patrick Brennan welcomed some of Baltimore?s movers and shakers for a look-see at the new digs, and landlord Ed Hale gave two thumbs-up on his new tenants.
Seen enjoying the festivities were Channel 13?s Marty Bass, Channel 11?s Kate Amara and Matt Katula of the Ravens with his lovely wife, Allyson. The Ravens? cheerleaders were treated to updo?s from the salon?s enormously talented staff.
This is the fifth About Faces location ? the others being in Towson, Timonium, Pikesville and Salisbury.
WHO? WHAT? WHERE?
It seems WBAL radio morning man Dave Durian likes a good deal. He and his wife, Marty, were spotted on Black Friday at Sears in the newly remodeled Hunt Valley Towne Center, shopping for a new refrigerator.
Also seen in Crabtown was Jada Pinkett Smith, wife of “Men In Black” star Will Smith. Jada, a Baltimore native, was showing her support for the men in purple and black as the celeb sideline reporter for 98 Rock and WBAL radio last Sunday in the Ravens? big victory over the Steelers at M&T Bank Stadium. Jada studied dance and acting at the Baltimore School for the Arts and still keeps her hometown roots well watered.
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.
