The American Visionary Arts Museum provided the perfect setting for the MentorZing celebration, which annually honors the hard ? and many times unsung ? work of the Maryland Mentoring Partnership.
More than 450 supporters, mentors and mentees were treated to an array of special performances and guests, as the event highlighted the creativeness and energy of the organization?s caring mentors.
Educator Renee Yarbough-Williams proudly introduced her mentees ? Paris Cook, Imani Solomon and Correll Walker ? who were serving as the fundraiser?s official greeters. All three are eighth-graders at the William H. Lemmel Middle School and are planning to attend Western, Walbrook and Carver Vo-Tech, respectively.
Steve Rouse of WLIF-FM (101.9) served as master of ceremonies, and Jessica Lynn, a graduate of the mentoring program who is now a member of the Morgan State University choir, belted out an inspirational opening song in her finest operatic voice. “Thank you Jessica. That was amazing. Oh, waiter, I need another wine glass. Mine shattered,” Rouse quipped in tribute.
Spotted at the museum?s James Rouse Visionary Center were Ronald Peterson (event chair and president, The Johns Hopkins Hospital Health System), Stuart Simms (co-chair and partner, Brown, Goldstein & Levy), Anna Smith (co-chair and vice-president, M&T Bank) Vicky Cox (Provident Bank), Jennifer Hill (Comcast) and David DiPietro (a Partnership board member).
Maryland first lady Catherine O?Malley took center stage, kidding that “my doctor told me I have to take a deep breath before addressing you, because the last time I spoke to a group, I ended up in the hospital.” (O?Malley was taken to University of Maryland Medical Center May 1 after complaining of shortness of breath during anaddress to the House of Ruth.) As usual, O?Malley did not fail to educate all with her personal insight into the Partnership?s programs.
Not to be upstaged, a comical interaction between Rouse and ice-skating superstar ? and Harford County?s own ? Kimmie Meissner resulted in an impromptu auction of a pair of skates. The table from Unilever Corp. won with a $1,000 bid and asked the 17-year-old champ to personally autograph the skates to the school it mentors ?Sandy Plains Elementary in Baltimore County.
More than $200,000 was raised. For information, go to www.marylandmentors.org
AN EYE FOR ART
If art is your bag, take note that there is a new ? and very hip ? gallery in town. Gallery G, at the Beveled Edge in The Rotunda, held its grand-opening gala recently with featured exhibits by painter Gina Falcone Skelton and ceramist Brain Kakas. Entertainment was provided by the New Wave Singers, pianist Ray Jozwiak, Cunniff-Thurston and Trio Nova. “The future is now for a new gathering destination for cultural arts and entertainment,” gallery owner Nancy Graboski said. The gallery also will host a monthly open mic night for the Baltimore Songwriters Association. For information, call 410-235-9060.
PICKS OF THE WEEK
What: Greyhound Pets of America, Maryland chapter?s annual picnic.
Where: Oregon Ridge Park in Hunt Valley.
When: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. June 3.
Admission: $2 donation per family.
Info: www.gpa-md.com; 410-744-4542.
What: “In A New Light” (Carroll Museums, Inc.) reception and dinner, honoring William Donald Schaefer.
Where: The Carroll Mansion, 800 E. Lombard St. in Baltimore.
When: 6 p.m. June 4.
Info: 410-605-2964 for tickets.
Anne Boone-Simanski is the social columnist for The Examiner and can be reached at [email protected] or 410-878-6131.
