Baltimore?s own Pam Shriver, who stunned the tennis world almost 30 years ago as a 16-year-old U.S. Open finalist, is still serving aces as the driving force behind her annual area charity event. This year?s recent PNC Tennis Classic ? Pam?s 22nd ? once again served up winning numbers, as more than $200,000 was raised for the Baltimore Community Foundation and the Tennis Patrons Association, one of Shriver?s longtime loves.
“My tennis journey started because of associations like the Tennis Patrons,” Shriver said. “It?s so important for young players to benefit fromthe programs they provide.”
The Tremont Grand was the site of the kickoff reception, and guests, which included Provident Bank?s Tom Crawford, WNST sales director Steve Hennessey, Crown Central Petroleum?s Henry Rosenberg and committee members Gail Heagerty, Clinton Kelly and Margot Shriver, had a ball while bidding on terrific auction items.
The main event started with a pre-VIP party at the 1st Mariner Arena, where we ran into the owners of the Treehouse Restaurant in Timonium, Van and Nancy Strakes, and soon-to-be restaurateurs Terry and Micheline Arenson. Socially Speaking learned from the Arensons that they will open an American-fare restaurant in the historic hot spot that used to be Harvey?s Restaurant in Green Spring Station. The target date is February 2008, and the name will be Tark?s. A toast to local ownership.
The main event featured pros Andy Roddick and John Isner, who at 6-feet-9 was hard to miss, in a singles match. Isner?s serves were impressive, and the ones Roddick didn?t return grazed many in the VIP section. One even made a certain Ravens player to hit the deck. Just ask long snapper Matt Katula.
Spotted in the crowd were Towson University professor Rick Vatz, Orchard Tennis Club boutique owner Lori Lambert and her daughters Morgan and Kendal, and the lovely Kim Billick, wife of Ravens head coach Brian Billick.
An Orioles Challenge Match was set to close the evening?s event (which makes sense since Pam is a minority owner). However, no one from the O?s showed up. Fortunately, Ravens kicker Matt Stover, who ? with his wife Debbie ? was sitting in front of Socially Speaking, accepted the challenge when event officials asked him to step in. Just as he does with the Ravens, Matt saved the game.
Arena general manager Frank Remensch did a great job getting the place ready for this top-notch event.
150 YEARS OLD NEVER LOOKED SO GOOD
The historic Maryland Club held its sesquicentennial recently with a huge gala celebration. Located off Eager Street in Baltimore, the club welcomed more than 500 guests, including Judge and Mrs. John G. Turnbull, Lamar and Cheryl Seats, Ray and Janice Ferguson, and Porter and Karen Siems. Members were treated to delicious fare while enjoying the Trafford Klots artwork that adorns the club?s walls.
ANNE?S PICKS OF THE WEEK
» What: Caribbean Dreamin? Taste & Auction to benefit Hospice of Howard County
» When: 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday
» Where: Turf Valley Resort, 2700 Turf Valley Road in Ellicott City
» Tickets: $75 in advance, $85 at the door
» Info: Call 410-730-5072, or visit www.hospiceofhowardcounty.org
» What: For All Children Everyday?s “Walk for the Children”
» When: 10 a.m. Oct. 27
» Where: Canton Square at The Daily Grind
» Walk Fee: $40
» Info: Richard Dawson at 443-848-3295
Anne Boone-Simanski is the social columnist for The Examiner and can be reached at [email protected] or 410-878-6131.
