As many of us made our way into the Purple Palace, aka M&T Bank Stadium, last Sunday for the Ravens game, we passed acres of folks partaking in the fine art of tailgating.
Many of those die-hard tailgaters are doing a lot more than just partying. They?re putting the “fun” in fundraising and charity. We decided to visit a few fans that use their purple passion for great causes.
Brothers Marc and Gary Scher have held their tailgate since the Ravens flew into Baltimore in 1996. Large canopies bear the name of their tailgate: “Poe Brothers.” They put a spread out for friends and family, but more importantly, for Baltimore City?s finest. “Let?s just put it this way, it?s a very safe tailgate with all the police around,” said Barbara Scher, Marc?s wife. All stadium-duty City Police officers and MTA officers have a standing invitation to the “Poe Brothers” tailgate. “It?s a deserving invite, and I can tell you with certainty that no other tailgate does this for our men and women in blue; it?s very rewarding to us.” said founder Marc Scher.
Next stop is Baltimore?s legendary musical entertainer, Bobby Nyk?s tailgate, where beer and margaritas were the usual assortment of beverages. Since it was New Year?s Eve, a little bubbly was included. Bobby and his traveling gang also attend all away Ravens games and make sure they leave the place a little better. At the last away game in Pittsburgh, he raffled off two tickets to the game and raised $193 for the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Pittsburgh. “That wasn?t much, but every little bit helps,” said Nyk. “We raise money for many different charities and support The Ed Block Foundation as well.” An active supporter of Nyk?s tailgates, and sometimes apart of the traveling gang, was none other than Maryland state Senator Bobby Zirkin, who serves District 11-Pikesville.
Last stop before game time was the Baltimore City Fire Fighters Union Hall, on the corner of Rigely and West streets, just a short walk from the stadium. At every home game, the firefighters and their volunteers serve pit beef, sausage, peppers and beef to the masses for a fee, proceeds benefiting the Widow and Orphans Fund. Some seen partaking for a great cause were Artie and Gibson Bell, Jim and Jane Eickhoff, and the father/daughter team of Henry Fleming and his daughter Alison.
While all this pregame fun was going on the Ravens, the ACT (All Community Team) Foundation was the receiving a check from the Chamber of Ravens Nests. President Paul Smith, on behalf of the organization, presented the foundation a check for $10,000. The Ravens ACT team serves as a separate nonprofit entity of the team?s community outreach programs according to the Ravens Web site.
Special thanks to all that e-mailed me with their charitable pregame events ? I wish I could have gotten to them all.
ANNE?S PICKS
The 11th annual Polar Bear Plunge is inviting you to the “coolest” event of the year. On Jan. 27, join the folks from the Maryland State Police and area celebs for the big jump into the Chesapeake Bay to raise money for Special Olympics Maryland. To register call 410-789-6677 extension 503 or log onto www.somd.org and click Plunge to get your sponsorship sheet.
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, Baltimore, Carroll, Harford and Howard 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.
