M&T Bank Stadium?s Club Level was transformed into an island paradise last Thursday for TurnAround?s ninth annual charity benefit.
As thousands of supporters flocked to this year?s event ? called “Steppin? Out to the Tropics,” honorary chairs Cindi and Denny Mather were there to meet and greet all. For the past 10 years, the Mathers have been great supporters of this 29-year-old organization and have attended every “Steppin? Out” gala, according to Stanford Franklin, TurnAround?s board president.
TurnAround is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping individuals and families affected by domestic violence and sexual assault and abuse.
“It pays for core services, which includes an emergency room companion program, a 24/7 victims? hotline and counseling, among other services,” TurnAround Executive Director Rosalyn Branson said.
The place started shakin? when The Mood Swings big band kicked in, drawing folks to the dance floor in droves. Those who weren?t dancing made their way to the more than 30 culinary contributors that lined the room. The longest lines for food? Andy Nelson?s BBQ was near the top, as was Ciao Bella, where chef Tony Gambino was handing out his signature pasta. For drinks, the Reliable Churchill?s Grey Goose Vodka table was a big hit.
Enjoying the food and music were longtime TurnAround supporters Nancy Egan, Jeff and Ruth Duerbeck, Micheline Arenson, Cafe? Hon owner Denise Whiting, Frank and Debbie Culotta, J.T. Mullin, Paige Unitas (daughter of Sandra and the late Johnny U), WBAL radio?s Nora Koontz, a TurnAround committee member, and Claudia Grimm, a member of the TurnAround board of directors.
“This event grows every year,” said Karen Smedley of the marketing committee. “And bringing in youth is imperative,” which was evident by the attendance of Baltimore Lacrosse Club coach Tara Hardiman and her great gang of friends.
More than $100,000 was raised.
BETTING ON A GOOD TIME
The American Lung Association of Maryland held a Casino Night at Pimlico Race Course this past Saturday.
Tables and tables of gaming were manned by local celebs and jammed with gamblers and gambler wannabes ? betting with funny money for real prizes. Given our surroundings, a few simulated horse races were thrown into the mix to keep everyone entertained.
WJZ-TV sports guy Mark Viviano served as emcee, and some of the “star” dealers included Valley View Farms greenhouse guru Carrie Engel, Examiner Publisher Michael Beatty and Chris Emry, a radio host for 100.7 The Bay.
Gambling doesn?t produce many sure things, but attendees Denise Kline, Irene and Carl DelRito and volunteer Lynette Gambino all agreed that this event was a big winner. More than $40,000 was raised to promote lung disease awareness and lung health.
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.
DANCING FOR CHARITY
Congrats are in order for the recent 2007 Memory Ball, which benefited the Alzheimer?s Association. The event (at the Marriott Waterfront Hotel) included its own
“Dancing with the Stars” competi-
tion and raised more than $260,000 ($82,000 of which was raised by the eight dancing couples).
ANNE?S PICKS
» Suited to Succeed will host Suit-A-Palooza, its seventh annual fundraiser May 23 at the Lyric Opera House. The nonprofit organization works to provide Baltimore women with professional clothing and job-training workshops. For information ? or to purchase tickets ? visit www.suitedtosucceed.org/events.php.
» The Greater Baltimore Medical Center?s Volunteer Auxiliary will hold its “Nearly New Sale” from May 5 to 12 at the hospital. Gently used items for sale include furniture, household items, books, electronics, toys and more. Proceeds from the event will support various programs at GBMC. For information, call 410-828-9467.
» Kennedy Krieger will host its third annual ROAR! Ride On for Autism Research April 22 in honor of Autism Awareness Month. There will be bike trail rides for adults and a youth fun ride for children. Registration is $25 for adults, $5 for children. For information, call 410-923-7300.
Anne Boone-Simanski can be reached at [email protected] or 410-878-6131.
