Rob Belanger and Chris Federico have something painful in common. Both lost a parent way too soon. Rob?s father, Mark “The Blade” Belanger, was an eight-time Gold Glove winner as a shortstop for the Orioles during their glory days of the late 1960s and ?70s, but he passed way in 1998 from lung cancer. Chris? mother, Susannah, was a loving parent of seven, who died in 1995 after a valiant year long battle with leukemia.
In their memories, the Belanger-Federico Foundation was established in 2004 to raise money for cancer research. And through its “Cool Kids Campaign,” many beneficial services have been provided to pediatric oncology patients.
This year?s Celebrity Golf Classic, which was presented by the Geppi Entertainment Museum, kicked off its four-day run last Thursday at the lovely Hillendale Country Club in Phoenix. A true Maryland crab feast ? provided by Ricky and Randy Bielski, owners of Ocean Pride Seafood in Lutherville ? welcomed all the out-of-town celebs. On Friday on the links, everywhere you looked were familiar faces ? former Orioles Rick Dempsey, Mike Bordick and Brooks Robinson, former NFL stars Jim McMahon and Ed Marinaro (remember Hill Street Blues?). There were old Colts, too ? Joe Washington and Tom Matte. Even former Gov. Robert Ehrlich was supporting the cause.
Throughout the weekend, activities were plenty, not only “fore” the participants, but also their spouses. On Saturday, Renee Greene, of Radcliffe Jewelers in Owings Mills, put on a fashion show with scheduled special guest Salvatore Ferragamo of the Italian fashion dynasty. Problem. Salvatore had flight delays and missed the show, but he did make it for the VIP party held that evening at Liberatore?s Ristorante in Timonium. “I felt terrible about missing the fashion show,” Ferragamo told Socially Speaking. But he made up for it the next day with a private reception.
Frank Remesch of the 1st Mariner Arena and Peter Collier of the Baltimore City Parking Authority enjoyed the fine Italian spread while many of the participants reflected on their play. “Tom Matte is a pretty good golfer,” said former Colt Howard Stevens, who lives in Timonium.
A highlight for many at Saturday?s party was meeting Mike Eruzione, the captain of the 1980 “Miracle On Ice” Olympic hockey team. The four-day event raised more than $50,000 for Chris and Rob?s foundation. For more information, visit bfpf.org.
FUMBLE!
What game was I watching? My son is named after Johnny U., yet, somehow I referred to No. 19 ? the greatest quarterback of all time ? as No. 9 in last week?s column. Thanks to reader Dave Donley of Bel Air for pointing that out.
ANNE?S PICKS OF THE WEEK
What: Salute to Art Donovan to benefit the former Colt great?s favorite charity, Believe in Tomorrow (formerly Grant A Wish), and The Baltimore Football Club Inc.
When: 6 p.m., Sept. 20
Where: Martin?s West, 6817 Dogwood Road.
Tickets: $125. They can be purchased at Robbie?s 1st Base (9 West Ridgely Road in Lutherville) or by calling 410-560-3200.
Info: Guests will include former Colt legends Gino Marchetti, Raymond Berry and Lenny Moore.
What: Third Annual Exotic Italian Car Show and Charity Reception to benefit The Children?s Guild.
When: Sept. 23 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Reception is from 3 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Where: Stiles and Albemarle streets in Little Italy (reception at St. Leo?s Church, 227 South Exeter St.).
Tickets: Car show is free; reception passes cost $50.
Info: Jennifer Benhoff at 410-444-3804, ext. 114.
Anne Boone-Simanski is the social columnist for The Examiner and can be reached at [email protected] or 410-878-6131.
