Aris Melissaratos, whose job title at Johns Hopkins University would eat up half of this column?s word count, held a gathering at his Greenspring Valley home recently, not only to show appreciation for all those who made the 2007 HeartBall a success but also to issue a challenge to make HeartBall 2008 an even greater achievement.
The guest list included many top Maryland business leaders and philanthropists, whose generous support of this year?s ball ? co-chaired by Brown Advisory?s Greg Barnhill and his wife, Lisa ? benefited The American Heart Association.
The 2008 chair ? you guessed it, Melissaratos ? was at his savvy best in drumming up support for next year?s gala event. Well-known in these parts for his support of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Melissaratos? fundraising efforts will now be shared with AHA.
“I figure at my age ? 63 ? I?m likely to be facing heart disease and should take an active roll in fighting it,” Melissaratos told his guests, who numbered about 100 of the area?s movers and shakers. “And I?m counting on each one of you to help me surpass the bar set so high by the Barnhills.” The 2007 ball raised $500,000.
Being challenged for 2008 were Ed St. John, Jennifer and Ted Winslow, Greg Barnhill, Nancy and Lou Grasmick, Nancy and Victor “Bruz” Frenkil, and Suzanne and Stuart Amos, among others.
If you want to donate to the auction, e-mail Suzanne Amos at suzieamos@
earthlink.net. Mark your calendar for Feb. 23, 2008, and start looking for that perfect red dress. Next year?s gala is sure to be a winner.
TRIO OF SPECIAL FATHERS
Speaking of pre-planning, The Father?s Day Council of Maryland and The American Diabetes Association held a private reception for the 2007 Father of the Year award recipients. Former Colts star Joe Ehrmann, Downtown Partnership President Kirby Fowler Jr., and Banks Contracting President Kenneth Banks were honored at the home of ADA chairwoman Lorrie Lang. These “top pops” will be honored June 14 at The American Visionary Arts Museum. For information, call Amanda Karfakis at 410-732-6542.
HISTORY IS SERVED
When Snyder?s Deli in Owing Mills held a “deli-cious” grand reopening party recently, it was a media “who?s who” and “who was.” Some of the former TV veterans,who were seen celebrating with owner Howard Snyder included Jack Bowden and his wife, Susan White-Bowden (WMAR), and Royal (“Hey kids, get off that furniture!”) Parker (WBAL). Joining them were current local stars Richard Sher and Ron Matz (both of WJZ), who were quite entertained watching public relations guru Edie Brown munch on a plateful of Snyder?s famous pickles. Thanks to the hard work of the folks at the Enoch Pratt Free Library, the deli was wallpapered with large black-and-white photos of Baltimore?s past. Photos of Memorial Stadium and Lexington Market in their glory days complemented the long history of the party?s TV guests.
LANCE SIGHTING AT MICA
The Maryland Institute College of Art held its commencement last week at The Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall and had a heavy peddler in the audience. Seven-time Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong accompanied his New York City fashion-designer girlfriend Tory Burch, who was in town for the graduation of a family friend.
PICKS OF THE WEEK
What: A Night Out At The Library to benefit the Harford County Public Library
Where: The Jarrettsville Branch, 3722 Norrisville Road
When: 7 p.m., Friday
Tickets: $25; $15 with student ID.
Info: 410-273-5600.
What: USS Constellation Museum?s Eighth Annual BLAST Fundraiser
Where: The USS Constellation, Pier One, 300 E. Pratt St., Baltimore
When: From 8 to 11 p.m. Friday; Officer?s Dinner begins at 6.30 p.m.
Tickets: Fundraiser $50; Dinner $100.
Info: 410-539-1797 ext. 422.
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 event with the community. E-mail high-resolution .jpg attachments to newstip@baltimore
examiner.com. Images must include full names and information about the event, including the organization name, date, place and cause supported.
Anne Boone-Simanski is the social columnist for The Examiner and can be reached at [email protected] or 410-878-6131.
