It was a wickedly good time at the Hippodrome Theatre recently, and it was all for a great cause ? the Enterprise Women?s Network of Baltimore.
Since its formation seven years ago, the EWN has worked tirelessly to improve the quality of life for low-income women and their families. Prior to a presentation of the Tony Award-winning Broadway blockbuster “Wicked,” the EWN gang gathered at the Hippodrome for great food and great company.
The evening?s proceeds ? an impressive $250,000 ? will go to the organization?s educational programs.
Prior to being dazzled by the cast of “Wicked,” dedication of EWN supporters became so evident. Honorary co-chairs Sue and Howard Platt, power couple Eddie and Sylvia Brown, investment guru Elisabeth Albert Hayes, Enterprise Vice President of Communications Rachel Malch, Doncaster fashion consultant Salli Ward and benefit co-chairwomen Pam Genn and Crystal Lee deserve much credit.
“Wicked” producer Marc Platt, a Bawlmer boy from Pikesville, told everyone within earshot: “I?m so happy to be back home in Maryland.” He then compared the play?s story line to the women in the EWN. “They are very similar ? powerful women, helping women.”
To learn more about the organization, visit www.enterprisecommunity.org, or call 410-332-1230.
Field of Two Dreams
The baseball Hall of Fame?s two newest honorees ? the Orioles? Cal Ripken Jr. and the Padres? Tony Gwynn ? proved the perfect lead-in to the recent Aspire Gala at the Convention Center to benefit the Cal Ripken Sr. Foundation. The two stars, who will be inducted into the Hall of Fame this July, talked about their careers at a news conference. Because both exemplify a strong sense of family and community commitment, they were perfect for the occasion.
The foundation?s mission is simple: “The Cal Ripken Sr. Foundation uses baseball and softball taught ?The Ripken Way? to develop character and give disadvantaged youth opportunities to succeed,” the foundation says on its Web site.
The co-chairs were Frank and Janet Kelly of Kelly and Associates. Seen mingling with many of the former major-leaguers in attendance were Micheline and Terry Arenson, Frank and Debbie Culotta, Kweisi Mfume, agent to the stars Ron Shapiro and crowd favorite Baltimore Colt Hall of Famer Artie Donovan, who was seen enjoying a Heineken ? and not his usual Schlitz beer.
More than $1.2 million was raised, thanks to the support of the McNaughton Foundation, Charlie and Julie Cawley and Pat and John Cochran.
A post-Gala party at Morton?s included Hall of Famers Johnny Bench, Tom Seaver and Steve Carlton and country musician Randy Owens of the band Alabama. Actor Roy Scheider (of “Jaws” fame) was also spotted dining.
ANNE?S PICK OF THE WEEK
The Baltimore Symphony Decorators? Show House ? Long Crandon ? will feature an Empty House Tour Feb. 17 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. So get in before the designers work their magic. Tickets, which benefit the symphony, are $5. Long Crandon is located at 2525 Pot Spring Road. (Enter the Stella Maris campus and follow the signs.)After its completion, the Symphony Show House will be open from April 29 to May 20. For information, call 410-783-8023.
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.
