Santa Claus had a lot of assistance in spreading the holiday cheer this year. Ravens quarterback Steve McNair teamed up with several other Ravens players at Castle Toyota last week. The invitation-only party joined McNair?s Foundation with Castle Automotive Group to give to Baltimore City?s neediest children gifts who would otherwise do without. It wasn?t Santa?s sleigh arriving in the parking lot, but a police helicopter that really got the kids excited. “Children deserve a happy holiday,” said Howard Castleman, president of the Castle Automotive Group, “and whatever we can do to achieve that goal and see their smiles as they open their presents, is worthwhile.” McNair?s Foundation donated shirts, autographed pictures and footballs. All agreed that our quarterback is as great off the field as he is on the gridiron.
Another Raven helping out around the holidays is cornerback Chris McAlister, No. 21, who brought his family ? Mom, Dad and brother ? to The Ronald McDonald House in Baltimore. The party brought smiles galore to the families living at the house while their children receive medical treatment. “The families were very touched that Chris included his family to meet ours,” said Marianne Rowan-Braun, executive director of The Ronald McDonald House.
Hope Lockwood, a Rodgers Forge Elementary student, celebrated her ninth birthday recently at The Merritt Athletic Club. Instead of asking for birthday gifts, she had her party guests bring a gift for those not as fortunate as herself. Hope dropped off several bags of toys for the Toys for Tots program that were distributed to The St. Ann?s Church community in Baltimore City. The name “Hope” certainly fits this young lady.
Just before Christmas, Timmy Ford, of Phoenix, put on his best smiley face and volunteered at the donation bucket at the Hunt Valley Wal-Mart. Donations were going to the local Shop with a Cop program that was supported by members of Greater Jacksonville, Cockeysville and Timonium. For years his family has supported this program, and Timmy?s dad, Mike, felt he should get some hands on charitable experience. In about an hour, that charming smile paid off with almost $400 collected for this organization.
The Chimes organization recently kicked off the season with a huge party at Martins West, in Woodlawn. More than 1,000 folks gathered, making this annual affair one of the biggest holiday parties in the state, according to Jeff Kasakitis, of Nevins Public Relations. During the party, awards were presented, one being the 2006 President?s Award that went to Doug Turnbaugh, director of The Chimes, for his tireless efforts to enrich the lives of those with disabilities. Additionally, 18 employees from The Chimes were also saluted for their 10 years of service to the organization. The Chimes is a nonprofit service provider helping those with disabilities to receive support training and employment skills to take them into the future. Congratulations to Nellie Khodorkovsky, who was selected as the “GEM” of the year award.
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, Carroll, Harford, Howard and Baltimore 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.
