?Tis the season to be jolly. So let?s party.
» Padonia Station in Timonium, named one of America?s best sports bars by ESPN2?s popular “Cold Pizza” show, hosted its 11th annual “Largest Christmas Party” last Wednesday. This establishment is always festive, but this party really rocked since it was for the benefit of the Ed Block Courage Award Foundation. There was a sports memorabilia auction along with raffled prizes.
The Ed Block Foundation joins with the NFL in the ongoing battle against child abuse. The 29th annual awards dinner will be March 20, at Martin?s West, but it?s never too early to startthe “fun”-raising. Just ask Ed Block Director of Communications Chuck Harmon. Santa arrived via fire truck from the Cockeysville Volunteer Fire Department, and seen enjoying the festivities were Ed Block volunteers Dave Copenhauer, Julie Bargo, G.G. Hyle, Erin McGeehan and Padonia Station?s Debbie Fowler. For information, go to www.edblock.com
» Last Thursday, Bob Leffler and The Leffler Agency hosted one the holiday?s best parties. A fixture at the Inner Harbor?s City Lights for 17 years, this year?s 23rd annual event was held at the Mansion House at the Maryland Zoo, and more than 300 guests turned out despite a dense fog that enveloped most of Baltimore.
Orchard Landing provided delicious food, and jolly guests included CBS Radio head honcho Bob Philips, Pimlico Race Course PR guy Mike Gathagan, former Baltimore Colt stars Stan White (with wife Patti) and Tom Matte (with wife Judy), and Mike Hermann, who is the new athletic director at Towson University. Speaking of new, The Examiner?s new publisher Michael Beatty was also in attendance.
BANKING ON IT
Recently, Provident Bank sponsored the Pride of Maryland men?s basketball tournament. The state?s nine Division III colleges competed with Johns Hopkins University winning the title. One of the tourney?s highlights occurred off the court, as Provident honored one scholar from each college ? a student who best exemplified “The Provident Way,” according to Vicki Cox, manager for public and community relations at Provident ? with a $1,000 scholarship. Bank President Kevin Byrnes presented the awards to Megan Zimmerman (Frostburg State University), Frederica Newman Blount (Goucher College), Nathan Whye (Hood College), Desirae Vasquez (Johns Hopkins University), Kristen Bender (McDaniel College), Lisa Dacick (St. Mary?s College), Joshua Weikers (Salisbury University), Christopher Conroy (Villa Julie College) and Ellen Boone (Washington College). This is a great example of community involvement that helps today?s students become tomorrow?s leaders.
A WINNING RECIPE
Just in time for the holidays, Baltimore-based Erickson Retirement Communities has put out a cookbook that is well worth the money. Fifty-eight delicious recipes ? the favorites of 23 Erickson Community chefs ? are featured, and proceeds go to the Experience Corps (www.ExperienceCorps.com), which, according to Erickson?s Web site, offers “new adventures in service” for Americans over the age of 55.
“Our goal is to showcase the talents of our chefs and the wonderful dining experience residents enjoy every day at the campus restaurants,” said Mel Tansill, senior director of public affairs for Erickson. The cookbook sells for $14.95. For information, go to www. EricksonTribune.com or call 800-893-3168.
SPOTTED
Special guests at the Towson University-Temple men?s basketball game Saturday at the Towson Center were Gov. Ehrlich and his son Drew. Drew was also chosen as one of the Fans of the Game and received a bright gold Towson University shirt that went quite well with his red University of Maryland sweatpants.
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.
