Talk about a dream job. How could anyone turn down this opportunity? I had been asked to serve as a “celebrity” judge at the 16th annual Chocolate Affair, held recently at M&T Bank Stadium. Big, big problem, though. I don?t care for sweets. Thankfully ? and I didn?t have to twist her arm ? Erica Horwitz, The Examiner?s community relations manager, agreed to take my place.
The sweetest thing about this event was that it benefited Health Care for the Homeless.
The Club Level was lined with Baltimore-area vendors, who were showcasing their beautifully designed treats. It was hard to miss the folks from DK Salons, led by Chocolate Affair committee member and DKowner Denise Klicos, who were providing quick hairdos, massages and hand and foot reflexology.
Event co-chairs Sharon Bunch, Ing-Jye Cheng and Caryn Sagal wasted no time gathering the judges, who included Channel 13?s Don Scott and Ron Matz, Tracey Baskerville (Communications Director for Baltimore?s Office of Promotions and the Arts), and Fox TV-45?s Jennifer Gladstone and Steve Fertig. Much to my delight, there were plenty of non-sweet delicacies to sample from Nasu Blanca, Ciao Bella, the Bonefish Grill and Brasserie Tatin.
Honorary co-chairs Laura Lippman and Tom Kiefaber welcomed more than 1,000 people to the affair, and Kiefaber, owner of the Senator Theatre, put his showman skills to the test as one of the drummers for Tropical Heat, an amazing steel-drum band. I did find a couple of sweet treats I liked, thanks to the folks from Brown-Forman (a delicious chocolate raspberry martini) and Cuisine Catering (a one-of-a-kind pear-tini).
The winners included: Linwood?s Restaurant & Catering (tastiest chocolate treat); Nasu Blanc (tastiest nonchocolate delight); Chef?s Expressions (best overall visual presentation ? booth); Glarus Chocolatier (best visual presentation ? food items); Atwater?s Market Bakery (most creative use of chocolate as an ingredient); Cuisine Catering & Event Planning (best beverage offering); Fusion?s Grill (Apprentice Award ? for the most deserving new vendor to the event); and Chef?s Expressions (Connoisseur Award ? for the best vendor participating for at least five years ).
Dancing, dining for a great cause
For many of Harford County?s high rollers, the Maryland Golf and Country Club was the place to be for the county?s recent United Charities Benefit Gala.
County Executive David Craig and his wife, Melinda, chaired this year?s annual event, which benefited the county?s Alzheimer?s Support Fund and the county?s Community ActionAgency, among others. More than 500 supporters turned out for a fun evening that included dinner and dancing. Seen swinging to the tunes of Klassix were Elberton Hill Farm?s Martha Hopkins, Amy Hopkins Daney and her husband, attorney Michael Daney. Also spotted were Albert J.A. “Jay” Young, partner with the Bel Air law firm of Brown, Brown and Young, and his wife, Orsia, Channel 2?s Jamie Costello ? who served as master of ceremonies ? and many local county officials, including Council Member Veronica “Roni” Chenowith, a co-founder of the Harford United Charities. Charities trustee Elizabeth Carven said, “Through the generosity of the community, $75,000 was raised.”
ANNE?S PICK OF THE WEEK
What: Cucchiella Fundraiser: To benefit cancer survivor Sandra Cucchiella, mother of 98 Rock “shock jock” Mickey Cucchiella.
When: Sunday, 4 p.m.
Where: Padonia Station Sport Bar, 63 E. Padonia Road, Timonium
Cost: $20 cover. $300 for a raffle ticket to win a 2007 Ford Mustang, compliments of Donahoo Ford. Only 300 raffle tickets will be sold.
Info: Deb Fowler at 410-252-8121.
