For The Children?s Guild, the choice was easy.
No one deserved this year?s prestigious Sadie Award more than Baltimore entrepreneur Lou Grasmick did for his well-noted charitable works and unwavering support of the Guild.
The presentation of the award, which is named after Guild founder Sadie Dashew Ginsberg, was part of the recent “Cabaret for Kids” banquet at the school?s Baltimore campus (6802 McClean Blvd.). The proceeds of this always-successful event are going to the construction of a new gymnasium and play fields.
“Lou rose from humble beginnings to become a major force in promoting Baltimore?s image, helping the needy, and generally improving the city and the surroundings,” Guild President and CEO Andrew Ross said. “His persistence to turn impossible feats into realities ? which is also a goal of The Children?s Guild ? is the reason we?re honoring him.”
More than 300 people attended to honor both Grasmick and the school, which has two other campuses ? one in Annapolis and one in Hyattsville. Since 1953, The Children?s Guild, according to its Web site, has been “serving emotionally disturbed children through the provision of special education, group living, treatment foster care and mental health services in Maryland.”
And for 54 years, it has done its job well.
After a reception and silent auction, former student Jaleel Allen, 13, kicked off the festivities by singing a touching rendition of Stevie Wonder?s “For Once in My Life.” The Harlem Park Dance Troupe also performed.
The event?s highlight was a show, written by Ross, entitled “Who?s Lou?” ? performed by the Guild?s students and faculty with special appearances by Baltimore radio and TV legend Frank Luber, Dr. Ben Carson and Dr. Vincent Gott of Johns Hopkins Hospital, area sports announcer Ted Patterson, Diamond Comics President and CEO Steve Geppi, and Executive Director of the Reginald R. Lewis Museum Dr. David Terry.
Two audio messages of congrats to Lou were played ? from boxing legend Sugar Ray Leonard and former Orioles catcher Gus Triandos.
Lou and his wife Nancy (the Maryland State Superintendent of Schools) beamed all nightabout the tribute, which raised $200,000.
ANNE?S PICK OF THE WEEK
» What: Scholarship awards dinner sponsored by Ravens Nest #1 in Harford County to honor one student from each of the county?s nine high schools. Scott Garceau of Ch. 2 (WMAR-TV) will serve as emcee.
» When: 6:30 p.m. March 29
» Where: Richlin Ballroom and Catering at 1700 Van Bibber Road in Edgewood.
» Tickets: $30; contact Pat Skebeck at [email protected]
Society Spotters
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Anne Boone-Simanski is the society columnist for The Examiner and can be reached at [email protected] or 410-878-6131.
