The Chatter

Community Gathers After Flood Devastation in Ellicott City

Fundraisers, restaurant promotions, and cleanups scheduled to help damaged businesses.

In the wake of the tragic flash flood that destroyed a number of local businesses and took two lives in Ellicott City on July 30, organizations throughout the state are hosting events and fundraisers to help the community rebuild.

Pub Dog: At Pub Dog’s location in Columbia on Tuesday, August 23, the fan-favorite pizza parlor is donating 25 percent of all sales to the Ellicott City Partnership from 7 p.m. until last call. 8865 Stanford Blvd., Columbia, 410-872-0364

Hope Floats: In true neighborly fashion, the Union Craft Brewing crew is throwing a benefit at the brewery for all of the Meadow Mill businesses that sustained damage during the Jones Falls Valley flood. The price of admission includes eats from Woodberry Kitchen and Well Crafted Pizza, as well as live performances by Brooks Long, Joseph & The Beasts, and DJ Who. 1700 Union Ave., Ste. D., $25, 410-467-0290

Victoria Gastro Pub: With strong ties to the entire Howard County community, this Columbia mainstay (which plans to open sister-restaurant Manor Hill Tavern in Ellicott City this fall) has organized a beer festival-style fundraiser to benefit the Ellicott City Partnership. On August 27 from noon to 4 p.m., guests are invited to enjoy passed hors d’eouvres alongside beer tastings from a number of local breweries. Manor Hill Tavern and Waverly Real Estate Group have vowed to match every ticket sold. 8201 Snowden River Parkway, Columbia, 410-750-1880

Mother’s Grille: Sway to the soulful sounds of rockers Cris Jacobs and Gypsy Soul Revival at this benefit show on September 2 hosted by Mother’s in Federal Hill. All ticket and silent auction proceeds will be directly donated to the Ellicott City Partnership. 1113 S. Charles St., $30, 410-244-8686

Preservation Maryland: This nonprofit has established a fundraising campaign aimed toward rebuilding Ellicott City’s damaged historic properties. In only one day, the fundraiser has already reached 67 percent of its $20,000 goal.

Phoenix Emporium: Though this Ellicott City mainstay was devastated by Saturday’s flood, its owner Mark Hemmis is dedicated to helping the community rebuild. Phoenix Emporium has established a GoFundMe page that will directly benefit its staff while they seek employment elsewhere. All leftover proceeds will be donated to other Ellicott City businesses in need.

Cunningham Studios: Owner Dee Cunningham has started this fundraising campaign to aid in repurchasing supplies and covering building expenses after her custom art studio took on four feet of water during the storm.

Tersiguel’s: This beloved French restaurant has been a community mainstay since 1975. Friends of husband-and-wife owners Michel and Angie Tersiguel have established a GoFundMe page to help the family restaurant cover costs of property damage.

Sweet Elizabeth Jane: Raging flood waters wiped out this beloved Ellicott City boutique known for its carefully curated collection of urban and vintage pieces. A recovery fund has been set up to aid owner Tammy Beideman in setting up a temporary pop-up shop and eventually rebuilding the store on Main Street.

EVLUTN Apparel: The clothing designers behind Howard County-based EVLUTN Apparel are lending a hand by creating custom tee shirts that pay homage to the history of Ellicott City. All proceeds from the online sales will help community members in need.

United Way of Central Maryland: At the request of Howard County executive Allan Kittleman, the local chapter of United Way has established a fund that will aid humanitarian efforts to rebuild homes, roads, and businesses damaged by the floods.

Cacao Lane: Like many other businesses on Main Street, this Ellicott City institution known for its rooftop deck and summertime cocktails took a massive hit during Saturday’s flooding. To help the restaurant bounce back, owner Michael Hanratty has established a GoFundMe page, which raised more than $2,000 in only four hours. 8066 Main Street, Ellicott City, 410-461-1378.

Sweet Elizabeth Jane: Raging flood waters wiped out this beloved Ellicott City boutique known for its carefully curated collection of urban and vintage pieces. A recovery fund has been set up to aid owner Tammy Beideman in setting up a temporary pop-up shop and eventually rebuilding the store on Main Street.

Captain James Landing: The price of admission for this fundraiser on August 21 at Captain James Landing includes two hours of all-you-can-eat crabs, domestic beer, and a bottomless buffet featuring corn, soup, wings, and pasta salad. Proceeds from ticket sales and a silent auction will be donated to the Ellicott City Partnership. 2127 Boston St., 410-327-8600

Outdoor Yoga at Hopewell Park: Grab a yoga mat and head to Columbia’s Hopewell Park for this donation-based fundraiser featuring a 60-minute vinyasa flow practice.

HopAsana Yoga Fundraiser: Black Flag Brewing Company, which opened its doors in Columbia less than one week ago, is also hosting a donation-based yoga gathering to benefit the Ellicott City Partnership. The event will take place on Sunday, August 14, featuring Black Flag brews, food truck fare, and an hour-long class taught by Emily Lodge. 9315 Snowden River Parkway, Ste. C, Columbia

B. Doughnut: While strolling around Hampden this weekend, stop into this neighborhood bakery to sample one of its signature marshmallow doughnuts. All proceeds will be directly donated to Ellicott City relief efforts. 3528 Chestnut Ave., 443-475-0910

Smaltimore: This Canton beer bar is hosting an event on Wednesday, August 10 to help raise funds for the United Way of Central Maryland. That evening, a portion of all Jailbreak and Manor Hill beer sales will be directly donated to relief efforts in Ellicott City. 2522 Fait Ave.,410-522-1421

Bare Bones Grill: Local cover band The Boozehounds will be playing a benefit show at Bare Bones Grill in Ellicott City this Friday at 9 p.m. Though there will be no cover charge at the door, donations to benefit the Ellicott City Partnership will be accepted at the bar all night. 9150 Baltimore National Pike, Ste 22, Ellicott City, 410-461-0770

Fish Head Cantina: In Arbutus, Fish Head Cantina is lending a hand by hosting a #ECStrong event on Sunday, August 7. In addition to raffles, a clothing drive, and a non-perishable food drop-off, the neighborhood spot will feature live music from local rockers Radio Monkey, Stone Dust Riders, Bastards of Reality, The Boozehounds, and The TommyMcGee Band. 4802 Benson Ave., 410-247-2474

Great Sage: Clarksville’s go-to vegan spot is dedicating an entire day of service to raising funds for relief efforts. On Sunday August 7, a percentage of all brunch, lunch, and dinner sales will be donated to the Ellicott City Partnership. 5809 Clarksville Square Drive, Clarksville, 443-935-9400

Portside Tavern Fundraiser: In an effort to support the small businesses that were destroyed, this Canton bar is planning a benefit event on Friday, August 5. For a $10 donation, guests will enjoy specials such as $2 domestic bottles, $3 Fireball shots, $4 glasses of wine, and $4 pints of craft beer. One hundred percent of all of the evening’s proceeds will be donated to the Ellicott City partnership. 2821 O’Donnell St., 410-522-7678

Heavy Seas Brewery Fundraiser: Heavy Seas Taproom in Halethorpe is donating 50 percent of all revenue this weekend to support relief efforts. The brewery will also be collecting dust masks, gloves, and shovels to be delivered to the Ellicott City partnership. 4615 Hollins Ferry Road, Halethorpe, 410-247-7822

Alexander’s Tavern Fundraiser: This Fells Point bar will be hosting an event on Friday, August 5, to benefit the Ellicott City Partnership. That night, a $5 wristband will get customers $3 drafts, $4 wine, $4 rail drinks, and $2 off their signature flatbread pizza and tater tots. Plus, the bar will be featuring raffles and a prize wheel, and 20 percent of total sales will be donated to Ellicott City’s recovery. 710 S. Broadway, 410-522-0000

Flying Dog Brewery: This weekend, not only will Flying Dog Brewery be donating portions of all beer sales to the Ellicott City Partnership, but its staff has also offered to donate all tips to help get Nepenthe Homebrew back on its feet. The brewery’s tasting room is open Friday from 3-8 p.m., Saturday from 12-8 p.m., and Sunday from 12-6 p.m. 4607 Wedgewood Blvd., Frederick, 301-694-7899

Jailbreak Brewing Company: On Thursday August 4, head to Jailbreak Brewing in Laurel for free brewery tours, specialty eats from Giggy’s BBQ and Catering, and Kona Ice snowballs from 3-10 p.m. Fifty percent of all event proceeds will benefit the small businesses affected. 9445 Washington Blvd N, Ste F, Laurel, 443-345-9699

The Alehouse Columbia: Flying Dog Brewery and Oliver Brewing Company are teaming up to host a special pint night at The Alehouse Columbia on Wednesday, August 3. Proceeds from all Flying Dog and Oliver pints sold between 3 and 10 p.m. will be donated to the Ellicott City Historic District Partnership. Flying Dog is also hosting another pint night fundraiser at The White Oak Tavern in Ellicott City on Sunday, August 7 from 4-8 p.m. 6480 Dobbin Center Way, Columbia, 443-546-3640

Le Garage: Many restaurants throughout Baltimore City have already vowed to extend their summer Restaurant Week promotions, and this Hampden hotspot is doing it for a great cause. Le Garage will donate $5 of each Restaurant Week prix-fixe to help neighboring business Nepenthe Homebrew get back on its feet. Nepenthe, a shop that sells specialty beer-making equipment in Woodberry’s Meadow Mill complex, was completely wiped out after Saturday’s storm caused the Jones Falls to jump its banks. 911 W. 36th St., 410-243-6300

Nacho Mama’s and Mama’s on the Half Shell: Throughout the week, owners of these neighboring Canton Square restaurants will be donating 20 percent of all food and drink purchases to the Ellicott City Disaster Relief Fund. Stop in from 2-5 p.m. daily to sip margaritas and chow down on Mexican fare for a good cause. 2907 O’Donnell St., 410-675-0898