Baltimore magazine’s 2024 Best of Baltimore Party
August 15, 2024
7 – 11 p.m.
Hippodrome Theatre at the France-Merrick Performing Arts Center/M&T Bank Exchange  

Imagine being able to experience the very best that the city has to offer under one roof. That’s the beauty of the magazine’s annual Best of Baltimore party—an all-out celebration of excellence in Baltimore dining, arts, entertainment, media, and more.

At the Hippodrome Theatre and adjoining M&T Bank Exchange, some 1,100 guests sampled food and drink from 28 restaurants, caterers, eateries, and drink purveyors—many of which were named in the magazine’s current “Best of Baltimore” issue. There were tunes by Rick and the Revolving Doors and The Wafflers, as well as dance music spun by DJ Kopec in the Exchange. If that wasn’t enough fun, folks could also try their hand at pickleball, golf, and blackjack—or put themselves in the hands of caricature artists.  

When it came to creating an eye-catching, Charm City-inspired look for this year’s Best of Baltimore Party, Jules Holdford knew she wanted to one-up her outfit (featured in this column) from last year.

This year, Holdford had fashion designer Yelé Oladeinde not just create her dress, but also the fabric for it—using the art from the magazine’s past 18 “Best of Baltimore” covers. (Each represents the 17 years that Jules has lived in Baltimore, plus one for good luck.) Then, the Baltimore tour guide added all sorts of fun accessories. (Think: lemon peppermint stick earrings from Keppel & Kismet, stickers from CrescentPearl on Etsy, and a special mani by Light Street Nail Salon.)

How else to expand on the “Summer in Baltimore” theme? Bring along your best friend of 17 years—Jaron Lockett—who donned his own spirited ensemble. The federal employee modeled a flamingo-themed shorts set he found on Amazon, set off by a set of flamingo beard clips from Veronica of Circle B Enterprises.

“Beards should have bedazzlement,” Lockett explained, with a laugh.

Left to right: Baltimore magazine colleagues: Debbie Darmofal, Vice President of Finance & Operations; Janelle Diamond, Baltimore Weddings editor; Michael Teitelbaum, president; Jane Marion, deputy editor

Left to right: Jason Jones, photographer; Thomas Miller, Maryland Collision auto body technician; Isaac Gainer, Johns Hopkins Hospital IT specialist; Brandon Ferges, real estate investor

Left to right: Jeanine Turner, Turner Design Firm owner/interior designer; Gary Maslan, attorney; Dave Willner, Radio One director of sales; Terry Willner, Table Toppers office manager

Left to right: Gregory Tucker, The Tucker Group CEO; Catherine Tucker, development professional

Left to right: Steve Geppi, Baltimore magazine publisher; Breanna Geppi, Club Pilates general manager; Roger Cullen, retired transportation engineer; Gina Geppi, Geppi Family Enterprises social media manager

Left to right: Jenny Bixler, Brown Advisory senior financial analyst; Andrew Pipitone, Das Bierhalle co-owner; Cailin Seirafipour, The Archdiocese of Baltimore director of instruction; Ali Seirafipour, Brown Advisory senior finance manager

Left to right: Brandon Johnson, US VA Hospital electrical engineer; Olesha Haskett, photographer/BOB Readers’ Poll winner

Left to right: Seth Estevis, college student; Cara Mastrostefano, woodworker; Laura Kwash, nutritionist

Twins Allison McCurnin (left) and Kristin McCurnin (right) share many things, including a passion for fashion—which was clear in their outfits.

“But we have different aesthetics,” said Kristin, a nurse practioner with Health Care for the Homeless.

“My style is reserved classic—simple cuts, elegant but comfortable,” noted Allison. The vice president of business development at Residential Title & Escrow demonstrated that concept in the silver Zara sequined slip dress, topped with a Barbie pink blazer.

“I’m sophisticated grunge. I like everything with an edge to it,” said Kristin, in a black slip dress under a AFRM floral mesh sheath that she found on sale at Nordstrom Rack.

16th Annual Party For A Cure
July 28, 2024
1–5 p.m.
Eastern Yacht Club 

 

The familial feeling at the 16th-annual Party for a Cure (PFAC) was intentional. 

Instead of going to a larger disease-oriented organization, founder Karen Barbour created the nonprofit event to raise money directly for Maryland families affected by life-threatening diseases that limit strength and mobility. Each year, the gala fundraises for a different affected family and its specific needs. And many of those families become devoted attendees to the annual shindig—as do many other guests, including the party’s perennial emcee, WJZ TV news anchor Denise Koch.  

This year, some 119 folks turned out at the Eastern Yacht Club to enjoy a crab feast, live and silent auction, live music, and a great Middle River view. 

Hannah Fallon lays claim to being the original inspiration behind the party. The first PFAC raised money and material donations to renovate Fallon’s family home to accommodate her mobility issues. Fallon says she’s only missed one PFAC since. 

“I’m just so grateful and happy to see everyone,” she said. “It’s kind of like a reunion.” 

Left to right: Jack Phippen, former theatre director; Karen Barbour, The Barbour Group president/Party for a Cure founder; Denise Koch, WJZ TV anchor/event emcee

Mission BBQ’s Lauren Wood delivers the goods at the party’s crab feast.

Left to right: Kathy Fallon, event supported family member; Hannah Fallon, event supported family member; Dr. Neil Porter, University of Maryland neurologist/neuromuscular specialist; Dominic Pope, Gaines and Company safety director

Left to right: Lisa Mayers, retired Anne Arundel County Fire Department deputy chief; Dave Taylor, Fireline Corporation vice president of business development

Left to right: Event supported family: Cindy Ashton; Amanda Ashton; Russell Ashton

Left to right: Mary Newman Haynes, Maryland State Lottery regional manager; Brooks Newman, Allstate Floors president; Kevin Alicea, Maryland Lottery Commission claims clerk; Adriana Diaz, Allstate Floors labor coordinator

Left to right: Brendan Dowling, retired teacher; Eileen Dowling, Gaines and Company accountant

Left to right: John Vardavas, Vardavas CPA owner; Jim Nomikos, Southern Acoustics Inc. president; Mike Carroll, Baltimore County Public Schools electrical careers teacher

Left to right: Thomas Dinisio, Energy Ares partner; Brittany Dinisio, federal government employee; Audrey Barbour, The Barbour Group manager/event volunteer

Left to right: Claire Menke, event supported family member; Daean Menke, event supported family member; and Laura Leedy, RN

Live Baltimore’s Baltimore’s Birthday Bash
July 26, 2024
7–11 p.m.
Harborplace Light Street Pavilion 

When it comes to a great birthday party, it’s hard to beat Baltimore’s Birthday Bash. This year, the annual Live Baltimore event took place at Harborplace’s Light Street Pavilion, pulling in some 1,100 attendees. Many guests took advantage of the opportunity to wander through the space, recalling old memories of the pavilion in its prime. They also enjoyed desserts and drinks from more than 15 different vendors, a dance party with beats spun by DJ Tanz, and non-stop mixing and mingling—all contributing a high-energy atmosphere that lasted late into the evening. 

If Annie Milli’s fearless style is any reflection of her leadership skills, then the folks at Live Baltimore know they are in good hands. The civic organization’s executive director loves to up her fashion for some occasions, including the annual bash.

But, for Milli, it’s all about the look, not the label. Case in point: the one-shoulder sheath she wore to this year’s event.

“I have no idea [who the designer is]. It’s from a department store,” she said, not even remembering which one.

What was more important was following the party’s yellow theme.

“I Googled yellow dresses and then searched [online] for hours,” she said.

She added rhinestone waterfall earrings, a crystal-covered clutch, and Betsey Johnson pumps. But the accessory that meant the most to her was the rhinestone bracelet that had belonged to the late Joyce Leviton, one of Live Baltimore’s founders, which was given to her after Leviton’s death in 2023.

Left to right: Jan Bledsoe, attorney; Jayne Miller, WBAL News Radio show host

Left to right: Deni Tabor, Ashley Custom Homes partner; Neil Tabor, Ashley Custom Homes owner/founder

Left to right: Simeon Wharton, Baltimore City Public Schools educator; Danielle Wharton, Johns Hopkins Health System vice president of operations; Arielle Bess, attorney; Herlen Bess, Transamerica Life Insurance senior compliance analyst

Left to right: Nii Sowah, Enterprise Community Development vice president of community impact; Gary Gray, Gary Gray Event Planning CEO; Michael Guye, retired Baltimore city director of home ownership; Donnell Spivey, Exit Spivey Professional Realty broker/owner

Left to right: P. David Bramble, MCB Real Estate managing partner; Brian Pieninck, CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield president/CEO

Left to right: Celeste Taylor, Somethin’ Good Foods & Events owner; Sam Smith, New Vintage by Sam owner

Left to right: Hannah Ward, Baltimore City Public Schools teacher; Ashley Smith, Bolton director of marketing; Christie Bell, Curated Home Designs interior designer; Rachel Smith, project manager; Sue Rode, CVS director of strategy

Left to right: Susan Brown, Venable lawyer/Live Baltimore board member; Michael Brown, Miles & Stockbridge lawyer; Jason St. John, Saul Ewing managing partner; Toni St. John, Baltimore Collegetown Network executive director/Live Baltimore board member

Left to right: Chris Franzoni, EatMoreBeMore eater-in-chief; Meghan McCorkell, Enoch Pratt Free Library chief of marketing, communications & strategy

House of Ruth Maryland’s 22nd-Annual Crabaret
July 17, 2024
6:30–10 p.m.
Gertrude’s at the Baltimore Museum of Art

An evening of intermittent rain, wind, and high humidity wasn’t about to deter some 250 folks from the 22nd-annual Crabaret, a summer garden party fundraiser put on by House of Ruth Maryland. Guests dodged raindrops by seeking shelter inside Gertrude’s Chesapeake Kitchen or under tents in the Baltimore Museum of Art’s sculpture garden, all while enjoying live music, cocktails, and various crab dishes created by chef John Shields. The shindig raised approximately $125,000 for House of Ruth Maryland, which works tirelessly to end violence against women and their children.

Left to right: John Giligan, Eastern Shore psychotherapist; John Shields, Gertrude’s Chesapeake Kitchen chef/owner

Left to right: Ragan Bey, American Airlines pilot; Pam Malester, retired executive/board member; Jack Kardos, optometrist; Joyce Ann Burman, board member

Left to right: Meryl Burgin, board vice president; Sandi Timmins, House of Ruth Maryland executive director

Left to right: Kappie Bogart, retired Transamerica vice president/board president; Pamela Colbert, McCormick & Company vice president/board past president

Left to right: Clare Berrang, Singer|Damareck real estate broker/board member; Anthony Esce, Capital Electric account manager; Tessa Noble, Coty engineer

Left to right: Nicole Baird, Kinsley Construction project assistant; Lawrence Baird, Baird Consulting Group founder/consultant

Left to right: Patti O’Neill, Duane Morris legal assistant; Allison Parker, Moxie Chocolatier owner/chocolatier; Bob O’Neill, CNAC director of operations

Left to right: Jennifer St. Germain, T. Rowe Price portfolio manager; Sean Bowen-Williams, Reverb senior software engineer; Julie Hopkins, Hopkins IP attorney/board member

Left to right: Wanda Sweetwine, Baltimore Mayor’s Office housing contact coordinator; Deshawn Adams, program expert; Lisa Silver, retired federal employee

Left to right: Leslie Goldman, photographer/equestrian; Marnie Goldman, writer/publicist

American Cancer Society’s Taste for Life
June 23, 2024
2–6 p.m.
Baltimore Center Club

Baltimore’s Center Club has always been popular for special birthday celebrations, which may have been why Taste for Life—one of Baltimore’s popular summer soirees—was held at the venue for its 25th-annual event. About 225 folks enjoyed the views of Baltimore and beyond from the club’s 16th floor perch in the middle of downtown, while relishing the cool comfort of air-conditioning and summer cocktails.

Guests browsed a silent auction, enjoyed several buffets, and mingled with friends old and new. The gathering wasn’t just a swanky way to enjoy a summer Sunday afternoon, but it also raised some $165,000 for the American Cancer Society.

Left to right: Tswana N. Sewell, American Cancer Society DC Baltimore vice president; Cecil Flamer, retired financial services executive/event ambassador; Gabi Santos, American Cancer Society DC Baltimore senior development manager

Left to right: Damon Hall, Brown Capital Management equity trader; Gray Smith, SB&Company auditor

Left to right: BFG Financial Advisors colleagues: Cody Niedermeier, advisor; Amanda Pancake, director of community impact; Yanni Niebuhr, chief investment officer; Andrew Harrell, advisor

Left to right: Spirits of Mount Vernon colleagues: Jeffrey Stevenson, team member; Vicki Schassler, owner; Matt Annunziato, team member

Left to right: Kathleen Taylor, 92 Q Radio account executive; Cindy Plackmeyer, DRB Group director of sales & branding; Lisa Carmichael, Gross Mendelsohn director of business development

Left to right: Alex Gonzalez, Annapolis barber; Krystal Gonzalez, Redirecting Our Culture founder; Rian Hargrave, project executive

Left to right: Dr. Branville Bard, Johns Hopkins University vice president; Dr. Denise Johnson-Lyles, US Food & Drug Administration senior project manager; Larry L. Johnson, Johns Hopkins Hospital System regional vice president of security

Stacey Lynn Munsell projected the perfect summer garden party vibe in the Cynthia Rowley café au lait frock she wore to Taste for Life. Even though the chiffon strapless featured a gigantic flower applique on the bodice, this little number was Munsell in her “Sunday conservative” mode.

“I’m normally much flashier,” said the Ink + Numbers co-founder.

Munsell also prides herself on finding fashionable looks at a bargain, which is why the dress was a rental. The accessories she found to add further zing to her look included rhinestone hoop earrings, a white handbag with pearl handle—both of which she nabbed at Francesca’s—and gold and clear vinyl wedges from ASOS.

“It’s amazing I don’t have anything from [thrift store] Uptown Cheapskate on,” she exclaimed, with a chuckle.

Left to right: Kim Holland, Whiting-Turner executive assistant; Doris Dietz, retired real estate agent

Left to right: Kerry Staton, Schochor, Staton, Goldberg and Cardera founding/managing partner; Dr. Tracy King, Baltimore dentist; Marty King, Gorman & Williams partner

Jazzy Summer Nights
July 4, 2024
6–11 p.m.
Baltimore Peninsula 

More than 3,000 folks bypassed the hubbub of the Inner Harbor on Independence Day by heading to Baltimore Peninsula for the July edition of Jazzy Summer Nights—an ongoing summer celebration that falls on the first Thursday of each month. There, they enjoyed eats from food trucks and various vendors, a cash bar, hookah and cigar lounges, and “the best sunset in Baltimore,” according to the event’s owner, LaRian Finney. Even the few raindrops that made a brief visit were enjoyable, bringing a breeze and taking the sweltering temperatures down a bit 

And that was only the lead-up to a concert by several performers, the headliner being neo-soul jazz artist, Bilal. To end the evening, guests watched a fireworks show—orchestrated by Baltimore Peninsula and MAG Partners—pop over the Patapsco River. 

Left to right: Myrhonda Dixon, natural hair care stylist; Joshua Brown, CDL driver

Left to right: Veronica Green, Verizon central office technician; Eric May, Verizon central office technician

Left to right: LaToya Desmore, Charlotte, NC school bus driver; Mint Lyles, substance abuse/mental health counselor; Denea Hudson, Winston-Salem, NC hairstylist

Left to right: Iesha McKnight, transportation specialist; Ron Hollingsworth, Mount Royal Elementary/Middle School teacher

Left to right: Justin Samuel, Washington DC government IT program manager; Shawna Alston, RN; Kedra Lesasesane, property manager; Michael Lesesane, IT technician

Left to right: Dione Johnson, Kaiser Permanente diagnostic imaging technologist; Warren Govan, MD Yacht Charters captain

Left to right: Jada Davis, engineer manager; Gary Gray, Gary Gray Entertainment promoter

Left to right: Ericka Alston-Buck, Treyway Multi-Treatment Services chief operating officer; Lacel Parham, social worker

Left to right: Derrick Chase, Jazzy Summer Nights co-executive producer; Justin “The Real Bearded Drummer” Wright, event performer/“curator of vibes”

Left to right: Shajuan Finney, Finney Design House CEO; LaRian Finney, Jazzy Summer Nights owner

Maryland Science Center’s 47th Annual Solstice Gala
June 22, 2024
8–11:59 p.m.
Maryland Science Center  

The Maryland Science Center welcomed some 500 guests to celebrate the start of the season with what could—quite literally—be described as a hot summer shindig. Temperatures outside hovered in the 90s, while the atmosphere inside offered air-conditioned spaces but with a hot, jazzy vibe. There were buffets and bars to browse, science experiments to observe or participate in, and live performances to groove to. The gala garnered some $220,000 to underwrite the Science Center’s free admission policy for student field trips.  

Left to right: Mark J. Potter, Maryland Science Center president/CEO; Lori Blau, Maryland Science Center senior director of operations; Mark Blau, Thos. Somerville corporate training manager

Left to right: Abigail Gutstein, Stenley Black & Decker vice president of supply chain; Katherine Zimmerly, Maryland State Retirement Agency communications director; Mark Zimmerly, Transamerica practice leader/Maryland Science Center board chair; Cheri Green, T. Rowe Price senior recruiter

Left to right: Dr. Kyle Hagerty, Excelsia Injury Care chiropractor; Janet Barnes, psychiatric nurse

Left to right: Chris Pagán, INNOVIM systems engineer; Peina Canales-Pagán, Gross, Mendelsohn & Associates learning and development manager; Mary Ladelokun, Gross, Mendelsohn & Associates senior audit associate; Kevin Whitley, Gross, Mendelsohn & Associates associate II

Left to right: Nikos Pavlidis, Becton Dickinson Diagnostic Solutions president; Nely Kostopoulou, freeland content creator; Dr. Penny Silverman, University of Maryland obstetrician gynecologist; Dr. Ron Silverman, University of Maryland plastic surgeon/Becton Dickinson chief medical officer

No, Ashley Fischer, Katie Chipungu, and Rashonda Harris (pictured left to right), did not coordinate their party dresses to fit a neon theme. But, maybe the fact that they each chose a vivid color shows one thing they have in common as friends.

Fisher, a federal contractor, says she chose her Normal Kamali neon chartreuse goddess dress because it was both bright and stretchy—a good fit for an hours-long party.

Harris, the director of a nonprofit, said she had been obsessed with her hot pink Jacquemus number for years and finally nabbed it on sale.

Chipungu, a Virginia clinical psychologist, loved the neoprene fabric of her ASOS frock because it was forgiving.

“I just like really bright colors, the brighter the better,” she said, as her friends nodded in agreement.

Left to right: Sherry Howard, Johns Hopkins Health Plans senior business analyst; Melvin Howard, Coppin State University Office of Institutional Advancement business manager; Charles Dockins, educator/songwriter; Len Dockins, Kouture Enterprises real estate developer

Left to right: Carissa Pray, Under Armour brand team digital designer; Alex Prokopik, AirBoss Defense Group lead product engineer; Mitchell Link, Atrium senior manager; Lexi McClain, Deloitte healthcare consultant

Left to right: Michael Verill, FIS securities operations manager; Michael Dunty, Office of Baltimore City State’s Attorney lawyer

Left to right: Alex Williams, Johns Hopkins University doctoral student; Luke Newton, Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory engineer; Avi Goldman, Customer.io email platform director; Jannett Wehle, Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory electrical engineer

Left to right: Lisa Nguyen, Medtronic congenital heart valve therapist; Bethany Barkley, Global Refuge business development officer; Kendra Hernandez, Global Refuge corporate giving specialist; Shelly Talcott, Global Refuge chief of staff

A Grand Tribute in Honor of Marc B. Terrill Presented by The Associated: Jewish Federation of Baltimore
June 18, 2024
5:30 – 8:30 p.m.
M&T Bank Exchange at the France-Merrick Performing Arts Center  

The Associated throws one heck of a bon voyage party. Some 500 folks filled the three levels of the M&T Bank Exchange at the Hippodrome Theatre for a “Grand Tribute” sendoff to Marc Terrill, who recently stepped down from his post as president of the after more than 20 years at the helm. The celebration included lots of meeting, greeting, and personal well wishes, followed by 13 speakers—including Terrill and his family—as well as two video messages. 

Left to right: Marc Terrill, The Associated president emeritus, and family: Madeline Terrill, graduate student; Diana Terrill, clinical psychologist; Marc Terrill; Samantha Terrll, college student; Eli Terrell, college student

Left to right: Hanan “Bean” Sibel, retired food broker; Linda A. Hurwitz, The Associated life director; Beth Goldsmith, The Associated immediate past chair/life director

Left to right: Howard Friedman, The Associated life director; P.J. Pearlstone, UBS Financial Services senior vice president/The Associated campaign chair; Buffy Minkin, Joseph and Harvey Meyerhoff Family Charitable Funds president

Left to right: Liora Brunn, Zoetic Workshops founder; Debra “Debs” Weinberg, The Associated volunteer; Gail Green, The Associated Baltimore-Ashkelon Partnership co-chair; Harriette Wienner, The Associated women’s engagement and philanthropy chair

Left to right: Mark Neumann, investor; Yehuda Neuberger, The Associated board chair; Ben Greenwald, Arrow Parking owner; Joe Weinberg, real estate developer

Left to right: Rachel Garbow Monroe, The Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation president/CEO; Jon Davidov, Morgan Stanley senior vice president; Robin Davidov, community volunteer

Left to right: Fred Heyman, Bennett and Heyman partner; Tammy Heyman, MOI project director; David Kuntz, retired businessman

Left to right: Brad Hecht, M&T Bank senior vice president/The Associated board member; Melissa Hecht, Chizuk Amuno development associate; JM Schapiro, Continental Realty Corporation CEO/The Associated board member

Left to right: Josh Shein, Trius Lending Partners CEO; Adam Khosh, K and S Capital president; Mindy Rosen, Camp Experts and Team Summers consultant; Jeffry Rosen, RS&F managing partner

Left to right: Sandi Gerstung, retired businesswoman; Karen Sirota, community volunteer; Adam Rosenberg, Center for Hope executive director; Will Minkin, Law Offices of Peter G. Angelos attorney

Twilight on the Terrace Benefiting The Pride Center of Maryland & Maryland LGBTQ Chamber of Commerce
June 14, 2024
7–11 p.m.
Gertrude’s Chesapeake Kitchen at the Baltimore Museum of Art 

Mother Nature and Gertrude’s Chesapeake Kitchen were to the perfect hosts for this year’s “Twilight on the Terrace,” the annual evening garden party benefiting The Pride Center of Maryland and Maryland LGBTQ Chamber of Commerce. Scores of guests enjoyed idyllic summer breezes in the Baltimore Museum of Art Sculpture Garden while indulging in Gertrude’s food and drink. A live DJ provided the sunset soundtrack for attendees to start off Pride Weekend as they should—on the dance floor.

Don’t bug Curt Decker about his style. He’s already beaten you to it. The retired lawyer, former national disability rights lobbyist, and gay rights activitist is known not only for his “elegant flamboyant” style, but for the array of bug brooches he’s usually sporting on his jackets.

Those he wore to Twilight on the Terrace are just three of the some 50 he owns—all Southwest Native American Zuni jewelry he’s picked up in Santa Fe on his annual jaunts there—showing his passion for indigenous art.

“I’ve been buying Zuni bug brooches for 20 years,” he said. “I started wearing them on tuxedos about 15 years ago to dress up the all-black formal wear and they became conversation starters. Now, if I’m not wearing them, I get asked ‘Why aren’t you wearing any bugs?’”

As for the rest of his picture-perfect garden party attire: that’s an Italian linen shirt with a hibiscus pattern he bought at Gian Marco Menswear downtown. He paired it with Paul Fredrick cream linen pants and a salmon linen jacket.

Left to right: Gina Ramsey, Pink Dog Digital president; Brian Pickett, retired chemical industry commercial leader

Left to right: John Shields, Gertrude’s Chesapeake Kitchen chef/owner; Bill McLennan, community volunteer; Robin Graham, community volunteer

Left to right: Matt Davis, retired Netflix Animation Studio director of production; David Pierson, retired National Geographic global digital marekting manager

Left to right: Aaron Tomarchio, Tradepoint Atlantic executive vice president of corporate affairs; Lee Johnson-Lowe, Lord Baltimore Hotel director of sales and marketing; Matthew Verghese, Office of the Governor Wes Moore director of federal relatons and senior advisor

Left to right: Shayna Robinson, ICANN grant program director; Michelle Ohnona, Georgetown University faculty director; Amy Finkelstein, artist

Left to right: Gigi Ajavon, HPS Counseling clinical director/psychotherapist; Api Ajavon, Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport airport duty manager

Left to right: Conor Jensen, musician; Jeff Arnold, software testing engineer; Rich Sienicki, global account executive; Andrew Lowrey, Precise Home Management president

Left to right: Richard Finger, human resources director/Baltimore Pride Parade chair; Nicholas Fuhr, Maryland Department of Health architect; Frank McNeil, PNC Bank community development officer; Rev. Mark Phillips, First and Franklin Presbyterian Church pastor; Larry Cereso, facilities manager; Dr. Paul Fowler, MedStar Good Samaritan Hospital radiation oncologist

Left to right: Ricky Stinson, Baltimore City Public Schools speech language pathologist; Steve Mann, National Gallery of Art director of exhibitions; Mark Miazga, Baltimore City Public Schools teacher

Baltimore magazine’s GameChangers Event
June 12, 2024
6–9 p.m.
Baltimore Center Stage 

 

A little food, a little drink, a little fun, and a lot of inspiration. That’s what attendees found at this year’s Baltimore GameChangers event. Nearly 200 folks turned out at Baltimore Center Stage to honor 30 local individuals and organizations who have been highlighted by Baltimore for their work creating positive change in the area.  

The evening began with a cocktail hour in the lobby. The honorees featured in the magazine’s latest GameChangers section (in our June issue) were invited upstairs to a private reception and meet-and-greet with Governor Wes Moore. Then, the audience was ushered into the main theater where they were greeted by Baltimore president Michael Teitelbaum. Governor Moore kicked off the program, which included five additional speakers who are doing great things for their community.  

Left to right: Arnold Feaster, retired U.S. Navy submarine electronic technician; Eugenia Feaster, home health aide; Kimyada Benton, registered dietician; Dr. Vance Benton, Holistic Life Foundation COO

Left to right: Baltimore magazine colleagues: Jane Marion, deputy editor; Max Weiss, editor-in-chief; Janelle Diamond, Baltimore Home and Baltimore Weddings editor

Left to right: Wesley Jamison, MissionFit director/event honoree; Brian Gerardo, MissionFit board chair

Left to right: Caroline Griffin, Show Your Soft Side co-founder; Sande Riesett, Show Your Soft Side co-founder/event honoree

Left to right: Sandy Teitelbaum, private educational tutor; Michael Teitelbaum, Baltimore magazine president

Left to right: TurnAround, Inc. colleagues: Jean Henningsen, senior director; Angeles Evans, senior manager of community engagement/event honoree; Diana Beeson, engagement and policy initiative manager; Amanda Rodriguez, CEO

Left to right: Alonso Granda, Data Networks outside sales representative for managed IT services; Ashley Smith, Bolton director of marketing; Jeremy Rosendale, World Trade Center Institute vice president of membership and business development; Aaron Dante, No Pix After Dark podcast owner/host

Left to right: Tina Miller, Action For Kindness executive director/BeKindSign.com chief positivity officer; Eric Miller, BeKindSign.com chief kindness officer/Action For Kindness board president

Left to right: Charmaine Stern-Megginson, LIGHT Health and Wellness program manager; Vena Carter, Spiritualiteas LLC owner; Dawn Kennedy, SewSlick LLC owner; Natalie Daniels, ELLE Mentoring Group founder; Eboni Barksdale-Smith, Pro Bono Counseling board president

Left to right: Chenire Carter, MAG Partners director of community and experiences/event honoree; Takia Ross, Kiki and Co. owner

Associated Black Charities Gala: Let’s Stay Together
June 8, 2024
6–11 p.m.
The Hall at Live! Casino

The theme of the 2024 Associated Black Charities Gala, “Let’s Stay Together,” was perfectly reflected by the event itself. The gala not only attracted more sponsors and partners than in previous years—23 of which were new to the event—but it brought together representatives from a number of local racial equity organizations, who were amongst the 725 glamorously attired guests. Attendees had the chance to get together and mingle during a VIP reception and cocktail hour before sitting down for dinner. The evening also featured a concert by saxophonist Ashley Keiko and singer Maysa.

Left to right: Lenora Henry, American Red Cross Central Maryland Chapter executive director; Lorenzo M. Bellamy, Bellamy Genn managing partner; Larry Maybin, American Red Cross Central Maryland Chapter regional philanthropy officer; Mia Blom, Visit Baltimore senior director of government and community affairs; Rev. Kobi Little, NAACP Maryland State Conference president/event honoree

Left to right: Dr. Terris King, Liberty Grace Church of God pastor; Catherine King, retired Howard county govrnment employee; Angela McFadden, PNC Bank administrator; Rev. Marvin McFadden, Mt. Zion Hill Baptist Church pastor

Left to right: Chris Duncan, Exelon director of federal affairs; Tanya Terrell, BGE director of community impact; Robert Matthews, Exelon vice president of talent and chief DEI officer; Chrissy Thornton, Associated Black Charities president/CEO

Left to right: Adrian Harpool, Adrian Harpool Associates principal; Al Essien, University of Maryland Baltimore corporate and foundations director

Left to right: Steve Sharkey, Baltimore City deputy director of innovation; Melissa Bresnahan, University of Maryland Baltimore associate director of corporate and foundation relations

Left to right: Jasmin Watson-El, Officially Jazzed Communications founder/CEO; Cimmon Byrd, Anne Arundel County Schools occupational therapist; Laura Phillips Byrd, educator; Tawana Bhagwat, Organization At Its Best CEO; Kimberly Robinson, CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield vice president of state government affairs

Left to right: Aliah Faulkner, TrueCombo Salon and Beauty Bar owner; Monzy Faulkner, All In His Hands Barbershop owner; Leslie Torain, stay-at-home mom/entrepreneur; Tony Torain II, Polsinelli DC partner/Associated Black Charities board chair

Left to right: Vernon Holley, Philips Healthcare technical consultant; Saana Holley, Need HR Partner CEO; Karen Jennings, HR Work Well founder/Well 360 co-founder; Sid Henson, Stone Wellness founder/Well 360 co-founder

Briauna Vinniane (left), the party’s Champagne server, and Brenda Johnson (right), Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab IT business service manager/business analyst, compare fans—a party accessory that neither is ever without.

Especially in a large metal “hoop skirt” full of Champagne flutes, Vinniane says having a fan on hand is a must.

Johnson, who’s also a part of the ABC Board to Pipeline cohort, says she always brings a fan to events—particularly one that matches her oufit.

“In my bag, I have ballet flats, a pashmina, and a fan, because  inevitably your feet will end up hurting, it’ll be hot or cold,” she said, “but you have to keep the party going.”

Left to right: Jeanell Boomer, stay-at-home mom; Allan Boomer, Momentum Advisors chief investment officer; Shelonda Stokes, Downtown Partnership of Baltimore president

Baltimore Center Stage Annual Gala: A Baltimore Renaissance
June 1, 2024
6 p.m.-12 a.m.
Baltimore Center Stage

Many plays may have three acts, but the 2024 annual gala for Baltimore Center Stage—which raises funds to produce many of such plays—went one better for its 350+ attendees. Here’s how the “Baltimore Renaissance”-themed evening progressed:

Act I: Guests arrived for the cocktail hour, greeted by a variety of pop-up performances.

Act II: Folks were ushered into the Pearlstone Theatre for performances and the evening’s program.

Act III: The crowd was dispersed to several behind-the-scenes spaces for a seated dinner.

Act IV: The evening commenced with a dance party and entertainment adventures around the building.

Left to right: Chris Jeffries, event co-chair/board member/Kramon & Graham principal; Wendy Jeffries, event co-chair/Spark Solutions Consulting CEO; Sandy Liotta, board chair/Merrill Lynch wealth management advisor; Carl Osterman, Merrill Lynch wealth management advisor

Left to right: Robert Daniels, board member/Maryland assistant attorney general; Brad Kurland, Bridgeway Benefit Technologies vice president

Left to right: Darryl Davis, Truist senior vice president; Nicole Martin, financial advisor; Dr. Tyrone Stanley, Morgan State University director of musical theatre

Left to right: Jesse Baxter, Dramatic Adventure Theatre artistic director; Mary K. Baxter, Howard County Arts Council deputy director; Ken Lundeen, board member emeritus/retired executive; Coleen West, Howard County Arts Council executive director

Left to right: Jade Jones, federal employee; Bob Guth, Columbia-based attorney; Cheryl Guth, board member/retired attorney; Anna Horevay, board member/McGuireWoods attorney

Left to right: Sharonne Bonardi, event co-chair/Federation of Tax Administrators executive director/Maryland deputy comptroller; Jason Bonardi, event co-chair/Travelers Insurance regional director

As a member of the Center Stage Gala host committee, for Chrissy Thornton, planning the right theme for the party also meant planning just the right outfit for it.

“We talked about what the words ‘Baltimore Renaissance’ meant,”  said Thornton, the CEO of the Associated Black Charities (ABC). “Some people were saying Harlem Renaissance. Other people liked the idea of the Renaissance Festival. But I was like, no, it’s the year of Beyonce’s [album] ‘Renaissance’ and we’re looking at Baltimore and its future. So, we should take [the theme] as futuristic.

“Everyone wore silver at Beyonce’s concerts. So, I convinced several other host committee members to use silver in their outfits, too. I found my silver dress on a Chinese website. It cost $59 but took two and a half months to get here.”

The dress itself also underwent its own renaissance. It originally came with big poufy sleeves and a loose-fitting bodice. Thornton cut off the sleeves–using the material for her belt–and refashioned the top to become more form-fitting, using spirit of the party itself as inspiration.

“The Center Stage Gala is where you can be the quirkiest,” she said, “where you don’t have to be so traditional.”

Is this just a warm-up for the ABC CEO? With her own organization’s annual gala less than a week away, we can’t wait to see what look she’s put together.

Left to right: Dionne Spencer, Franklin Templeton vice president; Rob Burks, board member/Brown Capital Management chief compliance officer

Left to right: Adam Frank, Baltimore Center Stage managing director; Kate Berman, Google conversation designer

Left to right: Stevie Walker-Webb, Baltimore Center Stage artistic director; Ken-Matt Martin, Baltimore Center Stage senior producer and artist-in-residence

Left to right: Jason Murphy, Murphy Enterprise CEO; Robyn Murphy, JRM Consultancy CEO

Bourbon & Bowties 2024
May 9, 2024
6-9 p.m.
B&O Railroad Museum 

A sold-out crowd of 1,000 filled the B&O Railroad Museum for the 14th annual Bourbon & Bowties, a bowtie bonanza that sees most of its male attendees follow the evening’s theme. According to event founder Craig Martin, the party has been a hit since he started it 14 years ago, and for more than just its sartorial allure. For starters, there are dozens of food and beverage stations scattered both inside and outside the museum’s roundhouse.

“There are no lines for food or alcohol,” he says.”We have an outside cigar lounge, and even an Airstream trailer serving food, creating a great experience.”

Of course, the main draw is supporting the charities that benefit from the soiree—Cool Kids Campaign, Semper Fi & America’s Fund, Oyster Recovery Partnership, and Boys Hope Girls Hope of Baltimore.  

“The original mission was to raise money while people are having a blast,” Martin says.  

Looks like mission accomplished. 

Left to right: Craig Martin, Bourbon & Bowties founder/The QG owner; Regina Martin, University of Maryland St. Joseph Medical Center ICU physician assistant; Scott Ferguson, Saft engineering director

Left to right: Shreya Hessler, Bel Air-based licensed psychologist; Dr. Monica Neel, Towson-based licensed psychologist; Bernice Lee, J.T. Lee, MD. finance manager

Left to right: WBAL TV news anchors/event emcees: Jason Newton; Deborah Weiner

Left to right: Scott Berg, T. Rowe Price portfolio manager; Tim Payne, Leadership Howard County president/CEO; Nick Rausch, operational planner

Left to right: Kevin Forrester, sales executive; Merianne Forrester, Mariner Finance central office approval manager

Left to right: Austin King, The Pearce Group at Merrill Lynch private wealth management specialist; Taylor Mannas, Amazon process engineer

Left to right: Lexi Liu, chief of staff for Maryland Secretary of State; Ben Seigel, Deputy Comptroller of Maryland

Left to right: Zachary Silverman, homesale.plus realtor; Ted Silverman, homesale.plus co-founder/CEO/CTO; Brandon Martinez, Keller Williams director of relationships; Jerry Silverman, homesale.plus co-founder/executive vice president

Left to right: Donna McIntosh, Crazy Beach Boards CEO; Kristen Walega, Long & Foster realtor; Kelly M. Smith, Saia LTL Freight account executive

Left to right: Sam Scott, Blue Casa CEO; Mark Anthony Thomas, Greater Baltimore Committee CEO

The Reginald F. Lewis Museum of African American History and Culture 2024 Gala: A Royal Affair
May 9, 2024
6:30–11 p.m.
M&T Bank Exchange at the France-Merrick Performing Arts Center 

This year, the “Royal Affair” theme of the Reginald F. Lewis Museum of Maryland African American History and Culture gala paid homage to Baltimore’s Pennsylvania Avenue Black Arts and Entertainment District—famously home to the iconic Royal Theatre—and its beginnings as a hub for Black arts and culture in the early to mid 1900s. 

The M&T Bank Exchange glittered in crystal and gold deco-style decor. More than 300 guests only added to the air of elegance, arriving in everything from feathers to furs. The evening—which included cocktails, dinner, awards and performances—ended on a high note, raising the royal sum of $260,000 for the museum.  

Left to right: Terri Lee Freeman, Lewis Museum president; Drew Hawkins, Lewis Museum board chair/Edyoucore president/CEO

Left to right: Dr. Robert F. Draper, retired orthopedic surgeon; Wanda Draper, retired Lewis Museum executive director; Marty King, Lewis Museum board treasurer/Gorman & Williams attorney; Dr. Tracy King, dentist

Left to right: Keiffer J. Mitchell, Jr., BGR Group vice president; Jean Fugett, Jr., Reginald Lewis’ brother/Lewis Museum board member/attorney/businessman

Left to right: Alex Núñez, BGE senior vice president; Keisha Clarke English, Exelon director of project management; Cynthia McCabe, Lewis Museum board member/Exelon chief of staff; Alma Roberts, Lewis Museum board member/artist

Left to right: Rudy Dockery, U.S. Air Force civilian; Dr. Patricia Dockery, Lewis Museum board member/Morgan State University associate vice president

Left to right: Dr. Leslie King-Hammond, Lewis Museum board member/Maryland Institute College of Art professor emerita; Tony Fugett, Reginald Lewis’ brother/Reginald F. Lewis Foundation director/Maryland Deparment of Budget and Management director

Left to right: Lafon Porter, IBM corporate counsel; Gersha Porter, United Real Estate Executives realtor

Tasha Newsome loves a party with a theme.

When the Shady Grove Fertility clinical research supervisor heard that the Lewis Museum’s gala had a throwback theme, she knew she needed go no further than her closet to find an outfit to fit one of her favorite eras—the 1950s and 60s.

“I found this Teri Jon dress and threw a petticoat under it,” she said. “Then, I added a fascinator and gloves. And pearls. The 50s were all about pearls.”

To complete the look, Newsome put her long hair in a mid-century updo.

“When you try to work within a theme, you pay respect to the gala,” she explained. “Besides, [dressing to fit] the 50s is easy.”

Left to right: Dr. Brian C. Morrison, Lewis Museum board member/Maryland Commission on African American History & Culture commissioner; Stacy Miles, Embassy Suites Dulles front office operations manager; Ada Pinkston, Maryland Commission on African American History & Culture commissioner/artist

Left to right: Diane Hocker, AFRO News media consultant; Freddi Vaughn, socialite; Ericka Alston Buck, AFRO News freelance writer; Lenora Howze, AFRO News executive director

American Visionary Art Museum’s Baltimore Kinetic Sculpture Race
May 4, 2024
9:30 a.m.–5 p.m.

No way was Mother Nature going to rain on the American Visionary Art Museum’s parade—more commonly known as the Kinetic Sculpture Race.

On-and-off showers couldn’t dampen the spirits of those preparing to operate 24 human-made sculptures as they gathered at the Key Highway museum for the send-off ceremony—which included a serenade by the Baltimore Men’s Chorus. Nor did it halt the day-long competition, the first leg of which involved wheeling around the Inner Harbor to Canton, where the vehicles had to go from land to water to prove their seaworthiness.

Then, it was up to Patterson Park to face the day’s final challenge—mucking through mud pits. The continuing precipitation also didn’t seem to hinder the participation of some 2,500 spectators cheering the contestants along the route.

Seventeen awards were handed out at the end of the afternoon to winners in a variety of categories.

Left to right: Casey Merbler, Anthesis Group senior client discovery associatte; Cindy Conklin, Monument Sotheby’s International realtor

Left to right: Dr. Adnan Khera, anesthesiologist; Mitch Anastasio, engineer; Farhan Khera, Huge Inc. product manager; Domenic T., logistician

Left to right: Margaret Bicek, retired Minnesota teacher; Liz Bayer, StrongMinds advocacy director; Sean Sutherland, idfive director of marketing

Left to right: Ellen Yancich, retired RN; Gillian Kraeuter, full-time mom of 3; Mina Kraeuter, 11; Nick Yancich, retired CFO

Left to right: Sonal Jindal, 11; Dr. Anjana Jindal, Glaucoma Consultants opthalmologist; Raina Jindal, 8

Left to right: Montgomery County Public School teachers/CONEstoga Creamers team members: Kerri Galloway; Ailish Zompa

Left to right: Adam Levine, Illumina mechanical engineer; Kate Levine, Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center RN

Left to right: Kendall Murphy, NASA writer; Katie Schauer, NASA strategic communications lead cheering their Goddard Space Flight Center colleagues on “The Waters {sic] Art Museum” mobile

Left to right: Rebecca Hoffberger, American Visionary Art Museum founder/artistic director; Joe Wall, “Sister Euphonia Oblivion”

Creative Alliance’s 2024 Marquee Ball: Illusion!
April 27, 2024
8 p.m.–12 a.m.
The Creative Alliance at the Patterson 

To truly understand the mission of the Creative Alliance—encouraging artistic expression and uniting the community through the arts—you have to experience its annual Marquee Ball. This year, some 650 folks packed the Highlandtown venue in creative costumes that fit the theme of illusion and magic. Guests enjoyed drinks, eats, and bidding on works displayed on the building’s walls. They could also take in magical performances both onstage in the Marquee Lounge and on the floor in the main party room.  

Some attended a VIP dinner earlier, where they were entertained with magic shows and a live auction hosted by “The Invisible Man.” Capping off the evening was a dance party paying homage to the building’s past life as a movie palace. The annual extravaganza acts as a fundraiser for the org’s free youth education and many community arts programs.

Left to right: Amy Pelsinsky, writer; Rachel Gamber, Kaiser Permanente senior psychotherapist; Ed Eibel, Road Trip Poets guitarist; Sue Eibel, Congressional Country Club purchasing assistant

Nick Pikounis, Cafe Campli bartender

Left to right: Lowery Sims, independent curator/art historian; Leslie King-Hammond, event honoree/Maryland Institute College of Art professor emerita

Left to right: Amy Seto, Creative Alliance board president/Brown Advisory partner; Jason Steer, Creative Alliance executive director; Vicky Schneider, event chair/American Institute of Architects chief strategy officer

Left to right: Lili Amaya, Health Care for the Homeless community health coordinator; Jessy DeSantis, Creative Alliance marketing manager

With magic and illusion the theme for the evening, Amy Raehse pulled off her own magic trick in honor of the Marquee Ball—creating a gown for herself out of real playing cards. And the Goya Contemporary Gallery partner did it all in one day, along with also making the matching hat for hubby, David Tomasko, Guerilla Realty associate broker.

Left to right: Stephanie Garmey, artist/Maryland Institute College of Art professor; Ellen Burchenal, artist; Paul Daniel, artist (“I’m a lawn gone awry!”)

Left to right: Sabrina Harris, Public Justice Center office and operations manager; Octavius Smith, Baltimore City Sheriff’s Office chief financial officer

Left to right: Christina Cottini, Giant Sprout Creative graphic designer; Tiffany Lange, artist (showing off her creation/art auction contribution, “Loretta the Giraffe”)

Left to right: Christina Church, attorney; Mel Mendieta, Constellation accountant; Vicky McAlister, Towson University professor

Black Tie & Tails Disco Gala: Benefiting Baltimore Humane Society
April 26, 2024
6:30–10:30 p.m.
Grand Lodge of Hunt Valley

You could say there were two levels of socializing going on at the Black Tie & Tails Disco Gala cocktail hour. Of course, there were some 300 human guests enjoying drinks, hors d’oeuvres, and mingling. But if you shifted your eyes a few feet down, you’d spot more than 50 canine carousers also enjoying drinks, hors d’oeuvres, and—most especially—that socializing.

If that wasn’t fun enough, many guests—of both species—dressed to fit this year’s disco theme. The evening continued with attendees settling into their tables in the ballroom, where they enjoyed dinner before getting down on the dance floor.

Left to right: Kelly Cullum, board member/Best Friends Furever CEO; Christine DeCorse, Baltimore Humane Society executive director

Left to right: Dakota, 2-year-old Standard Poodle; Jason Chamberlain, Morgan Stanley financial advisor; Becky Chamberlain, nurse practitioner

Left to right: Kershaw, 9½-year-old Old English Bulldog; Christine Rummel, ISS managing director; Denise Dauses, SunLife business development consultant; Gus, 3-year-old Old English Bulldog; Timothy Dauses, First Class Construction contractor

Left to right: Dr. Trina Frankel, Towson family physician; Dr. Neal Frankel, Towson emergency medicine physician; Ravi, 2-year-old Bernedoodle

When dressing for a fancy shindig, you never want to clash with your date. That’s the rule of thumb that was followed by Erin Welsh and her five-month-old Cavapoo, Bella.

“We went with pink,” she said, shopping her closet and choosing this Adrianna Papell gown. “Because I was going with floral, I knew she had to wear a solid,” Welsh explained, snagging Bella’s pink poofy dress from Amazon.

While Bella forewent any further accessories, her therapist mom added some Gucci gold sandals, a Cartier love bracelet and rings, and stacked necklaces by Rachie Schnay and Lids & Sis.

Of course, if she wasn’t Welsh’s date, you could say Bella was actually the ultimate accessory.

Left to right: Drew Vanlindingham, event producer/Van Saint Group co-owner; Dustin Harvey, CFG Bank Arena manager of premium; Rachel Saint Amour, event producer/Van Saint Group co-owner; Adam Saint Amour, IntelliGenesis chief data scientist

Left to right: Julie Levine, community volunteer; Andrew Levine, board president; Susan Manekin, community volunteer

Left to right: Shiloh, 6-year-old Shih Tzu Chihuahua Mix; Nailah Kane, Best Friends Furever dog handler; Luna, 11-year-old Maltese; Dr. Vonnya Pettigrew, Root Branch Media Group CEO

Left to right: Nicole Wood, equestrian; Milo, 2-year-old Jack Russell Terrier; Edwin Segovia, equestrian; Dublin, 4-year-old Jack Russell Terrier; Toby, 7-year-old Jack Russell Terrier; Sam Wood, Neuberger Quinn partner

Left to right: Nancy Sacks, Berkshire Hathaway realtor; Lenny Sacks, CPA; Lauren Esakoff, JMORE Living partner; Eliana Esakoff, student

18th Annual Empty Bowls: Benefiting St. Vincent de Paul of Baltimore
Saturday, April 20
4–7 p.m.
Maryland State Fairgrounds Exhibition Hall

Filling ceramic bowls with fare from 10 Baltimore-area restaurants was just one fun aspect of St. Vincent de Paul’s annual fundraiser. The event’s namesake bowls (all 600-plus attendees got to choose a handcrafted bowl to use that day and take home with them) are symbolic of the organization’s work to combat poverty, homelessness, and hunger in our community.

There was also a variety of entertainment—singers, dancers, and even a performance by a Taekwondo team—provided throughout the three-hour event, as well as a kid’s area filled with several games, play stations, and face painting.

But perhaps the biggest draw was the feeling that it gave folks about helping St. Vincent de Paul of Baltimore’s work to provide support for area families in need. That certainly provided motivation for Mary Kmiencinski, who brought several friends with her to this year’s bash. “I’ve been coming since this [event] started,” she said. “My daughter was one [year old] when I came to the first one, and now she’s 19.”

Left to right: John Schiavone, St. Vincent de Paul of Baltimore president/CEO; Bailey Ames, board member/Steer LLC partner; Craig Bowden, board member/SC&H Group director

Left to right: Marsha Hall, Maryland Insurance Administration assistant director; Zukeila Cole, AlignMed Partners credentialing specialist

Left to right: Dr. Anna Maria Wilms Floet, Kennedy Krieger Institute developmental pediatrician; Loretta I. Hoepfner, American Academy of Pediatrics Maryland Chapter executive director

Left to right: Christina Daniel, retired Maryland state trooper; Mandy Bloodsworth, Horizon Blue Cross & Blue Shield provider engagement specialist; Michael Murphy, Harford County Public Schools teacher; Will Aldridge, RealPage software consultant

Left to right: Kerry Greer, retired administrative assistant; Brooke Greer, retired mechanical contractor

Left to right: Leah Pyles, 16, Taekwondo Bel Air demo team member; Steven Pyles, Jr., 4; Steven Pyles, Sr. retired U.S. Army major

Left to right: Calvin Little, BGE customer accounts manager; Donna Little, Allianz Trade senior collections representative

Left to right: Sean Brown, Edward Jones financial advisor; Dr. Rebecca Brown, University of Maryland colorectal surgeon; Mary Kmiecinski, Edward Jones financial advisor; Art Parker, Jensen Hughes fire protection engineer

Left to right: Lisa McGrain, HASA speech pathologist; Evie McGrain, 4; Ken McGrain, F&S engineer

Left to right: St. Vincent de Paul of Baltimore HR colleagues: Syma Bajma, chief people officer; Marcus Harris, HR coordinator; Kaneisha Jackson, senior HR generalist

The Magic of Life Gala 2024: Benefiting LifeBridge Health
April 13, 2024
5:30–11 p.m.
Sagamore Farm 

A beautiful setting in Baltimore’s horse country provided the backdrop for LifeBridge Health’s bi-annual gala. More than 1,500 guests made their way to Sagamore Farm in Owings Mills, where a series of massive tents housed the evening’s festivities. In keeping with the setting, folks were encouraged to dress in “Valley Chic” attire, which meant everything from garden party frocks and sport jackets to full-blown gowns and even a couple of tuxes. 

The evening began with a two-hour block to browse bars, graze food stations, and mix and mingle. Then, crowds made their way to another tent to take their seats and enjoy a program, followed by a performance by Glee‘s Lea Michele and Skylar Astin of Pitch Perfect fame. The evening concluded with a dessert reception.  

Left to right: Dr. Don Abrams, event co-chair/LifeBridge Health vice president of graduate medical education; Jason Kissel, event co-chair/musician; Alex Mendelsohn, IT project manager

Left to right: Dr. Neil Meltzer, LifeBridge Health president/CEO; Ellen Meltzer, retired educator

Left to right: Jason Blavatt, former LifeBridge board chair/Blavatt & Blavatt managing partner; Pat Isaac, Northwest Hospital vice chair/Capital Services CEO; Bill Deckert, Capital Services president

Left to right: Yani Rosenberg, Floors Etc. commercial sales account executive; Kristen Katz, Bare. skincare studio owner; Matt Levinson, Sol Levinson Funeral Home president

Left to right: Lisa Thompson, graphic designer; John Thompson, TrueSense Marketing chief marketing officer; Jennifer Langford, Hubble Bisbee Christie’s International Realty realtor; Morgan Gilligan, Stewart Title vice president

Kirsten Jones, LabCorp specialty sales rep (left) and Salima Omwenga, Luxury Presence marketing manager (right) decided to interpret the “valley” of the party’s theme as Napa Valley.

Omwenga found her perfect-fit floral gown at Akira a few days earlier. The morning of the gala, Jones asked for a picture of it and took off on her own whirlwind shopping spree to find something that would go with it. She ended up finding her Barbie pink-ruffled frock at Vivi Trendsetter.

Left to right: Kevin Fruman, National Lumber Company owner; The Honorable Tracee Orlove Fruman, Maryland Administrative Hearings judge; Mandy Weinman, The Walt Disney Company recruiter; Dennis Weinman, Weinman Company president

Left to right: Crystal Simpkins, ExpressCare clinical director; George Williams, Verizon district manager; Jessica Traub, Whiting-Turner healthcare industry coordinator; Tunde Oyediran, Becton Dickinson quality specialist

Left to right: Christopher Dews, Cornerstone Government Affairs vice president; Myra Sydnor, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine speech language pathologist; Charles E. Sydnor III, Maryland State Senator District 44

Left to right: Harel Turkel, SOS Technology Group CEO; Randi Turkel, SOS Technology vice president of business development; Zack Garber, Alex Brown Garber Wealth Management managing director; Dr. Arielle Garber, GBMC Perinatal Associates obstetrician/gynecologist

Left to right: Leslie Schaller, event co-chair; Joe Schaller, event co-chair/Obrecht Properties general counsel

The Be.Org’s Fifth Annual Sneaker Ball
April 6, 2024
8 p.m.-12 a.m.
Rita Rossi Colwell Center

Going to a formal affair often means sacrificing comfort for fashion—especially when it comes to footwear. But that was not the case at TheBe.Org’s Fifth Annual Sneaker Ball, where 350 guests arrived in the requested attire of formal wear paired with athletic shoes. The benefit for the organization’s youth development programs was filled with food, drink, entertainment from a number of artists, and hours of dancing. Four hours later, when the party wound down, attendees departed without a hobbled step or pained smile in sight.

Left to right: Sterling Jones, Washington Metro Area Transit Authority rail traffic controller; Tonee Lawson, TheBe.Org founder/executive director; Andrea Ross, TheBe.Org board secretary; Kyle Whiteford, “DJ Perfect Gentleman”

Left to right: Tracey Barbour-Gillett, TheBe.Org board chair; Dr. Gloria Williams, Baltimore County Emergency Medicine physician

Left to right: Erica Day, U.S. Social Security Administration contract specialist; Monique Middleman, Aboveground Studios co-owner; Latrice Bright, internal audio supervisor

Left to right: “Larry Whaddup” Caudle, More Than Hype documentary film producer/director; Dionne Joyner-Weems, Audacity Group CEO/chief energy officer

Left to right: TheBe.Org colleagues: Bocar Jallow, Be. Virtual instructor; Darrion Stokes-Graham, program coordinator; Kamari Johnson, Be. Virtual instructor

Left to right: Shea Ewell, Greater Baltimore Urban League chief operating officer; Regan Farley, The Kredo Group publicist

Left to right: Nadia Baker, mentee; Alicia Wilson, mentor/JPMorgan Chase managing director/head of regional philanthropy

Left to right: Sherray Belton, U.S. Government executive officer; Christi Owiye, TheBe.Org board member/Johns Hopkins Whiting School of Engineering assistant director for Undergraduate Student Engagement; Saidah Obijiofor, business analyst

Left to right: Amber Charisse Doss, That Good Peace owner; Jennifer Robinson, chief deputy financial officer

Left to right: Joshua Harris, Baltimore City NAACP vice president; Armstead Jones Imagine Think Tank real estate developer; Cornelius Hairston, software engineer

Opening Day Block Party
March 28, 2024
11:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Babe Ruth Birthplace and Museum

A few scattered raindrops on Orioles Opening Day didn’t deter more than 400 fans gathered on the street outside the Babe Ruth Birthplace and Museum near Camden Yards. In fact, you could say those raindrops were treated more like confetti.

“This is the first day of our year, and it’s like New Year’s and Fourth of July all rolled into one,” said Shawn Herne, the organization’s executive director. Laughter and music filled the air, as guests enjoyed pit beef, oysters, beer, and each other’s company—celebrating the day they’d been waiting for. “With the new [team] ownership and the way they played last year, everybody should be excited,” Herne explained.

Left to right: Paul Dee, Medifast software engineer; Lisa Coster, Howard County government communications manager; Shawn Herne, Babe Ruth Birthplace and Museum executive director; Dorothy Fuchs, Purple Dot Public Relations principal

Left to right: Matt Alexander, Hire Ability Recruiting founder; Mark Pallack, Harvest Investment Consultants partner; Jason Beavers, Goodwin IT manager; Keith Walsh, Keith Walsh Home Team realtor

Left to right: Wally Pinkard, board member/Cushman Wakefield senior advisor; Mary-Ann Pinkard, board vice chair

Left to right: Chris Finnegan, AARP corporate communications director; Dennis Finnegan, retired banker; Charlie Finnegan, 8

Left to right: Chelsea Morrison, community volunteer; Brian Morrison, vimeo.com/woodroom documentary filmmaker; Dan Strauch, Aliceanna Collective co-founder; Kristy Strauch, Hello! Destination Management account executive; Mike Marx-Gibbons, Aliceanna Collective co-founder; Lucy Marx-Gibbons, U.S. Army captain

Left to right: John Provenza, Diversified Marketing, Inc. office manager; John Hein, Baltimore County Golf director of sales; Jim Price, retired business owner; Kevin Wolfe, ABF Freight truck driver; Mark Hall, Johns Hopkins University Department of Physics and Astronomy senior grants and contracts analyst

Left to right: Richard Shaw, RCM&D senior client executive; Alan Koch, Koch Power Consulting president; Casie Pellegrini, Clearsite Industrial account manager

Left to right: John Suntum, University of Maryland nursing student; David Hennemann, Coastal Resources water resources engineer; Ed Hennemann, self-employed event producer

Left to right: Jerry Murphy, Long & Foster realtor; André LaBate, Diversified Marketing, Inc. president

Spring Fairy Ball
March 23, 2024
7–11:45 p.m.
Westminster Hall 

Hearts (and wings) were aflutter as more than 200 guests—who “flew” the extra mile with mythological costumes and their own faerie character names—descended on Westminster Hall for an evening of fun and fantasy last weekend. 

“Why do we do faeries?” said Nina Amaya, who started the annual event in 2015 and has been organizing it since. “Because after people meet their basic needs of food, safety, and shelter, they need flowers and love and imaginative fun.”

After an evening of dancing, dining, crowning a new king and queen, and even a little shopping, all of the guests also left with a feeling of having done good—with the evening’s proceeds benefitting the Ocean Renaissance Foundation.  

Left to right: Connie Lloyd, “Queen Kyani”; Chris Lloyd, “King Hamish”; Erin Childers, “Princess Mazikeen”

Left to right: Scott Daniels, “Vlog Elf Killa the Orc”; Nina Amaya, event organizer/“Power Behind the Thrones/Kingmaker”; Laury Jackson, “Queen Amonet Ara/Leader of the Ranruk People/Dancer of The Sugar Moon”; Chris Sweitzer, “Pan”

Left to right: “Aubergine Faeries Troupe”: Amy January; Jen Ajello; Talon Kolarz; Annabelle Bakrt; Christina Bahrt; Lilliana Bahrt; Illya Riddell; Jeanne Gary; Zoie Kissinger

Left to right: Alexis McClary, “Black Opal the Dragon”; Myanna Brooks, “Faerie Red Delicious”

Left to right: Chloe O’Dell, “Amarantha”; Katie Willett, “Apothekerry”

Left to right: Jae Johnson-McCoy, “Aye, Intergalactic Faerie”; Tim Johnson-McCoy, “Epoc, Father of the Druids from Earth 3.5”

Left to right: Janis Doss, “Honey LaBuzz, Faerie Dancer”; Monelle Little, “Orchid, Faerie Dancer”

Left to right: Jason Morgan, “Baron Caprion”; Charlie Flournoy, “Lady Magnolia Fae”

Left to right: Ali Resch, “Orchidaceae The Faerie”; Sa’ida Harris, “Sa’ida Alaziz Faerie”

Left to right: Cat Eicke, “Cat Le Fey”/past faerie queen; Ken Crampton, “Mayor King jack Scattersum”/past king; Jack Goembel, “Crunchbacca, Hippiewookiekin”

Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation’s Aspire Gala
March 16, 2024
5–11 p.m.
Baltimore Marriott Waterfront Hotel 

 

Talk about a fan base. Some 750 folks—outfitted in the event’s requested black-and-white semiformal attire—turned out for the Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation’s annual Aspire Gala.  

Not only were they there to celebrate the shindig’s 20th year, but to mingle with around 60 sports celebrities. Chief among them was the evening’s honoree, MLB Hall of Famer Derek Jeter. In fact, a line of guests snaked down a long hallway (and partially through the hotel’s mezzanine) to get a photo with Jeter alongside the foundation’s two co-founders—and always the major draws—fellow Hall of Famer, Cal Ripken, Jr. and his brother, former MLB player, Bill Ripken.  

After the cocktail hour, attendees filtered into the hotel ballroom for further festivities, dinner, and a performance by The Pointer Sisters. The gala garnered about $2.3 million for the nonprofit, which helps some 1.4 million underserved youth and communities across the U.S.  

Left to right: Trina Gallman, Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) public and community engagement consultant; Shauna Anderson, Eli Lilly senior business director; Jeannette Mills, Ripken Foundation board member/TVA executive vice president and chief external relations officer; Althea Jones, VA senior manager for public community engagement; Jacqueline Colkley, Maryland Higher Education Commission associate director

Left to right: Brina Massi Eades, DLA Piper staff attorney; Kevin Eades, Snyder Kearney attorney; Tollie Miller, retired T. Rowe Price director of organization development; Bradie Barr, Ripken Foundation board member/retired Transamerica Stable Value Solutions president

Left to right: Bruce Laird, former Baltimore Colt/event VIP; Mary Laird, Coldwell Banker realtor

Left to right: Tiffany Bohatec, stay-at-home mom; John Maroon, Maroon PR owner; Laurie Ward, Hood College vice president of marketing

Some guests came armed with photo albums, asking some of the evening’s VIPs—like Andre Dawson, Hall of Fame Major League Baseball player—to add their autographs.

Left to right: Helen Hnarakis, FAA program analyst; Doug Creek, retired MLB player/event VIP; Tony Saunders, former MLB player/event VIP; Christine Saunders, Compass realtor

Left to right: PJ Mitchell, retired IBM vice president; Tony Nicotra, Truist Bank vice president; Betsy Robinson, Betsy Robinson’s Bridal Collection former owner

Left to right: Tracy Bacon, Wellpoint provider experience manager; Jonathon Mills, Bob Lucido Team real estate agent; Alan Bacon, Keller Williams Bob Lucido Team real estate operations manager; Jan Stenerud, Hall of Fame former National Football League player/event VIP

Left to right: Joseph Zajdel, First National Bank business banking team leader; Lisa Zajdel, HWK Law Group/Lawyers Express Title director of operations

Left to right: Thomas Brasuell, Roberto Clemente Foundation president; Monica Garay, U.S. Congress legislative director

Left to right: Cal Ripken, Jr., Ripken Foundation co-founder; Derek Jeter, event honoree; Bill Ripkin, Ripken Foundation co-founder

Left to right: Kim Davis, stay-at-home mom; Madhvi Shukla, Weller Development commercial real estate developer

The party’s requested attire was “semi-formal, black and white only.” With most guests clad in the former, Davis and Shukla stood out in their all-white outfits in the sea of black.

This was the first time in three years that Davis had worn her wedding rehearsal dinner white jumpsuit. To keep with the color scheme, Shukla paid a visit to Anthropologie to find her white boho frock. The reason behind the color choice? “When else am I ever going to wear an all-white outfit?” said Davis.

Baltimore St. Patrick Parade
March 10, 2024
2–3 p.m.
Downtown Baltimore 

The temperatures might have been in the 40s—with wind gusts of up to 50 mph—but nothing was going to stand in the way of Baltimore’s annual St. Patrick Parade, a favorite tradition of hundreds in the local Irish community and beyond.  As bands, clubs, and various performers prepared to step off, assembling around the Washington Monument, fans staked out their places along the Charles Street route, with blankets, parkas, and a wee bit of Irish enthusiasm keeping them warm.

Left to right: Penny, 6-year-old standard poodle, works off some nervous pre-parade energy playing with parade participants Benjamin Bouchat, 13, Elizabeth Bruce, 17, Ethan Bruce, 13

Left to right: Jim DeLuca, retired consultant; Michelle Middleton, retired healthcare administrator

Left to right: Jermaine James, food preparation cook; Tiffany Cole, Michele’s Granola production worker, 3-month-old Shichon

Left to right: Kayla Van Boxtel, Johns Hopkins Health Systems RN; Marisela Isak, Vermont-based RN

Left to right: Philadelphia Mummers’ Hegeman String Band members/parade participants; Adison Korhammer, 24; Codi Korhammer, dementia care practitioner; Kelliann Gallagher, Sisu Physical Therapy owner/physical therapist/bank captain

Left to right: Natalie Jouroukhin, 6; Katya Jouroukhin, 13; Ksenia Torchinsky, Johns Hopkins University lab manager; Yan Jouroukhin, MilleporeSigma scientist

Left to right: Liam Mui, 13; Jelly, 1-year-old Cavalier King Charles Spaniel; Veronica Mui, Pet Care Extraordinaire dog groomer; Michael McCann, Medicare CMS IT specialist

Left to right: Susan Wine, community volunteer; Aulfynn, 16-month-old Irish Wolfhound; Rosie, 4-year-old Irish Wolfhound; John Flanigan, RK&K senior surveyor/ride away technician; Oona, 9

Left to right: Jim L., finance specialist; Debra Ifill, patient fund administrator

Left to right: Kate Reddick, nurse; Louren Reddick, Federal Hill Kitchen, Bath and Closet president; Berkley Reddick, chef

Biggest MF’ing Happy Hour
February 29, 2024
6–11 p.m.
The Atrium at Marketplace 

Some 800 local folks celebrated Leap Day by leaping into major party mode. In conjunction with the kickoff of the CIAA Men’s and Women’s Basketball Tournament in Baltimore, more than 50 local, minority-owned small businesses came together to throw a bash worthy of its name, “Biggest MF’ing Happy Hour,” at the Atrium—a party space adjoining Port Discovery. A sold-out crowd turned out for the early-evening party to revel in the spirit of the tournament while enjoying cocktails and food from local purveyors, as well as music by DJ Tanz and DJ Big L. 

Left to right: Erica McGuire, federal government IT project manager; Thomas Melton, model; Colleen Holmes, DC area legal secretary

Left to right: Renee McClain, Radiant Hair Bundles owner/wigmaker; Angela Bogan, medical coordinator; Sherry Jacobs, Johns Hopkins Medicine organ transplant quality analyst

Left to right: Rodney Goggins, Maryland State government IT specialist; Rochelle Quick, Verizon consultant; Spanky Johson, Baltimore City crossing guard; Ty Johnson, Maryland Department of Social Services case manager; Talisa Lewis, Baltimore City Circuit Court manager

Left to right: Lamont King, Sirious Radio Urban View 126 talk show host; Dr. Giani Clarkson, traveling adjunct professor; Ameen Burton, cybersecurity manager; Lee Grayson, veteran/recent University of Maryland School of Pharmacy graduate

Left to right: Gwen Thornton, partially retired; Sheila Goodwin, CIAA volunteer coordinator

Left to right: Coco Jones, Maryland Social Services family service worker; Nicole Bethea, ParK West Health Systems LPN

Left to right: Donti Blount, QTL Travels senior travel advisor; Arnette Sharp, RN care coordinator

Left to right: “Top,” nonprofit IT consultant; Ron Nobles, 3M regional sales manager

Left to right: Shakera Butler, community supervision specialist; Erica Hart, informatics RN/consultant; Keaira Bright, professional makeup artist

Left to right: Melissa Faust, healthcare professional; Brandon Wilson, tech manager

Creative Freedom: Celebrating Black History Month
February 22, 2024
6–8 p.m.
Chesapeake Arts Center

In honor of Black History Month, Brooklyn Park’s Chesapeake Arts Center unveiled its new exhibition Creative Freedom: Celebrating Black History Month, showcasing the work of Black artists in Maryland whose specialties span from visual art to music, activism, performance, and more.

At a brief program and reception last week, many of the artists themselves were on hand to share background about themselves and their work. Guests had the opportunity to meet and mingle with the artists while enjoying eats and drinks.

Left to right: Hailey Jordan, exhibiting artist (artwork to her left); Hana Hasan, Johns Hopkins University director of off-campus housing; Kymari Graham, associate director of benefits

Left to right: Stephfea Jackson, exhibiting artist (artwork to her left); Naomi-Sage Blevins, 7; Mya-Rose Blevins, 9; Anne-Sarra Blevins, Anne Arundel County Police GIS analyst

Left to right: Richard Nuñez, U.S. Army Sargeant First Class; Jeannette Nuñez Arts Council of Anne Arundel County board member; Kayla Turner, 6; Lauren J. Turner, exhibiting artist (artwork on her right)

Left to right: VILLAGER, exhibiting artist (artwork behind him); Shane Cromwell, digital content producer; Kehinde Applewhite, exhibiting artist (artwork to her right); Hannah Shaw, Wide Angle Youth Media communications manager

Left to right: Gary A. Mullen, exhibiting artist (artwork to his left); Donna Anderson, Chesapeake Arts Center executive director; Amanda Morell, Maryland Citizens for the Arts deputy director

Left to right: Faith McCorkle and sister Hope McCorkle, Twin Artists Collaborative/exhibiting artists (in front of their artwork)

Left to right: Jovan Bethel, exhibiting artist; Murjoni Merriweather, sculptor; K’aree Tsalagi, textile artist; Taylor Blackwell, aspiring artist

Left to right: Raba Abro, photographer; Ken Williamson, DJ

Fake Wedding 2024 Benefiting Volunteering Untapped
February 17, 2024
7–11:30 p.m.
The Rita Rossi Colwell Center

Imagine all the fun of a wedding (getting dressed up, unlimited cocktails and party food, dancing to a great band) without the fuss of the ceremony, the receiving line, and the long-winded toasts. Toss in a fitting February Mardi Gras theme, and you’ve got Volunteering Untapped Baltimore’s annual fundraiser.

After four years of a COVID-affected absence, the annual VU bash—which supports its mission to provide accessible opportunities for locals to give back—returned with a vengeance. More than 250 folks turned out to eat, drink, mingle, and dance the night away. There was even a chance to celebrate a “bride” and “groom,” who were voted for by guests.

Left to right: Board members: Justin Yaquiant, ManTech senior assistant administrator; Benjamin Wilcox, Saft America program manager; Kelly Wilcox, board president/American Institutes for Research senior contract specialist; Michelle McDowell, Compulse digital operations specialist

Left to right: Dana Harms, Fidelity Investments project manager; Kim Lewis, FIS business analyst; Dr. Erica Lewis-Mead, pediatric dentist

Left to right: Jonathan Silva, construction project manager; Kat Kelley, public health analyst; Brett Thorne, Whitman, Requardt and Associates; Alysse Thorne, Organon community access team manager

Left to right: Dan Levere, PMG data scientist; Kris Shea, engineer; Elizabeth Clearfield, public health researcher

Left to right: Noah Smock, Baltimore Community ToolBank executive director; Stephanie Eaddy, Stanley Black & Decker senior communications specialist; Caroline Bibb, CityScape Engineering senior project engineer

Left to right: Carl Cabagingan, U.S. Army engineer; Natalie Fung, project manager; Katelyn Thomas, SmartStart Education talent acquisition coordinator; Kevin Nathan, Johns Hopkins University postdoctoral fellow

Left to right: Jaime Heringer, X-ray technologist; Allie Kelly, mental health therapist; Louie Silverio, BmoreFood food influencer

Left to right: Andy Hartwig, U.S. Department of Agriculture service statistician, Kim Andrews, National Labor Relations Board labor attorney

Left to right: Brittney Murray, Johns Hopkins Medicine genetic counselor; Adam Murray, Saft America operations director; Jacob Smith, STV highway engineer; Christy Smith, Johns Hopkins Medicine genetic counselor

The Volunteering Untapped board and event committee kicked off the evening with a welcome to their guests.

HonFest may now be defunct, but Baltimore’s “Hons” are alive and well. Bonnie Hockstein (left) and Judy Templeton (right) are active as hosts of the BeMore Good News podcast. The two have been doing Hon gigs for so long, they each have loads of over-the-top outfit options in their closets. For this particular event, Hockstein went for the Mardi Gras theme, and Templeton relied on her preferred pigment of pink.

Galentine’s Day Flamingle
February 10, 2024
12-4 p.m.
The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore

Leave it to The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore to host a Galentine’s Day event unlike any other. With the Super Bowl also occurring on the same weekend in Las Vegas, this year’s adults-only party at the Zoo’s Mansion House had its own take on Sin City added to its traditional flamingo theme. About 100 ticketholders enjoyed cocktails, a brunch buffet, visits by animal ambassadors, fun Vegas and flamingo-inspired games, and a talk on the lives of some of the zoo’s residents.

Partygoers were also encouraged to have fun with their casual attire—maybe adding a little Las Vegas sparkle. Once at the party, they had the opportunity to add a little more, with strands of colorful, glittery “fairy hair” woven into their own locks.

“Fairy Erin” Freeman (right), weaving in some Original Maryland Fairy Hair into the mane of Allie Derobertis, New Jersey RN (left)

Left to right: Ronda Lasko, Baltimore City Public Schools talent manager; Kate von Richthofen, international trade specialist

Left to right: Cindi Fleischman, Harford County Public Schools teacher; Marianna Fleischman, scientist

Left to right: Tiffany Dison, senior administrative assistant in finance and control; Stefanie Ercolano, Strategic Tax Planning data compliance case manager

Left to right: Debbie Cvach, mortician; Hailey Allen, social work graduate student

Left to right: Emily Scott, data scientist; Grace Diss, Port Discovery group sales manager; Priyanka Munjal, project manager; Nichole Davenport, U.S. Army Research Laboratory finance manager. Scott and Diss surprised their friend Munjal, by making the afternoon a mini-bachelorette party for her.

Left to right: Shari Wilkerson, RN; Stephanie Zettervall, RN; Olivia Cook, nurse practitioner

Left to right: Grayce Moran, Maryland Zoo events and fundraising coordinator/event organizer; Shannon Brown, Maryland Zoo vice president of strategy and development

Left to right: Kelli Ben, Home Chef production assistant; Kimberly Burnes, KPB Graphics owner/freelance graphic designer; Debbie Rorabaugh, CORT executive director of operations, trade show and event furnishings; Robin Greenfield, National Institutes of Health recreational therapist; Karen Perkins, NIH recreational therapist

Left to right: Jeanette Bordeaux, Baltimore Marine Safety office manager; Brittany Athanasiou, stay-at-home mom; Valerie Appolonia, “glamorous stay-at-home mom”

Left to right: Erica Kern, AlterEgo creative director; Christie Stravino, Cohen &; Co. tax partner; Natalie Scurto, Baltimore County State’s Attorney’s Office attorney

When these three friends decided to go to the Zoo’s Galentine’s event, they agreed to pull out all the stops when it came to their fashion—going for as much glitz as they could, while still maintaining their personal sense of style.

For Kern, it was an opportunity to wear a sequined animal print sheath she’d found at the Dundalk Flea Market a decade ago.

Stravino was thrilled she got to don her Halloween Barbie outfit—most of which was sourced from Amazon—topping it off with a fascinator she bought for this party, also from Amazon.

Amazon was also where Scurto nabbed her light pink sequin blazer. The black sequined shorts were already in her closet, previously purchased for a Taylor Swift concert.

So, did they accomplish their collective fashion goal?

“We did go the extra mile,” noted Scurto.

“Oh, we went over the top,” added Kern.

Cupid’s Undie Run
February 3, 2024
12-4 p.m.
Ryleigh’s Oyster 

Combine a little exhibitionism with a healthy sense of humor and a worthy cause and you get the Cupid’s Undie Run. The annual event raises awareness and research dollars in the fight against neurofibromatosis, a genetic condition in which tumors grow on nerves throughout the body. While Cupid’s Undie Runs take place all around the country, this was the tenth year for Baltimore, and the first time the route (previously downtown) stepped off from Timonium.

About 120 participated this year, gathering at Ryleigh’s Oyster to compare their various stages of undress before the 2:15 p.m. sprint around the block. It didn’t matter if you lost sight of the crowd, you knew where they were by the chorus of car horns applauding them as they dashed down the sidewalk of York Road.  

Then it was back to Ryleigh’s for music and mingling the rest of the afternoon. The event raised some $42,000.  

Left to right: Baltimore Cupid’s Undie Run directors: Brian Robinson; Kim Robinson; Alex Vassila. The Robinson’s son is NF-affected.

Left to right: Gary Moulsdale, financial advisor; Shelly Moulsdale, operations research analyst; Chris Moulsdale, IT director/Wilmington Cupid’s Undie Race director; Caroline Moulsdale, ABC Crate owner/Wilmington Cupid’s Undie Race director. Chris and Caroline Moulsdale have a daughter with NF1.

Left to right: Amanda Kitson, medical supervisor; Jeff Pereira, operations manager; Catie Amsden, project manager; Emily Galen, statistician

Left to right: April Sanchez, restaurant server; Beckie Piatt, chaos coordinator

Left to right: Matt Nicholson, heavy equipment mechanic; Patrick Young, pest control inspector; Abbie Young, University of Maryland Medical Center RN; Claire Duarte, The Columbia Mom owner/creator

Left to right: David Van, cybersecurity expert; Brady Dell, naked lifeguard; Carson Smyser, sales representative

Left to right: Kevin Bass, restaurant manager/teacher; Sherene Woodard, energy analyst

Left to right: David deVilliers, executive vice president; Beth deVilliers, community volunteer

Left to right: Travel nurse RN’s: Daniel Nelson; Ivan Alvarenga

Most of the day’s participants had to go on the hunt for a fun ensemble to sport for the event.  Not so for Cassidy Brewer.

As the national development manager for Cupid’s Undie Run, the Colorado resident goes to four Undie Runs around the country each year—which means she’s got the wardrobe covered.

“I jeuje it here and there,” she said.

For the Baltimore race, Cassidy donned white faux-fur legwarmers, Nike running shoes (and hidden Cupid socks), a black tank, a red gladiator bra, and a red sequin fringe mini skirt—to which she added her “old school Cupid’s Undie Run fanny pack.”

Cassidy said she generally adds a pair of wings to her outfit. This time, Wilmington race director Caroline Moulsdale lent her a pair she had made of real feathers.

And those ombre heart-shaped sunglasses?

“I stole them from my 8-year-old daughter, Kaia,” Cassidy said sheepishly.

Pratt Contemporaries Black and White Party
January 27, 2024
8 p.m.–12 a.m.
Enoch Pratt Central Library

For one night in January each year, the library is the hottest spot in town. The annual shindig put on by the Pratt Contemporaries—Enoch Pratt Free Library’s group of young professionals—has gained a reputation for being one of the best bashes of the year. Each time around it takes on a different theme. Last weekend’s 14th-annual event, which drew a sold-out crowd of 750, was dubbed “New Orleans, Mon Amour,” with guests encouraged to dress accordingly—though, of course, only in black and/or white, with slight touches of color permitted.

Partygoers weren’t the only ones decked out. So was the Central Library, where folks gathered to enjoy New Orleans-style music and dance to a DJ, with nary a “shhh” to be heard.

Left to right: Heidi Daniel, Enoch Pratt Free Library president/CEO; Christine Espenshade, Enoch Pratt Free Library board chair; Deb Baum, The Bryn Mawr School senior director of communications; Peter Espenshade, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine professor of cell biology

Left to right: Matthew Lengel, Pratt Contemporaries board chair; Beulah Sabundayo, Enoch Pratt Free Library board member; Dr. Paul Sabundayo, Mercy Medical Center internist; Nicholas Meeks, Patrick Sutton Interior Design interior designer

Left to right: Michael DeStefano, Baltimore County State’s Attorney’s Office prosecutor; Phillip Westry, event governance chair/FreeState Justice executive director; Elizabeth Aceto, marketing director; Chris Aceto, event co-chair/T. Rowe Price portfolio manager

Left to right: Jacqueline Pearlstone, Pearlstone Collective owner; Keri Phillips, Danfoss head of HR North America; Bridget Faherty, The College of Information Studies at The University of Maryland assistant dean of finance administration

Left to right: Heather Oros Nano, New York-based therapist; Joe Nano, NewEdge Power CEO; Jordana Pollack, CBRE senior transaction manager

Left to right: Raymone Jackson, T. Rowe Price head of diversity, equity and inclusion; Dr. Tosin Adegbola, Enoch Pratt Free Library board member; Steph Sundermann-Zinger, Towson University associate director for graduate marketing; Liz Sundermann-Zinger, Enoch Pratt Free Library chief of central libarary and state library resource center

Left to right: Caitlin Haus, event co-chair/McGuireWoods associate; Robert Haus, Deloitte manager; Heather Arbogast, McGuireWoods partner; Michelle Lim, McGuireWoods associate

Left to right: Khalilah Imperatrice, PCAOB inspection leader; Rocco Imperatrice, Ciena senior director; Melissa Garcia, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia program manager; Brandi Nadler, W2 Consulting senior communications consultant

Left to right: Dr. Kenisha Solomon, Johns Hopkins Suburban Hospital anesthesiologist; Chibuzo Uwakaneme, project manager; Dr. Angele Wafo, family medicine physician

Sylvia Mackey’s history as a fashion model is obvious by the way she works the camera. Though her modeling gigs may have slowed down, that’s the only thing about the 82-year-old that has.

The widow of NFL great John Mackey was one of the first to call attention to the connection between professional football players’ brain injuries and dementia—a mission she continues to promote.

Then, there is her continuing career as a United Airlines flight attendant, as well as her ongoing love of fashion. In fact, she says one tends to fuel the other.

“I always like to go shopping on my trips,” Mackey said, pointing to the white knit duster she picked up in Paris.
But, when it comes to events, all she needs to do is shop her closet.

For the Black & White party, Mackey paired the duster with a silver lame Boston Proper top, black sequin leggings, black glitter Sam Edelman platform sandals, piles of pearls (“seven bucks a row”) from Nordstrom Rack, Akira rhinestone earrings, a feather boa courtesy of Amazon, and a black patent crocodile clutch that she estimates is about half her age.

So, why put in the effort? “Why not? I always want to look good. I’m vain,” she said with a laugh.