Despite all the hardships of 2020, one local man was able to put a positive spin on things—literally.

Before COVID-19, Chris Kopec was a popular DJ at corporate events and parties (including our own “Best of Baltimore” party) throughout the region, as well as the man behind the music for the Baltimore Ravens Cheerleaders. But by mid-March, with concerts canceled across the country, the Ellicott City resident turned to the internet to host dance nights for his inner circle.

“My idea was that I’d entertain my family, because my kids never got to come to my events,” he says.

But his children weren’t the only ones who tuned in, with his first Facebook livestream reaching over 30,000 views, an experience he calls “euphoric,” as his three children showed off their own moves in the background of their basement. From there, the dance parties would become a weekly ritual, along with live workout mixes and a virtual prom for participants of all ages, which was particularly special for high school students who missed that iconic rite of passage last year.

“It felt like the community needed it, and in some ways, it was my coping mechanism, and my family’s,” says Kopec. “It gave us something to work for and look forward to.”

That first night, he also set up a virtual tip jar to cover his $200 equipment costs, but brought in over $10,000, and from there, his charitable efforts took off. Donations so far have included 500 pizzas to Howard County first responders, and some 180,000 pounds of chicken to local food banks, after Holly Poultry CEO Zachary Fine offered to chip in a pound of meat per viewer.

The parties have also helped raise funds for organizations hit hard by the pandemic, including more than $192,000 for Feed America, nearly $65,000 for the Baltimore Child Abuse Center, and $132,000 for the Ulman Foundation. And this goodwill did not go unnoticed, catching the attention of local and national media, including CNN and the TODAY show.

He reached his $2 million milestone on March 20, the one-year anniversary of his first livestream. Again, thousands of fans, now dubbed the “DJ Kopec Fam,” showed up online, but he looks forward to the day that they can gather in-person.

“The power of community coming together and staying positive can really do amazing things,” Kopec says.

EAT

To May 10: Teacher and Nurse Appreciation Week at Charmed Kitchen

123 S. Chester St. 8 am. to 8 p.m.

This week, Charmed Kitchen is celebrating the heroes in our lives, who deserve endless thanks for the work they’re doing during the pandemic. Now through Sunday, teachers and nurses can bring their school ID or badge to the Butcher’s Hill restaurant to receive 20 percent off their entire carryout purchase. From 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., head to Charmed Kitchen for a sweet deal on tasty items like a spring-ready spinach and berry salad or a beef burger topped with sauteed onions and truffle aioli. And be sure to check out to-go cocktails like the “Strong One,” a mix of gin, bourbon, blood orange bitters, and lemon juice finished with ginger beer.

DRINK

May 8: Union’s Virtual Old Pro Open

Facebook and Instagram Live. 4-5 p.m. Free.

Though the festivities for Union Craft Brewing’s fifth-annual Old Pro Open won’t be happening in Ocean City this year, the team isn’t one to deprive fans of dino-themed fun. Grab some beer to-go (like Union Craft’s Old Pro six-pack with an Orange Crush flavor shot, available for pickup at Union Collective) then tune in to Facebook or Instagram Live to watch three past Old Pro Open winners battle it out on a virtual three-hole course. For information on how to enter contests like “Best Golf Outfit,” “Best Trick Shot,” and “Best Old Pro Photo,” check Union’s Facebook page.

SEE

May 8: Funny Factor Online Comedy Show w/ Checkerspot Brewing

1399 S. Sharp St. and Zoom. 8-9 p.m. Free.

A long week at home desperately calls for a Friday-night laugh, and luckily, Funny Factor Comedy has us covered. This Friday, the group is teaming up with South Baltimore’s own Checkerspot Brewing Company for a night filled with performances and video conversations, featuring comedians from near and far. Crack open one of Checkerspot’s cans, available for pickup at the brewery, and get ready to laugh as local favorites Darryl Charles, Erin Patrick, and Jeff Ryan take the virtual stage.

HEAR

May 9: Virtual Prom with DJ Kopec

Facebook Live. 7-9 p.m. Free

Nothing compares to the excitement of prom season. High on the list of activities that will be missed by this year’s class of 2020 is perhaps every high school student’s most anticipated rite of passage: senior prom. Whether you’re a senior ready to dance away the stress of your online studies, or a parent looking to relive the glory days, take a picture on the front lawn, dress to the nines, and tune in to Facebook Live where Ellicott City’s DJ Kopec will be cranking out a mix of throwback dance hits from the ’80s and ’90s.

DO

May 9: BMORE Around Town Virtual Scavenger Hunt

Zoom. 2-5 p.m. $20

This Saturday, the tailgating experts with BMORE Around Town are back with another virtual scavenger hunt. Before you’re ready to compete against family and friends in a series of 30 virtual challenges, you’ll need access to Zoom, a phone with a camera, at least one player over the age of 21, and a few boozy beverages for the adults. Prizes will be given to top the 10 teams, and proceeds from the event will go directly to Kelly’s Dream—a nonprofit fighting to raise melanoma awareness and ease the financial strain on those with cancer.