Sloane Brown – Baltimore Sun https://www.baltimoresun.com Baltimore Sun: Your source for Baltimore breaking news, sports, business, entertainment, weather and traffic Thu, 24 Jul 2025 20:03:10 +0000 en-US hourly 30 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.2 https://www.baltimoresun.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/baltimore-sun-favicon.png?w=32 Sloane Brown – Baltimore Sun https://www.baltimoresun.com 32 32 208788401 Baltimore Scene by Sloane: Meals on Wheels of Central Maryland ‘Night of a Million Meals’ | PHOTOS https://www.baltimoresun.com/2025/07/22/baltimore-scene-by-sloane-meals-on-wheels-of-central-maryland-night-of-a-million-meals-photos/ Tue, 22 Jul 2025 12:00:30 +0000 https://www.baltimoresun.com/?p=11571160

Scores of local restaurants, caterers, food and beverage vendors lined several spaces of the American Visionary Art Museum to serve up their wares at “Night of a Million Meals.” Bars and food stations filled AVAM’s patio, barn and the Jim Rouse Visionary Center, each offering samples of their specialties.

[ MORE of Sloane Brown’s coverage of Baltimore’s party scene ]

While the Meals on Wheels of Central Maryland annual fundraiser did bang-up business with some 300 guests who turned out, the million meals of the event’s title weren’t in reference to the party’s food output, but rather the goal of the organization to serve a million meals to homebound adults in the state.

And the more than $200,000 raised at the event would certainly help in that mission.

The culinary explorations began at bars set up outside AVAM's barn, and food stations inside it, at "Night of a Million Meals." (Sloane Brown)
The culinary explorations began at bars set up outside AVAM’s barn, and food stations inside it, at “Night of a Million Meals.” (Sloane Brown)
Beverage stations were set up inside and outside AVAM at "Night of a Million Meals." (Sloane Brown)
Beverage stations were set up inside and outside AVAM at “Night of a Million Meals.” (Sloane Brown)
From left - Saval Foodservice colleagues: Brad Levin, Baltimore regional manager, Tiffany Bageant, sales representative, and Gerardo Pirela, sales representative, at "Night of a Million Meals 2025" (Sloane Brown)
From left - Saval Foodservice colleagues: Brad Levin, Baltimore regional manager, Tiffany Bageant, sales representative, and Gerardo Pirela, sales representative, at “Night of a Million Meals 2025” (Sloane Brown)
A live band also offered the option of dancing off a few of the calories ingested at the feast fest. (Sloane Brown)
A live band also offered the option of dancing off a few of the calories ingested at the feast fest. (Sloane Brown)
From left - Len Homer, retired attorney, Betsy Homer, retired bureaucrat, Gerald Popko, photographer, and David Burkett, retired senior policy analyst/Meals on Wheels volunteer, at "Night of a Million Meals 2025" (Sloane Brown)
From left - Len Homer, retired attorney, Betsy Homer, retired bureaucrat, Gerald Popko, photographer, and David Burkett, retired senior policy analyst/Meals on Wheels volunteer, at “Night of a Million Meals 2025” (Sloane Brown)
From left - Michael Juliano, 100.7 The Bay vice president of sales, Linda Borneman, Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center nurse practitioner, Steve Borneman, 100.7 The Bay president/general manager, and Ricki Parrott, 100.7 The Bay digital director, at "Night of a Million Meals 2025" (Sloane Brown)
From left - Michael Juliano, 100.7 The Bay vice president of sales, Linda Borneman, Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center nurse practitioner, Steve Borneman, 100.7 The Bay president/general manager, and Ricki Parrott, 100.7 The Bay digital director, at “Night of a Million Meals 2025” (Sloane Brown)
From left -Constellation colleagues ; Jared Adam, digital marketing manager, and Mark Colegrove, senior manager of creative media, at "Night of a Million Meals 2025" (Sloane Brown)
From left -Constellation colleagues ; Jared Adam, digital marketing manager, and Mark Colegrove, senior manager of creative media, at “Night of a Million Meals 2025” (Sloane Brown)
From left - Trio Community Meals colleagues: Rachel Poole, production supervisor, Miyannah Redding, food service worker, DeAsia Eberhart, food service line leader, and Iesha Daughtry, food service supervisor, at "Night of a Million Meals 2025" (Sloane Brown)
From left - Trio Community Meals colleagues: Rachel Poole, production supervisor, Miyannah Redding, food service worker, DeAsia Eberhart, food service line leader, and Iesha Daughtry, food service supervisor, at “Night of a Million Meals 2025” (Sloane Brown)
From left - Mike Moraz, construction manager, Gina Moraz, stay-at-home mom, and Steve Knott, retired client service representative, at "Night of a Million Meals 2025" (Sloane Brown)
From left - Mike Moraz, construction manager, Gina Moraz, stay-at-home mom, and Steve Knott, retired client service representative, at “Night of a Million Meals 2025” (Sloane Brown)
From left - Gregory Copley, Carey-Sales sales executive, Karen Copley, Carroll County Public School District teacher, April Young, Howard County Public School System behavior teacher, and Derek Parr, Carey-Sales vice president, at "Night of a Million Meals 2025" (Sloane Brown)
From left - Gregory Copley, Carey-Sales sales executive, Karen Copley, Carroll County Public School District teacher, April Young, Howard County Public School System behavior teacher, and Derek Parr, Carey-Sales vice president, at “Night of a Million Meals 2025” (Sloane Brown)
From left - Lori Burghauser, SC&H Group tax principal/Meals on Wheels board treasurer, Jake Burghauser, student, John Van Horn, HiTouch Business Services strategic market manager, and Jordan McMillin, IvyMind Consulting college consultant, at "Night of a Million Meals 2025" (Sloane Brown)
From left - Lori Burghauser, SC&H Group tax principal/Meals on Wheels board treasurer, Jake Burghauser, student, John Van Horn, HiTouch Business Services strategic market manager, and Jordan McMillin, IvyMind Consulting college consultant, at “Night of a Million Meals 2025” (Sloane Brown)
From left - Cheryl Redman, ecommerce manager, Sterling Barnard, senior director of supply chain, Abby Redman, student, and Camaron Larson, IT manager, at "Night of a Million Meals 2025" (Sloane Brown)
From left - Cheryl Redman, ecommerce manager, Sterling Barnard, senior director of supply chain, Abby Redman, student, and Camaron Larson, IT manager, at “Night of a Million Meals 2025” (Sloane Brown)

Scene ahead

  • Friday, Aug. 1
    80th Annual Crab Feast
    Hosted by Rotary Club of Annapolis
    Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium, Annapolis
    5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
    Tickets $95, Same day $105 – Children $35, Same day $40
    annapolisrotary.org/crabfeast
  • Friday, Aug. 1
    2025 Big Show Artist Meet & Greet
    Hosted by Creative Alliance
    3134 Eastern Ave.
    6 p.m.
    Free admission
    creativealliance.org
  • Saturday, Aug. 2
    16th Annual 5K Run/1-mile Walk
    Benefits Casey Cares Foundation
    Maryland Zoo in Baltimore, 1 Safari Place
    8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
    Registration $43.40
    runsignup.com
]]> 11571160 2025-07-22T08:00:30+00:00 2025-07-24T16:03:10+00:00 Baltimore Scene by Sloane: House of Ruth Maryland’s 23rd Annual Crabaret | PHOTOS https://www.baltimoresun.com/2025/07/15/baltimore-scene-by-sloane-house-of-ruth-marylands-23rd-annual-crabaret-photos/ Tue, 15 Jul 2025 13:00:01 +0000 https://www.baltimoresun.com/?p=11558550

Even though some 255 folks turned out for the 23rd Annual Crabaret, there was the behavior of one guest in particular that party organizers were most concerned about. That guest – Mother Nature – decided to mind her manners and keep rainstorms at bay, so guests could hang out — in and outside Gertrude’s restaurant and the Baltimore Museum of Art’s Sculpture Garden.

[ MORE of Sloane Brown’s coverage of Baltimore’s party scene ]

After all, there were a number of food stations that offered a variety of crab dishes to browse and signature drinks to sip, while guests met friends to catch up with and browsed auction items to bid on, all while they enjoyed tunes from a live band .

This year, guests also had an additional attraction. The Baltimore Museum of Art opened its first-floor galleries for guests to check out.

The shindig raised approximately $126,000 for House of Ruth Maryland and its mission to provide support to survivors of intimate partner violence.

Tables and tents were set up around the grounds for partygoers to enjoy at the 23rd Annual Crabaret. (Sloane Brown)
Tables and tents were set up around the grounds for partygoers to enjoy at the 23rd Annual Crabaret. (Sloane Brown)
From left - Dr. Jamie Brewer, oncologist, Nala Miller, grad student, and Alana Miller, executive compensation analyst, at the 23rd Annual Crabaret (Sloane Brown)
From left - Dr. Jamie Brewer, oncologist, Nala Miller, grad student, and Alana Miller, executive compensation analyst, at the 23rd Annual Crabaret (Sloane Brown)
From left - Frank Russo Auctioners colleagues: Frank Russo, president, Ben Roes, bid spotter, and David Hartman, bid spotter, at the 23rd Annual Crabaret (Sloane Brown)
From left - Frank Russo Auctioners colleagues: Frank Russo, president, Ben Roes, bid spotter, and David Hartman, bid spotter, at the 23rd Annual Crabaret (Sloane Brown)
From left - Kennedy Overbey, Heritage Mazda car salesman, Amy Overbey, Scene Health RN/vice president of account management and population health, Heather Edwards, Johns Hopkins Care at Home Pediatrics RN/clinical nursing manager, and Ashley Waldhauser, college student/lacrosse coach, at the 23rd Annual Crabaret (Sloane Brown)
From left - Kennedy Overbey, Heritage Mazda car salesperson, Amy Overbey, Scene Health RN/vice president of account management and population health, Heather Edwards, Johns Hopkins Care at Home Pediatrics RN/clinical nursing manager, and Ashley Waldhauser, college student/lacrosse coach, at the 23rd Annual Crabaret (Sloane Brown)
From left - Heather Harris, House of Ruth Maryland board member/Stevenson University professor of communication, Tom Kazmierczak, House of Ruth Maryland board member/T. Rowe vice president of trusts, and Ted Blankenship, retired fundraiser, at the 23rd Annual Crabaret (Sloane Brown)
From left - Heather Harris, House of Ruth Maryland board member/Stevenson University professor of communication, Tom Kazmierczak, House of Ruth Maryland board member/T. Rowe vice president of trusts, and Ted Blankenship, retired fundraiser, at the 23rd Annual Crabaret (Sloane Brown)
From left - Emily Colglazier, Under Armour senior lead employment paralegal of global legal risk, Tristan Colglazier, The Warner Companies business manager, Dr. Paul Miller, director of The Center for Teaching and Learning at Montgomery College, and Jason Drennan, at the 23rd Annual Crabaret (Sloane Brown) Warner Companies senior account manager of voluntary benefits, at the 23rd Annual Crabaret (Sloane Brown)
From left - Emily Colglazier, Under Armour senior lead employment paralegal of global legal risk, Tristan Colglazier, The Warner Companies business manager, Dr. Paul Miller, director of The Center for Teaching and Learning at Montgomery College, and Jason Drennan, at the 23rd Annual Crabaret (Sloane Brown) Warner Companies senior account manager of voluntary benefits, at the 23rd Annual Crabaret (Sloane Brown)
From left - John Gilligan, Gertrude's co-owner, and John Shields, Gertrude's chef/co-owner, at the 23rd Annual Crabaret (Sloane Brown)
From left - John Gilligan, Gertrude’s co-owner, and John Shields, Gertrude’s chef/co-owner, at the 23rd Annual Crabaret (Sloane Brown)
Among the evening's entertainments - live music from a band set up in a corner of the BMA Sculpture Garden. (Sloane Brown)
Among the evening’s entertainments - live music from a band set up in a corner of the BMA Sculpture Garden. (Sloane Brown)
From left - Kappie Bogart, House of Ruth Maryland board president/Clearwater Analytics strategic advisor, and Sandi Timmins, House of Ruth Maryland executive director, at the 23rd Annual Crabaret (Sloane Brown)
From left - Kappie Bogart, House of Ruth Maryland board president/Clearwater Analytics strategic adviser, and Sandi Timmins, House of Ruth Maryland executive director, at the 23rd Annual Crabaret (Sloane Brown)
From left - Cindy Zimlin, retired luxury tour operator director of sales, and Pat Berlin, retired US Social Security Administration IT director, at the 23rd Annual Crabaret (Sloane Brown)
From left - Cindy Zimlin, retired luxury tour operator director of sales, and Pat Berlin, retired US Social Security Administration IT director, at the 23rd Annual Crabaret (Sloane Brown)
From left - Tyneka Pack, ImPACKt Fitness founder/CEO, Michael Parker, Real Broker real estate consultant, Tirra Pack, insurance agent, and Jameel Hendricks, Trained Armor CEO, at the 23rd Annual Crabaret (Sloane Brown)
From left - Tyneka Pack, ImPACKt Fitness founder/CEO, Michael Parker, Real Broker real estate consultant, Tirra Pack, insurance agent, and Jameel Hendricks, Trained Armor CEO, at the 23rd Annual Crabaret (Sloane Brown)
Guests could sample a variety of crab dishes served from food stations situated around the garden. (Sloane Brown)
Guests could sample a variety of crab dishes served from food stations situated around the garden. (Sloane Brown)
From left - Kathleen Becker, Johns Hopkins School of Nursing retired nurse practitioner, Lynne Durbin, InLine LLC president, Karen Nelson, Planned Parenthood of Maryland CEO, and Carrie Montague, community volunteer, at the 23rd Annual Crabaret (Sloane Brown)
From left - Kathleen Becker, Johns Hopkins School of Nursing retired nurse practitioner, Lynne Durbin, InLine LLC president, Karen Nelson, Planned Parenthood of Maryland CEO, and Carrie Montague, community volunteer, at the 23rd Annual Crabaret (Sloane Brown)
Partygoers mingled among the "inhabitants" of the Baltimore Museum of Art's Sculpture Garden at the 23rd Annual Crabaret. (Sloane Brown)
Partygoers mingled among the “inhabitants” of the Baltimore Museum of Art’s Sculpture Garden at the 23rd Annual Crabaret. (Sloane Brown)
Groupings of tables and food stations were set up around the BMA Sculpture Garden for the party. (Sloane Brown)
Groupings of tables and food stations were set up around the BMA Sculpture Garden for the party. (Sloane Brown)
From left - Rachel Libertore, stay-at-home mom, Alex Libertore, CFG Community Bank vice president/portfolio manager, and Aaron Simmons, Baltimore City Fire Department lieutenant, at the 23rd Annual Crabaret (Sloane Brown)
From left - Rachel Libertore, stay-at-home mom, Alex Libertore, CFG Community Bank vice president/portfolio manager, and Aaron Simmons, Baltimore City Fire Department lieutenant, at the 23rd Annual Crabaret (Sloane Brown)
From left - Carol Goodman, retired General Mothers treasurer, and Pam Malester, House of Ruth Maryland board member/retired federal administrator, at the 23rd Annual Crabaret (Sloane Brown)
From left - Carol Goodman, retired General Mothers treasurer, and Pam Malester, House of Ruth Maryland board member/retired federal administrator, at the 23rd Annual Crabaret (Sloane Brown)

Scene ahead

]]> 11558550 2025-07-15T09:00:01+00:00 2025-07-15T00:04:44+00:00 Baltimore Scene by Sloane: Hot Night for Autism Gala | PHOTOS https://www.baltimoresun.com/2025/07/08/baltimore-scene-by-sloane-hot-night-for-autism-gala-photos/ Tue, 08 Jul 2025 21:38:06 +0000 https://www.baltimoresun.com/?p=11547806

Attendees had several things to celebrate at this year’s Hot Night for Autism Gala, the annual fundraiser for Itineris. First off, this year marked a milestone for the nonprofit organization – 15 years providing services and support to autistic adults. Then, there was the party itself to celebrate, as it reflected the growth of Itineris.

[ MORE of Sloane Brown’s coverage of Baltimore’s party scene ]

Originally, held in the Itineris offices as a very casual event for a few dozen folks, the shindig now hosted some 364 gussied-up guests in the equally dressed-up environs of The Valley Mansion. Now the evening consisted of a cocktail hour, seated dinner, live and silent auctions and a program … which centered on tributes to Itineris founder Ami Taubenfeld, who was also retiring as executive director after 15 years at the helm.

As friends and supporters gave fond farewells to Taubenfeld, they also had the chance to warmly welcome incoming executive director Lauren Eaton, no stranger to Itineris, having served previously as its senior director of operations.

From left - Saralee Greenberg, retired mortgage banker, and Mark Greenberg, retired mortgage banker, at the "Hot Night for Autism Gala" (Sloane Brown)
From left - Saralee Greenberg, retired mortgage banker, and Mark Greenberg, retired mortgage banker, at the “Hot Night for Autism Gala” (Sloane Brown)
From left - Tori Stokes, Itineris director of talent and culture, Lauren Eaton, Itineris senior director of operations/incoming executive director, and Dr. Monica McCall, Nextgen Synergy co-executive director, at the "Hot Night for Autism Gala" (Sloane Brown)
From left - Tori Stokes, Itineris director of talent and culture, Lauren Eaton, Itineris senior director of operations/incoming executive director, and Dr. Monica McCall, Nextgen Synergy co-executive director, at the “Hot Night for Autism Gala” (Sloane Brown)
In addition to live and silent auctions, guests could also participate in the wine and spirits pull at the Hot Night for Autism Gala. (Sloane Brown)
In addition to live and silent auctions, guests could also participate in the wine and spirits pull at the Hot Night for Autism Gala. (Sloane Brown)
From left - Dr. Allan Frank, Hunt Valley-based veterinarian, and Dr. Neil Goldberg, retired gastroenterologist/portrait painter, at the "Hot Night for Autism Gala" (Sloane Brown)
From left - Dr. Allan Frank, Hunt Valley-based veterinarian, and Dr. Neil Goldberg, retired gastroenterologist/portrait painter, at the “Hot Night for Autism Gala” (Sloane Brown)
Guests gathered at The Valley Mansion for quite the 15th birthday party. (Sloane Brown)
Guests gathered at The Valley Mansion for quite the 15th birthday party. (Sloane Brown)
From left - Martin Taylor, University of Maryland Medical Center physical therapy assistant, Carole Taylor, The Associated chief operating officer/board member, Anne Madden, retired educator, and Paul Madden, Whiteford, Taylor and Preston lawyer, at the "Hot Night for Autism Gala" (Sloane Brown)
From left - Martin Taylor, University of Maryland Medical Center physical therapy assistant, Carole Taylor, The Associated chief operating officer/board member, Anne Madden, retired educator, and Paul Madden, Whiteford, Taylor and Preston lawyer, at the “Hot Night for Autism Gala” (Sloane Brown)
From left - Jon Myers, former London Fog/Tripp Lake Camp owner, and Beverly Myers, retired Tripp Lake Camp director, at the "Hot Night for Autism Gala" (Sloane Brown)
From left - Jon Myers, former London Fog/Tripp Lake Camp owner, and Beverly Myers, retired Tripp Lake Camp director, at the “Hot Night for Autism Gala” (Sloane Brown)
Folks mingled during the cocktail hour before settling down for dinner and a program at the Hot Night for Autism 2025 Gala. (Sloane Brown)
Folks mingled during the cocktail hour before settling down for dinner and a program at the Hot Night for Autism 2025 Gala. (Sloane Brown)
From left - P.J. Shafer, Shafer and Reilly Wealth Management partner/board president, Ami Taubenfeld, Itineris executive director, Mark Taubenfeld, Resource Title vice president, and Mindy Kramer, board vice president, at the "Hot Night for Autism Gala" (Sloane Brown)
From left - P.J. Shafer, Shafer and Reilly Wealth Management partner/board president, Ami Taubenfeld, Itineris executive director, Mark Taubenfeld, Resource Title vice president, and Mindy Kramer, board vice president, at the “Hot Night for Autism Gala” (Sloane Brown)
From left - Angela Steele, SBA lender, and Steve Steele, Orrstown Bank commercial lender, at the "Hot Night for Autism Gala" (Sloane Brown)
From left - Angela Steele, SBA lender, and Steve Steele, Orrstown Bank commercial lender, at the "Hot Night for Autism Gala" (Sloane Brown)
From left - Janet Livingston, Itineris parent, Richard Livingstone, retired Richstone Homes and Remodeling owner, Lori Balter, Robert Balter Company president, and Richard Levine, St. John Properties lawyer/counsel, at the "Hot Night for Autism Gala" (Sloane Brown)
From left - Janet Livingston, Itineris parent, Richard Livingstone, retired Richstone Homes and Remodeling owner, Lori Balter, Robert Balter Company president, and Richard Levine, St. John Properties lawyer/counsel, at the “Hot Night for Autism Gala” (Sloane Brown)
From left - Rachel Wolf, Kreiner Burns attorney, Jill Bers, licensed clinical social worker, and Lois Wolf, retired schoolteacher, at the "Hot Night for Autism Gala" (Sloane Brown)
From left - Rachel Wolf, Kreiner Burns attorney, Jill Bers, licensed clinical social worker, and Lois Wolf, retired schoolteacher, at the “Hot Night for Autism Gala” (Sloane Brown)
From left - Andy Gorelick, Goodman Gable Gould senior vice president, Mignon Rosenthal, retired mental health worker, and Terry Reamer, Monument Sotheby's realtor, at the "Hot Night for Autism Gala" (Sloane Brown)
From left - Andy Gorelick, Goodman Gable Gould senior vice president, Mignon Rosenthal, retired mental health worker, and Terry Reamer, Monument Sotheby’s realtor, at the “Hot Night for Autism Gala” (Sloane Brown)
From left - Theresa Columbus, Arts for Learning Maryland, Dr. Zosia Zacks, Zacks Autism Consulting owner/Itineris co-founder, and Audry Motlagh-Harvey, Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center social worker, at the "Hot Night for Autism Gala" (Sloane Brown)
From left - Theresa Columbus, Arts for Learning Maryland, Dr. Zosia Zacks, Zacks Autism Consulting owner/Itineris co-founder, and Audry Motlagh-Harvey, Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center social worker, at the “Hot Night for Autism Gala” (Sloane Brown)
The Valley Mansion's crystal chandeliers added dazzle to the Itineris party celebrating the organization's crystal anniversary. (Sloane Brown)
The Valley Mansion’s crystal chandeliers added dazzle to the Itineris party celebrating the organization’s crystal anniversary. (Sloane Brown)
From left - Marj Zeiler, retired special education teacher, Sherry Capobianco, retired Baltimore County Public Schools special education personal assistant, and Christine Thomas, Baltimore County Public Schools special education educator, at the "Hot Night for Autism Gala" (Sloane Brown)
From left - Marj Zeiler, retired special education teacher, Sherry Capobianco, retired Baltimore County Public Schools special education personal assistant, and Christine Thomas, Baltimore County Public Schools special education educator, at the “Hot Night for Autism Gala” (Sloane Brown)

Scene ahead

]]> 11547806 2025-07-08T17:38:06+00:00 2025-07-08T17:38:06+00:00 Baltimore Scene by Sloane: AVAM’s ‘Play(ful) Ball’ | PHOTOS https://www.baltimoresun.com/2025/07/01/baltimore-scene-by-sloane-avams-playful-ball-photos/ Tue, 01 Jul 2025 13:40:59 +0000 https://www.baltimoresun.com/?p=11535687

At Camden Yards, “play ball” may be the common turn of phrase, but not far away at the American Visionary Art Museum, the words of the night were “Play(ful) Ball” as the iconic museum hit a home run with its 2025 gala.

Using sports as the theme, the 180 or so guests were encouraged to dress in glitzy sporty attire, and the event was mapped with a “game plan” that included a Varsity VIP Experience, Pre-Game Cocktail Hour, Playful Plates Dinner, and Extra Innings After Party.

[ MORE of Sloane Brown’s coverage of Baltimore’s party scene ]

When it came to the “game” highlights, there was one in particular: guest of honor – and recipient of AVAM’s Lifetime Grand Visionary Award – Dr. John Carlos. Carlos and fellow Olympic medalist Tommie Smith made history when they raised their fists in protest during their award ceremony at the 1968 Olympics.

The party raised almost $120,000 for AVAM.

Kenetic sculpture "Tick Tock the Croc" added a little bite to the creative ambience at the American Visionary Art Museum's Play(ful) Ball. (Sloane Brown)
Kinetic sculpture "Tick Tock the Croc" added a little bite to the creative ambience at the American Visionary Art Museum's Play(ful) Ball. (Sloane Brown)
From left - Dave Zirin, "The John Carlos Story: The Sports Moment That Changed The World" co-author, and Noel Hanrahan, Philadephia attorney/private investigator, at the American Visionary Art Museum's Play(ful) Ball (Sloane Brown)
From left - Dave Zirin, “The John Carlos Story: The Sports Moment That Changed The World” co-author, and Noel Hanrahan, Philadephia attorney/private investigator, at the American Visionary Art Museum’s Play(ful) Ball (Sloane Brown)
From left - Nupur Parekh Flynn, Bagceit inventor/founder, and Payal Parekh, former board member/art advisor, at the American Visionary Art Museum's Play(ful) Ball (Sloane Brown)
From left - Nupur Parekh Flynn, Bagceit inventor/founder, and Payal Parekh, former board member/art advisor, at the American Visionary Art Museum’s Play(ful) Ball (Sloane Brown)
Guests mingled among the art - like AVAM's famed BraBall - at the American Visionary Art Museum's Play(ful) Ball. (Sloane Brown)
Guests mingled among the art - like AVAM’s famed BraBall - at the American Visionary Art Museum’s Play(ful) Ball. (Sloane Brown)
From left - Marcia Rock, Washington National Cathedral archivist, and Bill Rock, board member/United Therapeutics executive creative director, at the American Visionary Art Museum's Play(ful) Ball (Sloane Brown)
From left - Marcia Rock, Washington National Cathedral archivist, and Bill Rock, board member/United Therapeutics executive creative director, at the American Visionary Art Museum’s Play(ful) Ball (Sloane Brown)
From left - Kera Fuller, Kerasmatic Kreations hairstylist/fashion designer, and Kevin Brown, Nancy by SNAC owner, at the American Visionary Art Museum's Play(ful) Ball (Sloane Brown)
From left - Kera Fuller, Kerasmatic Kreations hairstylist/fashion designer, and Kevin Brown, Nancy by SNAC owner, at the American Visionary Art Museum’s Play(ful) Ball (Sloane Brown)
From left - Jonathan Bromberg, University of Maryland School of Medicine professor of transplant surgery, Barbara Scott, retired Bryn Mawr School RN, and Marc Steiner, podcast host, at the American Visionary Art Museum's Play(ful) Ball (Sloane Brown)
From left - Jonathan Bromberg, University of Maryland School of Medicine professor of transplant surgery, Barbara Scott, retired Bryn Mawr School RN, and Marc Steiner, podcast host, at the American Visionary Art Museum’s Play(ful) Ball (Sloane Brown)
From left - Rachel Peric, board member/Welcoming America executive director, and Keila Evans, Baltimore-based artist/art teacher, at the American Visionary Art Museum's Play(ful) Ball (Sloane Brown)
From left - Rachel Peric, board member/Welcoming America executive director, and Keila Evans, Baltimore-based artist/art teacher, at the American Visionary Art Museum’s Play(ful) Ball (Sloane Brown)
AVAM's big party at its Play(ful) Ball kicked off with a cocktail hour in the museum's Jim Rouse Visionary Center. (Sloane Brown)
AVAM’s big party at its Play(ful) Ball kicked off with a cocktail hour in the museum’s Jim Rouse Visionary Center. (Sloane Brown)
From left - Jessica Chambers, event committee member/Baltimore city Public Schools fine arts educational specialist, Rev. Kevin Slayton, Northwood Appold United Methodist Church, Diya Slayton, event committee member/Baltimore City Public Schools fine arts director, and Greg Chambers, illustrator, at the American Visionary Art Museum's Play(ful) Ball (Sloane Brown)
From left - Jessica Chambers, event committee member/Baltimore city Public Schools fine arts educational specialist, Rev. Kevin Slayton, Northwood Appold United Methodist Church, Diya Slayton, event committee member/Baltimore City Public Schools fine arts director, and Greg Chambers, illustrator, at the American Visionary Art Museum’s Play(ful) Ball (Sloane Brown)
From left - Khateeta Emerson, Gallery Reimagined founder/executive director, Tracey Holley, Baltimore Marriott Waterfront Hotel senior marketing manager, and Lydia Wilson, retired marketing professional, at the American Visionary Art Museum's Play(ful) Ball (Sloane Brown)
From left - Khateeta Emerson, Gallery Reimagined founder/executive director, Tracey Holley, Baltimore Marriott Waterfront Hotel senior marketing manager, and Lydia Wilson, retired marketing professional, at the American Visionary Art Museum’s Play(ful) Ball (Sloane Brown)
From left - Richard Worley, Baltimore City Police Commissioner, and Erin Malone, Medallia senior global marketing director, at the American Visionary Art Museum's Play(ful) Ball (Sloane Brown)
From left - Richard Worley, Baltimore City Police Commissioner, and Erin Malone, Medallia senior global marketing director, at the American Visionary Art Museum’s Play(ful) Ball (Sloane Brown)
From left - Ellen Owens, American Visionary Art Museum executive director, Dr. John Carlos, event honoree/Olympian/Humanitarian, Ernestine Shepherd, 89/"oldest female competitive bodybuilder in the world," and Rebecca Hoffberger, AVAM founder, at the American Visionary Art Museum's Play(ful) Ball (Sloane Brown)
From left - Ellen Owens, American Visionary Art Museum executive director, Dr. John Carlos, event honoree/Olympian/Humanitarian, Ernestine Shepherd, 89/“oldest female competitive bodybuilder in the world,” and Rebecca Hoffberger, AVAM founder, at the American Visionary Art Museum’s Play(ful) Ball (Sloane Brown)
In keeping with the evening's sports theme, the "Pre-Game Cocktail Hour" in the Jim Rouse Visonary Center preceded the "Playful Plates Dinner," which would be help up on the Center's third floor. (Sloane Brown)
In keeping with the evening’s sports theme, the “Pre-Game Cocktail Hour” in the Jim Rouse Visonary Center preceded the “Playful Plates Dinner,” which would be help up on the Center’s third floor. (Sloane Brown)
From left - Drew Movotny, board member/music producer, and Dr. Kelly Davis, veterinarian, at the American Visionary Art Museum's Play(ful) Ball (Sloane Brown)
From left - Drew Movotny, board member/music producer, and Dr. Kelly Davis, veterinarian, at the American Visionary Art Museum’s Play(ful) Ball (Sloane Brown)
From left - David Wooding, Y-Trap chief financial officer, and Reneé Wooding, board member/Farmers & Merchants Bank treasury management officer, at the American Visionary Art Museum's Play(ful) Ball (Sloane Brown)
From left - David Wooding, Y-Trap chief financial officer, and Reneé Wooding, board member/Farmers & Merchants Bank treasury management officer, at the American Visionary Art Museum’s Play(ful) Ball (Sloane Brown)
Baltimore City Police Commissioner Richard Worley (R) and his wife, Erin Malone (L), pose for a photo with the party's honoree, Dr. John Carlos at AVAM's Play(ful) Ball. (Sloane Brown)
Baltimore City Police Commissioner Richard Worley (R) and his wife, Erin Malone (L), pose for a photo with the party’s honoree, Dr. John Carlos at AVAM’s Play(ful) Ball. (Sloane Brown)
From left - George Stone, Greenstone Ventures managing partner, Holly Stone, board member/camp professional, and Christopher Goelet, board chair/geologist, at the American Visionary Art Museum's Play(ful) Ball (Sloane Brown)
From left - George Stone, Greenstone Ventures managing partner, Holly Stone, board member/camp professional, and Christopher Goelet, board chair/geologist, at the American Visionary Art Museum’s Play(ful) Ball (Sloane Brown)

 

Scene Ahead

  • Thursday, July 10
    16th Annual Young Blood Exhibition Opening Reception
    Hosted by Maryland Art Place
    218 W. Saratoga St., 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
    Free admission
    bmoreart.com/event/16th-annual-young-blood
  • Friday, July 11
    The Big Show Opening Reception & BIG Party
    Benefits Creative Alliance
    3134 Eastern Ave.
    6 p.m. Free reception, 8 p.m. Party
    Party tickets $10, Free for members
    creativealliance.org/event/the-big-show-opening-big-party
  • Friday, July 11
    Crabaret
    Benefits House of Ruth Maryland
    Gertrude’s at the BMA, 10 Art Museum Drive
    6:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.
    Tickets $125
    hruth.org/crab

 

]]> 11535687 2025-07-01T09:40:59+00:00 2025-07-01T18:33:44+00:00 Baltimore Scene with Sloane: Maryland Science Center’s 48th Annual Solstice Gala | PHOTOS https://www.baltimoresun.com/2025/06/24/baltimore-scene-with-sloane-maryland-science-centers-48th-annual-solstice-gala-photos/ Tue, 24 Jun 2025 10:00:34 +0000 https://www.baltimoresun.com/?p=11522081

The Maryland Science Center’s 48th Annual Solstice Gala once again provided the perfect playtime for its 400 grown-up guests. The shindig offered folks the chance to don their “play clothes” (aka cocktail attire) to enjoy an evening of delights that included bars and food stations, science experiments and interactive displays, live music and dancing inside, and a DJ on the rooftop patio outside.
“I think there’s a chic informality to this,” noted Science Center president/CEO Mark J. Potter. “You can come here and have the same fun that children have here; run around the museum and have a grand old time.”
The gala raised some $230,000 to support the museum’s free admission program for all Maryland students who visit on field trips.

Lounges were set up throughout the Center at the Solstice Gala. (Sloane Brown)
Lounges were set up throughout the Center at the Solstice Gala. (Sloane Brown)
Gala guests enjoyed a warm summer night and a spectacular view on the Maryland Science Center's rooftop patio. (Sloane Brown)
Gala guests enjoyed a warm summer night and a spectacular view on the Maryland Science Center’s rooftop patio. (Sloane Brown)
From left - Michelle Kane, Heather Ridge School instructional assistant, and John Kane, American Health Care Association senior vice president of reimbursement, at the 48th Annual Summer Solstice Gala (Sloane Brown)
From left - Michelle Kane, Heather Ridge School instructional assistant, and John Kane, American Health Care Association senior vice president of reimbursement, at the 48th Annual Summer Solstice Gala (Sloane Brown)
From left - Micheala Reyes, Haus of Hudson esthetician, and Christian Reyes, Wegmans Food Markets chef, have fun playing with one of the interactive science exhibits at the 48th Annual Summer Solstice Gala. (Sloane Brown)
From left - Micheala Reyes, Haus of Hudson esthetician, and Christian Reyes, Wegmans Food Markets chef, have fun playing with one of the interactive science exhibits at the 48th Annual Summer Solstice Gala. (Sloane Brown)
From left - Len Dockins, Kouture Enterprises real estate developer, and Faye Dockins, Summit View Assisted Living owner, at the 48th Annual Summer Solstice Gala (Sloane Brown)
From left - Len Dockins, Kouture Enterprises real estate developer, and Faye Dockins, Summit View Assisted Living owner, at the 48th Annual Summer Solstice Gala (Sloane Brown)
From left - Mark J. Potter, Maryland Science Center president/CEO, Vicki Galpin, housewife, and Dr. Timothy Galpin, board member/Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab assistant director of programs, at the 48th Annual Summer Solstice Gala (Sloane Brown)
From left - Mark J. Potter, Maryland Science Center president/CEO, Vicki Galpin, housewife, and Dr. Timothy Galpin, board member/Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab assistant director of programs, at the 48th Annual Summer Solstice Gala (Sloane Brown)
Gala guests had the opportunity to play with some of the interactive science displays at the Maryland Science Center. (Sloane Brown)
Gala guests had the opportunity to play with some of the interactive science displays at the Maryland Science Center. (Sloane Brown)
The Solstice Gala was spread out over all three floors and the rooftop patio of the Maryland Science Center. (Sloane Brown)
The Solstice Gala was spread out over all three floors and the rooftop patio of the Maryland Science Center. (Sloane Brown)
From left - Greg Kahlert, The Kahlert Foundation president, Ellen Myers, board member/The Kahlert Foundation vice president, and Doug Myers, Westminster Ingleside Foundation president/CEO, at the 48th Annual Summer Solstice Gala (Sloane Brown)
From left - Greg Kahlert, The Kahlert Foundation president, Ellen Myers, board member/The Kahlert Foundation vice president, and Doug Myers, Westminster Ingleside Foundation president/CEO, at the 48th Annual Summer Solstice Gala (Sloane Brown)
From left - Wren Grier, dog groomer, and Keygan Moon, behavioral therapist, at the 48th Annual Summer Solstice Gala (Sloane Brown)
From left - Wren Grier, dog groomer, and Keygan Moon, behavioral therapist, at the 48th Annual Summer Solstice Gala (Sloane Brown)
A live band added to the festive atmosphere at Maryland Science Center's Solstice Gala. (Sloane Brown)
A live band added to the festive atmosphere at Maryland Science Center’s Solstice Gala. (Sloane Brown)
From left - Terri Dunk, retired scientist, Joe Dunk, Truist financial analyst, Stephanie Magness, The Whiting-Turner Company professional administrator, and Ryan Dunk, professional figure skater, at the 48th Annual Summer Solstice Gala (Sloane Brown)
From left - Terri Dunk, retired scientist, Joe Dunk, Truist financial analyst, Stephanie Magness, The Whiting-Turner Company professional administrator, and Ryan Dunk, professional figure skater, at the 48th Annual Summer Solstice Gala (Sloane Brown)
From left - Sara Jane Baublitz, Bid Boss Consulting co-founder, Lisa Nguyen, Medtronic Congenital Therapies consultant, and Aeiramique Glass, former Baltimore chief of police accountability, at the 48th Annual Summer Solstice Gala (Sloane Brown)
From left - Sara Jane Baublitz, Bid Boss Consulting co-founder, Lisa Nguyen, Medtronic Congenital Therapies consultant, and Aeiramique Glass, former Baltimore chief of police accountability, at the 48th Annual Summer Solstice Gala (Sloane Brown)
The Maryland Science Center's rooftop patio was decked out with a tent, bar and DJ - not to mention the breathtaking cityscape - for the Solstice Gala. (Sloane Brown)
The Maryland Science Center’s rooftop patio was decked out with a tent, bar and DJ - not to mention the breathtaking cityscape - for the Solstice Gala. (Sloane Brown)
From left - Tracie Arnold, The Computer Guy office manager, and Dale Turner, The Whiting-Turner Company superintendent, at the 48th Annual Summer Solstice Gala (Sloane Brown)
From left - Tracie Arnold, The Computer Guy office manager, and Dale Turner, The Whiting-Turner Company superintendent, at the 48th Annual Summer Solstice Gala (Sloane Brown)
From left - Mike Verill, FIS Global senior operations manager, Shareese Churchill, Maryland State Treasurer's Office deputy treasurer for communications, Ellington Churchill, board member/Lewis Contractors vice president, and Michele Churchill, Anne Arundel County Public Schools educator, at the 48th Annual Summer Solstice Gala (Sloane Brown)
From left - Mike Verill, FIS Global senior operations manager, Shareese Churchill, Maryland State Treasurer’s Office deputy treasurer for communications, Ellington Churchill, board member/Lewis Contractors vice president, and Michele Churchill, Anne Arundel County Public Schools educator, at the 48th Annual Summer Solstice Gala (Sloane Brown)
From left - Paul-Sean Gray, goverment contractor vice president, Pamela Gray, board member/SB & Company partner/CPA, Natasha Dartique, Maryland State Public Defender, and Angela Alston, Thrivership LLC owner, at the 48th Annual Summer Solstice Gala (Sloane Brown)
From left - Paul-Sean Gray, goverment contractor vice president, Pamela Gray, board member/SB & Company partner/CPA, Natasha Dartique, Maryland State Public Defender, and Angela Alston, Thrivership LLC owner, at the 48th Annual Summer Solstice Gala (Sloane Brown)
From left - Paul Levee, office director, Jennifer Pendleton, technical advisor, Jennie Wandishin, technical advisor, and Chad Poist, executive, at the 48th Annual Summer Solstice Gala (Sloane Brown)
From left - Paul Levee, office director, Jennifer Pendleton, technical advisor, Jennie Wandishin, technical advisor, and Chad Poist, executive, at the 48th Annual Summer Solstice Gala (Sloane Brown)

Scene ahead

]]> 11522081 2025-06-24T06:00:34+00:00 2025-06-23T15:06:52+00:00 Baltimore Scene by Sloane: Associated Black Charities 2025 Gala | PHOTOS https://www.baltimoresun.com/2025/06/17/baltimore-scene-by-sloane-associated-black-charities-2025-gala-photos/ Tue, 17 Jun 2025 12:00:08 +0000 https://www.baltimoresun.com/?p=11509253

So much to do, and so much to celebrate at the Associated Black Charities’ 2025 Gala. The party not only commemorated ABC’s 40th anniversary, but also honored four women who had served as head of the organization over those years: Mary Demory, Donna Jones Baker,
Barbara Blount-Armstrong and Diane Bell-McKoy.

[ MORE of Sloane Brown’s coverage of Baltimore’s party scene ]

When it came to the celebrating, there were several cocktail hour receptions for the 820 guests with various entertainments, followed by a seated dinner, program, music and dancing … as well as a duo of artists creating a sculpture on site.

“I had a blast,” said ABC’s President and CEO Chrissy Thornton.

“It was such a beautiful night from start to finish, but the most fun part had to be watching everyone let loose on the dance floor. After all the speeches, the performances, the emotions, we all just celebrated. That joy, that energy, that Black excellence in motion … it was everything,” she noted.

The event raised some $55,000 for the nonprofit.

From left - Diane Bell-McKoy, event honoree/Opportunity Connection president, and Danise Jones-Dorsey, retired executive, at the 2025 ABC Gala (Sloane Brown)
From left - Diane Bell-McKoy, event honoree/Opportunity Connection president, and Danise Jones-Dorsey, retired executive, at the 2025 ABC Gala (Sloane Brown)
From left - BGE colleagues; Ammanuel Moore, director of large customers, Danielle Gooden, senior manager of external affairs, and Marcus Walker, director of customer operations, at the 2025 ABC Gala (Sloane Brown)
From left - BGE colleagues; Ammanuel Moore, director of large customers, Danielle Gooden, senior manager of external affairs, and Marcus Walker, director of customer operations, at the 2025 ABC Gala (Sloane Brown)
The cocktail hour proved prime time for catching up with friends at the 2025 ABC Gala. (Sloane Brown)
The cocktail hour proved prime time for catching up with friends at the 2025 ABC Gala. (Sloane Brown)
From left - Chris Riley, international arborist, Raymone Jackson, T. Rowe Price Foundation president, Kalisa Hines, T. Rowe Price HR business partner, and Martin Hines, Maryland Department of Health IT specialist, at the 2025 ABC Gala (Sloane Brown)
From left - Chris Riley, international arborist, Raymone Jackson, T. Rowe Price Foundation president, Kalisa Hines, T. Rowe Price HR business partner, and Martin Hines, Maryland Department of Health IT specialist, at the 2025 ABC Gala (Sloane Brown)
From left - Denise DeLeaver, consultant, Patricia Roberts, retired MECU senior vice president, and Kathy Jackson, retired Baltimore City Public Schools purchasing specialist, at the 2025 ABC Gala (Sloane Brown)
From left - Denise DeLeaver, consultant, Patricia Roberts, retired MECU senior vice president, and Kathy Jackson, retired Baltimore City Public Schools purchasing specialist, at the 2025 ABC Gala (Sloane Brown)
Guests congregated in several areas around the Maryland Live! Hall for the cocktail hour at the 2025 ABC Gala. (Sloane Brown)
Guests congregated in several areas around the Maryland Live! Hall for the cocktail hour at the 2025 ABC Gala. (Sloane Brown)
From left - Nesikah Wragg, Detailed Diva special event planner, and Barrett Wragg, T. Rowe Price head of ETF sales, at the 2025 ABC Gala (Sloane Brown)
From left - Nesikah Wragg, Detailed Diva special event planner, and Barrett Wragg, T. Rowe Price head of ETF sales, at the 2025 ABC Gala (Sloane Brown)
From left - LuAnn Leighton, Chesapeake Developmental Support Services (CDSS) CEO, Jean-Claude Fresnel, board member/Lenserf & Co. CEO, and Melanie Butler, CDSS president/executive director, at the 2025 ABC Gala (Sloane Brown)
From left - LuAnn Leighton, Chesapeake Developmental Support Services (CDSS) CEO, Jean-Claude Fresnel, board member/Lenserf & Co. CEO, and Melanie Butler, CDSS president/executive director, at the 2025 ABC Gala (Sloane Brown)
From left - Greater Baltimore Committee colleagues; Kelly Tarver, marketing director, Tara Harris, office manager, Timothy Evans, vice president of partnerships & development, and Lisa Byrd, director of events & business development, at the 2025 ABC Gala (Sloane Brown)
From left - Greater Baltimore Committee colleagues; Kelly Tarver, marketing director, Tara Harris, office manager, Timothy Evans, vice president of partnerships & development, and Lisa Byrd, director of events & business development, at the 2025 ABC Gala (Sloane Brown)
From left - Joel Menendez, Universal Weather and Aviation mission advisor, and Jeremiah Ayo-Vaughan, system engineer, at the 2025 ABC Gala (Sloane Brown)
From left - Joel Menendez, Universal Weather and Aviation mission advisor, and Jeremiah Ayo-Vaughan, system engineer, at the 2025 ABC Gala (Sloane Brown)
In addition to the entertainment onstage, guests could swing by a temporary studio set up nearby where Baltimore-based sculptor Waymon Scott and his apprentice Alexander Thomas were creating a sculpture of Harriet Tubman from what had started out that evening as a slab of clay. (Sloane Brown)
In addition to the entertainment onstage, guests could swing by a temporary studio set up nearby where Baltimore-based sculptor Waymon Scott and his apprentice Alexander Thomas were creating a sculpture of Harriet Tubman from what had started out that evening as a slab of clay. (Sloane Brown)
From left - Michael Brown, Wilde Lake High School principal, Danielle Brown, board member/McCormick sales executive, Chrissy Thornton, Associated Black Charities president/CEO, and Jermaine Dixon, housing inspector, at the 2025 ABC Gala (Sloane Brown)
From left - Michael Brown, Wilde Lake High School principal, Danielle Brown, board member/McCormick sales executive, Chrissy Thornton, Associated Black Charities president/CEO, and Jermaine Dixon, housing inspector, at the 2025 ABC Gala (Sloane Brown)
2025 ABC Gala attendees migrated to the Maryland Live! Hall for the dinner and program part of the evening. (Sloane Brown)
2025 ABC Gala attendees migrated to the Maryland Live! Hall for the dinner and program part of the evening. (Sloane Brown)
As guests assembled in the Hall, they were welcomed by saxophonist Ashley Keiko at the 2025 BSO Gala. (Sloane Brown)
As guests assembled in the Hall, they were welcomed by saxophonist Ashley Keiko at the 2025 BSO Gala. (Sloane Brown)
From left - Sarah Mogol, Inform Strategies principal, Adrian Harpool, marketing executive, and Paris Brown, The Baltimore Times publisher, at the 2025 ABC Gala (Sloane Brown)
From left - Sarah Mogol, Inform Strategies principal, Adrian Harpool, marketing executive, and Paris Brown, The Baltimore Times publisher, at the 2025 ABC Gala (Sloane Brown)
From left - Rhonda McCray, retired Johns Hopkins Carey Business School executive assistant, and J.T. McCray, retired Breakthru Beverage manager of sales and marketing, at the 2025 ABC Gala (Sloane Brown)
From left - Rhonda McCray, retired Johns Hopkins Carey Business School executive assistant, and J.T. McCray, retired Breakthru Beverage manager of sales and marketing, at the 2025 ABC Gala (Sloane Brown)
From left - LaTina Greene, Maryland District Court Judge, and Talib Horne, Annie E. Casey Foundation Baltimore Civic Site director, at the 2025 ABC Gala (Sloane Brown)
From left - LaTina Greene, Maryland District Court Judge, and Talib Horne, Annie E. Casey Foundation Baltimore Civic Site director, at the 2025 ABC Gala (Sloane Brown)

Scene ahead

]]> 11509253 2025-06-17T08:00:08+00:00 2025-06-16T23:50:30+00:00 Baltimore Scene by Sloane: Baltimore Center Stage 2025 Gala | PHOTOS https://www.baltimoresun.com/2025/06/11/baltimore-scene-by-sloane-baltimore-center-stage-2025-gala-photos/ Wed, 11 Jun 2025 19:24:30 +0000 https://www.baltimoresun.com/?p=11495078

Almost 350 guests turned out for the Baltimore Center Stage 2025 Gala, many of them clad in black, yellow, white and red, in honor of the party’s “Made in Maryland” theme.

[ MORE of Sloane Brown’s coverage of Baltimore’s party scene ]

For some folks, like board president Sandy Liotta and gala co-chairs Nia Banks and Jill Pratt, it meant a glam gown in one or more of those colors.
For others, it was a chance to get creative and have a giggle. Board member Brian Eakes turned heads in his Maryland-flag-patterned sports jacket, topped off with an oversized Ravens cap.
“I always try to embody the theme of the gala each year,” he said, with a laugh.
Meanwhile, Kevin Buckner was a standout in his Preakness-themed ensemble of riding goggles, flower-adorned fedora, and shawl of black-eyed Susans.
“I am the jockey, the spectator and the winning horse,” he chortled.

From left - Alicia Wilson, Johns Hopkins University vice president of civic engagement and opportunity, Eddie Brown, Brown Capital Management executive chair, and Sylvia Brown, community volunteer, at the Baltimore Center Stage Gala 2025 (Sloane Brown)
From left - Alicia Wilson, Johns Hopkins University vice president of civic engagement and opportunity, Eddie Brown, Brown Capital Management executive chair, and Sylvia Brown, community volunteer, at the Baltimore Center Stage Gala 2025 (Sloane Brown)
From left - Lynne Durbin, board member/InLine LLC president, Dr. Carole Miller, board member/Ascension St. Agnes Hospital oncologist, Sandy Liotta, board president/Merrill Lynch wealth management advisor, and Carl Osterman, Merrill Lynch wealth management advisor, at the Baltimore Center Stage Gala 2025 (Sloane Brown)
From left - Lynne Durbin, board member/InLine LLC president, Dr. Carole Miller, board member/Ascension St. Agnes Hospital oncologist, Sandy Liotta, board president/Merrill Lynch wealth management advisor, and Carl Osterman, Merrill Lynch wealth management advisor, at the Baltimore Center Stage Gala 2025 (Sloane Brown)
From left - Adam Frank, Baltimore Center Stage managing director, and Kate Berman, Google conversation designer, at the Baltimore Center Stage Gala 2025 (Sloane Brown)
From left - Adam Frank, Baltimore Center Stage managing director, and Kate Berman, Google conversation designer, at the Baltimore Center Stage Gala 2025 (Sloane Brown)
The Baltimore Center Stage Gala started with a cocktail hour in the theatre's lobby. (Sloane Brown)
The Baltimore Center Stage Gala started with a cocktail hour in the theatre’s lobby. (Sloane Brown)
From left - Anna Deveare Smith, event honoree/playwright/actress, and Stevie Walker-Webb, Baltimore Center Stage artistic director, at the Baltimore Center Stage Gala 2025 (Sloane Brown)
From left - Anna Deveare Smith, event honoree/playwright/actress, and Stevie Walker-Webb, Baltimore Center Stage artistic director, at the Baltimore Center Stage Gala 2025 (Sloane Brown)
From left - Melisa Lindamood, Johns Hopkins University assistant vice president of federal strategy, Kevin Lindamood, Health Care for the Homeless president/CEO, Brian Eakes, board member/Franklin Templeton executive vice president of global finance, and Paige Eakes, Mechanicsburg, PA teacher, at the Baltimore Center Stage Gala 2025 (Sloane Brown)
From left - Melisa Lindamood, Johns Hopkins University assistant vice president of federal strategy, Kevin Lindamood, Health Care for the Homeless president/CEO, Brian Eakes, board member/Franklin Templeton executive vice president of global finance, and Paige Eakes, Mechanicsburg, PA teacher, at the Baltimore Center Stage Gala 2025 (Sloane Brown)
From left - Kevin Murphy, retired elementary school teacher, Bill Buckner, Annie E. Casey Foundation, and Candice Buckner, interior designer/artist, at the Baltimore Center Stage Gala 2025 (Sloane Brown)
From left - Kevin Murphy, retired elementary school teacher, Bill Buckner, Annie E. Casey Foundation, and Candice Buckner, interior designer/artist, at the Baltimore Center Stage Gala 2025 (Sloane Brown)
From left - Conrad Pratt, student, Luna Ravenna, board member/McCormick vice president, Kevin Cuppett, retired chief academic officer, and Jill Pratt, event co-chair/Campbell's chief marketing officer, at the Baltimore Center Stage Gala 2025 (Sloane Brown)
From left - Conrad Pratt, student, Luna Ravenna, board member/McCormick vice president, Kevin Cuppett, retired chief academic officer, and Jill Pratt, event co-chair/Campbell’s chief marketing officer, at the Baltimore Center Stage Gala 2025 (Sloane Brown)
From left - Rodney Foxworth, Worthmore co-founder, and Elizabeth Koontz, Baltimore assistant deputy mayor for community & economic development, at the Baltimore Center Stage Gala 2025 (Sloane Brown)
From left - Rodney Foxworth, Worthmore co-founder, and Elizabeth Koontz, Baltimore assistant deputy mayor for community & economic development, at the Baltimore Center Stage Gala 2025 (Sloane Brown)
Mayor Brandon Scott and event co-chairs Jill Pratt and Dr. Nia Banks welcome the gathering to the Baltimore Center Stage 2025 Gala. (Sloane Brown)
Mayor Brandon Scott and event co-chairs Jill Pratt and Dr. Nia Banks welcome the gathering to the Baltimore Center Stage 2025 Gala. (Sloane Brown)
From left - Ken-Matt Martin, Baltimore Center Stage producing director, Robyn Murphy, Baltimore Office of Promotion & the Arts CEO, and Matthew Weiner, playwright, at the Baltimore Center Stage Gala 2025 (Sloane Brown)
From left - Ken-Matt Martin, Baltimore Center Stage producing director, Robyn Murphy, Baltimore Office of Promotion & the Arts CEO, and Matthew Weiner, playwright, at the Baltimore Center Stage Gala 2025 (Sloane Brown)
Baltimore Center Stage board members State Delegate Stephanie Smith and Associate Black Charities president/CEO Chrissy Thornton kicked off the program with an entertaining song written just for the gala. (Sloane Brown)
Baltimore Center Stage board members State Delegate Stephanie Smith and Associate Black Charities president/CEO Chrissy Thornton kicked off the program with an entertaining song written just for the gala. (Sloane Brown)
From left - Former board members Donald Thoms, consulting executive producer, and Michael Styer, retired Maryland Film Office director, at the Baltimore Center Stage Gala 2025 (Sloane Brown)
From left - Former board members Donald Thoms, consulting executive producer, and Michael Styer, retired Maryland Film Office director, at the Baltimore Center Stage Gala 2025 (Sloane Brown)
From left - Baltimore Center Stage volunteers Lisa Haines, retired officer supervisor, Monique Sanders, special education teacher, Lori McDuffie, retired US Social Security Administration supervisor, and Monyette Johnson, Verizon administrator, at the Baltimore Center Stage Gala 2025 (Sloane Brown)
From left - Baltimore Center Stage volunteers Lisa Haines, retired officer supervisor, Monique Sanders, special education teacher, Lori McDuffie, retired US Social Security Administration supervisor, and Monyette Johnson, Verizon administrator, at the Baltimore Center Stage Gala 2025 (Sloane Brown)
June 7. 2025: Joyce Davoren, jazz singer, and Dr. Nia Banks, event co-chair/Art of Balance Wellness Spa founder/medical director, at the Baltimore Center Stage Gala 2025 (Sloane Brown)
June 7. 2025: Joyce Davoren, jazz singer, and Dr. Nia Banks, event co-chair/Art of Balance Wellness Spa founder/medical director, at the Baltimore Center Stage Gala 2025 (Sloane Brown)
From left - Robert Hamlin, LaRae Amoor Universe partner, Antwan "Greeyo" Hawkins, Jr., Center Stage artistic associate/LaRae Amoor Universe founder, Taija Thomas, The Illustrious Collective founder, and Ritza Yana, R.Y.Ink! managing partner, at the Baltimore Center Stage Gala 2025 (Sloane Brown)
From left - Robert Hamlin, LaRae Amoor Universe partner, Antwan “Greeyo” Hawkins, Jr., Center Stage artistic associate/LaRae Amoor Universe founder, Taija Thomas, The Illustrious Collective founder, and Ritza Yana, R.Y.Ink! managing partner, at the Baltimore Center Stage Gala 2025 (Sloane Brown)
After the cocktail hour, guests settled into seats in the Pearlstone theater for an entertaining program at the Baltimore Center Stage 2025 Gala. (Sloane Brown)
After the cocktail hour, guests settled into seats in the Pearlstone theater for an entertaining program at the Baltimore Center Stage 2025 Gala. (Sloane Brown)
The evening's program played to a packed house at the Baltimore Center Stage 2025 Gala. (Sloane Brown)
The evening’s program played to a packed house at the Baltimore Center Stage 2025 Gala. (Sloane Brown)

Scene ahead

Thursday, June 19
Juneteenth “Day of Jubilee” Block Party
Hosted by the Reginald R. Lewis Museum
830 E. Pratt St.
11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Free admission, $20 donation welcomed
lewismuseum.org
Friday, June 20
Rock & Roar
Benefits Maryland Zoo in Baltimore
BC Brewery, 10950 Gilroy Rd., Suite F, Hunt Valley
5 – 8 p.m.
Tickets $20, VIP $50
marylandzoo.org/special_events/rock-and-roar-bc
Saturday, June 21
48th Annual Summer Solstice Gala
Benefits Maryland Science Center
Maryland Science Center, 601 Light St.
8 – 11:59 p.m.
Tickets $95
mdsci.org/event/solstice

]]> 11495078 2025-06-11T15:24:30+00:00 2025-06-11T15:24:30+00:00 Baltimore Scene by Sloane: BeDazzle | PHOTOS https://www.baltimoresun.com/2025/06/03/baltimore-scene-by-sloane-bedazzle-photos/ Tue, 03 Jun 2025 10:45:53 +0000 https://www.baltimoresun.com/?p=11481707

“BeDazzle,” the title of the 20th anniversary celebration for the Girls’ Empowerment Mission, turned out to be a perfect fit for the event.
Bright colors and a bright spirit filled the lobby of the Har Sinai-Oheb Shalom Congregation, both in the decor and in the festive attire of the mostly female crowd of 325.

But the dazzlement didn’t end there. During the party’s cocktail hour, many GEM supporters mingled with alumnae of the GEM program, which provides mentoring and opportunities to high school girls, and came away thoroughly impressed.

[ MORE of Sloane Brown’s coverage of Baltimore’s party scene ]

The sparkling highlight of the evening, however, came during the seated dinner, when one of those alums, Adefikayo Dipe, was interviewed by the evening’s keynote speaker, national TV news anchor/personality Katie Couric, who dazzled in a hot pink ensemble along with a warm, welcoming personality.

“She was funny, informative, energetic and was a great interview … The audience loved her,” said GEM founder/director and event honoree, Debbi Weinberg.

The event raised $350,000 for GEM programs and $120,000 for GEM college scholarships.

From left - Jean Wyman, retired therapist, Ronnie Footlick, retired human resources director, and Helen Saltzman, retired teacher, at GEM's "BeDazzle" event (Sloane Brown)
From left - Jean Wyman, retired therapist, Ronnie Footlick, retired human resources director, and Helen Saltzman, retired teacher, at GEM’s “BeDazzle” event (Sloane Brown)
From left - Family members: Tyler Weinberg, Aviva Aesthetics CEO, Joe Weinberg, The Cordish Companies partner, Stanley Fine, Rosenberg Martin Greenberg Of Counsel, and Ben Weinberg, OpenTEAM project manager, at GEM's "BeDazzle" event (Sloane Brown)
From left - Family members: Tyler Weinberg, Aviva Aesthetics CEO, Joe Weinberg, The Cordish Companies partner, Stanley Fine, Rosenberg Martin Greenberg Of Counsel, and Ben Weinberg, OpenTEAM project manager, at GEM’s “BeDazzle” event (Sloane Brown)
From left - Lola Hahn, foundation administrator/event committee member, Dori Ray, Vibrant Living corporate director/event committee member, Jennifer Lake, Radcliffe Jewelers client experience executive/GEM board member/founding board member, and Ivey Och, Jewish Community Center of Greater Baltimore facilities director, at GEM's "BeDazzle" event (Sloane Brown)
From left - Lola Hahn, foundation administrator/event committee member, Dori Ray, Vibrant Living corporate director/event committee member, Jennifer Lake, Radcliffe Jewelers client experience executive/GEM board member/founding board member, and Ivey Och, Jewish Community Center of Greater Baltimore facilities director, at GEM’s “BeDazzle” event (Sloane Brown)
Guests enjoyed drinks and appetizers during the cocktail hour before going into the ballroom for the seated dinner and guest speaker Katie Couric. (Sloane Brown)
Guests enjoyed drinks and appetizers during the cocktail hour before going into the ballroom for the seated dinner and guest speaker Katie Couric. (Sloane Brown)
From left - Katie Couric, journalist/event guest speaker, and Debbi Weinberg, GEM founder, at GEM's "BeDazzle" event (Sloane Brown)
From left - Katie Couric, journalist/event guest speaker, and Debbi Weinberg, GEM founder, at GEM’s “BeDazzle” event (Sloane Brown)
From left - Ilene Salditch, community volunteer, Joanie Greenberg, community volunteer, and Mindi Leikin, Necessary Secrets owner, at GEM's "BeDazzle" event (Sloane Brown)
From left - Ilene Salditch, community volunteer, Joanie Greenberg, community volunteer, and Mindi Leikin, Necessary Secrets owner, at GEM’s “BeDazzle” event (Sloane Brown)
During the cocktail hour, guests had the opportunity to meet and mingle with some of GEM's alumnae, as well as catch up with old friends. (Sloane Brown)
During the cocktail hour, guests had the opportunity to meet and mingle with some of GEM’s alumnae, as well as catch up with old friends. (Sloane Brown)
From left - Lizel Crisostomo, nurse anesthetist/GEM alumna class of 2020, Lindley Weinberg, board co-chair/GEM counselor, and Nicki DiMartino, MedStar Health access specialist/GEM alumna class of 2010, at GEM's "BeDazzle" event (Sloane Brown)
From left - Lizel Crisostomo, nurse anesthetist/GEM alumna class of 2020, Lindley Weinberg, board co-chair/GEM counselor, and Nicki DiMartino, MedStar Health access specialist/GEM alumna class of 2010, at GEM’s “BeDazzle” event (Sloane Brown)
From left - Emily Brown, MOI business development director, and Terry Anne Hearn, Residential Title vice president, at GEM's "BeDazzle" event (Sloane Brown)
From left - Emily Brown, MOI business development director, and Terry Anne Hearn, Residential Title vice president, at GEM’s “BeDazzle” event (Sloane Brown)
From left - Jayne Miller, "Maryland Capital" podcast host/event committee member, and Adefikayo Dipe, "At The Table" podcast host/event interviewer/board member, at GEM's "BeDazzle" event (Sloane Brown)
From left - Jayne Miller, “Maryland Capital” podcast host/event committee member, and Adefikayo Dipe, “At The Table” podcast host/event interviewer/board member, at GEM’s “BeDazzle” event (Sloane Brown)
From left - GEM alumnae: Sarah Johnson, class of 2011/Johns Hopkins University administrative coordinator, and Joanna Brown, class of 2007/human resources generalist, at GEM's "BeDazzle" event (Sloane Brown)
From left - GEM alumnae: Sarah Johnson, class of 2011/Johns Hopkins University administrative coordinator, and Joanna Brown, class of 2007/human resources generalist, at GEM’s “BeDazzle” event (Sloane Brown)
From left - Meg Ward, Living Classrooms Foundation vice president, James Piper Bond, Living Classrooms Foundation president/CEO, Edye Fox Abrams, Mt. Royal Management philanthropy and family office director, and Charlotte Weinberg, philanthropist, at GEM's "BeDazzle" event (Sloane Brown)
From left - Meg Ward, Living Classrooms Foundation vice president, James Piper Bond, Living Classrooms Foundation president/CEO, Edye Fox Abrams, Mt. Royal Management philanthropy and family office director, and Charlotte Weinberg, philanthropist, at GEM’s “BeDazzle” event (Sloane Brown)
The "BeDazzle" silent auction captured the interest of many of the guests during the cocktail hour. (Sloane Brown)
The “BeDazzle” silent auction captured the interest of many of the guests during the cocktail hour. (Sloane Brown)
From left - Amy Harlan, community volunteer, Randee Greenwald, community volunteer/event committee member, and Leslie Walker, retired production manager/event committee member, at GEM's "BeDazzle" event (Sloane Brown)
From left - Amy Harlan, community volunteer, Randee Greenwald, community volunteer/event committee member, and Leslie Walker, retired production manager/event committee member, at GEM’s “BeDazzle” event (Sloane Brown)
From left - Allison Baumwald, Pikesville Armory Foundation chief development officer/event committee member, and Elissa Kohel, Johns Hopkins Medicine executive director of development, at GEM's "BeDazzle" event (Sloane Brown)
From left - Allison Baumwald, Pikesville Armory Foundation chief development officer/event committee member, and Elissa Kohel, Johns Hopkins Medicine executive director of development, at GEM’s “BeDazzle” event (Sloane Brown)
One highlight of the cocktail hour was the extensive silent auction at GEM's "Bedazzle" event. (Sloane Brown)
One highlight of the cocktail hour was the extensive silent auction at GEM’s “Bedazzle” event. (Sloane Brown)

Scene ahead

]]> 11481707 2025-06-03T06:45:53+00:00 2025-06-03T06:46:00+00:00 Baltimore Scene by Sloane: 19th Annual Wine at Sunset | PHOTOS https://www.baltimoresun.com/2025/05/27/baltimore-scene-by-sloane-19th-annual-wine-at-sunset/ Tue, 27 May 2025 13:54:55 +0000 https://www.baltimoresun.com/?p=11470297

A series of rainstorms may have dampened a few spirits, but about 550 folks braved Patterson Park’s muddy grounds to gather for “Wine at Sunset,” the annual fundraiser thrown by Friends of Patterson Park. They made the round of several food and drink stations set up near the observatory, checked out the wares and info from other vendors, and settled around the table set up in the tented “wine cellar,” where they could partake in more wines, oysters and charcuterie. Some guests even brought their lawn chairs to arrange around the bandstand to take in the evening’s live entertainment.

[ MORE of Sloane Brown’s coverage of Baltimore’s party scene ]

Host Danny Barnycz took in the scene, relishing the memories of the first — and much smaller — “Wine at Sunset” he put together with the late Dr. Levi Watkins.
“I actually cooked for it,” he said with a laugh.
“Since we started it, I think we’ve raised about $750,000 for the park,” he surmised.
“That makes me really happy,” he concluded.

From left - Greg Sims, software developer, and Tiffany Sims, accountant, at the "19th Annual Wine at Sunset" (Sloane Brown)
From left - Greg Sims, software developer, and Tiffany Sims, accountant, at the “19th Annual Wine at Sunset” (Sloane Brown)
Guests had a variety of food to sample at the party, courtesy a number of food stations manned by local restaurants and food vendors. (Sloane Brown)
Guests had a variety of food to sample at the party, courtesy a number of food stations manned by local restaurants and food vendors. (Sloane Brown)
Some folks brought their own chairs to set up in the middle of things and take in the festivities at the Friends of Patterson Park shindig. (Sloane Brown)
Some folks brought their own chairs to set up in the middle of things and take in the festivities at the Friends of Patterson Park shindig. (Sloane Brown)
Attendees roamed through a series of tents where they could sample drinks, food and a number of wares from vendors at the "19th Annual Wine at Sunset." (Sloane Brown)
Attendees roamed through a series of tents where they could sample drinks, food and a number of wares from vendors at the “19th Annual Wine at Sunset.” (Sloane Brown)
Katie Huston, GKV account supervisor for social media, and Tim Perugini, Shore United Bank mortgage underwriter, pose for a pic at the party's photo booth. (Sloane Brown)
Katie Huston, GKV account supervisor for social media, and Tim Perugini, Shore United Bank mortgage underwriter, pose for a pic at the party’s photo booth. (Sloane Brown)
In addition to the food and wine, guests were treated to live music at "Wine at Sunset." (Sloane Brown)
In addition to the food and wine, guests were treated to live music at “Wine at Sunset.” (Sloane Brown)
From left - Tony Romeo, senior systems specialist, Jennifer Robinson, Friends of Patterson Park executive director, Kim Wiggins, Baltimore City Public School System manager, and Gloria Romeo, Centene chief information officer of shared services/former board member, at the "19th Annual Wine at Sunset" (Sloane Brown)
From left - Tony Romeo, senior systems specialist, Jennifer Robinson, Friends of Patterson Park executive director, Kim Wiggins, Baltimore City Public School System manager, and Gloria Romeo, Centene chief information officer of shared services/former board member, at the “19th Annual Wine at Sunset” (Sloane Brown)
From left - Samantha Schubert, Northrop Grumman project manager, Jennifer Bove, Atapco CPA/attorney, Jennifer Makar, USAMRICD research manager, and Drew Reynolds, Hospital Support Services case manager, at the "19th Annual Wine at Sunset" (Sloane Brown)
From left - Samantha Schubert, Northrop Grumman project manager, Jennifer Bove, Atapco CPA/attorney, Jennifer Makar, USAMRICD research manager, and Drew Reynolds, Hospital Support Services case manager, at the “19th Annual Wine at Sunset” (Sloane Brown)
From left - Shannon Pyles, Baltimore City kindergarten teacher, Stephanie Brown, Kennedy Krieger Institute pediatric registered dietician, Paul Cunningham, physicist, and Alex Pyles, University of Maryland Philip Merrill College of Journalism associate dean, at the "19th Annual Wine at Sunset" (Sloane Brown)
From left - Shannon Pyles, Baltimore City kindergarten teacher, Stephanie Brown, Kennedy Krieger Institute pediatric registered dietician, Paul Cunningham, physicist, and Alex Pyles, University of Maryland Philip Merrill College of Journalism associate dean, at the “19th Annual Wine at Sunset” (Sloane Brown)
A number of wine, alcohol and drink purveyors had set up shop where guests could sample potables at "Wine at Sunset." (Sloane Brown)
A number of wine, alcohol and drink purveyors had set up shop where guests could sample potables at “Wine at Sunset.” (Sloane Brown)
From left - Liam Walsh, South Baltimore Gateway Partnership operations manager, Chelsea Homa, Kennedy Krieger Institute research scientist, Jacob Traver, Howard County Theatre/English teacher, and Mairin Rivett, Shelter House grant manager, at the "19th Annual Wine at Sunset" (Sloane Brown)
From left - Liam Walsh, South Baltimore Gateway Partnership operations manager, Chelsea Homa, Kennedy Krieger Institute research scientist, Jacob Traver, Howard County Theatre/English teacher, and Mairin Rivett, Shelter House grant manager, at the “19th Annual Wine at Sunset” (Sloane Brown)
From left - Eric Choucroun, Clair Global director of strategic accounts, Tanya Edwards, Pilates by Tanya instructor, and Danny Barnycz, The Barnycz Group chief creatologist/event co-founder/host, at the "19th Annual Wine at Sunset" (Sloane Brown)
From left - Eric Choucroun, Clair Global director of strategic accounts, Tanya Edwards, Pilates by Tanya instructor, and Danny Barnycz, The Barnycz Group chief creatologist/event co-founder/host, at the “19th Annual Wine at Sunset” (Sloane Brown)
From left - Andy Wotring, freelance EVS operator, Terresa Carter, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health program manager, Michael Gardiner, Bizerba art director, Phi Duong, Johns Hopkins Hospital tissue coordinator, and Jennifer Missett, Biohabitats chief operating officer, at the "19th Annual Wine at Sunset" (Sloane Brown)
From left - Andy Wotring, freelance EVS operator, Terresa Carter, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health program manager, Michael Gardiner, Bizerba art director, Phi Duong, Johns Hopkins Hospital tissue coordinator, and Jennifer Missett, Biohabitats chief operating officer, at the “19th Annual Wine at Sunset” (Sloane Brown)
From left - Amanda Vaughn, Baltimore City Recreation and Parks special events manager, Katie Long, Friends of Patterson Park program director, Ashley Bush, Baltimore City Recreation and Parks chief of speical events and permits, and Ezra Allen, CAnE Collective/CAnE Mixers co-founder, at the "19th Annual Wine at Sunset" (Sloane Brown)
From left - Amanda Vaughn, Baltimore City Recreation and Parks special events manager, Katie Long, Friends of Patterson Park program director, Ashley Bush, Baltimore City Recreation and Parks chief of speical events and permits, and Ezra Allen, CAnE Collective/CAnE Mixers co-founder, at the “19th Annual Wine at Sunset” (Sloane Brown)
From left - Heather Keating, Creative Alliance marketing and communications director, and Jimmy Edgerton, engineer/board member, at the "19th Annual Wine at Sunset" (Sloane Brown)
From left - Heather Keating, Creative Alliance marketing and communications director, and Jimmy Edgerton, engineer/board member, at the “19th Annual Wine at Sunset” (Sloane Brown)
From left - Deana Mardekian, community volunteer, Chris Mardekian, board member, Stephanie Mardekian, retired New Jersey schoolteacher, and Jack Mardekian, Rutgers University lecturer, at the "19th Annual Wine at Sunset" (Sloane Brown)
From left - Deana Mardekian, community volunteer, Chris Mardekian, board member, Stephanie Mardekian, retired New Jersey schoolteacher, and Jack Mardekian, Rutgers University lecturer, at the “19th Annual Wine at Sunset” (Sloane Brown)
From left - Catherine Creeden, marketing manager, and Kiera Soles, case manager, at the "19th Annual Wine at Sunset" (Sloane Brown)
From left - Catherine Creeden, marketing manager, and Kiera Soles, case manager, at the “19th Annual Wine at Sunset” (Sloane Brown)

Scene ahead

]]> 11470297 2025-05-27T09:54:55+00:00 2025-05-27T10:07:10+00:00 Baltimore Scene by Sloane: Champions of Hope Gala | PHOTOS https://www.baltimoresun.com/2025/05/21/baltimore-scene-by-sloane-champions-of-hope-gala-photos/ Wed, 21 May 2025 09:00:37 +0000 https://www.baltimoresun.com/?p=11454372

High spirits and a sense of community filled the Marriott Waterfront Hotel’s mezzanine and ballroom, as Kennedy Krieger Institute threw its inaugural “Champions of Hope Gala.” This was not an “us versus them” event. It was all about the first part of that phrase.

[ MORE of Sloane Brown’s coverage of Baltimore’s party scene ]

The 500-some attendees included many staff, patients and families served by the institute. But also in the throng were medical professionals from several other health organizations — including many of their leaders — there to celebrate the center and its
work helping children, teens and adults with neurological, rehabilitative or developmental disabilities.

$1.27 million was raised that night to support Kennedy Krieger Institute.

From left - Nancy Grasmik, former Kennedy Krieger Institute board chair/event honoree, and Dr. Mohan Suntha, University of Maryland Medical System president/CEO, at the Kennedy Krieger "Champions of Hope" Gala. (Sloane Brown)
From left - Nancy Grasmik, former Kennedy Krieger Institute board chair/event honoree, and Dr. Mohan Suntha, University of Maryland Medical System president/CEO, at the Kennedy Krieger “Champions of Hope” Gala. (Sloane Brown)
From left - Kevin Loeb, The Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation managing director, Tace Loeb, Circ vice president of brand and marketing, and Jill Kamenetz, community volunteer, at the Kennedy Krieger "Champions of Hope Gala." (Sloane Brown)
From left - Kevin Loeb, The Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation managing director, Tace Loeb, Circ vice president of brand and marketing, and Jill Kamenetz, community volunteer, at the Kennedy Krieger “Champions of Hope Gala.” (Sloane Brown)
From left - Cliff Athey, Marathon Capital Management investment advisor, Heather Athey, kindergarten teacher, Dulany Dent, The Nanny Network CEO, and Matt Dent, D.F. Dent & Co. president, at the Kennedy Krieger "Champions of Hope" Gala. (Sloane Brown)
From left - Cliff Athey, Marathon Capital Management investment advisor, Heather Athey, kindergarten teacher, Dulany Dent, The Nanny Network CEO, and Matt Dent, D.F. Dent & Co. president, at the Kennedy Krieger “Champions of Hope” Gala. (Sloane Brown)
From left - Andrea Perman, community volunteer, and Dr. Jay Perman, University System of Maryland Chancellor, at the Kennedy Krieger "Champions of Hope Gala." (Sloane Brown)
From left - Andrea Perman, community volunteer, and Dr. Jay Perman, University System of Maryland Chancellor, at the Kennedy Krieger “Champions of Hope Gala.” (Sloane Brown)
From left - Dr. Cristina Sadowsky, Kennedy Krieger Institute International Center for Spinal Cord Injury clinical director, Dr. Erika Augustine, KKI associate chief science officer, and Karanja Augustine, Brunswick Group director, at the Kennedy Krieger "Champions of Hope" Gala. (Sloane Brown)
From left - Dr. Cristina Sadowsky, Kennedy Krieger Institute International Center for Spinal Cord Injury clinical director, Dr. Erika Augustine, KKI associate chief science officer, and Karanja Augustine, Brunswick Group director, at the Kennedy Krieger "Champions of Hope" Gala. (Sloane Brown)
From left - Jill Feinberg, Mt. Washington Pediatric Hospital vice president of development, Sandy Pagnotti, Ronald McDonald House Charities Maryland president/CEO, and Amy Kleine, The Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation senior program director, at the Kennedy Krieger "Champions of Hope" Gala. (Sloane Brown)
From left - Jill Feinberg, Mt. Washington Pediatric Hospital vice president of development, Sandy Pagnotti, Ronald McDonald House Charities Maryland president/CEO, and Amy Kleine, The Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation senior program director, at the Kennedy Krieger “Champions of Hope” Gala. (Sloane Brown)
Emcee - and Kennedy Krieger board member - Judy Woodruff welcomed guests to the event as they sat down for dinner. (Sloane Brown)
Emcee - and Kennedy Krieger board member - Judy Woodruff welcomed guests to the event as they sat down for dinner. (Sloane Brown)
From left - Sue Novotny, retired office manager, Tom Novotny, Kennedy Krieger vice president of philanthropy, Ed St. John, St. John Properties chair, and Jennifer St. John, retired TV news anchor, at the Kennedy Krieger "Champions of Hope" Gala. (Sloane Brown)
From left - Sue Novotny, retired office manager, Tom Novotny, Kennedy Krieger vice president of philanthropy, Ed St. John, St. John Properties chair, and Jennifer St. John, retired TV news anchor, at the Kennedy Krieger “Champions of Hope” Gala. (Sloane Brown)
Guests mingled in the Marriott Waterfront mezzanine for the cocktail hour at the "Champions of Hope Gala." (Sloane Brown)
Guests mingled in the Marriott Waterfront mezzanine for the cocktail hour at the “Champions of Hope Gala.” (Sloane Brown)
From left - Hristina Schlaggar, Allfirst Realty realtor, Dr. Bradley Schlaggar, Kennedy Krieger Institute president/CEO, Preston Athey, retired T. Rowe Price executive/Kennedy Krieger Foundation board chair, and Ron Peterson, Johns Hopkins Health System president emeritus/Kennedy Krieger Institute board chair, at the Kennedy Krieger "Champions of Hope" Gala. (Sloane Brown)
From left - Hristina Schlaggar, Allfirst Realty realtor, Dr. Bradley Schlaggar, Kennedy Krieger Institute president/CEO, Preston Athey, retired T. Rowe Price executive/Kennedy Krieger Foundation board chair, and Ron Peterson, Johns Hopkins Health System president emeritus/Kennedy Krieger Institute board chair, at the Kennedy Krieger “Champions of Hope” Gala. (Sloane Brown)
Guests settled in for dinner and the evening's program in the hotel ballroom at the Kennedy Krieger "Champions of Hope Gala." (Sloane Brown)
Guests settled in for dinner and the evening’s program in the hotel ballroom at the Kennedy Krieger “Champions of Hope Gala.” (Sloane Brown)
From left - Leigh Brent, MDP Insurance president, Kim Greeley, Kennedy Krieger Women's Initiative Network volunteer, and Andrew Zill, event producer, at the Kennedy Krieger "Champions of Hope Gala." (Sloane Brown)
From left - Leigh Brent, MDP Insurance president, Kim Greeley, Kennedy Krieger Women’s Initiative Network volunteer, and Andrew Zill, event producer, at the Kennedy Krieger “Champions of Hope Gala.” (Sloane Brown)
Kennedy Krieger's president/CEO Dr. Bradley Schlaggar addresses the gathering at the gala. (Sloane Brown)
Kennedy Krieger’s president/CEO Dr. Bradley Schlaggar addresses the gathering at the gala. (Sloane Brown)
Meg Casagrande, University of Maryland Medical Center RN, and Alex McGovern, UBS Securities executive director, at the Kennedy Krieger "Champions of Hope" Gala. (Sloane Brown)
Meg Casagrande, University of Maryland Medical Center RN, and Alex McGovern, UBS Securities executive director, at the Kennedy Krieger “Champions of Hope” Gala. (Sloane Brown)
From left - Cynthia Cavanaugh and Amy Fulchino, Kennedy Krieger Institute Women's Initiative Network co-presidents/event co-chairs, and Judy Woodruff, PBS NewsHour senior correspondent/KKI board member/event emcee, at the Kennedy Krieger "Champions of Hope" Gala. (Sloane Brown)
From left - Cynthia Cavanaugh and Amy Fulchino, Kennedy Krieger Institute Women’s Initiative Network co-presidents/event co-chairs, and Judy Woodruff, PBS NewsHour senior correspondent/KKI board member/event emcee, at the Kennedy Krieger “Champions of Hope” Gala. (Sloane Brown)
From left - LifeBridge Health colleagues: Julie Cox, chief development officer, Carrie Boardwick, associate vice president of development, Dr. Neil M. Meltzer, president/CEO, and Craig N. Swagler, WTMD/WYPR president/general manager, at the Kennedy Krieger "Champions of Hope" Gala. (Sloane Brown)
From left - LifeBridge Health colleagues: Julie Cox, chief development officer, Carrie Boardwick, associate vice president of development, Dr. Neil M. Meltzer, president/CEO, and Craig N. Swagler, WTMD/WYPR president/general manager, at the Kennedy Krieger “Champions of Hope” Gala. (Sloane Brown)

Scene ahead

]]> 11454372 2025-05-21T05:00:37+00:00 2025-05-21T13:05:06+00:00