Sloane Brown – Baltimore Sun

Baltimore Scene by Sloane: Pathfinders for Autism 25th Anniversary Celebration

Sloane Brown — Mon, 10 Nov 2025 21:10:35 +0000

Want to ensure you throw a good birthday party? Make sure you’ve got great entertainment. For Pathfinders for Autism, that meant bringing in the Goo Goo Dolls for a private concert as it celebrated its 25th year.

Some 300 folks turned out for the event, first gathering in the lobby of the M&T Bank Exchange for a cocktail hour. There, they mingled with friends and offered congrats to B.J. Surhoff and his wife, Polly Winde Surhoff, who co-founded the nonprofit to provide support to people with autism and their families.

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

Then, it was into the hall for the concert, which kept most of the crowd on their feet… and maybe even dancing.

As far as birthday presents went, Pathfinders scored big on that front – collecting some $1.4 million for its new Community Connections program, which will expand the organization’s efforts throughout the state.

From left - Jennifer St. John, retired Baltimore news anchor, Ed St. John, St. John Properties founder/chairman, Mary Beth Marsden, artist, and Mark McGrath, Ameriprise Financial financial advisor, at Pathfinders for Autism's 25th Anniversary Celebration. (Sloane Brown)

University of Maryland president/CEO Dr. Mohan Suntha joined Pathfinders co-founder B.J. Surhoff on stage prior to the concert, to help raise additional funds for the organization's new Community Connector program. (Sloane Brown)

From left - Allyson Gordon, MedStar Health clinical director of telehealth and Innovation, Jason Gordon, business consultant/QC2 managing partner, Mark Bearman, Herbert Bearman Foundation COO, and Lindsay Bearman, MedStar Health certified registered nurse anesthetist, at Pathfinders for Autism's 25th Anniversary Celebration. (Sloane Brown)

November 6, 2025: Guests had a chance to grab a little nourishment - both liquid and solid - at a reception prior to the concert. (Sloane Brown)

November 6, 2025: From left - Pathfiinders for Autism co-founding board members Polly Winde Surhoff, current board member, and B.J. Surhoff, board president, at Pathfinders for Autism's 25th Anniversary Celebration. (Sloane Brown)

From left, Jordan Surhoff Simini, Sinclair digital project manager, Matt Simini, Cytora delivery manager, Mason Surhoff, librarian, and Kendall Surhoff, MedStar Georgetown medical laboratory scientist, at Pathfinders for Autism's 25th Anniversary Celebration. (Sloane Brown)

Nobember 6, 2025: From left - Fran Soistman, retired eHealth CEO, and Alyce Marie, Me & Mr. Jones Band lead singer, at Pathfinders for Autism's 25th Anniversary Celebration. (Sloane Brown)

November 6, 2025: Shawn O'Meara, Regional Transportation Agency of Central Maryland director of finance, Shali Bowry, Deb Trautman, American Association of Colleges of Nursing CEO, and Dr. Gaurav Kumar, LifeBridge Health pediatrician, at Pathfinders for Autism's 25th Anniversary Celebration. (Sloane Brown)

From left - Brandon DeCaro, Talogy business development executive, Bic DeCaro, eXp Realty realtor, Ava Nguyen, AVA HOMES owner, and Dan Nguyen, Cisco Systems solution architect, at Pathfinders for Autism's 25th Anniversary Celebration. (Sloane Brown)

November 6, 2025: The Goo Goo Dolls rock the M&T Bank Exchange at the Pathfinders for Autism's 25th Anniversary Celebration. (Sloane Brown)

November 6, 2025: While everyone had a seat at the concert, the high energy vibe had most folks out of them. (Sloane Brown)

November 6, 2025: The Goo Goo Dolls perform at the Pathfinders for Autism 25th Anniversary Celebration. (Sloane Brown)

From left - Jason Hisley, Cake by Jason owner, and Tyler Stiff, shipbuilder, at Pathfinders for Autism's 25th Anniversary Celebration. (Sloane Brown)

A packed house greeted the Goo Goo Dolls at the M&T Bank Exchange. (Sloane Brown)

From left, Butler Corner Clothing colleagues - Elizabeth LeVanis, CFO, Courtenay Arendt, manager/buyer, and Hope Birsh, owner - and Meg Whiteford, Packard Center for ALS Research senior associate director of development, at Pathfinders for Autism's 25th Anniversary Celebration. (Sloane Brown)

The Goo Goo Dolls take center stage at the Pathfinders for Autism's 25th Anniversary Celebration. (Sloane Brown)

November 6, 2025: Attendees enjoyed a cocktail hour in the M&T Bank Exchange Lobby, before filing into the main hall for the concert. (Sloane Brown)

November 6, 2025: From left - Becky Galli, founding board member/columnist/author, and Bobby Cronin, fine wine professional, at Pathfinders for Autism's 25th Anniversary Celebration. (Sloane Brown)

From left - Dillon Flaherty, Masterpeace Solutions software developer, Michelle Flaherty, T. Rowe Price events manager, Maru Fava, event committee member/T. Rowe Price experience and corporate event senior manager, and Andrew Fava, AJ Fava Produce Company president/owner, at Pathfinders for Autism's 25th Anniversary Celebration. (Sloane Brown)

Chea Weltchek, Counseling & Wellness Collective therapist, and Milan Devon, David S. Brown Enterprises vice president of construction, at Pathfinders for Autism's 25th Anniversary Celebration. (Sloane Brown)

Scene ahead

Sunday, Nov. 16
2nd Annual Art Show
Benefits Art with a Heart
HeARTwares, 1104 W. 36th St.
2-4 p.m.
Free admission baltimore.org/event/art-with-a-hearts-2nd-annual-art-show/
Friday, Nov. 21
Under $2500 Benefit Exhibition & Sale Event
Benefits Maryland Art Place
MAP, 218 W. Saratoga St.
6-10 p.m
Tickets $40 mdartplace.org/events
Saturday, Nov. 22
Holiday Party
Benefits Sharp Dressed Man
Baltimore Streetcar Museum, 1901 Falls Road
7-11 p.m.
Tickets $75 sharpdressedman.org/2025-holiday-party

Baltimore Scene by Sloane: Harford County Public Library Gala ‘Epic Rewind’

Sloane Brown — Tue, 04 Nov 2025 14:44:16 +0000

The volume was pumped up and not a “shhh” could be heard in the Abingdon Library. After all, this was the Harford County Public Library Foundation’s annual gala, which attracted some 650 guests. The fact that the annual bash is held in the library is always part of its appeal, along with live music, food stations manned by area eateries and food vendors, bars, and activities set up around the room. Some guests also came in costume – as 1980s movie or music stars or characters from films of that era — in keeping with this year’s gala theme, “Epic Rewind: 80’s in the Stacks,” honoring the institution’s 80th anniversary.

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

Another cause of celebration? The $100,000 raised by the event for Harford County Public Library programs.

From left - Sharon Lipford, library foundation board president/CopperMile Consulting president, Brian Lipford, Key Tech retired founder, Nicole Funk, Deloitte managing director, and Tim Funk, Bass Pro Shops inventory control specialist, at the 20th Annual Harford County Public Library Gala (Sloane Brown)

November 1, 2025: Books provided the backdrop at the Harford County Public Library Gala. (Sloane Brown)

The Abingdon library was decked out in 80's bright colors for the 80's-themed gala. (Sloane Brown)

November 1, 2025: Guests got down to the music of 80's tribute band, The New Romance at the Harford County Public Library Gala. (Sloane Brown)

November 1, 2025: About 650 folks filled the Abingdon Library for the Harford County Public Library Gala. (Sloane Brown)

The photo booth - with 80's themed props - was a big draw at the library gala. (Sloane Brown)

From left - Iulia Griffin, The Cactus Group CEO, and Sally Pfabe, Fearless account executive, as different phases of Madonna, at the 20th Annual Harford County Public Library Gala (Sloane Brown)

From left - Ryan Delaney, BriteLife Recovery licensed clinical professional counselor, Jackie Hryncewich, Ashley Addiction Treatment donor relations manager - both channeling the 80's in their costumes, Shana Koslowsky, Ashley Addiction Treatment director of marketing, and Ryan Goff, MGH chief marketing officer, at the 20th Annual Harford County Public Library Gala (Sloane Brown)

From left - Suzanne Loyd, Constellation Energy senior manager of engineering, as Dolly Parton, Doug Loyd, Critical Start staff engineer, as Kenny Rogers, and Karen Korenman, Stanley Black & Decker engineering vice president as a Pink Lady from "Grease," at the 20th Annual Harford County Public Library Gala (Sloane Brown)

From left - Matthew Scales, Scales Synergy Communications CEO, Rina Scales, Lockheed Martin facility manager, Monica Worrell, APG Federal Credit Union business banking loan officer, and Dan Worrell, Fallen Pine Oyster Company owner, at the 20th Annual Harford County Public Library Gala (Sloane Brown)

From left - Greg Felder, Sage Health director of operations, Theresa Felder, Harford Community College president, Barbara Payne, Veolia North American learning and development leader and Christopher Payne, Northrop Grumman missions systems sector director of programs, at the 20th Annual Harford County Public Library Gala (Sloane Brown)

From left - Laura Carlson, Ryan LLC director of accounting, Jonas Vogelhut, library board vice chair/retired US Army colonel, Ashley Voso, Google software engineering manager, and David Voso, Union Local #24 electrician, at the 20th Annual Harford County Public Library Gala (Sloane Brown)

Monique Head, library board member/University of Delaware professor of civil engineering, and Kris Head, Grainger branch manager, paid homage to the 90's hip-hop era with the costumes they wore to the 20th Annual Harford County Public Library Gala. (Sloane Brown)

From left - Betsy Campion, Campion Insurance president, Amber Shrodes, Harford County Public Library director of philanthropy and community engagement, and Sara Garbarino, The Arc NCR vice president of advancement, at the 20th Annual Harford County Public Library Gala (Sloane Brown)

From left - Mike LaFiandra, federal employee, Carol Wright, library board chair/community volunteer, Eric Mclauchlin, PK Law attorney, and Tracey McLauchlin, PK Law attorney, at the 20th Annual Harford County Public Library Gala (Sloane Brown)

From left - Jennifer Doyle, Abingdon Elementary School reading specialist, Kent Doyle, Rita's Italian Ice director of media, Carolyn Lambdin, library board member/community volunteer, and Joseph Lambdin, SECU credit committee member, at the 20th Annual Harford County Public Library Gala (Sloane Brown)

From left - Lyle Sheldon, University of Maryland Upper Chesapeake Health retired president/CEO, Mary Hastner, Harford County Public Library CEO, Jennifer Vido, author/Harford County Bar Foundation executive director, and Durbin Vido, library foundation board member/Brown Advisory principal, at the 20th Annual Harford County Public Library Gala (Sloane Brown)

Scene ahead

Thursday, Nov. 13

100th Anniversary Grand Celebration

Hosted by the University of Baltimore

M&T Bank Exchange, 401 W. Fayette St.

6-9 p.m

Tickets $100, Premium $250

100.ubalt.edu/grand-celebration-2025.cfm

Friday, Nov. 14

Shining Stars: A Night of Hope & Opportunity

Benefits Camp Opportunity

Baltimore Museum of Industry, 1415 Key Highway

7-11 p.m.

Tickets $90

campopportunity.org/shining-stars-2025

Friday, Nov. 14

7th Annual Stoop Soiree: Moonlight at the Zoo

Benefits Baltimore Family Alliance

The Maryland Zoo Mansion House, 1876 Mansion House Drive

6:30-10:30 p.m.

Tickets $95 in advance, $105 at door

baltimorefamilies.org/stoopsoiree

Baltimore Scene by Sloane: The Walters Art Museum Gala and Party

Sloane Brown — Tue, 28 Oct 2025 15:00:41 +0000

Whoever thinks museums are quiet and stuffy would’ve been in for quite a surprise at The Walters Art Museum’s Gala and Party. The event’s energy could have rivalled that of a popular nightclub.

The night began for some with a fun cocktail hour and seated dinner in the galleries, but the shindig really cranked up for the 9 p.m. party, which brought out more folks to party central, aka the museum’s Sculpture Court. A bar was set up in the center, with a DJ on the side, and vibrant lighting that kept changing colors, to illustrate the evening’s theme of “Illuminate.”

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

The cause for celebration continues for the museum itself. Officials there say the event, which attracted some 535 guests, raised more than $660,000, the most the gala has raised in at least two decades.

From left - Robyn Murphy, Create Baltimore CEO, and Jason Murphy, Murphy Enterprise CEO, at The Walters Art Museum Gala & Party (Sloane Brown)

October 25, 2025: Gala guests enjoyed the rare treat of sitting down to dinner in one of The Walters' galleries before the 9 p.m. party kicked off. (Sloane Brown)

From left - Megan O'Hearn, senior marketing manager, Sian Evans, Johns Hopkins University librarian, and Tony Venne, The Walters Art Museum head of design, at The Walters Art Museum Gala & Party (Sloane Brown)

From left - Stephanie Beebe, T. Rowe Price asociate portfolio manager, Jennifer Winslow, Harbor Advisory director/portfolio manager, Jill Kamenetz, community volunteer, and Ann Holcomb, museum board member/T. Rowe Price director of research, at The Walters Art Museum Gala & Party (Sloane Brown)

From left - Kate Burgin, The Walters Art Museum director/CEO, Angus Burgin, Johns Hopkins University professor of history, Kaitlin Pravetz, GWWO Architects director of business development, and Chris Lewis, Enoch Pratt Free Library advancement associate, at The Walters Art Museum Gala & Party (Sloane Brown)

From left - Katie O'Malley, Women's Law Center of Maryland CEO, and Martin O'Malley, former Maryland governor, at The Walters Art Museum Gala & Party (Sloane Brown)

From left - Wendy Jeffries, Spark Solutions Consulting founder/CEO, Chris Jeffries, Kramon & Graham partner, and Ellen Owens, American Visionary Art Museum executive director, at The Walters Art Museum Gala & Party (Sloane Brown)

From left - Rahze Sinclair, musician/music educator, and Connie Sinclair, visual artist/designer, at The Walters Art Museum Gala & Party (Sloane Brown)

October 25, 2025: A DJ further amped up the energy level at the Walters' party. (Sloane Brown)

From left - Michael Mattevi, Synchrony Bank senior vice president, Anthony Evans, event co-chair/interior decorator, Sarah Conway, Johns Hopkins Medicine office of physicians senior vice president, and Lavell Logan, Carrot Fertility vice president of consulting relations, at The Walters Art Museum Gala & Party (Sloane Brown)

From left - Dr. Linda Durnell, NeuroTech Harbor Johns Hopkins University director, Bruce Lichorowic, CircumVent Global CEO, Dr. Lisa Ishii, Johns Hopkins Health System senior vice president, and Dr. Masaru Ishii, Johns Hopkins Hospital skull base surgeon, at The Walters Art Museum Gala & Party (Sloane Brown)

Ted Millspaugh, Venable attorney, Faith Millspaugh, community volunteer, Molly Newell, retired media executive, and David Reahl, Affinius Capital managing director, at The Walters Art Museum Gala & Party (Sloane Brown)

From left - Nupur Parekh Flynn, Bagceit founder/CEO, Guy Flynn, The Walter Art Museum board chair/retired lawyer, Katerina Ziegler, museum director of development, and Eliza Mullen, museum senior manager of grants and foundations, at The Walters Art Museum Gala & Party (Sloane Brown)

From left - John Banes, event co-chair/retired lawyer, Laura Banes, The Walter Art Museum board member/event co-chair, Peter Baine, museum board president/Asset Management LLC retired CEO, and Millicent Baine, community volunteer, at The Walters Art Museum Gala & Party (Sloane Brown)

Scene ahead

Thursday, Nov. 6

Harvesting Hope

Hosted by Women’s Initiative Network for Kennedy Krieger

Cece’s of Roland Park, 10 Village Square

6:30-9 p.m.

Tickets $150, Young professionals $100

onecau.se/_bg4ac1

Friday, Nov. 7

Ink + Numbers’ “Culinary Concepts”

Benefits Starboard Society

Concept House, 600 E. Seminary Ave.

7-10 p.m.

Tickets $115, VIP $165

inkandnumbers.com/event/culinary-concepts-nov7-2025/

Friday, Nov. 7

Hoodstock

Benefits Unified Community Connections

Baltimore Museum of Industry, 1415 Key Highway

7-11 p.m.

Tickets $50

unified.org/hoodstock

Baltimore Scene by Sloane: The ARC Baltimore’s ‘Carats & Cocktails’

Sloane Brown — Tue, 21 Oct 2025 14:19:24 +0000

With The ARC Baltimore celebrating its 75th year, the nonprofit organization added a lot of sparkle to its annual fundraising party. In honor of that diamond anniversary, “Carats & Cocktails” featured a glitzy get-together at the Maryland Science Center, where guests enjoyed food and drink, live music as well as a DJ, diamond and champagne giveaways, and the chance to play with some of the Center’s exhibits. One of the highlights was The ARC’s popular annual Art in the Round auction, which offers artwork created by some of the people with developmental disabilities that the organization has supported.

[ MORE of Sloane Brown’s coverage of Baltimore’s party scene ]
Some 350 folks turned out for the shindig, which raised around $140,000 for The ARC Baltimore’s programs and services for children with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Silent auction artists - with their artwork over each of their left shoulders - From left - Gregory Bannister, and Franco Harris, at Carats & Cocktails (Sloane Brown)

October 18, 2025: The Maryland Science Center's lobby became party central at The ARC Baltimore's Carats & Cocktails shindig. (Sloane Brown)

October 18, 2025: In addition to eating, drinking and mingling, guests had the opportunity to play with some of the Science Center's fun, interactive exhibits. (Sloane Brown)

October 18, 2025: One of the party's highlights was the collection of paintings created by some of The ARC Baltimore's supported persons and self-advocates available in the party's silent auction. (Sloane Brown)

October 18, 2025: Guests ate and drank under the watchful "eyes" of a T-Rex skeleton at the Maryland Science Center. (Sloane Brown)

From left - Tiana Wynn Smith, The ARC Baltimore board chair/SB & Company LLC partner, Kathleen McNally Durkin, The ARC Baltimore CEO, and Katy Neas, The ARC US CEO, at Carats & Cocktails (Sloane Brown)

From left - Steve Morgan, The ARC Baltimore retired CEO, Dianna Morgan, The ARC Baltimore retired family support specialist, Wayne Deckert, Capital Services president, and Pat Isaac, Capital Services CEO, at Carats & Cocktails (Sloane Brown)

From left - Sydney Rose, HNB Services director of strategic growth, and Praneeth Nekuri, Crystolyte Associates CEO, at Carats & Cocktails (Sloane Brown)

From left - Katy McGuire, The ARC Baltimore retired chief advancement officer, and Raquel Adams, The ARC Baltimore chief human resources officer, at Carats & Cocktails (Sloane Brown)

From left - Joe Ward, The ARC Baltimore board member emeritus/Miles & Stockbridge principal, Laura Ward, Towson University elementary education lecturer, Jessica Itzoe, UPDOG Studios yoga instructor, and Josh Itzoe, FiduciaryWor(k)s CEO, at Carats & Cocktails (Sloane Brown)

From left - LaGretta Lyons, Kaiser Permanente account manager, Torrell Jones, CareFirst Blue Cross Blue Shielf manager, Vanessa Potts, Kaiser Permanente account manager, and Teresa Vizcaino, Kaiser Permanente sales executive, at Carats & Cocktails (Sloane Brown)

From left - Zach Johnson, house husband, Erin Montgomery, The ARC Baltimore board member/Intra-Cellular Therapies senior director of finance, Christi Thompson, community volunteer, and Robbie Thompson, The ARC Baltimore board member/Ernst & Young partner, at Carats & Cocktails (Sloane Brown)

October 18, 2025: From left - Emily Bishoff, sports psychologist, and Marianne Bishoff, The ARC Baltimore board vice president/Carter Machinery regional human resources manager, at Carats & Cocktails (Sloane Brown)

From left - Tom Koerber, On Point Help president, Tanner Clark, The ARC Baltimore director of safety, and Aaron Tomarcho, Tradepoint Atlantic executive vice president, at Carats & Cocktails (Sloane Brown)

October 18, 2025: The ARC Baltimore CEO Kathleen McNally Durkin welcomes guests as they gather in the Science Center's theater for the evening's program at Carats & Cocktails. (Sloane Brown)

From left - Paris Gough, Gough & Randolph Clothier owner/tailor, and Gene Smith, SB & Company LLC partner, at Carats & Cocktails (Sloane Brown)

From left - Earnest Woodard, The ARC Baltimore board member emeritus/self-advocate, George Ciscle, BCAA art curator, and Richard Cleaver, artist, at Carats & Cocktails (Sloane Brown)

Scene ahead

Sunday, Oct 26
2025 Ryes Up Charitable Gala
Hosted by Baltimore Bartenders’ Guild
Sagamore Pendry Baltimore, 1715 Thames St.
4 – 8 p.m.
Tickets $130, VIP $189
allevents.in/baltimore/2025-ryes-up-charitable-gala/100001597442506539
Tuesday, Oct. 28
A Brighter Path Forward
Benefits Community Law Center
Cylburn Arboretum, 4915 Greenspring Ave.
6 p.m.
Tickets $65.87
communitylaw.org/fundraiser
Saturday, Nov. 1
2025 Masked Ball
Benefits UNCF
Hilton Baltimore Inner Harbor, 401 W. Pratt St.
7 p.m.
Tickets $300
uncf.org/events/2025-uncf-masked-ball-baltimore

Baltimore Scene by Sloane: Motor House ’10th Birthday Party’

Sloane Brown — Mon, 13 Oct 2025 19:40:07 +0000

The strains of an electric cello reverberated across North Avenue. It was an open invitation for the community to come celebrate the 10th year of one of its residents, the arts space Motor House. Some 200 folks filled the building to check out its newly redesigned showroom, enjoy food and drink, catch up with new and old friends, and take in performances in its theatre.

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

There, they were also greeted by Motor House’s new managing director, Jessica Smith, who had been on the job for two months.

“It felt good to see the community turn out and celebrate with us. It felt like a homecoming,” she said.

There was even a birthday present of sorts – around $30,000 raised by the event for Motor House programs, a hopeful sign for the new chief.

“It’s my hope the level of support we got for this event continues, because it’s our goal to make our programs affordable and accessible to all,” Smith noted.

From left - Sarah Holley, retired publicist, and Jovita Hertzberg, Motor House interior designer, at Motor House's 10th Birthday Party (Sloane Brown)

From left - Erin Hodge-Williams, Beyond Insights psychotherapist, and Kelly Hodge-Williams, fundraising consultant, at Motor House's 10th Birthday Party (Sloane Brown)

From left - Melissa Sutherland Moss, Maryland Institute College of Art adjunct professor, and Damon Walker, community activist/artist, at Motor House's 10th Birthday Party (Sloane Brown)

From left - Carrington R. Smith, retired educator, Jacqueline Smith, retired social worker, and Jessica Smith, Motor House managing director, at Motor House's 10th Birthday Party (Sloane Brown)

From left - Desiraye Williams, hairstylist, Octavia Golden, pharmacy technician, Lestrai Kelly, retired Baltimore City Department of Transportation employee, and Sandra Kelly, retired licensed daycare provider, at Motor House's 10th Birthday Party (Sloane Brown)

Folks enjoyed a variety of food and drinks at Motor House's 10th Birthday Party. (Sloane Brown)

From left - Siobhan Stiles, Goucher College professor, Jessaca Wan, social worker/therapist, and Stephanie Chan, dog trainer, pose for selfies in Graffiti Alley behind Motor House. (Sloane Brown)

From left - Charlotte McGoines, retired state employee, and Patricia Johnson, retired Maryland State employee, at Motor House's 10th Birthday Party (Sloane Brown)

Festively decorated cupcakes awaited the celebratory crowd at Motor House's 10th Birthday Party. (Sloane Brown)

Folks explored Motor House's various rooms and galleries, as they celebrated the artspace's 10th anniversary. (Sloane Brown)

Many partygoers congregated in the Motor House theatre for a show by Funktopia, a self-described Afrofuturistic theater and music collective. (Sloane Brown)

The 10th Birthday Party featured a performance by Funktopia in the Motor House theatre. (Sloane Brown)

Guests at Motor House's 10th Birthday Party were greeted with live music, courtesy Maestro the Cellist. (Sloane Brown)

From left - Nancy Morris, community volunteer, Reneé Georges, jazz vocalist/Maryland realtor, Brooke Kidd, Joe's Movement Emporium director, and Andy Doyle, computer geek, at Motor House's 10th Birthday Party (Sloane Brown)

From left - Aisha Butler and Jeff Butler, Jazzy Studios owners/photographers, and Tonya Thomas, H3irloom Food Group co-owner/chef, at Motor House's 10th Birthday Party (Sloane Brown)

From left - Alex Wrenn, engineer, Emily Levine, Enoch Pratt Free Library manager of programs, and Gary Aime, Komite Ayiti executive director, at Motor House's 10th Birthday Party (Sloane Brown)

Tamara Payne, artist/Baltimore City Community College associate professor (center), and her students - From left - Diana Agimudie, Andre Terry, Demi Green, and Gail Cuffie, at Motor House's 10th Birthday Party (Sloane Brown)

From left - Motor House colleagues Mollie McKineey, rentals coordinator, and Malcolm Lomax, showroom general manager, at Motor House's 10th Birthday Party (Sloane Brown)

From left - Denise McNeil, Nece's Green Apron owner/chef, and Shawn Livers, artist/jewelry designer, at Motor House's 10th Birthday Party (Sloane Brown)

Scene ahead

Friday, Oct. 24
Pumpkins on the Green
Benefits Irvine Nature Center
11201 Garrison Forest Road
7 p.m.
Tickets $175, VIP Couple $750
explorenature.org/pumpkins-on-the-green
Saturday, Oct. 25
Evening on the Falls
Benefits Blue Water Baltimore
True Chesapeake Restaurant, 3300 Clipper Mill Road, Suite 400
6 p.m.
Tickets $175
bluewaterbaltimore.org/baltimore-events/evening-on-the-falls
Saturday, Oct. 25
An Evening at the Walters Party
Benefits The Walters Art Museum
600 N. Charles St.
9 p.m.
Tickets $175
thewalters.org/support/evening

Baltimore Scene by Sloane: Living Classrooms Foundation’s ’37th Annual Maritime Magic’

Sloane Brown — Tue, 07 Oct 2025 14:30:00 +0000

What are the reliable signs of fall in Baltimore? Cooler temperatures, shorter days, leaves turning colors… and Maritime Magic.

The Living Classrooms Foundation’s annual outdoor bash is always thrown around the first weekend in October and always pulls in a big crowd.

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

This year, some 2,500 folks descended upon LCF’s Frederick Douglass-Isaac Myers Maritime Park for the 37th annual shindig. There, they enjoyed the fare of more than 50 local restaurants and food and drink vendors, along with live music from New Orleans-based bands.

They mingled under tents or inside several of the park’s buildings, as well as out on the pier, and took in the view of Baltimore’s Inner Harbor.

Living Classrooms netted some $580,000 for its educational, workforce development and wellness/community safety programs — not a bad birthday present for the foundation, which is also celebrating its 40th anniversary.

From left - Torbin Green, St. Francis Neighborhood Center executive director, and Christi Green, Baltimore City Sheriff's Office director of development

From left - Marlon Madden and Ricky Venter, Success Journey Sports co-founders/owners, Ron Peterson, Johns Hopkins Health System president emeritus, and Dr. Susie Peterson, Johns Hopkins Hospital emergency medicine physician, at the 37th Annual Maritime Magic (Sloane Brown)

From left - Elizabeth Massing, The Agora Companies chief human resources officer, Wendy Fox, Richline Group/Berkshire Hathaway senior director of sales, Jeremy Rosendale, World Trade Center Institute vice president, and Sal Cuffari, The Agora Companies strategic content and communications associate, at the 37th Annual Maritime Magic (Sloane Brown)

From left - Dr. Tracy Friedlander, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine assistant professor, Dr. Panagis Galiatsatos, Johns Hopkins Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center co-director, Zack Garber, Alex. Brown | Raymond James The Garber Wealth Management Team managing director, and Dr. Arielle Garber, GBMC OB/GYN, at the 37th Annual Maritime Magic (Sloane Brown)

October 3, 2025: Among the evening's highlights - the opportunity to take in the Inner Harbor view on the Douglass-Myers Maritime Park pier. (Sloane Brown)

Folks were entertained with live music from a couple of New Orleans-based bands at the 37th Annual Maritime Magic. (Sloane Brown)

Before the big bash got underway, Living Classrooms Foundation honored more than 30 under-40 professionals as this year's "Rising Stars." (Sloane Brown)

More than 50 area restaurants, food and beverage purveyors set up food and drink stations where guests could sample a number of tasty delights. (Sloane Brown)

October 3, 2025: From left - Patrice Lee, fragrance entrepreneur, Danielle Brown, McCormick sales executive, Ngozi Young, film/TV makeup artist, and Karlo Young, Teachstone CEO, at the 37th Annual Maritime Magic (Sloane Brown)

From left - Dave Cadigan, MMA/HMS insurance broker, Ray Bularz, Baltimore Creative Studio director and Brian Lawrence, Maryland Office of Tourism director of communications and marketing, at the 37th Annual Maritime Magic (Sloane Brown)

From left - Sonya Tsao, BSG Law attorney, and Alan Tsao, LCF Rising Star/Baltimore Watch Company owner, at the 37th Annual Maritime Magic (Sloane Brown)

From left - Kostas Alexakis, Olympic Investors managing director, and Darya Yavalar, Boca Investment Group president, at the 37th Annual Maritime Magic (Sloane Brown)

As dusk hit the Douglass-Myers Maritime Park, the party crowd grew. (Sloane Brown)

From left - Joe Dimaio, Backroad Builds LLC owner, Lauren Petri, LCF Rising Star/McCormick global food stylist, Matt Hancock, Hancock Brothers Industries owner, and Emily Hancock, Dealernet Management Services office manager, at the 37th Annual Maritime Magic (Sloane Brown)

From left - Phi Duong, Johns Hopkins Hospital tissue coordinator, Michael Gardiner, Bizerba art director, Joanna Sullivan, American City Business Journals senior editor, and Sara Small, Chesapeake Medical Imaging chief of mammography, at the 37th Annual Maritime Magic (Sloane Brown)

From left - Torbin Green, St. Francis Neighborhood Center executive director, and Christi Green, Baltimore City Sheriff's Office director of development at the 37th Annual Maritime Magic (Sloane Brown)

From left - Christie Hargrave, Mahogany, Inc. business manager, and Luwanda Jenkins, 1890 University Foundation vice president, at the 37th Annual Maritime Magic (Sloane Brown)

From left - Talib Horne, LCF board chair/Annie E. Casey Foundation Baltimore Civic Site director, James Piper Bond, Living Classrooms Foundation president/CEO, LaTina Greene, Baltimore City District Court Judge, and Meg Ward, LCF vice president of schools and youth development, at the 37th Annual Maritime Magic (Sloane Brown)

Scene ahead

Wednesday, Oct. 15
First Taste of Baltimore
Benefits Teach for America
M&T Bank Stadium, 1101 Russell St.
5:30-7:30 p.m.
Tickets $150, VIP $200
events.bizzabo.com/FirstTaste2025/home
Saturday, October 18
Fire Fest
Hosted by Baltimore Clayworks
5707 Smith Ave.
5:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Tickets $15-$45
baltimoreclayworks.org/event/fire-fest-2025/
Saturday, October 18
Carats & Cocktails
Benefits The Arc Baltimore
Maryland Science Center, 601 Light St.
7 p.m.
Tickets $175
thearcbaltimore.org/caratsandcocktails/

Baltimore Scene by Sloane: Power52 Foundation’s ‘LIVE! A Decade of Change’

Sloane Brown — Wed, 01 Oct 2025 18:28:45 +0000

More than 200 folks dressed to the nines and turned out at the M&T Bank Exchange at the France-Merrick Performing Arts Center, which was equally decked out for “LIVE! A Decade of Change.” The gala celebrated the 10th anniversary of Power52 Foundation, Maryland’s first clean energy private career school, which offers entry-level training in construction with emphasis on solar installation.

Program graduates mingled with supporters during the cocktail hour and seated dinner, which was followed by a DJ and dancing. There was also the chance to chat and take photos with foundation co-founder and former Baltimore Raven defensive lineman Ray Lewis.

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

The “drop-the-mic” moment for Cherie Brooks, Power52’s visionary co-founder, president and CEO, came when Howard County Executive Calvin Ball officially proclaimed the day “Power52 Day” in his county.

“It shows that people see us and see the mission,” Brooks said. “This was definitely one for the books. [The party] was glamorous, upbeat and memorable,” she said.

The event raised around $50,000 for Power52 Foundation programs.

Ray Lewis, Co-founder, Power52 Foundation Inc., and Remi Mignott, Pivot Energy, Director, attended Power52 Foundation’s Decade of Change Anniversary Gala VIP reception.(Karen Jackson/Freelance)

Keshanna Brooks, Power52, volunteer, left, and Gabrielle Barnes, Power52, volunteer, attended Power52 Foundation’s Decade of Change Anniversary Gala VIP reception.(Karen Jackson/Freelance)

Dr. Saif Al-Bustani, Plastic Surgeon, Kaiser Permanente, Dr. Tinisha Cheatham, Family Medicine, Kaiser Permanente, and Dr. Kwame Akoto, Internal Medicine, Kaiser Permanente, attended Power52 Foundation’s Decade of Change Anniversary Gala VIP reception.(Karen Jackson/Freelance)

Master of Ceremony Rick Ritter, WJZ News Anchor addresses guests during Power52 Foundation’s Decade of Change Anniversary Gala at M&T Bank Exchange.(Karen Jackson/Freelance)

Deborah Grant, officer, AKA sorority, Dr. Chere Goode, Founder/President Jordan Alexander Cofield Foundation, and Dr. B, “Ask Dr. B” Radio One host, attended Power52 Foundation’s Decade of Change Anniversary Gala VIP reception.(Karen Jackson/Freelance)

Guests enjoy a catered dinner during Power52 Foundation’s Decade of Change Anniversary Gala at M&T Bank Exchange.(Karen Jackson/Freelance)

Lisa Cooke-Moore, Auditor, Federal Govt., from left, Patricia Kubah, retired IRS, and Sarita Turner, Principal, Jumuiya Consutling Group, attended Power52 Foundation’s Decade of Change Anniversary Gala VIP reception.(Karen Jackson/Freelance)

Guests mingle before dinner during Power52 Foundation’s Decade of Change Anniversary Gala M&T Bank Exchange.(Karen Jackson/Freelance)

Dr. Himide Pointer, Gamahi Group/Goldman Sacs CEO, from left, Jenny Osoria, Wellness Professional, Nueva Vida, Alejandra Balcazar, Assistant Director Intercultural Center UMB, and Veronica Cool, CEO Cool & Associates, attended Power52 Foundation’s Decade of Change Anniversary Gala VIP reception.(Karen Jackson/Freelance)

Violinsist L Stringz plays during the VIP reception at Power52 Foundation’s Decade of Change Anniversary Gala at M&T Bank Exchange.(Karen Jackson/Freelance)

Guests mingle and meet on the red carpet during the VIP cocktail pre-party VIP reception with Ray Lewis in the lobby before they Power52 Foundation’s Decade of Change Anniversary Gala.(Karen Jackson/Freelance)

Keon Lattimore, President/Beyond Global Acquisitions LLC, and Jennipher Belt, SVP Strategy Executive/Comerica Bank, attended Power52 Foundation’s Decade of Change Anniversary Gala VIP reception.(Karen Jackson/Freelance)

William Clowney, from left, Simply Elegant Center Owner, TAmmy Clowney, Simply Elegant co-owner, Dr. Shaneka Parham, Ladies of Vision Charities Inc., President, and Devon Parham, Above Par Valet Services Owner, attended Power52 Foundation’s Decade of Change Anniversary Gala VIP reception.(Karen Jackson/Freelance)

Guests mingle on the dance floor before dinner at the Power52 Foundation’s Decade of Change Anniversary Gala at M&T Bank Exchange.(Karen Jackson/Freelance)

Victor Sanchez, NFL Alumni, secretary, Ada Sanchez, CMS, Director, Beverly Kreiger, NFL Alumni, Membership Director Baltimore Chapter, and Rick Kreiger, NFL Alumni, member, attended Power52 Foundation’s Decade of Change Anniversary Gala VIP reception.(Karen Jackson/Freelance)

Michael Phillips, T.D. Jakes Enterprisses, COO & Power52, interim chair, from left, Dr. Alvin Hathaway, Pres./CEO Beloved Community Services Corp., Cherie Brooks, Pres.,CEO, Visionary Co-founder Power52, and Otis Rolley, Pres./CEO Baltimore Development Corporation, attended Power52 Foundation’s Decade of Change Anniversary Gala VIP reception.(Karen Jackson/Freelance)

Guests mingle before dinner at M&T Bank Exchange during Power52 Foundation’s Decade of Change Anniversary Gala.(Karen Jackson/Freelance)

Scene ahead

Thursday, Oct. 9
Preservation Celebration
Hosted by Baltimore Heritage
One Charles Center, 100 N. Charles St.
6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Suggested donation $25, Advance registration
baltimoreheritage.org/event/preservation-celebration-2025/
Friday, Oct. 10
Signature Event: A Night in Old Hollywood
Hosted by Howard County Chamber
Merriweather Lakehouse, 10209 Wincopin Circle, Columbia
6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Tickets $175, Members $150
business.howardchamber.com/events/details/2025-signature-event-5449
Saturday, Oct. 11
41st Annual Crab Feast & Hospice Day of Giving
Benefits Stella Maris
Maryland State Fairgrounds, Timonium
4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Tickets $95, $125, Children 3-12 $40
stellamariscrabfeast.org

Baltimore Scene by Sloane: Baltimore Symphony Orchestra Gala

Sloane Brown — Tue, 23 Sep 2025 15:27:25 +0000

The Baltimore Symphony Orchestra Gala hit lots of high notes, and not just those from the orchestra itself. They began at the pre-concert shindig, inside tents set up next to Meyerhoff Symphony Hall.

First, there was the cocktail hour, where some 600 guests had a chance to catch up with longtime friends and mingle with BSO music director Jonathon Heyward, while they enjoyed hors d’oeuvres and cocktails, featuring drinks like champagne and French 75s – in honor of Bizet’s opera “Carmen,” selections from which would be performed at the BSO concert later.

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

Music from a jazz ensemble, a silent auction and dinner — courtesy various food stations — kept the evening lively until it was time to file into the concert hall and join 1,000 other guests to enjoy a BSO concert featuring acclaimed violinist Joshua Bell. An afterparty, complete with DJ and dancing, finished off the night.

The gala raised more than $1 million for the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra musicians, programming and education initiatives.

Freeman Hrabowski, president emeritus UMBC, Jackie Hrabowski, community advocate, and Ray Jayawardhana, provost Johns Hopkins University, attended the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra Gala.(Karen Jackson/Freelance)

James Torrence, Baltmore City councilman, and Orlett Torrence, nurse practitioner Cure Medspa & Wellness, attended the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra Gala. (Karen Jackson/Freelance)

Ryan Hemminger, from left, CFO Fearless, Sarah Hemminger, CEO THREAD, Mark and Patricia Joseph, Patricia and Mark Joseph Foundation, attended the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra Gala.(Karen Jackson/Freelance)

One of the three open bars serving signature cocktails to guests during the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra Gala dinner reception.(Karen Jackson/Freelance)

Rheda Becker, Philathropist, Jonathon Heyward, music director, BSO, and Robert. E. Myerhoff, Guest Artist Sponsor, attended the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra Gala.(Karen Jackson/Freelance)

Elana Goffredi, budget analyst, Johns Hopkins University, and Nick Jones, senior account manager Abel Communications, attended the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra Gala.(Karen Jackson/Freelance)

Lacey Johansson, V.P. leasing St. John Properties, Inc., Allison Burr-Livingstone, senior V.P. & chief advancement officer, BSO, and Holly Plank, musician/philantropist, attended the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra Gala.(Karen Jackson/Freelance)

Christina Hanson, director of development & marketing St. Martins-in-the-field Episopal School, and Mark Hanson, president & CEO Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, attended the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra Gala.(Karen Jackson/Freelance)

Baltimore Symphony Orchestra Gala dinner reception.(Karen Jackson/Freelance)

Signature cocktails were served to guests at one of three open bars during the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra Gala dinner reception.(Karen Jackson/Freelance)

Musicians Aleko Lionikis, piano, from left, Russell Kirk, saxophone, Jeffrey Reed, bass, and Sean Jones on trumpet entertained guests during the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra Gala reception and dinner.(Karen Jackson/Freelance)

Professional photographer Steve Ruark takes photos of guests at the entrance to the Gala tent during the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra dinner reception.(Karen Jackson/Freelance)

Guests mingle in the lounge with a view of the gala tent during the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra Gala.(Karen Jackson/Freelance)

Randolph Metcalfe, from left, private investor, Kathleen Chagnon, board member/attorney Remedi SeniorCare, Barbara Bozzuto, Chair Laureate BSO Board of Directors, and Tom Bozzuto, Chairman & Co-Founder The Bozzuto Group, attended the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra Gala.(Karen Jackson/Freelance)

Jeremy Buckler, trombonist BSO, and Sarah Buckler, CEO Tangible, attended the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra Gala.(Karen Jackson/Freelance)

Guests enjoyed an expertly crafted dinner with shrimp, salmon and short ribs while they attended the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra Gala dinner reception.(Karen Jackson/Freelance)

Ken DeFontes, from left, BSO past board chair, Jessica DeFontes, retired Analyst Kelly Benefits, Susan Rosen, retired, and Barry Rosen, Chairman of the Board, BSO/Partner Gordon Feinblatt, attended the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra Gala.(Karen Jackson/Freelance)

Scene ahead

Friday, Oct. 3
37th Annual Maritime Magic
Benefits Living Classrooms Foundation
Douglass-Myers Maritime Park, 1417 Thames St.
6-10 p.m.
Tickets $125
livingclassrooms.org/maritimemagic2025
Saturday, Oct. 4
BreastFest Baltimore
Benefits the Tyanna Foundation &
The Hoffberger Breast Center at Mercy Medical Center
Copper Union, 5700 Cottonworth Avenue
2-7 p.m.
Tickets $20-$90, Children $10
tyanna.org/events/breastfest-baltimore-2025
Saturday, Oct. 4
Imagine Gala
Benefits Sheppard Pratt
6501 N. Charles St.
6:30 p.m.
Tickets $750
sheppardpratt.org/imagine

Baltimore Scene by Sloane: The Baltimore MET Gala 2025

Sloane Brown — Tue, 16 Sep 2025 14:14:21 +0000

How do you create an event that’s all about artistic and creative expression? Start with eight regionally-based visual artists. Add 10 culinary creators, seven local fashion designers, 80 models, six honorees and dozens of photographers and influencers. Put them and some of their creations inside the Maryland Live! Hall and add some 740 guests.

What do you get? The Baltimore MET Gala 2025.

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

Like the New York event that inspired it, fashion was in the spotlight, both on the runway, in the evening’s centerpiece fashion show, and on the guests themselves. Folks had a chance to see how the artists and designers interpreted this year’s theme, “TIMELESS – The Evolution of Style: Past. Present. Future.” They also got to check each other out in how they expressed themselves and their own take on the theme in the outfits they sported.

The party’s organizers – LaRian Finney and Derrick Chase – also used the event to highlight several nonprofit projects, including the Beloved Community Services Corporation’s Thurgood Marshall Amenity Center.

From left - Jermaine Gibbs, international photojournalist, and Ashley Gibbs, Women Leading Baltimore founder/executive director, at the Baltimore MET Gala 2025 (Sloane Brown)

One of the evening’s highlights was a fashion show featuring work by local designers at the Baltimore MET Gala 2025. (Sloane Brown)

As guests arrived at the Baltimore MET Gala, they encountered photographers ready and waiting to take their pictures against a number of backdrops. (Sloane Brown)

From left - Stacey Crowell and Keith Crowell, Crowellness Care co-owners, at the Baltimore MET Gala 2025 (Sloane Brown)

From left - Lamont “L.P.” Pettiway, Made by L.P. owner/designer, and Nilanda Woods, model/runway & pose coach/hairstylist, at the Baltimore MET Gala 2025 (Sloane Brown)

From left - Laurielle Noel, event fine art co-curator, Bryce Amair Miguel, model/voice actor, Ainsley Burrows, event fine art co-curator/artist, and Michelle Shellers, artist/activist/Baltimore Peace Movement co-founder, at the Baltimore MET Gala 2025 (Sloane Brown)

From left - Dr. Al Hathaway, Beloved Community Services Corporation president/CEO, and “Choo” Smith, former Harlem Globetrotter/Choo Smith Youth Empowerment founder/CEO, at the Baltimore MET Gala 2025 (Sloane Brown)

From left - Lana Rae, event fashion show producer, and Brandon Warren, fashion designer (and designer of gown Lana Rae is wearing) at the Baltimore MET Gala 2025 (Sloane Brown)

From left - Charles Coleman, The Soul Connect owner, Marc Clarke, “The Good News Show with Marc Clarke” host, and Ron Hollingsworth, Lakeland Elementary/Middle School teacher, at the Baltimore MET Gala 2025 (Sloane Brown)

This year’s MET Gala experience included visuals like work by local artists and fashion designers, as well as a vintage Rolls Royce. (Sloane Brown)

From left - LaRian Finnery, event executive producer, Shajuan Finney, event artistic designer, and Derrick Chase, event executive producer, at the Baltimore MET Gala 2025 (Sloane Brown)

High fashion hit the runway, courtesy creations by local designers, at the Baltimore MET Gala. (Sloane Brown)

Part of the evening’s visual experience involved art installations set up around the room. (Sloane Brown)

Food stations and bars were set up around the perimeter of the Maryland Live! Hall, with VIP lounge areas and other seating scattered around the runway. (Sloane Brown)

From left - Megan Lewis, Baltimore-based artist, Ernest Shaw, event art co-curator/artist/muralist, and Chyno, Baltimore-based food personality, at the Baltimore MET Gala 2025 (Sloane Brown)

From left - Dr. Solomon Abiola, State of Maryland director of AI policy, and Dr. Diane Nelson, VentureWell program manager, at the Baltimore MET Gala 2025 (Sloane Brown)

From left - Len Dockins, Kouture Enterprises owner/real estate developer, and Faye Dockins, Summitt Valley Assisted Living owner, at the Baltimore MET Gala 2025 (Sloane Brown)

Anthony Thomas (L) was one of the photographers available to take photos of guests in front of a number of backdrops to commemorate the night. (Sloane Brown)

From left - Shekisha Gillespie, Johns Hopkins University director of finance, and Niela Phoenix, Harbor Bank chief human resources officer, at the Baltimore MET Gala 2025 (Sloane Brown)

Scene ahead

Sunday, September 21
10th Anniversary Party
Benefits Volo Kids Foundation
Club Volo Brewers Hill, 1201 S. Haven St.
12:30 – 10 p.m.
Free admission
volosports.com/d/ff10fd04-143e-41ff-a031-f692bbf7b636
Thursday, September 25
Celebrating Beverly White-Seals
Hosted by Community Foundation of Howard County
Horowitz Center, Howard Community College
5 – 7 p.m.
Tickets $75
cfhoco.org/celebrating-beverly
Thursday, September 25
LIVE! A Decade of Change Gala
Benefits Power52 Foundation
M&T Bank Exchange, 401 W. Fayette St.
7 – 11 p.m.
Tickets $225
power52.org/10-year-anniversary-gala#tickets

Baltimore Scene by Sloane: Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Maryland Chapter’s Passion for Food & Wine

Sloane Brown — Tue, 09 Sep 2025 14:00:30 +0000

Some 225 people went out to dinner at one of 21 upscale Baltimore area restaurants, and they didn’t have to leave the Four Seasons Hotel Baltimore to do so. Mini versions of them were set up in the hotel ballroom.

Welcome to “Passion for Food & Wine,” the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Maryland Chapter’s annual sold-out fundraiser.

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

First, folks mingled in the mezzanine, sampling drinks and hors d’oeuvres from local restaurants and vendors. They then filed into the ballroom to find their seats at C-shaped tables that each represented one of Baltimore’s upscale eateries.

The evening’s entertainment — and meal — was provided from inside that “C,” where makeshift prepping and cooking areas provided the perfect stage to watch chefs and their staffs create and serve several dinner courses to the guests seated around them.

This year, the party raised around $715,000 for CFF.

From left - Jennifer Winslow, Harbor Investment Advisory director/portfolio manager, and Ted Winslow, Tessco/Alliance Canada vice president of sales/business development, at “Passion for Food and Wine” (Sloane Brown)

Matt Brown, Black Oak Visuals owner, and Amanda Brown, CareFirst marketing strategy professional, at “Passion for Food and Wine” (Sloane Brown)

From left - Denise Sepahi, community volunteer, and Bahram Sepahi, Four Seasons Hotel Baltimore regional vice president/general manager, at “Passion for Food and Wine” (Sloane Brown)

From left - Tim Braue, CFF board member/Nemphos Braue partner, Heather Braue, CFG Bank Arena vice president of marketing, Claudia Nemphos, Nemphos Braue event manager, and George Nemphos, Nemphos Braue managing partner, at “Passion for Food and Wine” (Sloane Brown)

From left - Dr. Cyndra Mogayzel, retired pediatrician, Dr. Peter Mogayzel, CFF board member/director of the Cystic Fibrosis Center at Johns Hopkins Hospital, and Maren Blum, CFF Maryland Chapter executive director, at “Passion for Food and Wine” (Sloane Brown)

From left - Tia Newton, freelance art director, Arli Lima, Collins + Co. social media director, Kaitlyn McNerney, CFF board member/Collins + Co. project manager, and Greg Baggan, Pro Kitchen & Bath president, at “Passion for Food and Wine” (Sloane Brown)

From left - Laura Burch, DLA Piper director of accounting, Keegan Biondino, Tito’s Handmade Vodka sales coordinator, Sarah Mann, Hyundai Genesis director of parts and service marketing, and Katie Melnick, KLM Aesthetics owner/aesthetician, at “Passion for Food and Wine” (Sloane Brown)

From left - Madeline Comoglia, MLC Designs owner, Jason Comoglio, University of Maryland College Park associate director of dining services, Robert Kyte, legal biller, and Jessica Manzo-Kyte, Indigo Ink project manager, at “Passion for Food and Wine” (Sloane Brown)

Parents of daughter with cystic fibrosis: From left - Caryl Siems, CFF board member/Senior Move Success founder, and Bob Siems, retired attorney, at “Passion for Food and Wine” (Sloane Brown)

The party kicked off with a cocktail hour where guests could browse a number of food and beverage stations at “Passion for Food and Wine.” (Sloane Brown)

From left - Mack McGee, event co-chair/CareFirst chief marketing officer, Christina Smith, community volunteer, and Alex Smith, event co-chair/Atlas Restaurant Group president, at "Passion for Food and Wine" (Sloane Brown)

Guests packed the Four Seasons mezzanine for the cocktail hour before trooping into the ballroom for the dinner. (Sloane Brown)

The evening’s entertainment came courtesy the local chefs and their staffs at each table, as they prepared and served dinner to the guests seated there. (Sloane Brown)

As chefs prepped their meals at each table, the party organizers whetted another appetite of their guests, that for cool items and experiences available in a live auction. (Sloane Brown)

From left - Erik Rink, Artisan Interiors owner, Lindsay Walker, Alera Group vice president, Carol Silberstein, retired stylist, and Ronald Smith, The QG stylist, at “Passion for Food and Wine” (Sloane Brown)

As chefs prepped their meals at each table, the party organizers whetted another appetite of their guests, that for cool items and experiences available in a live auction. (Sloane Brown)

The evening’s main event came at dinner, when guests were seated at tables - each hosted by a local restaurant - where they could watch their meal being prepared in front of them. (Sloane Brown)

From left - Justin Jarvis, Allview Liquors owner, David Pounder, Wells Fargo executive, Anne Pounder, homebound teacher, and Scott Berg, event co-chair/T. Rowe Price portfolio manager, at “Passion for Food and Wine” (Sloane Brown)

Scene ahead

Thursday, September 18
Screw Cancer Brew Hope
Benefits Ulman Foundation
Manor Hill Brewing, 4411 Manor Lane, Ellicott City
4 – 8 p.m.
Tickets $75 Members, $15 Youth, ages 6-20
https://impact.ulmanfoundation.org/event/2025-screw-cancer-brew-hope/e683449
Friday, September 19
2025 Annual Crab Feast
Benefits National Federation of the Blind
Rosedale Gardens, 8037 Philadelphia Road
7 – 11 p.m.
Tickets $90
https://nfbmd.org/crabs
Saturday, September 20
Picnic in the Park: Starlight Soiree
Benefits Parks & People
2100 Liberty Heights Ave.
7 – 10 p.m.
Tickets $175
https://www.parksandpeople.org/picnic-in-the-park