Written By Lisa Breslin
More than 325 people filled Martin’s Westminster on October 12 to pay tribute to former Governor William Donald Schaefer and support the Carroll County Public Schools Education Foundation (CCPS).
The event lured several of the political and celebrity Who’s Who, including baseball great Brooks Robinson, former Baltimore Colt Artie Donovan, Governor Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr. and First Lady Kendall Ehrlich, local delegates and other elected officials.
The CCPS Education Foundation was formed in May of 2006 to provide financial support for projects and programs that benefit students and enhance the quality of education in Carroll County.
In less than a year, the Foundation raised more than $40,000 through donations from the 18 board members and local businesses. Proceeds raised from the October 12 event, which included a silent and live auction of items including autographed sports memorabilia, vacation packages, Orioles skybox seats and spa treatments, topped more than an estimated $72,000, before expenses.
The event featured the culinary and musical talents of many Carroll County students. The Westminster High School marching band greeted early guests at the front entrance; South Carroll High School Strings Ensemble, a quartet featuring Kate Strine (violin), Deborah Muller (violin), Adrianne Carpenter (violin) and Alexandra Lange (cello), played in the lobby most of the evening, and The Westminster High School Jazz Combo (comprised of Dan Andrews, Brendan Morales, Ian Smith, Paul Morales and Peter Busher) entertained VIPs during an opening cocktail reception. And North Carroll High School freshman Jimmy Wincelowicz was the featured pianist in the ballroom when The Colgan-Hirsch Band wasn’t luring people to the dance floor.
“It was a wonderful event all around,” said Charles “Chuck” Ecker, superintendent of Carroll County Public Schools. “I can’t say enough to thank the people who put the event together, including the students who did so much – from entertainment to centerpieces.”
Information about the Education Foundation and additional photos of the event are available on the group’s web site: www.ccpsfoundation.org
“A Culinary Experience” Raises $22,000 for Rape Crisis Service
The Rape Crisis Intervention Service of Carroll County’s (RCIS) annual Culinary Experience enjoyed a surge of popularity this year as approximately 500 people enjoyed samples from 20 restaurants and three wineries at Martin’s Westminster on Monday, Oct. 8.
“Last year’s Culinary Experience had 187 attendees. This year, we more than doubled that number, which can be attributed to the dedication of current board of directors and the chair of the event, Janice Hobart,” said Lisa Aughenbaugh, RCIS’ business administrator.
Entertainment at this year’s event featured The Eric Byrd Trio.
Net gain from the three-hour event was $22,000, which will support the The Rape Crisis Intervention Service of Carroll County (RCIS) mission and outreach.
The Rape Crisis Intervention Service of Carroll County (RCIS) provides free counseling and other support services to victims of sexual violence and their families. The nonprofit organization also offers prevention education programs and professional training in order to eliminate sexual violence through education and advocacy.
Building up to the Ball
As a prelude to its 48th Annual Silvery Moon Ball, the Carroll Hospital Auxiliary hosted a special movie night event at Carroll Arts Theater on Wednesday, October 17. The special event, which attracted more than 100 people, featured “Diamonds Are Forever,” starring Sean Connery; hors d’oeuvres, a martini bar with a signature drink, and silent auction items. The theme of the Carroll Hospital Center Auxiliary’s Silvery Moon Ball, scheduled for November, was “.007 A Night of Intrigue.”
