Written By Lisa Breslin
More than 500 people gathered for the 8th Annual Taste of Carroll at Antrim 1844 on May 21. They dined, drank and dropped plenty of dollars for a worthy cause – Carroll Hospice programs and services.
By evening’s end, more than $135,000 poured in, thanks in large part to the enthusiasm and generosity of Baltimore Ravens Head Coach Brian Billick. Billick, a special guest at Taste of Carroll for three years, moved into the limelight this year by kicking off the live auction and tossing in such unexpected extras as lunch with him at the training facility (which went to two bidders for $4,500 each), two sideline passes to go with the already donated 50-yard line tickets, and Super Bowl tickets (which sold for $10,000).
“No doubt the highlight of the evening was Brian Billick, said Jennifer Gambino, director of development for Carroll Hospice. “He was amazing. He alone generated $20,000.”
More than 25 restaurants and wineries donated tastings for the event, which had a ticket price of $60 per person. Steve and Denise Whitecotton chaired this year’s Taste of Carroll and BB&T was the presenting sponsor.
No Ark Needed
Artists and patrons once dubbed Carroll County Arts Council’s annual Art in the Park “Ark in the Park.” After all, this annual festival of fine arts and crafts has been rained on for more years than people want to count.
But on June 2, from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m., the sun god shone on the grassy grounds and pavement around Westminster City Hall. The 10th Annual Art in the Park bloomed. Hundreds of people enjoyed the event, which featured strolling musicians, a story telling tent, art demonstrations, unique food and a variety of family activities.
“This year’s event went beyond our wildest expectations,” said Susan Williamson, the Arts Council’s visual arts coordinator. “We doubled the number of artists – 83 displayed their work this year. And thanks to Gypsy’s Tea Room, the food was unique. Everyone is chomping to come back next year.” -L.M.B.
Children’s “ChariTea” Raises Money for Juvenile Health Care
Forty girls, ages five to twelve, donned bonnets and billowy dresses for a Children’s Tea at Gypsy’s Tearoom in Westminster on May 19.
They ate ladybug cupcakes and sandwiches shaped like butterflies, enjoyed honey bee ambrosia (fruit and coconut), children’s herbal tea and lemonade and watched, giggled and participated in skits performed by members of the The Carroll Players.
The afternoon event pulled in $200 for the Carroll County Children’s Fund, a nonprofit agency that assists with medical, dental, and pharmacy expenses of children in Carroll County who are uninsured or underinsured.
For five years Gypsy’s Tearoom has supported mini fundraisers like this Children’s ChariTea. Other beneficiaries include the new pediatric ward at Carroll Hospital Center and the local library’s reading program.
“It’s fun to see the girls all dressed up and having a good time, but it feels even better knowing that the event raised money for a worthy cause,” said Lora Andrews, tea room manager. “It’s a team effort to pull this off. Marsha Bogash and the other Carroll Players donate their time to create and perform the skits. It’s definitely a team effort for a worthy cause.” -L.M.B.
