Celebrating the Gift, our 10th annual Gala, was Saturday, November 15 at Turf Valley. Over 350 friends supported the annual event. The committee worked for months to create more than 40 beautiful raffle baskets. The spirited live auction included Ravens box seats and “on the field” pre-game activities, a Baltimore Country Club Golf game for six, a week stay at an ocean-side condo in Ocean City and the opportunity for a group of 8-10 to enjoy a beautifully prepared and served meal by the Little Sisters. Winners of live auction items showed “Celebrity Chef” spirit by donning white chef hats!
Archbishop Lori was honored for his commitment to the Little Sisters and the Residents. Special thanks to Jennifer Gilbert, Fox45, for emceeing the evening, and Jonathan Melnick, auctioneer, who kept the audience bidding to raise money for the winter fuel fund! Entertainment was provided by Tom Robak, pianist.
A highlight was the “Celebrity Chef” recipe challenge. Selected recipes entered by our Archdiocesan priests were prepared by Turf Valley and served by the priests and their helpers. Guests enjoyed “Pasta all’Amatriciana” by
Fr. Lou Bianco, “Crab Soup” by Fr. Patrick Carrion, “My Mother’s Famous Rolly Polly’s” by Fr. Jerry Francik, and “Chicken Saltimbocca” by Fr. Donald Grzymski OFM Conv. “Tips” tossed in the mason jars determined Fr. Patrick Carrion the winner. The four priests then generously auctioned their services to prepare a meal to the highest bidder. The bidding became quite competitive, and the priests offered two meals to the two highest bidders.
Thanks to your support, the 50/50 raffle raised over $25,000! Money raised from the Gala goes directly to the Winter Fuel fund to keep the Residents warm through the cold months.
A CELEBRATION!