Our 9th annual Gala was enjoyed by friends, supporters and Residents on Saturday, November 16 at Turf Valley. Over 300 people attended the event with proceeds benefitting the Winter Fuel Fund. Guests were welcomed into the ballrooms with music by harpist MariaLisa Itzoe.
The silent auction items generated friendly competition between bidders! Jonathan Melnick, auctioneer, brought out the generous side of the audience, enticing them with Ravens ‘ tickets, a week vacation at an Ocean Pines home and an autographed “Joe Flacco” football during the live auction. The Little Sisters “whipped up” some entertainment and generously donated a dinner (to be prepared and served by the Little Sisters) for eight guests at St. Martin’s Home by the fireplace in the lovely Jeanne Jugan cottage. The dinner proved to be a much-sought after auction item, and the Little Sisters added a second dinner to be auctioned. Jonathan worked wonders trying to “warm the Home” and encouraged bidders to help offset the high cost of heating St. Martin’s Home.
Our Little Sisters were joined by the community from Washington, DC to sing a hospitality song at the beginning of the evening. Guests enjoyed a slideshow of Residents and St. Martin’s Home which ran throughout the evening while a repertoire of classical music was played by Ju Young Lee, a student at the Peabody Conservatory. Turf Valley offered an array of heavy Hors d’oeuvres along with prime rib carving station, and Meg Foeckler baked over 500 cupcakes for the event. Volunteers and staff sold raffle tickets for the successful 50/50 raffle along with 23rd Psalm bracelets which were handmade by Sister Joseph, Mary Lou Binzer and Margie Bright.
The evening was a great success! Many thanks to all who attended or supported the event! The Residents will be warm this winter thanks to your generosity!
See link for a list of our wonderful sponsors and donors.
Celebrating the Gift