Thank you for making a difference!

The season now upon us is a time for gifts and giving and our Dining to Make a Difference fundraiser in November reminded me of the overflowing generosity of our community. I am so very appreciative and grateful to all of you who supported our second special event to improve the lives of others through grassroots community philanthropy. I want to sincerely thank those of you who gave your time, energy, and most importantly your financial support, to benefit The Arc of Howard County and Project SEARCH of Howard County. Collectively, we are reinforcing our commitment to strengthening our community by highlighting the important work being done by our local nonprofits.

Supporting Local Nonprofits That Change Lives

Through Dining to Make a Difference, we proudly raised $16,540.79 to benefit The Arc of Howard County and Project SEARCH of Howard County, two organizations doing vital work to support individuals with disabilities through advocacy, education, and employment opportunities.

Every dollar raised reinforces our shared belief that local impact starts with local action. When neighbors support neighbors, lives are changed.

Small Businesses Stepping Up for Big Impact

At the heart of Dining to Make a Difference were two extraordinary local restaurant partners. Phoenix Upper Main, owned by Mark Hemmis, and La Palapa Grill & Cantina, owned by Simon Cortes, generously donated 20% of their day’s sales to support the cause.

What makes their support even more meaningful is that both Mark and Simon opened their restaurants and staffed their teams on a day they are not typically open, a powerful example of putting community before convenience. That kind of commitment doesn’t happen by accident; it comes from leaders who genuinely care about the people and nonprofits they serve.

Mark and Simon are the kind of small business owners who consistently step up for worthy causes, and their willingness to say “yes” set the tone for the entire fundraiser. Events like this are only possible when local businesses choose collaboration over competition and generosity over ease and we are deeply grateful for the leadership, heart, and hospitality they shared with our community.

Volunteers: The True Backbone of Community Giving

No fundraiser succeeds without volunteers, and this event was powered by an extraordinary group of people who gave their time, talent, and energy.

Once I told Michelle Wildman of SteelFire Kitchen and Bar that I was hosting another fundraiser, she spoke 6 words, “Would you like me to help you?” Umm, YES PLEASE! She donated her time, expertise, and talent to procure and organize our raffle and auction baskets. She also took charge of organizing the volunteers. Not an easy feat when the event is held in two locations.

Special recognition goes to the planning partners and nonprofit teams who were involved from the very beginning, attending meetings, sharing resources, and working side-by-side to ensure the event’s success.

I want to extend a very special thanks to Barbara Moyer, The Arc of Howard County’s Director of Marketing, Communication, and Events. Barbara was involved from the beginning and attended every planning meeting whether it was online or in person. She used her resources whenever possible to help elevate our event. The Arc’s staff worked closely with us the entire day of the fundraiser and I’m so very thankful for them.

Jail & Bail: Community Leaders Having Fun for a Cause

One of the most memorable highlights of the fundraiser was our Jail & Bail component. Eleven local community leaders agreed to get “arrested” and raise “bail” donations to earn their freedom, all in the name of philanthropy.

Their enthusiasm, creativity, and commitment played a major role in helping us reach our fundraising goals. And to everyone who donated to bail them out, THANK YOU for supporting this fun and impactful way to give back.

Creative Partners Who Elevated the Experience

From joyful balloon installations welcoming guests, thanks to Yanira, the owner of Perfectly Wrapped, who magically transforms any space to enhance your event.

To live music thanks to Kerian Lally who entertained us throughout the evening with his diverse musical talent. His awesome sound and positive vibe were a wonderful added touch.

A Jason Dawson with Makers Woodshop for constructing our faux jail! It was passed around throughout the day and evening - everyone loved it!

And to BJ Singh with Event EQ, thank you for the banners! You are amazing!

And Breakthru Beverage Group is donating $1 per special Tito's drink sold through the end of the year at LaPalapa and The Phoenix! Thank you, Ryan!

These thoughtful details reminded us that community impact isn’t just about fundraising, it’s about connection, celebration, and shared purpose.

Raffle & Auction Support from Incredible Local Businesses

Our raffle and auction baskets were filled with generous donations from an impressive lineup of small, local businesses, along with a few well-known beverage partners. Their contributions not only helped raise funds but also showcased the depth and diversity of our local business community.

When you support these businesses, you’re supporting the same people who step up again and again to support causes that matter.

Red Bird Bar & Grill

SteelFire Kitchen & Bar

Black Ankle Vineyards

Thames Street Oyster House

Bra-La-La

The Beaumont

Stretchfit Massage

Forget Me Not Factory

Tito’s Vodka

Breakthru Beverage Group

And there are some very special people who stepped up with their own personal contributions to our cause. I am so fortunate to consider them among my friends.

Michelle Wildman, Pete Della-Croce, Shelley Sharkey, Mary Beth Dulin, Sherri Carky

I've always enjoyed giving back and am committed to continuing to find ways to do so. If you'd like to join our philanthropy team and be notified of our next fundraiser and see how you can help, please click the button below.

Join our Philanthropy Team

Gratitude Beyond Words

To those who contributed financially, donated items, volunteered their time, shared the event, or simply showed up to dine with purpose, THANK YOU. Your generosity directly supports individuals and families in our community and helps create opportunities where they are needed most.

Because of you, lives were impacted, awareness was raised, and hope was strengthened.

This is what community looks like.
This is how change happens.
And this is truly Dining to Make a Difference.

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Dining to Make a Difference - Thank you for making a difference!