Compiled by Megan Kotelchuck
Save the date! Perhaps, save many…there’s no shortage of toast-worthy celebrations taking place throughout the greater Chesapeake Bay region this month and throughout summer into fall. We’ve compiled a generous list of charity events benefiting various nonprofit organizations; from derby day parties and beach concerts to black-tie galas and everything between. Have a great soiree season, all for many great causes!
Saturday, May 3rd
2025 Derby Day for Talisman Therapeutic Riding at their campus in Grasonville. Talismantherapeuticriding.org; Coming down the home stretch is the event you’ve been waiting for—the 151st running of the Kentucky Derby celebrated at the organization’s annual Derby Day Fundraiser.
Spring Gala: Reflections & Connections for Academy Art Museum at the museum in Easton. Academyartmuseum.org; This year’s theme, Connections & Reflections, is inspired by the breathtaking work of renowned hyper-photorealistic painter Richard Estes.
Festival At The Farm for Wellness House of Annapolis at Chesapeake Dressage Institute in Annapolis. Annapoliswellnesshouse.org; The Festival at the Farm is a special fundraiser supporting the Wellness House of Annapolis, where we help cancer patients and their families navigate the emotional, physical and mental challenges of their journey.
Monday, May 5th
24th Annual Tee Up For A Child for CASA Anne Arundel County at Crofton Country Club in Crofton. Aacasa.org; Get on the greens at Crofton Country Club to help raise money for CASA, who believes every child who’s been abused or neglected deserves to have a dedicated advocate speaking up for their best interest in court, at school, and in our community.
Thursday, May 8th
4th Annual Charity Event for Adaptive Rowing Annapolis at the Adaptive Boating Center in Annapolis. Adaptiverowingannapolis.org; Please join us for an evening of drinks and light fare in support of our rowing program for adults with physical and cognitive disabilities. Our program provides year-round recreational and competitive training both on and off the water for adults with special needs. We take our passion for rowing and turn it into opportunities for others. No limits. No boundaries.
Friday, May 9th
Boots & Bling: A Culinary Experience for Hospice of the Chesapeake at Rod ‘N’ Reel in Chesapeake Beach. Hospicechesapeake.org; Get ready for an unforgettable night of fun and style at Boots and Bling!
Haven Ministries Golf Tournament for Haven Ministries at Prospect Bay Country Club in Grasonville. Haven-ministries.org; Enjoy a great day of golf at Prospect Bay Country Club while supporting Haven Ministries to provide HOPE through Shelter, Clothing, Food, and Support.
Julianne Rosela Memorial Golf Tournament for The Julianne Rosela Foundation. Juliannerosela.org; Enjoy a great day of golf while supporting the Julianne Rosela Foundation; founded to assist in addressing the needs of local families that experience tragic loss as well as to provide scholarships for Kent Island HS and Queen Anne’s County HS graduating seniors.
Saturday, May 10th
Bourbon & Blossoms Spring Soiree for Maryland Therapeutic Riding at their campus in Crownsville. Horsesthatheal.org; Spend an evening at Maryland Therapeutic Riding enjoying a seated dinner, open bar, bourbon tasting, silent & live auctions and dancing the night away with the entertaining Mood Swings Band!
Tri-County Ice Cream Classic for Wounded Warriors and the Harriet Tubman Museum at Talbot County Community Center in Easton. Ridec3.org; Choose your challenge—a 23-, 38-, 64-, or 102-mile race to support Wounded Warriors.
Central Region Chapter Annual ‘Celebration of Conservation’ for Coastal Conservation Association at Linganore Wine Cellar in Mt Airy. Ccamd.org; This fundraising dinner directly supports CCA Maryland’s focus on ensuring the health of our marine resources and anglers access to them, and our objective to conserve, promote and enhance our marine resources for the benefit of the general public.
Sultana Education Foundation’s Annual Gala for Sultana Education at Clovelly Farm in Chestertown. Sultanagala.org; The Sultana Education Foundation’s Annual Gala is a party with a mission – raising $100,000+ each year to underwrite scholarship programs and support specific capital initiatives.
Mutts & Mimosas For SPCA of Anne Arundel County at their campus in Annapolis. Eventbrite.com; Join the SPCA of Anne Arundel County and Puppylicious Gourmet for the first-ever Mutts & Mimosas — a special Mother’s Day brunch event designed for dog moms and their four-legged babies!
Monday, May 12th
The Arc Golf Tournament for The Arc Central Chesapeake Region at Queenstown Harbor Golf in Queenstown. Thearcccr.org; Tee It Up for The Arc is a day of great food, golf, and of course – a great cause. This event has sold out annually since 2019 – so grab your spot today!
Thursday, May 15th
Friends for Friends for Friends of the Light House at USNA Fluegel Alumni Center in Annapolis. Friendslhs.org; Join your Friends for a fabulous Night Out to support The Light House, a homeless prevention support center.
Golf Fore Our Girls for Girls on the Run at Renditions Golf Course in Davidsonville. Gotrchesapeake.org; Join us for a great day of “Golf Fore Our Girls” while benefitting Girls on the Run of the Greater Chesapeake girls, ensuring access to our positive, youth development program across our region.
Saturday, May 17th
NAMI Mental Health Gala & Awards Dinner for National Alliance on Mental Illness Anne Arundel County at Crowne Plaza Hotel in Annapolis. Join in being a beacon of hope to families living with mental illness by attending the Gala & Awards Dinner.
Monday, May 19th
10th Annual Bo’s Effort Golf Tournament for Bo’s Effort at Queenstown Harbor Golf Course in Queenstown. Boseffort.org; Bo’s Effort seeks to assemble community resources to break the stigma of mental illness through education and guidance.
Thursday, May 29th
Bash for Our Besties for the YWCA at the Charles Carroll House (Annapolis). Annapolisywca.org; Celebrate friendship while supporting the work and mission of the YWCA. Music, photo bus, fire pits, and delicious food.
Friday, May 30th
Relay for Life Anne Arundel County for American Cancer Society at Crofton High School; secure.acsevents.org; Relay For Life is a community based non-competitive walking event that brings together more than 3.5 million people worldwide to celebrate the lives of those who have battled cancer, remember those we have lost, and empower individuals and communities to fight back against this terrible disease.
Golf for Life for Nico’s Hope for Life Foundation at Queenstown Harbor; nicoshopeforlifefoundation.org; Come out for Noco’s 4th annual Golf 4 Hope Tournament. Get involved, practice your putt, and we will see you at the links!
Saturday, May 31st
Pints 4 Paws for SPCA of Anne Arundel County at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium in Annapolis; eventbrite.com; It’s time once again for The Annapolis Home Brew Club’s Annual Pints 4 Paws Homebrewing and Craft Beer Festival to benefit the SPCA of Anne Arundel County! This year lets celebrate our 9th year of throwing this awesome event!
Brunch 4 Brains for the Epilepsy Foundation at Doubletree Conference Center in Annapolis; givebutter.com/brunch4brains; Join the Epilepsy Foundation for the 1st Annual Brunch-4-Brains and help us to unite people and families in support of all those affected by epilepsy. Together, we will amplify their voices and raise critical funds necessary for research, education, advocacy and connection.
Monday, June 2nd
Casey Cares Golf Tournament for Casey Cares at Hayfields Country Club in Cockeysville. Caseycares.org; Proceeds from the tournament will directly benefit thousands of critically ill children in Casey Cares programs! Don’t miss this opportunity to make a meaningful difference while golfing for a great cause!
June 3rd and 4th
GreenGive for Arundel Rivers Federation, Crownsville Conservancy, Friends of Jug Bay, Scenic Rivers Land Trust, Severn River Association, Spa Creek Conservancy, St. Luke’s Restoration of Nature, Unity Gardens, and Watershed Stewards Academy, virtual event. Greengive.org; GreenGive is an online, collaborative initiative to raise funds for and increase awareness of local environmental organizations. We have 9 partner organizations involved and this year’s GreenGive.
Wednesday, June 4th
What’s Up? Media’s Best Of Party celebrates the best of the area’s restaurants, shops, services, entertainment, and businesses all rolled up into one fantastic fundraising event at the Doordan Institute at Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center in Annapolis. Get your tickets at whatsupmag.com.
Thursday, June 5th
Fashion for a Cause for Hospice of the Chesapeake at the Fluegel Alumni Center in Annapolis. hospicechesapeake.org; Watch as models from our community strut the runway in chic daywear, black-tie elegance, and resort-ready looks from beloved local clothiers on Main Street and Town Center.
Rock the Dock for Anne Arundel County Literacy Council at Annapolis Maritime Museum in Annapolis. Eventbrite.com; This year’s Rock the Dock will benefit, the Anne Arundel County Literacy Council, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping adults and out-of-school youth achieve functional levels of reading, writing, math and speaking English.
Friday, June 6th
Annual Casey Cares Rockfish Tournament for Casey Cares Foundation at Chesapeake Bay Beach Club in Stevensville. Caseycares.org; It will be a great day and evening of fishing, fundraising, and celebrating at the Bay Bridge Marina and The Inn at Chesapeake Bay Beach Club!
Saturday, June 7th
Chesapeake Bay Motoring Festival for Queen Anne’s County Mental Health Committee at Kent Island Yacht Club in Easton. Chesapeakebaymotoringfestival.org; Support the Queen Anne’s County Mental Health Committee, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization established to support those members of our community who need assistance coping with mental illness.
Sunday, June 8th
Walk for the Animals for the SPCA of Anne Arundel County at Quiet Waters Park in Annapolis. Aacspcawalkfortheanimals.com; This family and pet friendly event has so much to offer; vendors, adoptable animals and more! Together, we can make a pawsitive difference!
Monday, June 9th
Woodmore Charity Golf Tournament for Benedictine School at The Country Club at Woodmore in Mitchellville. Benschool.org; Your generous contribution can create lasting change. Join our mission and support the cause by making a donation.
Wednesday, June 11th
17th Annual Paca Girlfriends Party for Historic Annapolis at William Paca Garden in Annapolis. Pacagirlfriends.annapolis.org; Join Historic Annapolis for the social event of the season! Wander the picturesque William Paca Garden as you enjoy a glass of bubbly and indulge in culinary creations prepared by the area’s premier chefs.
12th Annual Chip in for the Arts Golf Tournament for Chesapeake Arts at Compass Pointe Golf Course in Pasadena. Chesapeakearts.org; Join us in supporting CAC’s arts and education programs as a sponsor, player, foursome, donor, or volunteer for our 12th Annual Chip in for the Arts Golf Tournament
Saturday, June 14th
Bands in the Sand for Chesapeake Bay Foundation at Philip Merrill Environmental Center in Annapolis. Events.cbf.org; Bands in the Sand is the party of the year, and you won’t want to miss it! Each summer 1,600 guests gather on the beach, dance the night away to live music, and raise a drink to a saved Bay.
Every Step Counts for Bello Machre. Bellomachre.org; Every Step Counts is an annual Walk & Bike Ride to benefit our mission of providing a lifetime of loving care, guidance, and opportunities for people with developmental disabilities.
Tour de Talbot for Talbot Thrive at Easton Fire Hall; tourdetalbot.org; Ride the scenic roads of Talbot County Maryland! You’ll have a choice of three distances, 31.5, 40 or 61.5 miles which wind through the flat farmland and take you to water views, wooden bridges and friendly faces throughout the Eastern Shore.
Saturday, June 21st
Chris Gives Foundation Event for Chris Gives Foundation at Severna Park Taphouse. Chris Gives Foundation is hosting Genghis Khan and 8-Ball Deluxe for their fundraising event. The night will have a silent auction, raffle baskets, door prizes and more!
June 21st and 22nd
Bike MS Chesapeake Challenge for National MS Society at Talbot County Community Center in Easton. Events.nationalmssociety.org; You’ll ride some of the flattest roads Bike MS has to offer, while cruising through scenic byways.
Sunday, June 22nd
Taste for Life for American Cancer Society at The Center Club in Baltimore. Tasteforlifemd.acsgala.org; Indulge in a culinary adventure featuring gourmet delights crafted by the Center Club’s renowned chefs, complemented by exceptional wine tastings from prestigious vineyards.
Saturday, June 28th
Solstice Celebration for Shore Rivers at Wilmer Park in Chestertown. Shorerivers.org; Enjoy live music by the Judd Nielsen Band, signature cocktails, delicious food from Occasions Catering, good company, and an exceptional live auction to benefit healthier local waterways.
Golden Anniversary Gala for Arundel Lodge Behavioral Health at Westin Annapolis. Arundellodge.org; Celebrating 50 Incredible Years of Arundel Lodge Behavioral Health
Saturday, July 26th
Bay Paddle for Oyster Recovery Partnership in the Chesapeake Bay. Baypaddle.org; An epic day of paddle races and a post paddle festival to celebrate and help protect the Chesapeake Bay.
Friday, August 1st
80th Annual Rotary Club of Annapolis Crab Feast for Annapolis Rotary Club at Navy Marine Corps Memorial Stadium. Annapolisrotary.org; This well-known Annapolis event is a major fundraiser for the community, benefiting many nonprofit organizations. This is an all-you-can eat feast, along with other food options, beer, water, and soda.
Saturday, August 2nd
Casey Cares Foundation 5K Run/Walk for Casey Cares Foundation at the Maryland Zoo in Baltimore. Caseycares.org; Lace up your sneakers and join Casey Cares for our 16th Annual 5K Run/1-Mile Walk on August 2nd at the Maryland Zoo in Baltimore!
Sunday, September 14th
Annapolis Run for The Light House for Friends of The Light House at Quiet Waters Park in Annapolis. Annapolisrunforthelighthouse.org; The 16th annual Annapolis Run for The Light House provides scenic half marathon, 5k, and walk routes along the trails of Quiet Waters Park and through the beautiful Chesapeake Bay-front community of Hillsmere Shores.
September 20th and 21st
Annapolis Baygrass Music Festival for multiple Maryland based non-profits at Sandy Point State Park in Annapolis. Baygrassfestival.com; Part of all proceeds from ticket, food, beverage, and merchandise sales will go to Maryland-based non-profit organizations including Watershed Stewards Academy, Oyster Recovery Partnership, and Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay.
Sunday, September 21st
Ride for Clean Rivers for Shore Rivers at Chesapeake College in Wye Mills. Shorerivers.org; Save the date for our 21st Ride for Clean Rivers and your chance to ride the beautiful back roads of Talbot and Queen Anne’s counties in support of ShoreRivers’ work for clean waterways.
Thursday, September 25th
Blazers. Bourbon. Cigars. For Historic Annapolis at William Paca Garden in Annapolis. Bbc.annapolis.org; Connect with a wide network of influential leaders - the region’s top entrepreneurs, business professionals, and visionaries representing our diverse community - in the picturesque William Paca Garden.
September 26th through 28th
St. Michaels Concors d’ Elegance for the Student Chapter of Antique Automobile Club of America at Kent Island Yacht Club. Smcde.org
Saturday, September 27th
Rock the Reef for Chesapeake Bay Environmental Center. Bayrestoration.org
Light House Pumpkin Patch for Friends of The Light House at St. Martin’s Church in Annapolis. Friendslhs.org; An Annapolis tradition every fall, organizations from all over Annapolis come together to sell fresh Eastern Shore pumpkins and raise funds for The Light House, a homeless prevention and support center. Open Thursdays & Fridays: 2–6 p.m. and Saturdays & Sundays, 10 a.m.–6 p.m.
Saturday, October 4th
Hoedown on the Farm for Maryland Therapeutic Riding at their campus in Crownsville. Horsesthatheal.org; Don your cowboy boots and join us for a boot-scootin’ good time! Our family-friendly Hoedown on the Farm is back and we’re celebrating 28 years of the healing power of horses!
Little Bobbers Fishing Derby for Chesapeake Bay Environmental Center. Bayrestoration.org
Sunday, October 5th
Lifeline 100 Bicycle Event for Anne Arundel County nonprofit organizations at Kinder Farm Park in Millersville. Lifeline100.com; The award-winning Anne Arundel County Lifeline 100 Bicycle Event is pleased to be an inclusive event offering scenic 65- and 100-mile county tours with water views and historic sites, 15- and 30-mile flat, paved trail rides; and a free bike rodeo and family fun ride for children!
GiGi’s Pickleball Tournament for GiGi’s Playhouse at The PutAway Severna Park in Millersville. Gigisplayhouse.org; Save the date for the pickleball tournament for a great cause!
October 10th through 12th
Chesapeake Film Festival benefits the Chesapeake Film Festival at various locations in Easton. Cheapeakefilmfestival.org; It is the mission of the Chesapeake Film Festival to entertain, empower, educate, and inspire diverse audiences of all ages by presenting exceptional independent films and events.
Saturday, October 11th
OBI Mardi Gras Masquerade for Opportunity Builders, Inc. at their campus in Millersville. Obiworks.networkforgood.com; Let the good times roll and support a great cause at OBI’s Mardi Gras Masquerade! This festive event has become widely known over the past 26 years for bringing the spirit, charm, and culture of New Orleans to Anne Arundel County.
Friday, October 24th
Bountiful Harvest for The Friends of The Light House at The Atreeum at Soaring Timbers in Annapolis. Friendslhs.org; Join Friends of The Light House for a memorable evening to support The Light House, a homeless prevention support center. Dress in your favorite costume or cocktail attire and indulge in an open bar, gourmet bites, and a night full of entertainment, including an auction and live band.
Saturday, October 25th
Rock ‘N’ Roll Bash for Casey Cares at The Recher in Towson. Caseycares.org; The entertainment lineup will feature High Voltage, the nation’s premier AC/DC tribute band. They will rock out this year’s Bash with a high-energy performance by capturing the pure essence and excitement of a live AC/DC concert!
Tuesday, October 28th
Birdies for Benedictine for Benedictine School at The Talbot Country Club in Easton. Benschool.org; For over 30 years, our annual Charity Golf Classic tournament has raised more than $1 million to provide resources for the children and adults living with developmental disabilities and autism that Benedictine supports.
Wednesday, October 29th
Celebration of Philanthropy Awards Luncheon at Live! Casino & Hotel in Hanover for the Community Foundation of Anne Arundel County (CFAAC); cfaac.org; Join CFAAC in honoring the incredible individuals, organizations, and businesses that demonstrate outstanding generosity and community leadership in Anne Arundel County.
Thursday, October 30th
Annapolis Chapter Annual Fundraising Banquet for Coastal Conservation Association at Chesapeake Bay Foundation Philip Merrill Center in Annapolis. Ccamd.org; As a recreational fishing-based organization, we know that the public’s connection to the Chesapeake Bay through fishing and boating is what drives the passion to ensure that future generations will also enjoy what is so near and dear to us.
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