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!
Editor’s notes:
- There are a few To Be Determined events listed within the months they typically have been held in past years.
- For all events listed, always call ahead to confirm date and information, as changes have been known to occur.
- Don’t see your organization’s event listed? Email us at editor@whatsupmag.com to be added to the online listings and next year’s print version.
May
Wed, May 1
*This Event Has Ended * 35th Annual Youth of the Year Awards Dinner for the Boys & Girls Club of America at The Westin in Annapolis. Bgcaa.org; The Youth of the Year Awards Dinner is BGCAA’s biggest fundraiser of the year and the premier recognition program for Club teens. Honor Anne Arundel County’s amazing teens!
Thur, May 2
*This Event Has Ended * 26th Annual Treasure the Chesapeake for the Chesapeake Bay Trust at the Baltimore Museum of Industry. Cbtrust.org; Show off your love for the Bay, amplify your commitment to restoration, and catch up with old friends and new connections.
Fri, May 3
Haven Ministries Art Auction for Haven Ministries at Cascia Vineyards in Kent Island. Haven-ministries.org; The evening features lite fare, libations, live and silent auctions, including unique art, jewelry, and items by local artists.
Sat, May 4
Bourbon & Blossoms at Maryland Therapeutic Riding’s Crownsville campus. Horsesthatheal.org/events; Kentucky Derby themed event that supports MTR’s therapeutic equestrian programs for those with special needs.
2024 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 150th running of the Kentucky Derby celebrated at the organization’s annual Derby Day Fundraiser.
Mother’s Day Tea and Spring Walk for Adkins Arboretum at their campus in Ridgely. Adkins.donorshops.com; Celebrate spring and the wonderful women in your life with a guided walk and afternoon tea. Look for spring wildflowers along the forest paths, then return to the covered pavilion for a cuppa, scones, and other treats made by a local baker.
Academy Art Museum Spring Gala: An Evening in Tuscany for Academy Art Museum at their Campus in Easton. Academyartmuseum.org; An evening of art, live music, and Tuscan festivities in support of the museum’s mission of accessible, high-quality art and art education for everyone.
Mon, May 6
Tee It Up for a Child for Anne Arundel County CASA at Crofton Country Club. Aacasa.org
Fri, May 10
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.
Sat, May 11
Hospice of the Chesapeake 45th Anniversary Celebration for Hospice of the Chesapeake at Fluegel Alumni Center (Annapolis). Hospicechesapeake.org; Hospice of the Chesapeake will commemorate its historic tradition of hospice, supportive and grief care with its 45th Anniversary Celebration.
Sultana Education Foundation’s Annual Gala for Sultana Education at Clovelly Farm (Chestertown). Sultanagala.org; The Sultana Education Foundation’s Annual Gala is a party with a mission—raising $100,000-plus each year to underwrite scholarship programs and support specific capital initiatives.
Arundel Rivers on the Half Shell for Arundel Rivers at YMCA Camp Letts (Edgewater). Arundelrivers.org; Arundel Rivers on the Half Shell is the organization’s largest, annual fundraising event. The evening features camp fare, drinks, oysters, and a silent auction—all to benefit our rivers!
Wed, May 15
Chip in for the Arts Golf Tournament for Chesapeake Arts Center at Compass Pointe Golf Course (Pasadena). Chesapeakearts.org; 11th annual Chip in for the Arts Golf Tournament will pay tribute to Lou Zagarino, a longtime CAC Board member and North County business and community leader.
Thur, May 16
Golf Fore Our Girls for Girls on the Run at Renditions Golf Course, Davidsonville. pinwheel.us/registrationinfo/event/GolfForeOurGirls2024; Girls on the Run of the Greater Chesapeake teaches girls in 3rd – 8th grades social, emotional, and physical well-being through a positive youth development curriculum. The program, offered in both fall and spring, includes life skills lessons, a community impact project, and culminates with a celebratory community 5K event that offers girls a tangible sense of accomplishment through goal-setting.
Fri, May 17
GiGi’s Playhouse “I Have a Voice” Gala for GiGi’s Playhouse at The Atreeum@ Soaring Timbers (Annapolis). Gigsplayhouse.org; Honor children and adults with Down syndrome at GiGi’s “I Have a Voice” Gala fundraiser, promoting greater acceptance for all.
Providence’s Designer Bag Bingo Fundraiser for Providence at Elks Lodge (Severna Park). Providenceofmaryland.org; Join Providence for a great night of bingo and your chance to win a variety of designer handbags from Coach, Kate Spade, Michael Kors, and Tory Burch.
Sat, May 18
4th Annual Mental Health Gala & Awards Dinner for National Alliance on Mental Illness Anne Arundel County at Crowne Plaza Hotel in Annapolis. namiaac.org; Recovery from serious mental illness is not only possible, but for many people living with mental illness today, probable. Join us in being a beacon of hope to families living with mental illness by attending the annual Awards Dinner.
Chesapeake Cycling Club Tri-County Classic for Wounded Warriors at Talbot County Community Center (Easton). Ridec3.org; Choose your challenge—a 23-, 38-, 64-, or 102-mile race to support Wounded Warriors.
Mon, May 20
9th Annual Bo’s Effort Golf Tournament for Bo’s Effort at Queenstown Harbor Golf Course. Boseffort.org; Support a great cause and make a difference in the community.
Wed, May 22
Feeding Hope for Anne Arundel County Food Bank at Homestead Gardens (Davidsonville). Aafoodbank.org; For its third year, the Anne Arundel County Food Bank will host Feeding Hope, a casual spring garden party mixed up with a mini-food and drink festival, to raise funds to help neighbors in need fill their tables with fresh, nutritious food.
Fri, May 31
Relay for Life for American Cancer Society at Crofton High School. Acsevents.org; Help fund groundbreaking cancer research and patient care programs.
University of Maryland Chester River Health Foundation of Shore Regional Health Golf Tournament at Chester River Yacht & Country Club (Chestertown). Umcrhf.org; The 30th annual golf tournament to support the health system.
June
Sat, June 1
Clean the Bay Day for Chesapeake Bay Foundation. Cbf.org; This short, three-hour annual event has a massive cumulative impact. Since it began in 1989, this tradition has engaged more than 170,066 volunteers who have removed approximately 7.30 million pounds of debris from more than 8,595 miles of shoreline.
Mon, June 3
Providence’s 31st Annual Moran Golf Classic at Queenstown Harbor. Providenceofmaryland.org; The event features 18 holes of golf on Queenstown’s two pristine courses on the Chester River, catered fare, beverage cart service, contest holes, silent auction, raffle, cocktail reception, and awards ceremony.
Woodmore Charity Golf Tournament for The Benedictine Foundation at The Country Club at Woodmore (Mitchellville). Benschool.org; Hosted by Thad Fletcher to benefit Benedictine.
Casey Cares Golf Tournament for at Baltimore Country Club. Caseycares.org; Proceeds from the tournament will directly benefit thousands of critically ill children in Casey Cares programs.
Designer Bag Bingo for Maryland Therapeutic Riding at their campus in Crownsville. Horsesthatheal.org; The mission of Maryland Therapeutic Riding (MTR) is to improve the quality of life of children, adults, active military, and veterans with special needs by connecting humans and horses in a healing environment.
Thur, June 6
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.
Fri, June 7
Fashion for a Cause for Hospice of the Chesapeake at the Fluegel Alumni Center (Annapolis). Hospicechesapeake.org; Join Hospice of the Chesapeake for an evening of runway fashion, food and cocktails, and revelry for a great cause.
Sat, June 8
Bands in the Sand for Chesapeake Bay Foundation at the Philip Merrill Environmental Center (Annapolis). 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.
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.
Every Step Counts for Bello Machre at Anne Arundel Community College (Arnold). Bellomachre.org; Form a team, set a fundraising goal, and join the fun on the day of. You can also help out as a volunteer.
Mon, June 10
24th Annual Steve Quick Memorial Golf Tournament at The Preserve at Eisenhower Golf Course (Crownsville). Events.golfstatus.com; Benefits a local family with medical support needs.
Tues, June 11
What’s Up? Media’s Best Of Party 2024 at Doordan Institute of Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center (Annapolis). Whatsupmag.ticketspice.com/best-of-party-2024; Sip, sample, and celebrate the best restaurants, shops, and services at this annual party, which benefits local charities.
Wed, June 12
Paca Girlfriends Party at Historic Annapolis’ William Paca Gardens (Annapolis). Pacagirlfriends.annapolis.org; Enjoy a glass of bubbly, indulge in culinary creations prepared by the area’s premier chefs, shop the festive marketplace, and connect with a wide network of influential women.
Fri, June 14
Casey Cares Rockfish Tournament for Casey Cares Foundation at Chesapeake Bay Beach Club (Stevensville). Caseycares.org; A great day and evening of fishing, fundraising.
Heroes of the Chesapeake for Bayside H.O.Y.A.S. at Fountain Park in Chestertown, through June 15th; Two-day celebration kicks off with a block party Friday evening with live music, and continues with live performances by Sombarkin’, Frederick Douglass reenactor Nathan Richardson, educational programming, keynote speakers, and more.
Sat, June 15
Pints 4 Paws for SPCA of Anne Arundel County at Navy Marine Corps Stadium in Annapolis. Annapolishomebrewclub.com; More information forthcoming; check website for details.
Mon, June 17
2024 Blasé Cooke Classic Golf Tournament for Catholic Charities at Baltimore Country Club. Cc-md.org; Each team plays for a different Catholic Charities program and the winning team has the opportunity to present a $2,500 check to that program.
Sat, June 22
Solstice Stomp 5K for Kinera Foundation at Cascia Vineyards (Stevensville). Kinera.org; Kent Island Running Group’s (KIRG) 8th Annual Solstice Stomp 5K.
Bike MS: Chesapeake Challenge for National MS Society in Easton. Nationalmssociety.org; Cycle along the scenic, flat terrain of Maryland’s Eastern shoreline with a community of riders dedicated to changing the world for people with MS.
Sun, June 23
Taste For Life for the American Cancer Society at The Center Club (Baltimore). Tasteforlife.org; Enjoy delicious cuisine and taste fine wine, live entertainment, silent auction, and more.
Sat, June 29
Shore Rivers Solstice Celebration for Shore Rivers at Wilmer Park (Chestertown). Shorerivers.org; Big-tent party on the banks of the Chester River to support Shore Rivers programs, advocacy, and restoration of the local rivers.
July
Sat, July 6
Big Band Night for Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum at their campus in St. Michaels. Cbmm.org; In celebration of Independence Day, bring lawn chairs and picnic blankets for an evening of music, dancing, and fireworks along the Miles River.
Fri, July 12
Plein Air Easton for Avalon Foundation in Downtown Easton, through July 21st. Pleinaireaston.com; Plein Air Easton is the largest and most prestigious juried plein air painting competition in the United States.
Sat, July 13
Speak Your Truth Annual Event for Speak Your Truth at ArtFarm Studio in Annapolis. Speakyourtruthcrew.org; Poets, visual artists, dancers, clothing designers, and more share their experiences with mental illness.
Sat, July 20
Bay Paddle for Oyster Recovery Partnership, Chesapeake Conservancy, Waterkeepers Chesapeake, and Kent Island Outrigger Canoe Club in Kent Island. Baypaddle.org; SUP, kayak, and paddle watercraft event to raise awareness of Chesapeake Bay cleanup efforts.
Sat, July 27
Benedictine’s Chrome City Fundraiser for The Benedictine Foundation at their campus in Ridgley. Benschool.org; Support Benedictine and its critical services and visit the campus all while enjoying a vast collection of cars and motorcycles.
August
Fri, August 2
79th 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, benefitting many nonprofit organizations. This is an all-you-can eat feast, along with other food options, beer, water, and soda.
Sat, August 3
Casey Cares 5K Run/Walk for Casey Cares at Maryland Zoo in Baltimore. Caseycares.org; Participants will receive a tech shirt, race bib, and finisher medal. Awards for the largest team, most spirited team, and top fundraising team.
Sat, August 17
CRAB Cup for Chesapeake Region Accessible Boating. Crabsailing.org; The CRAB Cup is the largest fundraiser of the year for Chesapeake Region Accessible Boating. Sailboats participate in a family-friendly, competitive pursuit race to determine who will be the champion of the day. If you are not a sailor but enjoy a day of friendly competition, you can still join in the fun with other activities!
Sun, August 25
Annapolis 10-Mile Run for Annapolis Striders at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium in Annapolis. Annapolisstriders.org; The Annapolis Ten Mile Run is a 10-mile foot race organized by the Annapolis Striders, Inc., an all volunteer, non-profit 501 (c)(3) organization that promotes physical fitness and mental well-being through distance running.
Thur, August 31
Charity Boat Auction for Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum at their campus in St. Michaels. Cbmm.org; Bid on donated vessels of all shapes and sizes in support CBMM. Dozens of boats and watercraft, ranging in size and performance, will be auctioned off to the highest bidders with no minimums or reserves.
September
To Be Determined
Boatyard Beach Bash for Annapolis Maritime Museum at their campus in Eastport. Boatyardbarandgrill.com
Haven Ministries Annual Golf Tournament for Haven Ministries. Haven-ministries.org
Fri, September 6
Arts Alive 2024 for Maryland Hall at their location in Annapolis. Marylandhall.org; Supports Maryland Hall’s mission to provide art for all, to inspire creativity, to uplift and celebrate diverse voices, and to tell important stories through a wide range of high-quality and engaging arts programming in our community.
Sat, September 7
Boating Party Fundraising Gala for Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum at their campus in St. Michaels. Cbmm.org; More information to come.
Wed, September 11
Bello Machre Golf Tournament for Bello Machre at Queenstown Harbor Golf Course. Bellomachre.org; Bello Machre’s annual golf tournament is a great way to support people with developmental disabilities while enjoying a wonderful day of golf.
Sun, September 15
Annapolis Run for The Light House for The Light House A Homeless Prevention Support Center at Quiet Waters Park in Annapolis. Annapolisrunforthelighthouse.org; Scenic half-marathon and 5K routes along the trails of Quiet Waters Park and through the beautiful Chesapeake Bay-front community of Hillsmere Shores.
Bay Bridge Paddle for Foundation for Community Betterment at Sandy Point State Park in Annapolis. Abceventsinc.com; This race will bring together all levels of paddlers to share in a day of camaraderie and fellowship.
Ride for Clean Rivers for Shore Rivers at Chesapeake College in Wye Mills. Shorerivers.org; Ride the beautiful back roads of Talbot and Queen Anne’s counties in support of ShoreRivers’ work for clean waterways.
Mon, September 23
GiGi’s Playhouse Golf Tournament for GiGi’s Playhouse at Queenstown Harbor Golf Course. Gigisplayhouse.org; GiGi’s Playhouse is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with a mission to change the way the world views Down syndrome.
Thur, September 26
Bourbons. Blazers. Cigars at Historic Annapolis’ William Paca Gardens (Annapolis). Bbc.annapolis.org; Network, enjoy bourbon, whiskey, and other fine liquor tastings, premium cigars, and delightful food from the area’s top chefs. Supports Historic Annapolis.
Hospice of the Chesapeake Annual Golf Tournament for Hospice of the Chesapeake at Queenstown Harbor Golf Course. Hospicechesapeake.org; The golf tournament is held annually in the Fall at Queenstown Harbor Golf Course.
Fri, September 27
St. Michaels Concors d’ Elegance for the Student Chapter of Antique Automobile Club of America at Kent Island Yacht Club, through September 29th. Smcde.org
Chesapeake Film Festival benefits the Chesapeake Film Festival at various locations in Easton, through September 29th. 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.
Dorchester Chamber Challenge Golf Tournament at Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay Resort and Spa in Cambridge. Dorchesterchamber.org; Network with business owners and leaders from across the region while enjoying 18 holes of golf.
Mon, September 30
Birdies for Benedictine for The Benedictine Foundation at 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.
31st Annual BGCAA Bob Ferry Golf Classic for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Annapolis & Anne Arundel County at The Golf Club at South River in Edgewater. Bgcaa.org; Enjoy a day on the links, including a putting contest, closest to the pin contest, food and drinks, and much more.
October
To Be Determined
Tilghman Day Celebration for the Tilghman Island Volunteer Fire Department. Find more information on Facebook; Local watermen and other members of the community plan a number of exhibits and demonstrations designed to highlight the Chesapeake Bay waterman’s way of life.
Sat, October 5
Hoedown on the Farm at Maryland Therapeutic Riding’s Crownsville campus. Horsesthatheal.org/events; Country themed event that supports MTR’s therapeutic equestrian programs for those with special needs.
Blue Crab Fun Run for Hospice of the Chesapeake at The Regency Stadium in Waldorf. Hospicechesapeake.org; After the run/walk, experience a community event with local vendors and family-filled activities. This event will raise funds to support Hospice of the Chesapeake programs.
Sun, October 6
2024 Lifeline 100: Scenic Rivers’ Ride for Land & Water for Scenic Rivers Land Trust at Kinder Farm Park in Millersville. Srlt.org; 100-, 65-, 30-, and 15-mile routes, as well as a family fun ride.
Thur, October 10
Oysterfest for Chesapeake Maritime Museum at their campus in St. Michaels. Cbmm.org; Sip, slurp, and savor at the fall festival, featuring live music, retriever demonstrations, oysters, and more.
Sat, October 12
10th Annual Harvest Bash for Providence of Maryland at their greenhouse in Arnold. Providenceofmaryland.org; More information forthcoming.
Sat, October 19
Rock ‘N’ Roll Bash for Casey Cares Foundation at Rams Head Live! In Baltimore. Caseycare.org; The entertainment lineup will feature High Voltage, the nation’s premier AC/DC tribute band.
Fri, October 25
Bountiful Harvest: Boots & Bling for Friends of the Light House at The Atreeum at Soaring Timbers in Annapolis. Friendslhs.ejoinme.org
November
To Be Determined
Beef, Bonfires, & Cigars for Haven Ministries. Haven-ministries.org
Fri, November 1
Sultana’s Downrigging Festival for Sultana Education Foundation in Chestertown, through November 3rd. Downrigging.org; One of the largest annual tall ship gatherings in North America. The festival features ship tours, live bluegrass music, lectures, exhibits, family activities, regional food, and more. Proceeds benefit the Foundation’s environmental literacy programs and the other nonprofits participating in the festival.
Fri, November 8
Waterfowl Festival for William A. Perry Scholarship Fund and Samuel H. Shriver, Jr. Sporting Heritage Fund throughout Easton, through November 10th. Waterfowlfestival.org; For three days every November, between 18,000 and 20,000 visitors discover the best of local wildlife art, crafts, heritage, food, and fun at the Waterfowl Festival.
Sat, November 9
Fish For a Cure is back on November 9th based at Safe Harbor Annapolis (new venue). This annual fishing tournament and fundraising challenge has been making waves in cancer care in our community for years. The tournament will be followed by a Shore Party and all funds will benefit the Cancer Survivorship Program at Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center’s Geaton and JoAnn DeCesaris Cancer Institute. Find more information and register today at fishforacure.org.
