Posted on April 15, 2021
Last year the Penn-Mar Gala was held just days before the country went into lockdown due to the COVID pandemic.
Well, the stars are aligning in our favor once again as we prepare to host our 29th Annual Gala & 40th Anniversary Celebration at the Delta Hotels by Marriott Hunt Valley on Saturday June 5th.
This year’s theme, An Evening Among the Stars, will honor the true stars of the past year – Penn-Mar’s incredible Direct Support Professionals (DSPs).
These critical healthcare team members had to juggle family and work obligations during an unprecedented health crisis, going above-and-beyond in 2020 to honor their commitment to support people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
And just as “innovation” is what differentiates the Penn-Mar brand from other human services provider, this year’s event will showcase creative problem-solving at its best.
Our Gala will be held outside as a tented experience, limited to 360 masked and well-spaced guests to support safe social distancing guidelines.
And there will be an equally spectacular stay-at-home virtual option we’re calling “Party in Place” that will allow us to welcome all of the generous guests who want to support Penn-Mar from afar.
Every $350 “Party in Place” ticket will give six guests the opportunity to enjoy much of the excitement the Gala offers from their own home, but with some additional exclusive opportunities for fun and participation.
In-home hosts from all over the country will be sent a party box filled with special treats that I don’t dare reveal because I want you to be totally surprised and delighted when you open the package!
The mailing will also include a collection of wines from Mutt Lynch Winery in Sonoma, CA to enjoy during a professional virtual tasting.
The tasting will be conducted and led by Mutt Lynch Winery owner Brenda Lynch along with award-winning author, broadcast personality, comedian and sommelier Laurie Forster who will provide the color commentary.
Starting at 7:00 pm, guests will be welcomed virtually by FOX45 news anchor, Mary Bubala, who is back again this year to MC the event before officially kicking off the virtual tasting.
Our “Party in Place” hosts will be able to turn their homes into an extension of the Gala itself, with the ability to participate in the Silent Auction and Special Appeal using the OneCause app, and watch the live event at 8:00 pm to hear an exciting announcement exclusive to Gala guests and view three important presentations:
We are so excited to host this year’s unique event and have our at-home Ambassadors work alongside us in party attire (or sweat pants!) to build momentum and support for Penn-Mar.
In spite of all the uncertainty of the past year, we are confident our generous Gala sponsors, guests, and at-home hosts will help us meet – and possibly exceed – our Special Appeal goal for the year, allowing us to continue to provide the exceptional person-centered services and opportunities for the people with disabilities we support.