OBI Mardi Gras

On Saturday, April 29th, from 6:30–11 p.m., Opportunity Builders, Inc. hosted it’s 24th Annual Mardi Gras fundraising gala. OBI transformed its facility and brought all the flavors of New Orleans to Maryland. Guests enjoyed an evening of live music, dancing, delicious New Orleansstyle food and drinks, games of chance, a silent auction, strolling entertainers, and so much more. For information about OBI’s programs and services, visit obiworks.org.

Best Of Party 2023!

On a gorgeous Tuesday evening, June 13th, What’s Up? Media hosted the Best Of Party 2023 at the Doordan Institute on the campus of Luminis Health’s Anne Arundel Medical Center in Annapolis. Presented by ProMD Health, the sold-out event drew 600 guests for a Caribbean-themed celebration of the many winners from this year’s Best of Annapolis, Central Maryland, and Eastern Shore reader contests. The party featured tastings from winning restaurants, cash bar, dancing, photo booths, beauty and wellness services, and live entertainment. Proceeds from the event benefited GiGi’s Playhouse of Annapolis and Talbot Hospice. For more information about the party and 2023 winners, visit whatsupmag.com.

BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS HONOR 2023 YOUTH OF THE YEAR

After three years of virtual events, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Annapolis & Anne Arundel County honored four outstanding Club members at its 2023 Youth of the Year Award Dinner on April 20. The top honor went to Mason Williams, 17, a Junior at Mount St. Joseph’s High School who has been involved with the organization since he was six years old.

Youth of the Year is Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s premier recognition program, celebrating the nation’s most inspiring teens for their outstanding leadership, service, academic excellence, and dedication to living a healthy lifestyle. Pictured left to right: BGCAA Board President Joe Mayer, Moriah Harris, Kalese Slade, Mason Williams, Nya Ware, Anne Arundel County Exec Steuart Pittman. Photo by Crystal Brown Johnson.