Partner Content
16th Annual Party For A Cure
July 28, 2024
1–5 p.m.
Eastern Yacht Club
The familial feeling at the 16th-annual Party for a Cure (PFAC) was intentional.
Instead of going to a larger disease-oriented organization, founder Karen Barbour created the nonprofit event to raise money directly for Maryland families affected by life-threatening diseases that limit strength and mobility. Each year, the gala fundraises for a different affected family and its specific needs. And many of those families become devoted attendees to the annual shindig—as do many other guests, including the party’s perennial emcee, WJZ TV news anchor Denise Koch.
This year, some 119 folks turned out at the Eastern Yacht Club to enjoy a crab feast, live and silent auction, live music, and a great Middle River view.
Hannah Fallon lays claim to being the original inspiration behind the party. The first PFAC raised money and material donations to renovate Fallon’s family home to accommodate her mobility issues. Fallon says she’s only missed one PFAC since.
“I’m just so grateful and happy to see everyone,” she said. “It’s kind of like a reunion.”
Left to right: Jack Phippen, former theatre director; Karen Barbour, The Barbour Group president/Party for a Cure founder; Denise Koch, WJZ TV anchor/event emcee
Mission BBQ’s Lauren Wood delivers the goods at the party’s crab feast.
Left to right: Kathy Fallon, event supported family member; Hannah Fallon, event supported family member; Dr. Neil Porter, University of Maryland neurologist/neuromuscular specialist; Dominic Pope, Gaines and Company safety director
Left to right: Lisa Mayers, retired Anne Arundel County Fire Department deputy chief; Dave Taylor, Fireline Corporation vice president of business development
Left to right: Event supported family: Cindy Ashton; Amanda Ashton; Russell Ashton
Left to right: Mary Newman Haynes, Maryland State Lottery regional manager; Brooks Newman, Allstate Floors president; Kevin Alicea, Maryland Lottery Commission claims clerk; Adriana Diaz, Allstate Floors labor coordinator
Left to right: Brendan Dowling, retired teacher; Eileen Dowling, Gaines and Company accountant
Left to right: John Vardavas, Vardavas CPA owner; Jim Nomikos, Southern Acoustics Inc. president; Mike Carroll, Baltimore County Public Schools electrical careers teacher
Left to right: Thomas Dinisio, Energy Ares partner; Brittany Dinisio, federal government employee; Audrey Barbour, The Barbour Group manager/event volunteer
Left to right: Claire Menke, event supported family member; Daean Menke, event supported family member; and Laura Leedy, RN
