Whip Cheesy is his name. Workin’ the crowd is his game. I was initially grateful to hide behind my lens . . . not wanting to be called up on stage to play “Meal or No Meal,” or NACE Feud, but after the first game, I was ready to make a run for the stage to play. Seriously. Dave Ricklin of The Original Game Show Live hosted NACE’s meeting at in the Raven’s locker room and Club House last night and I laughed the whole night!

And the party begins . . .  Wedding Designer, Victoria Clausen of Romance of Flowers, and Raven’s makeup artist, Jamie Leboe are jerseyed up and ready to go!

Designer Stephanie Bradshaw of Bradshaw Interiors played Vanna for Whip Cheesy in her usual exquisite style . . .  {Here’s my “fight the February blah’s” tip . . . subscribe to Stephanie’s “The Girl About Town” newsletter on her website. . . it’s like a box a Godiva arriving in the inbox each month . . . Steph sent out retro paper dolls for her Christmas card this year . . . custom designed by Baltimore’s edgiest graphic designer, Carla David! }

Cate Buscher of Plan it Perfect Events won big last night . . . charades was her game.

NACE sponsors for the evening . . .

Kathy Freundel, photography

Tonya Davis, Blue Sky Video
Midory Takeda-Ragonese, BBJ Linens
Bill Reeder, Affairs  to Remember – Elegant Balloons
John Paul Berry, Absolute Entertainment
Carly Mistovich, Aramark M & T bank Stadium

Linsey Poletti, Aramark  M & T Bank Stadium

Dave Ricklin, Game Show Live

I spent much of the night thinking . . . wow, this would be such a fun rehearsal dinner activity or bachelor/ bachelorette party activity. Dave Ricklin is such a personality on stage . . . but the best part of Dave is that he’s safe. Everyone was a winner, even when he wasn’t really a winner. Know what I mean? And THAT’S the gift of encouragement and the big heart that Dave wears on his bright yellow jacket:)

I caught up with event planner Anne Berman and Chef’s Expression’s Jerry Edwards in the Raven’s Locker Room. Jerry is excited about hosting wine tours through California this winter. He takes his clients on a vineyard tour . . . how’s that for a good way to escape the Baltimore winter for a shot in the arm?  Jerry is also still hosting his exquisite meals and wine tastings  at Gramercy Mansion . . . your turn to plan date night? check out Jerry’s website for details.

One of many things I love about NACE is her big heart. Last night’s NACE chapter meeting was a benefit for  Art with a Heart, Inc. which  brings the joy and benefit of visual art to those who need it most by providing interactive,hands-on art activities to disadvantaged families and children, and to people with developmental and physical challenges.

Visit the gallery of images here!