Family, Friends of Fallen Firefighter Continue to Help

Tickets are still available for the July 1 fundraiser to benefit family of Mark Falkenhan, who died battling a blaze on Jan. 19.

In the six months since volunteer firefighter Mark Falkenhan was killed in the line of duty, people from all over the region have reached out to support his family. There have been multiple tributes, along with several fund-raisers designed to assist Falkenhan’s wife Gladys and their children, Christian and Garrett. Falkenhan’s cousin, Katie Haines, has been extremely appreciative for the love and support. But she also felt she wanted to do something a little more intimate as a way help celebrate a life cut far too short. That is why she, along with several other of Falkenhan’s relatives, organized “Falkenhan’s Friends: A Mark Falkenhan Fund Benefit.” About 50 tickets, which cost $40, remain for the event. It is scheduled for 7 p.m.-12 a.m…

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March For the Animals at Druid Hill Park

The Maryland SPCA holds its annual fundraiser on Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Walking your dog can be more than just a fun afternoon activity. It could save lives.  Sunday is the Maryland SPCA’s 16th annual March For the Animals, at Baltimore's Druid Hill Park. Starting at 9 a.m. tomorrow, you can register for this fundraiser that benefits Baltimore’s homeless animals. Enjoy a full day (from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.) of animal-themed demonstrations, activities, contests and entertainment, while you walk the 1.5 mile loop around Druid Hill Park. Bring your dogs, of course — the SPCA’s fundraising events are friendly to the furriest members of your family. You can even bring more than dogs. Tami Gosheff, the SPCA’s special events coordinator, said, “One group of people bring a gigantic turtle every year. Sometimes people …

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Lutherville Lab Fifth Grader Aids Japan Relief Efforts

Hannah Marshall, 10, helps organize Fun Run fundraiser, benefiting the American Red Cross.

How can a 10-year-old from Lutherville help victims of a violent natural disaster across the globe?  First, she recruits everyone in her school to race in an outdoor “Fun Run” she planned for after school on April 6, charging $5 for admission. Then she hits up local businesses to sponsor the run, raising even more money. Then she reaches out to the press to spread the word about her event, collects even more donations, and bam, she can send the whole bundle to the Red Cross’s Japan Fund. Her goal is $2,500, and she’s already gunning for more. Her will is made of iron, and her determination is fierce. Her name is Hannah Marshall, and she’s in the fifth grade. Her heart was hit by the tsunami. “They have nothing,” emphasized a shocked Hannah…

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Festival of Trees Breaks Attendance Record

Annual winter fundraiser for Kennedy Krieger Institute draws 45,000 to Timonium.

In its first year in 1990, the Festival of Trees raised $400,000 for the Kennedy Krieger Institute. The modest fundraiser showcased a mere 100 decorated trees whose sales went to benefit the adolescent treatment center. This weekend, nearly 45,000 people showed up to examine the more than 600 trees, wreathes and other items on sale. The crowd toppled the annual festival's attendance record by 5,000. "Very successful. It was bigger than it ever has been. … I think everyone was very happy with it," said Jennifer Burke, Kennedy Krieger communications coordinator. Sales figures will be available in coming weeks. The "Winter Wonderland"-themed event has been hosted by the Maryland State Fairgrounds since 1994. Last year, 40,000 people attended …

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