Blog
A Celebration of Service at Barrister's Ball
- By: AABA Staff
- On: 03/26/2018 11:57:52
- In: AABA News
This year's Barrister's Ball was like no other, featuring the Naval Academy Band and Color Guard, veterans' organizations, service dogs and a very special venue, the Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium.
All of these features highlighted the theme of this year's ball, recognizing and celebrating those who have served, especially the servicemembers and veterans in our AABA family.
Nearly 200 AABA members and guests attended the ball on March 24. Members were welcomed by AABA President Steve Wrobel and Barrister's Ball Committee Co-Chairs Suzanne Burnett and Christine Pham on the Flag Bridge of the stadium. After taking in the views of the stadium and the city of Annapolis, guests moved to the “VADM William P. Lawrence ‘N' Room” banquet hall. After all guests had taken their seats, the Naval Academy Color Guard entered the room for a presentation of colors, followed by a performance of the National Anthem by members of the Naval Academy Band.
During dinner, President Steve Wrobel delivered his welcoming remarks and introduced a video presentation that recognized our AABA members who served, as well as AABA family members who served or currently serve. We were able to include photos and facts from more than 50 AABA members and relatives. Our AABA family has connections to all five branches of the U.S. military and has served in every corner of the globe.
Following dinner, our attendees had the opportunity to mingle, dance, visit the Silent Auction, or tour the Navy Lacrosse Hall of Fame, just one floor up from the banquet room. The Silent Auction tables were active and included some very desirable items from our generous donors. Through the Silent Auction proceeds and our Barrister's Ball sponsors, the Anne Arundel County Bar Foundation raised more than $6,000 for our three designated beneficiaries: Warrior Canine Connection, which enlists recovering Warriors in a therapeutic mission of learning to train service dogs for their fellow veterans; Warrior Events, which enriches the lives of those wounded while serving and their family members by hosting monthly events to show appreciation for their sacrifices; and the Veterans Docket at the Anne Arundel County District Court, which delivers innovative solutions for veterans involved in the criminal justice system.
The AABA and the Anne Arundel County Bar Foundation are grateful to everyone who made this Barrister's Ball one of the most well-attended Barrister's Balls in recent years: Barrister's Ball Committee Co-Chairs and committee members Matt Bernhardt, Sarah Brown, Hon. Mark Crooks, Jim Crossan, Steven Hyatt, Kaitlyn Loughner, Mike Marinello, Hon. Danielle Mosley, and Jessica Praley.