FAQ's

1. Who is Caring Communities, and what do they know about running a New Year’s celebration?
Caring Communities, Inc. is a non-profit charitable organization (501-c3) that helps all persons with disabilities in Maryland and surrounding states. They run training and disability awareness programs and have started the largest online searchable respite care provider registery in the region. They also produce World of Possibilities disAbitilies, Healthy Aging and Independent Living Expo, an annual consumer shopping, learning and networking event that is the largest of its kind in the Mid-Atlantic region. Caring Communities helps thousands of people with disabilities every year, and they are always looking for ideas to raise funds to offset operating expenses. New Year's Eve is the perfect opportunity to celebrate, have a great time, and help us help the community.

Because of the many events produced entirely by Caring Communities staff, as well as the contacts and resources of its partner organizations, Caring Communities is well established as a professional event producer and is fully capable of bringing you the finest, most exciting New Year's party you have ever attended.

2. Will a portion of my ticket price be tax-deductible?
Yes, $25.00 per ticket should considered as tax deductible contribution to Caring Communities, a 501c-3 charitable organization.

3. How should I dress?
This is a charity ball, and in accordance with tradition a ball is a formal event. Consequently, a nice suit and tie or a tuxedo for gentlemen, a jacket as a minimum, and a formal dress, cocktail dress or nice evening wear for the ladies. We want you to be comfortable, but also to look the part and not feel out of place. So you can play around with your outfit a bit while staying comfortable and stylish. (Note to gentlemen: Please, no t’s, jeans, or sneakers!)

4. Why host a party at a museum?
Well, we have been going to New Years’ Galas for over 20 years, and we LOVE New Year’s parties: Dressing up, arriving, the food, the people, the music, the good times. Last year we went to a huge hotel-based New Year’s party in Baltimore advertised as the biggest and best. We spent plenty, and we had a pretty good time. We had friends, drinks, a little dancing. But, it was so huge we lost each other! The band, well, we’ve heard better; the food was second rate, no one we knew was happy with that. And each station in each room had identical food. Every “themed area” except the main ballroom with the live band was identical: a hotel ballroom with a DJ. We knew we could do better, and help a charity out at the same time!

This event will be so different. Every area has different music, some different food and drinks, and they look VERY different from each other. Because the museum is already an attraction, with lots of interesting things to do and look at in every corner, you could wander away from your group for an hour and not be bored stiff. In fact, you’ll say, “Did you see this or that upstairs, oh, you gotta go there!” The evening will go so quickly between food, drinks, music, dancing, Sports Legends, Geppi, New Year’s toasts, silent auction bidding, you may not have time to see it all. That’s fine, you’ll see it next year. Or better yet, come back with friends and family when you'll have a chance to explore them in depth.

5. What is there to eat and drink?
We will have an elegant assortment of fruits and cheeses, delicious crab dip (This is Charm City, isn’t it?), passed appetizers such as bacon wrapped scallops, crab balls and shrimp cocktail, plus beef tenderloin and tuna loin carving stations. Want something different? Try the jambalaya in the Mardi Gras themed area. Or how about a delicious raw bar with clams and oysters. Then there’s desserts and coffee in a quiet area with acoustic music. All drinks are available at our several open bars located on the different floors. They will have a wide selection of premium beers, wines and mixed cocktails, as well as a few specialty drinks. And after midnight, enjoy a continental breakfast available at the food stations.

6. Where do we park?
Paid parking is available in several lots adjacent to the stadium and warehouse, as well as several garages nearby. Parking is available for hotel guests at the new Hilton across the street.

7. Are there hotel packages available?
There will be several hotel/party packages available directly from the hotel. We are currently arranging the details for a package with the new Hilton across the street and will post them here shortly.

8. I need lots to do at a party. Will this keep me busy?
For starters, we’ll have plenty of food and drink to enjoy. Then there are five musical entertainment areas with a variety of styles-visit them all! While you’re wandering around, check out the Caring Communities Silent Auction and bid on some great items including sports memorabilia, show tickets, overnight stays and a wide range of attractive products and services. And all the money goes to a great cause. Learn more about Caring Communities here.

Then there’s the museums, four floors of fun. The Sports Legends Museum at Camden Yards (the first two floors), known as the best Sports Museum in America, includes exhibits celebrating Babe Ruth, The Orioles, The Colts, The Ravens, The Blast, Cal Ripken, Johnny Unitas, Maryland’s Stadiums and much more. There is also the historic charm of the oldest (and first!) railroad terminal in the United States, as well the historic connection with President Lincoln and the Civil War. Exhibits are arranged in themed galleries and every exhibit will be available to guests.

Upstairs is Geppi’s Entertainment Museum, an American pop culture “time machine”, with galleries forming a tribute to the characters, toys and collectables of every era from 1776 through today. Each gallery celebrates a different time period or interest, including the comic book tribute display, and will have memorable characters from any guest’s childhood, from Sponge Bob to Howdy Doody, from The Beatles to Luke Skywalker.

9. We like some quiet time where we can escape from the crowd and talk with our friends. Is there an area to chill out?
Of course, there are many galleries to which you can escape. The exhibits will be open on every floor. The basement will have live acoustic music being played as well. We do not expect all the space to be occupied by a long shot. For smokers or if you just want to get outside for a bit, wristbands will be issued for easy readmission. So in short, yes we expect there are ample options for a quiet retreat should you wish.

10. What is a silent auction, and how does it work?
A silent auction is quite simply an auction for shy people. Here is how it works: the organizers set up tables with items, or descriptions of the items (for example: Four hours rental of Confetti’s banquet hall, or Two nights stay at Hilton hotel). We may also issue a program with a list of items and their generous donors. On the table near the item is a sheet of paper on which you indicate who you are and how much you are willing to pay for the item. We may use bidding numbers rather than names, to conceal the identity of the high bidder. If you want to buy something, fill in a line on the paper. Then you can wander around look at the other items, get a drink, and hang out. Come back after a while or when you notice someone leave the table, whatever system you like. The entire auction ends for all items at the same time, probably 11:00pm. At the designated time the sheets are collected, ending the auction. The winners are announced and you are asked to pay. (credit cards will be accepted). Your payment is partly a donation to Caring Communities, Inc., and should be considered tax-deductible. If the winner is unwilling or unable to pay then the next highest bidder is called. All transactions should be completed before the New Year’s countdown. We will hold onto your purchase if you like until you leave.

Anticipated Launch Date for
charmcitycountdown.com website
to be fully operational is 8/1/08.

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