2026 Pasta & Purpose
What a night we had at our first ever Pasta & Purpose!
From members to friends to partners and every day supporters, the turnout was incredible. Everyone who attended is in some way a part of the B’More Clubhouse family, and our work does not happen without you.
The mood was high, the food was good, and the positivity was flowing. Attendees indulged in delicious Italian cuisine, courtesy of our hosts at Seppia, and we were lucky enough to have both a signature cocktail and a tequila bar on hand for guests.
In his remarks, B’More Clubhouse’s Executive Director Jason Woody reminded attendees that the Clubhouse doesn’t replace clinical treatment — it complements it. But the Clubhouse is designed as a place where our members can leave their diagnosis at the door and take part in social connection and shared purpose — ingredients that are vital to recovery. In other words, community is therapy.
He also shared the explosive growth of the Clubhouse, with membership rapidly growing and two-thirds of new members defined as young adults, up from about 10% a few years ago. Additionally, advocacy efforts are moving forward to allow funding for Clubhouses through Medicaid, which would not only open more doors for more members in Baltimore, but pave the way for more Clubhouses in Maryland.
Mercedes Dennis, a current Clubhouse member, shared about her journey to the Clubhouse after a mental health crisis. She shared how the standard-of-care — medication and therapy — wasn’t enough for her. When she encountered another member of the Clubhouse in a group therapy session, she took a leap of faith to see if it might benefit her.
As she shared, “The Clubhouse has helped me in so many ways since joining. From cooking in the kitchen unit. To planning events and picking out decorations. There are many ways for me to be helpful, contribute my skills, and work on my mental health as well…Having a safe place to be myself has given me the confidence to keep pushing every day. I am hopeful about my future and looking forward to what comes next.”
Our last speaker of the evening, Gregg Landry, spoke about one of the core components of the Clubhouse experience: employment. He reflected on the relationship he has developed with Clubhouse member, Robert Henderson, who began working for him at Towson Transfers 10 years ago. Incidentally, this also happens to be the longest employment partnership in our Clubhouse history!
Over the years, Gregg and Robert have built a friendship that goes beyond the workplace, often sharing breakfast and conversation about life and faith. “My life has been enhanced with my time connecting with Robert and the Clubhouse,” said Gregg. For anyone considering an employment partnership, his advice is simple: “There’s going to be a fit some way, somehow.” If it doesn’t work out, you can move on easily, but he encourages every employer to give it a try.
After the remarks, attendees hit the dance floor with some rocking music thanks to our musical performers. It was an incredible night that raised more than $80,000 in support of the Clubhouse, and we’re already thinking about what we can do for 2027. We’ll share next year’s date soon!
Finally, we want to thank our sponsors without whom this night would not have been possible: Marilynn Duker and Dale McArdle; Kramon & Graham; Peter and ChiChi Bosworth; Station Realty; Anette and Philip Goelet; Henry and Annie Jenkins; Len and Lindley Weinberg, M&T Bank; Merritt Clubs; Niles, Barton, and Wilmer LLP; Rosemary Quinn; and Towson Transfers. And thank you to everyone who contributed items to our silent auction.
Enjoy the select highlights below and view the full gallery at https://ksp-images.smugmug.com/Bmore-Clubhouse-Gala-2026 (password is Seppia2026).
