Step OUT for these charity fundraising events

A number of fundraising events in February and March will benefit the homeless, critically ill children and students studying performing arts. Here's a rundown of some of these events:

Event: The Icing Smiles Buttercream Ball
Day: Feb. 8, 7 p.m.
Place: The Great Room at Historic Savage Mill
Cost: $75 for a single ticket, $500 for a table for eight
Details: The evening will include artistic confections, an open bar, sweet and savory fare, a silent auction and dancing. The event benefits Icing Smiles, a nonprofit that delivers custom cakes to families caring for critically ill children.
 
Event: Healthcare for the Homeless Chocolate Affair
Day: Feb. 15, from 6:30-10 p.m.
Place: Baltimore Marriott Waterfront Hotel
Cost: $200 for individual tickets
Details: Marriott Executive Chef Carlos Gomez will prepare a chocolate-inspired, two-course plated dinner for guests of the 2014 Chocolate Affair. Local restaurants, caterers and chocolatiers will prepare hors d’oeuvres and dessert. The evening also includes raffles and auctions to benefit Baltimore’s homeless.
 
Event: Expressions
Days: March 1, 2 and 3
Cost: $350 for March 1 gala; $10 and $15 for student performances March 2; $100 for March 3 evening cocktail party
Details: Actor Lawrence Gilliard Jr. of “The Wire” and “The Walking Dead” and Grammy-nominated jazz musician Antonio Hart are co-chairing the gala. Proceeds benefit the Baltimore School for the Arts.

Event: Empty Bowls Baltimore 2014
Day: March 22, 2014
Cost: $20 per person; five tickets for $90 and ten tickets for $180
Details: Hosted by St. Vincent de Paul of Baltimore, Empty Bowls serves up soups from Baltimore restaurants, including Salt, Gertrude’s and Mama’s on the Half Shell. There’s also handcrafted ceramic bowls for sale, a silent auction, and a kids’ activities corner. Proceeds serve the hungry and homeless in Greater Baltimore.