Now in its 17th year, Metropolitan Magazine’s “Best Of The Eastern Shore After Business Party” has become as much a rite of passage on Delmarva as outdoor crab feasts and unpredictable weather. The annual gala, which will be held on Friday, September 30th at 5:30 p.m., honors the area’s best businesses at one of its top restaurants, Market Street Inn. The perennial favorite picked up several new awards this year, including nods for atmosphere, cocktails and business lunch.
This year the magazine honors many of the area businesses and individuals who provide the backbone of our local economy, from restaurants and bakeries, to automotive dealers and building contractors, as well as bartenders, real estate agents and electricians. What all the honorees undoubtedly have in common is that each one is essential in helping our community grow and thrive, and they all manage to do so despite the uncertain economic times we live in.
“The thing about all the businesses we’re doing this with — the winners — is that they’re all successful, and that’s a tricky thing to do these days,” explained Doug Naarup, publisher of The Metropolitan Magazine. “They’re voted ‘Best’ for a reason. It’s a fun party, and we feel good about it because it’s an honest ballot election and we go through a lot of trouble to count the ballots. But mainly, I feel good about it because it’s a positive promotion for the Eastern Shore.”
For the second consecutive year, ticket prices have been lowered to just $65 in an attempt to make the event as accessible as possible to members of the local community. All proceeds from the event will go to area non-profit “Women Supporting Women,” an organization which has become a vital and unparalleled community resource aiding those affected by breast cancer. The group was founded in 1993 by Harriette Fine, Carol Prager and Sue Revelle.
“Women Supporting Women’s mission is to provide awareness, education, and support to all those who are affected by breast cancer on Delmarva,” Revelle summatized. “The need for our services is growing during these challenging financial times and since we are supported by the community, funding is essential for us. Volunteers are also invaluable to our organization and we can always use them in our offices and at our events. They can also sew items for our educational totes and knit or quilt lap blankets for those going through chemotherapy.”