Please join Echelon Life & Maserati of Baltimore on Saturday, August 16, 2008, for a night of fashion and fast cars at the Drive to Thrive charity event to increase literacy among children in the Greater Baltimore region. The Drive to Thrive event features Baltimore's own, Christian Siriano, last season's Project Runway winner. The benefit will be held from 7:30 pm to midnight at Maserati of Baltimore, 1628 York Rd, Timonium, MD 21093.

Wunderkind Christian Siriano will be making a special appearance and will auction off a couple of designs from his collection. The night includes a runway event with designers in the genres of - Ready to Wear, Couture and Avant Garde, casino gaming and an oudoor Luxury Cigar Lounge sponsored by www.CigarintheBottle.com. The event will:

- Provide a spotlight on critical organizations that are on the frontlines fighting to improve the dire statistics of poor literacy and poor reading proficiency in children and young adults from low income families.

- Raise money and awareness to install the Clemson University’s eCruisers pilot program to the Port Discovery Children's Museum to address a leading cause of death of children over age 1 yr – Car Accidents. A k-12 service program that incorporates technology and interactive program to provide sustainable improvement in child safety, literacy and cognitive learning.

- Honor key community figures and organizations for their illustrated leadership and commitment to the Greater Baltimore Community.

Schedule

7:30 - 8:30 Tastes of Italian Cuisine and Cocktails, Casino and Cigars
8:30 - 9:00 Award Ceremony
* Community Champion - Mr. Ken Banks, CEO Banks Contracting & 2009 Heart Ball Chair
* Ambassador of Philanthropy Organization - MD Academy of Pediatrics (Dr. Daniel Levy accepting)
* Special Recognition Presentation to Christain Siriano
9:15 - 10:00 Runway Event
10:00 Auction of Christian's Specially designed piece for the event
10:30 - Midnight More Casino, Cocktails and Cigars
Tickets can be bought at www.Drive2Thrive.org or calling 443-802-0454.

The night's beneficiaries are American Academy of Pediatricians Foundation – MD Chapter (MDAAP), Baltimore Reads , and GBUL Freedom Readers .

Enjoy a night of fashion, cigars, poker and blackjack as well as exclusive tastings and a private runway show. Don't forget to register to win a Maserati. Ticket Price: General Admission: $100 VIP: $200 Patron: $300. VIP - Preferred Seating at Runway Event * Double Casino Chips * VIP Swag Bag