Cecil Flamer, Ambassador
Prior to 2009 I was only a financial contributor to the American Cancer Society. As a tribute to my late sister, who succumbed to breast cancer in February, 2009, I wanted to get more involved and I found TFL in April, 2009. I invited my two best friends to be my guest for the day and encouraged them to join me in spending freely to support the cause. It has been my honor and privilege to have participated in the growth of TFL in Baltimore since 2012. We now welcome and thank over 500 of my best friends, business associates and supporters of the fight against cancer to annually enjoy this experience. A voter sante et bon apetit!
Jesse Bennett
I am celebrating my 12th Anniversary as a prostate cancer survivor, now a two-time cancer survivor, by continuing to support the Taste For Life event. This year marks my 10th anniversary of volunteering on the TFL Committee. Each year I have enjoyed contributing support and watching this event grow as we support cancer research. I am especially proud that we will honor the legacy of Henrietta Lacks’ contribution to science and research. Our Taste For Life event contributes much needed funding for the work needed in finding cures for the many types of cancers. Thank you for your continued support!
Susan Bryant
Susan is a VP of Employee Benefits where she works with stakeholders to develop an understanding of both immediate pain points and long-term strategy goals for benefit programs. She enjoys building a depth of understanding by using myriad mental models to develop a strategy for customers. The focus is on business development and deepening client relationships. Using background knowledge in multiples sides of the insurance transaction, Susan is able to view challenges with several lenses.
Danielle Ellington
Danielle Ellington is currently a Training Coordinator for the University of Maryland, School of Medicine Training Center. She assists to bring education to other professionals in the psychiatry field. In her spare time, she loves spending quality time with her husband, William of 16 years, and her two boys Derek and Isaiah. When she is not spending quality time with family, you can find her working in her photography studio, ” I Am What I Am Images”, where she shows women their true beauty. She got in involved with the American Cancer Society to give back. It was a special place in her heart. She was diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer in March 2016. After recovering from having a full mastectomy, she promises herself that she will always give back!
Curtis McMeekin
Curtis comes to ACS Northeast Region’s Taste for Life fundraiser with a wealth of knowledge and experience gained having served in several managerial capacities for non-profit organizations, as well as knowledge and experience gained during his tenure in management positions with Baltimore City’s Department of Housing and Community Development and the Baltimore City’s Law Department. In the past, Mr. McMeekin has been a staunch supporter of ACS Taste for Life fundraiser and recently has decided to lend his skills, knowledge and energy to this effort as a volunteer. ACS is glad to have Curtis join this effort.
Chris Riehl
Chris Riehl owns Rent-A-Tour (rentatour.com), a receptive service in Baltimore specializing in showcasing all our region has to offer. In addition to leading tours of Baltimore for groups from around the globe, he teaches classes for the Maryland Center for Hospitality Training, emcees local events, and creates social media content focused on promoting visitation to Baltimore and the surrounding areas. He is the Legislative Committee Chair for the Baltimore Tourism Association, Immediate Past Chair of the Maryland Tourism Coalition, current member of the Maryland Tourism Development Board, and recently became a Certified Chesapeake Storyteller.
Vicki Schassler
Member of the Taste for Life Committee 10 years!
Vicki has experience of 35 years in the hospitality industry that includes fifteen years in associate relations with Marriott international and twenty years as the owner/operator of Spirits of Mt Vernon wine shop & bar. She currently works as the Director of Community Engagement for Guilford Hall Brewery.
Kathleen Taylor
Kathleen Taylor is a seasoned sales professional with over 35 years of expertise in the Baltimore Metropolitan sales scene. Kathleen serves as the Senior Integrated Marketing Manager at Urban One in Baltimore, MD. In this role, she has honed her skills as a government strategy consultant, focusing on expanding the company’s business portfolio. Kathleen excels in creating promotional partnerships and ensuring the maintenance of core business operations. Kathleen has a teenage daughter she’s teaching to drive. She is very active in the community volunteering at church, for SARC in Harford County and on this committee.
Michele Vitolo
Throughout my career as a cancer researcher, I have met too many people afflicted with cancer and have lost friends and relatives to the disease. I am dedicated to improving the lives of people with cancer, and to one day, contribute to finding a cure. I choose to volunteer for The American Cancer Society because it is an amazing organization with a variety of programs to aid cancer patients and their families, as well as lending a massive amount of support to cancer research. I am very happy to have joined the ACS Taste for Life Committee and to work with the wonderful people within the organization, all with the common goal of defeating cancer.
