Ellicott City Benefit Concert Planned At Merriweather

COLUMBIA, MD — After the 2016 flood in Ellicott City, the community came together for a benefit concert at Merriweather Post Pavilion called "Party in the Pit." More than 1,200 people attended the event, which organizers said netted more than $150,000 toward flood relief.

On Monday, Merriweather will host another "Party in the Pit," this one to support the 2018 relief efforts.

Admission is free for all Ellicott City residents, property owners and business owners impacted by the May 27 flood who go to the west gate with their credentials.

Otherwise, tickets are $25 in advance and $35 at the door. VIP tickets are $150 in advance and $175 at the door.

Causes related to the Ellicott City flood will benefit. All proceeds will go to the Ellicott City Partnership, a nonprofit dedicated to preserving Ellicott City heritage that has also established a fund for flood relief.

The Ellicott City Partnership has pledged to set aside 5 percent of the proceeds to go toward the Eddison Hermond Memorial Scholarship fund and 10 percent for other parts of Howard County and Maryland that were affected by the May 27 flood.

Sgt. Eddison Hermond, 39, died in the Ellicott City flood trying to help someone in distress when he was swept away by the fast-moving waters on May 27.

He had worked at Victoria Gastro Pub in Columbia since its opening in 2007. After the owners opened Manor Hill Tavern in Ellicott City, he worked as a manager there in 2017.

"In hopes to continue his legacy of service and love for the hospitality industry, his friends and family have established the Eddison Hermond Memorial Scholarship, to enable others to further their education and their service to others," according to a statement from the Columbia-based Restaurant Association of Maryland, which is coordinating the donations. "The scholarship will be awarded annually to a member of the hospitality industry who embodies the same values that Eddison lived by.

• Ellicott City Flood: 'Devastated, Heartbroken' By Roaring Waters
• Memorial Scholarship Established For Sergeant Eddison Hermond
• Staff Sergeant Eddison Hermond Jr. Remembered As Hero

At the Party in the Pit on Monday, musical groups and special guest speakers are on the lineup.

The Doug Segree Band and Misspent Youth will perform. The former is an Arnold-based pop band while the latter is a Maryland rock group. DJ Tommy Carr of Ellicott City will also be adding to the entertainment.

Bartenders from local establishments such as La Palapa, Portalli's and The Phoenix will be serving drinks, and the venue will have concession stands open.

Special guests at the 2018 benefit will include Lieutenant Governor Boyd Rutherford, Howard County Executive Allan Kittleman and U.S. Senator Ben Cardin. Rutherford will speak at 6 p.m. at the fund-raiser, according to his public schedule.

The Party in the Pit fund-raiser for Ellicott City will be held from 5 to 11 p.m. on Monday, June 11, at Merriweather Post Pavilion, 10475 Little Patuxent Parkway, Columbia, MD 21044.

The VIP event starts at 5 p.m., and the main event starts at 6 p.m. on Monday, June 11.

We are honored to be hosting this year's Party In The Pit next Monday, June 11th. All proceeds will benefit the Ellicott City Partnership Flood Relief Fund and the Eddison Hermond Memorial Scholarship Fund.

Get your tickets here: https://t.co/H1vkztRBMY pic.twitter.com/h8k2llUcdH
— Merriweather Post (@MerriweatherPP) June 6, 2018

Photo courtesy of Howard County government.