The initiative’s partnership with The Duchess restaurant exemplifies how businesses can integrate social responsibility into their operations.
On Dec. 4-5, The Duchess, the newest addition to the Foreman Wolf restaurant group, celebrated its grand opening with a remarkable event that not only introduced Hampden to an exciting new culinary destination but also significantly impacted maternal and child health in Baltimore.
The two-night celebration, featuring performances by local singer-songwriter Katie Callahan and the acclaimed duo Penny & Sparrow, was a testament to the restaurant's commitment to community engagement. All proceeds from the event were donated to the Center for Restorative Change's B'more for Healthy Babies (BHB), a pioneering initiative that has transformed maternal and child health outcomes in Baltimore since its inception in 2009.
The Foreman Wolf team's decision to support BHB aligns perfectly with The Duchess's vision of being more than just a dining establishment. By choosing BHB as the beneficiary, the Duchess has highlighted the critical work to ensuring positive birth and early parenting experiences in Baltimore with innovative approaches to building parental power and meeting the broader needs of families. BHB's focus on safe sleep, smoking cessation, breastfeeding, and reproductive health has contributed to a significant reduction in infant mortality rates, particularly in closing the racial disparity gap.
As The Duchess begins its journey in Hampden, it does so with a strong foundation of community support and a commitment to making a difference beyond its walls. This partnership between a new local business and a proven community health initiative sets an inspiring example of how the hospitality industry can contribute to meaningful social change. This successful launch event has set the stage for what promises to be a fruitful relationship between The Duchess, its patrons, and the vital work of BHB in ensuring healthier futures for Baltimore's families.