Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)

1. Who is Caring Communities?

Caring Communities, Inc. is a non-profit charitable organization (501-c3) that helps all persons with disabilities in Maryland and surrounding states. They run training and disability awareness programs and have started the largest online searchable respite care provider registry in the Maryland / DC region. They also produce World of Possibilities disAbilities Expo, an annual consumer shopping, learning and networking event that is the largest of its kind in the Mid-Atlantic region. Caring Communities helps thousands of people with disabilities every year, and they are always looking for ideas to raise funds to offset operating expenses. New Year’s Eve is the perfect opportunity to celebrate on a magical night, have a great time at this all-inclusive extravaganza, and help us help the Maryland community with this must-be-at-event. www.caringcommunities.org

Because of the many events produced entirely by Caring Communities staff, as well as the contacts and resources of its partner organizations, Caring Communities is well established as a professional event producer and is fully capable of bringing you the finest, most exciting New Year’s party you have ever attended in Baltimore.

2. Will a portion of my ticket price be tax-deductible?

Yes, $25.00 per ticket should be considered as tax deductible contribution to Caring Communities, a 501c-3 charitable organization. Please consult your tax adviser.

3. How should I dress?

Because our theme is Enchantment Under The Sea, there are several dress options. You can always dress to impress for the Red Carpet, hey, it’s New Year’s Eve! OR dress in costume from any nautical theme, such as pirates, scuba divers, mermaids, sailors and sea captains; OR dress in a variety of fantasy or historical garb inspired by (maybe adorned by) underwater creatures like sharks, octopii, starfish or barracudas. We think fish scales and mermaid hem dresses will be well represented. We have created a fantasy-themed party with plenty opportunities to create unique looks, costumes or characters. Or not. You don’t need to wear a costume to attend or to have fun. But it might just be cool!

Basic dress should be nighttime formal to cool casual. Dress it up a bit with accessories that say “Red Carpet”. Check our Pinterest page for tons of ideas.

A little or a lot, the important thing is to feel connected to the evening. So, embrace our Enchantment Under The Sea theme, and feel free to recreate your own interesting characters, dressing in your finest evening outfit, or just a bit racy and bold. Any way you’ll fit in! (Note to gentlemen: Please, no t’s, jeans, or sneakers).

For all kinds of Enchantment Under The Sea fashion ideas, check out our Pinterest page.

4. What sets our New Years Eve Celebration apart from the rest?

Well, we have been going to New Years’ Galas for years, and we LOVE New Year’s parties: Dressing up, arriving, the food, the people, the music, the good times. In previous years we went to many hotel and banquet hall parties, including a huge hotel-based New Year’s party in Baltimore advertised as the biggest and best. We spent plenty, and we had a pretty good time. We had friends, drinks, a little dancing. But, it was so disorganized we lost each other! The band, well, we’ve heard better; the food was second rate, and every “themed area” looked identical: a hotel ballroom with a DJ. We knew we could do better, and help a charity out at the same time!

This event is so different. This is our sixteenth year (not counting 2021, which was cancelled, don’t get me started) and we’ve got it right! Just ask the folks who are returning from last year (2024). We will have multiple party areas with different kinds of music. Working with the Hotel, and entertainment, we have ensured that each zone will be different than the last, with different food, specialty bars, entertainment and decor. The evening will go so quickly between food, drinks, music, dancing, New Year’s toasts, you may not have time to see it all. There’s a wide variety of rooms, all with different themes and entertainment, and multiple specialty bars all waiting for you! And that’s just in The Main Event. VIP tickets gain access to five additional areas to party!

5. What is there to eat and drink?

Unlike those other parties, we don’t try to stuff you up with pasta and rice. This is a fancy event, so let’s live a little! We will have an elegant assortment of vegetables, fruits and cheeses, bruschetta stations, delicious Maryland crab dip, Homemade spinach and artichoke dip, shrimp cocktail, Oyster Raw Bar stations, Sirloin Beef tips. Want something different? Try the Chicken, sweet pea and bacon penne in Vodka Sauce or the Garlic spinach artichoke Dip. All drinks are available at our HUGE open bars located in the different zones. We doubled the bartenders to ensure NO LONG LINES. They will have a wide selection of premium beers, wines and mixed cocktails, as well as a few specialty drinks. Plus three specialty Bars including the Shooter Bar in the Fathoms, the huge space with live band and laser light show. And after midnight, enjoy a continental breakfast available at the food stations.

Looking to treat yourself? For an upgraded bar selection and menu, plus access to four additional areas, purchase a VIP ticket that includes Beef Tenderloin with a mushroom Demi-Glaze, Chicken Chesapeake, and seared tuna, Ultra Premium Bar Service with top shelf brands, exclusive lounges with table seating and access to all the entertainment, plus exclusive VIP entertainment areas. And you can always access the rest of the party, all with different entertainment.

6. Where do we park?

There will ample free parking on site. Also, The Hilton BWI will be running shuttles around the parking lot for your convenience.

7. Are there hotel packages available?

Rooms at Hilton BWI Hotel are available at only $139.00 plus tax, including breakfast for two! Plus, for a longer stay, Sunday and Monday night rooms are only $99! CLICK HERE to learn more.

Please note: Hotel rooms are purchased separately from event tickets. Hotel rooms at Hilton BWI are only available through our website HERE.

8. What’s the Seating Situation?

All Main Event tickets and most VIP tickets offer open seating. Seating is more plentiful in the VIP areas, but not guaranteed. High top tables are provided for standing and eating, chairs typically line the walls of many rooms. Seats may become available as other guests get up and leave to explore differnt rooms.

Resrved seating VIP tickets are now available at an additional cost, provided at round banquet tables and more intimate arrangements such as two-person high tops. These seats are reserved for the entire night, so you may use them as a base of operations for your magical evening. You may reserve seating at table in one of three party areas. There are also a limited number of sofa seating clusters with coffee tables in Nautilus Nightclub adjacent to the dance floor.

But Tickets Now

9. I need lots to do at a party. Will this keep me busy?

For starters, we’ll have plenty of food and drink to enjoy. Then there are our themed entertainment areas -visit them all! We have a live band in the Fathoms Ballroom, an electronic Disco with lights in Nautilus Nightclub, plus Karaoke, Acoustic acts, Silent Disco, Photo opportunities, and more surprises!

10. We like some quiet time where we can escape from the crowd and talk with our friends. Is there an area to chill out?

Of course, there are many corners to which you can escape. Hang out in a quiet Lounge. Step right outside Neptune’s Reef table to our Outdoor Lounge. Or, visit our Barracuda Lounge, sip wine, and enjoy a great acoustic act. After dinner, Starfish Lounge or Coral Reef Karaoke will be a great place to sit and hang with friends. So in short, yes we expect there are ample options for a quiet retreat should you wish.

11. What is the age limit to attend?

You must be 21 or over. Valid, up-to-date photo ID with date of birth will be required, in accordance with Maryland State Law. Sorry, if you forget your ID, you will not be admitted, and NO REFUND will given.