After successfully following the traditional format of silent auction, dinner, live auction and dancing, organizers of the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation’s signature benefit, A Pink-Tie Affair, added pizazz by making this year’s event less structured and more interactive.
Dinner was presented as a movable feast, where guests strolled from food station to food station, selecting sushi, satay and other tasty items before sitting down to eat. Taittinger champagne was available, and 9News anchors Kim Christiansen and Mark Koebrich kept a steady stream of patter going so that auction items and entertainment by Grammy-nominated pianist/songwriter Jim Brickman weren’t overlooked.
The 600 guests included Dr. Martin Zamora, head of the foundation’s Denver affiliate board; executive director Valerie Chilewski and committee members Michelle Hanley, Joan Lucas, Dana Brandorf and Kelli Kindel. Dottie Lamm, Roger Ogden and Colorado first lady Frances Owens were honorary chairs and Re/
Max International was presenting sponsor.
The Denver affiliate was started in 1994 and, with $17.6 million to its credit, is the second-highest revenue producer among the other 100 affiliates nationwide.
Return of a favorite
Once upon a time, Denver’s zaniest fundraiser was the Metropolitan State College Plain and Fancy Ball. Guests could dress as they pleased – so long as their outfit included a bow-tie that was mailed to them in advance. The neckwear was different every year, made from materials that ranged from plastic to papier-maché.
The ball has been on hiatus, but is being revived in honor of the college’s 40th anniversary. Last week, Metro president Stephen Jordan and his wife, Ruthie, kicked off plans for Plain and Fancy’s return by hosting those who will serve on the honorary committee for the March 18 event.
Leo Kiely, Roy Alexander, Dale Mingilton, Bruce Benson, Sean Tonner, Elbra Wedgworth, Ray Sutton and Marilee Utter were among those invited to enjoy cocktails with the Jordans in their LoDo loft before adjourning to McLoughlin’s restaurant. “We know that the ball is going to live up to its reputation as Denver’s most outrageous affair,” Stephen Jordan said.
Looking ahead
On weekends, CBS4 prep sports specialist Marcia Neville is flying high as she gives a helicopter-eye view of high school games. Come Thursday, though, she’ll have both feet on the ground as a “guest griller” at a Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s Team in Training fundraiser. The event is at bd’s Mongolian Barbeque, 1620 Wazee St. Seatings are at 6 and 8 p.m. and a $20 donation is suggested. Call Matt Wrinn, 303-571-1824.
Society editor Joanne Davidson can be reached at 303-809-1314 or jmdpost@aol.com.
