“Groovy” might not be the right word to describe this amazing gesture, but keep in mind we’re talking about something that was announced at Boogie Nights, the Make-A-Wish Foundation’s flashback to the 1960s and 70s, when “groovy” was a word uttered by hippies and squares alike.
When emcees Bob Goen (formerly of TV’s “Entertainment Tonight”) and his wife, Marianne Curan, introduced the special guests at this dinner, dance and auction – Wish ambassadors Tyler Trevarton, Mayank Ankaraju and Jennie Yang – they talked a little about each child’s medical history and the wishes that the foundation had granted for them.
Tyler Trevarton, they said, is an 8-year-old with end-stage renal failure whose wish to go to Disney World took place in October. Mayank Ankaraju, 7, was diagnosed with bacterial endocarditis and went to Disneyland in June. But it was 17-year-old osteosarcoma patient Jennie Yang who did something that was the grooviest: She gave her wish to a friend, Creston Walker, who recently died from cancer.
In addition to raising money to fund future wishes, Boogie Nights also celebrated the 22nd anniversary of Make-a-Wish Colorado, which has granted some 2,300 wishes to children with life-threatening medical conditions.
The gala’s corporate chairs, Tim and Jan Wiens, got into the spirit by dressing up like Sonny and Cher. Joanne Holcomb and Karen Waller were in charge of décor, and used bright colors to create a psychedelic scene throughout the Marriott City Center. The evening’s auction was coordinated by Marilyn Libsack, while Simon Melser served as production chair and Jerry Barnett Productions provided the dance music. Committee members included Bev Klepacki, Marilyn Calvert, David Alexander, Stella Hall, Kathy Sutton and Laura Marusa.
Other guests were Make-a-Wish Colorado founder Joan Mazak; chief executive Robert and Julie Sutton from presenting sponsor Centrix Financial; John and Marcia Frew; Jim and Joanie Keesling; Karin and Keith Schinki; Mike and Missy Salter; and Peter and Kathleen Boyles.
ooking ahead
Hospice of St. John’s 15th-annual Holiday Tea with Santa begins at 12:30 p.m. Saturday at the Marriott City Center, and in addition to shopping for gift items, guests can enjoy refreshments, carolers, a magician and the chance to win door prizes. Tickets are $25 for adults and $10 for children, and they’re available in advance from Melissa Powell at 303-232-7900. She notes that each $25 ticket sold covers one day’s worth of medication, equipment and supplies for a patient at the nonprofit Hospice of St. John, which has offered end-of-life care, bereavement counseling and other services since 1977.
Society editor Joanne Davidson can be reached at 303-809-1314 or jmdpost@aol.com.
