She had no trouble letting organizers agonize for the better part of the day, wondering if bad weather would prevent headliner Dianne Reeves’ private plane from landing. But Mother Nature apparently knows better than to foul up a fundraiser for the Kempe Foundation and cleared the sky just in time for the three-time Grammy winner to touch down and make it to the Ellie Caulkins Opera House on schedule for the sold-out Jazz It Up for Kempe Kids concert.
“It was a real nail-biter,” admits Nancy Koontz, “but it turned out perfectly. Even better than I could have imagined.” Koontz chaired the event with Jan Hammond.
The concert was preceded by a cocktail reception attended by patron-level guests, a crowd that included attorney Steve Demby, chairman of the Kempe Foundation board; executive director Pat Loewi; center director Rob Clyman; and longtime supporters Walt and Georgia Imhoff.
Reeves, a Denver native, is considered the world’s pre-eminent jazz vocalist. She also appears in George Clooney’s award-winning film, “Good Night, and Good Luck.”
Newsworthy nuggets
ArtReach is notifying its supporters that after 27 years, the Festival of Trees is no more. “All good things must come to an end,” sighs executive director Jil Rosentrater, “and it’s definitely hard to say goodbye to what is viewed by many as a local institution. On the other hand, our board of directors wants to focus on more mission-driven fundraising activities.”
Colorado first lady Frances Owens and her sister-in-law, Mary K. Lowe, are hosting a baby shower Wednesday to kick off the 2006 campaign for Open Your Hearts to Newborns in Need. The 6 p.m. event at the Governor’s Mansion is the first in a series of showers held to collect new clothing, blankets, car seats and related items that will be given to low-income moms giving birth at Denver Health Medical Center. Sponsors include the University of Phoenix, King Soopers, KMGH-TV, Post-News Charities, KYGO radio and The Villager.
Project PAVE celebrates its 20th year of helping young people overcome horrific personal circumstances caused by relationship violence at a luncheon that begins at 11:30 a.m. Thursday at the Marriott City Center. Marc Levine and Mike Johnson are the chairmen; Janus is the presenting sponsor.
A “bow-wow benefit” to benefit the Diana Price-Fish Cancer Foundation and MaxFund Animal Adoption Center opens with a patron reception Friday evening at Saks Galleries, 3019 E. Second Ave., in Cherry Creek North. Artists whose works are featured in a week- long show and sale will be on hand to meet and mingle with two- and four-legged guests. Wendy Bergen, Felicia Diamond and Catherine Saks are the “top dogs” and note that tickets can be purchased by calling 303-639-9110 or visiting dpfcf.org and clicking on the link for Bow Wow Benefit.
The Marriott City Center ballroom becomes the Starlight Supper Club and Speakeasy Saturday night to commemorate the 20th anniversary of The Gathering Place, Denver’s only daytime drop-in center for women and children who are experiencing homelessness or poverty. Chairwoman Kristal McGrath is expecting 600 guests and estimates the net income will top $200,000. Ann Frost Bailey will be honored; Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper is the speaker; and former Denver Nuggets coach and player Bill Hanzlik will emcee. Call Kimberly Jetton, 303-280-1708.
The Adolph Coors Foundation has given $250,000 to Anchor Center for Blind Children to help pay for construction of its new teaching facility at Stapleton. The money brings the total raised to $6.6 million; $7.5 million is the goal. Other major donors include the ECA Foundation, John and Julie Mork, Linda Chowdry, the Gates Family Foundation, Toni and Emmet Stephenson, the Boettcher Foundation and the Kenneth King Foundation.
The Colorado Symphony Guild’s new president, Deanna Leino, will be installed May 11 during a luncheon at Pinehurst Country Club. She succeeds Mary Rains.
Society editor Joanne Davidson can be reached at 303-809-1314 or jmdpost@aol.com.
