During Prohibition, getting into the neighborhood speakeasy for an illicit sip of bathtub gin depended on whether you knew the secret word or phrase. But this is 2006, and so none of the 600-plus who wanted to enjoy the ambiance of the Starlight Supper Club & Speakeasy needed “Jonesey sent me” to be let in.
The 1920s-themed jazz party was, in fact, a dinner celebrating the 20th anniversary of The Gathering Place, Denver’s only daytime center for women and children in the throes of homelessness and poverty. Each day, the volunteers and staff serve at least 400 clients in need of refuge and services that will help them become self-sufficient again.
Ann Frost Bailey, who has been involved with the nonprofit since its start, was honored for her service. It includes serving as president of the board from 1988 to 1990; helping start a fundraising auxiliary, The Gathering Place Association, and helping to stay the course during the center’s lean years.
Heidi Keogh, chair of The Gathering Place board, and Leslie Foster, the agency’s chief executive, presented Bailey with a commemorative gift and words of praise.
Kristal McGrath chaired the celebration that was emceed by former Denver Nugget Bill Hanzlik. Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper was the speaker, and congratulated supporters for their part in helping to alleviate Denver’s problem with homelessness.
The event made $140,500, thanks to such guests as Gathering Place Association president Daria Kane; president-elect Holly Johnson; past president Liz Frawley and her husband, David; Bart and Katie Johnson; Jim and Karen Kimsey; committee members Mary Kirkpatrick and Natasha Snyder; and Randle Loeb, a member of the Metro Denver Homeless Initiative board.
This and that
On Wednesday, philanthropists Walt and Georgia Imhoff, Denver City Council president Rosemary Rodriguez and community leader Sheldon Steinhauser will pass symbolic torches of leadership to their children at a dinner benefiting Mountain States Regional chapter of the Anti-Defamation League. Cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and a silent auction begin at 5:30 p.m. in the Donald R. Seawell Grand Ballroom; chairmen are Bruce and Wendy Glazer, Gilbert and Jane Hermann, Gary and Joyce Lozow and Harry and Vicki Sterling. Marvin Levy heads the ADL board.
The Children’s Museum Birthday Bash, Diamonds on the Rocks, begins at 6 p.m. Friday and includes live and silent auctions, refreshments from Baldoria Cuisine and music by Boogie Machine. Katrina Benes and Kathy Coors are the chairwomen; Mayor John Hickenlooper and his wife, Helen Thorpe, are the honorary chairs. The party takes place at the museum, and will be emceed by 9News anchor Bob Kendrick.
The Owl Club of Denver’s 55th annual Debutante Ball takes place Saturday at the Marriott City Center. Honorees will be introduced at 5 p.m. Dinner and dancing follows.
James P. Owen, author of “Cowboy Ethics: What Wall Street Can Learn From the Code of the West,” was the special guest last week at a reception introducing the Saddle Up Foundation. This nonprofit organization started by Shery McDonald Galbreath uses horseback riding to instill respect, pride, etiquette and leading by example in children and teens. The foundation also awards college scholarships to those pursuing careers in the equine and agriculture industries and offers therapeutic riding sessions for physically challenged young people. Details at saddle upchv.com.
Society editor Joanne Davidson can be reached at 303-809-1314 or jmdpost@aol.com.
