Here’s the scoop on a benefit that was just the sweetest thing: the Central City Opera Guild’s Gingerbread Bash.
The dinner and musical program chaired by Susan Stiff served as the opening for L’Esprit de Noel 2006, a weekend-long “tour” of houses made from gingerbread and displayed in a special “neighborhood” within the Tabor Center shopping mall. The idea to feature houses created by six of the Denver area’s most gifted pastry chefs was a novel twist for a fundraiser that until this year took place in actual homes.
“We just felt the need for something new,” said Ed Nichols, chairman of the opera board. “For 29 years, L’Esprit de Noel has been in all of our interesting and unique neighborhoods – some of them twice – so for No.30 we thought we’d give it a different spin.”
The move was a success. After the Friday night gala, crowds literally followed their noses to the aromatic display.
Visitors ooh’d and aah’d over the Hansel-and-Gretel-themed house by Bruno Gegenschatz of Andre’s Confiserie Suisse and the LoDo streetscape by Kona Bobek and Jacqueline Engle of Cook Street School of Fine Cooking. Soraya and Jacquot Balleydier of Dream Pastries in Castle Rock did an Art Nouveau structure while Jimmy Lambatos and Benjamin Erickson of Victory American Grill put together a replica of the historic building at 1512 Curtis St. Jean Stone from the Palm roofed her gingerbread cottage with gummy candies; Vinnie Tomlin replicated the Central City Opera House.
The Gingerbread Bash, at the Westin Tabor Center, included an after-dinner performance by songwriter Gene Scheer. A longtime friend of Stiff and her husband, John Haigh, Scheer has appeared with the Central City Opera and in comic Gilbert and Sullivan roles with the Colorado Symphony. His “American Anthem” was performed at President George Bush’s inauguration and at the launch of former President Bill Clinton’s program, Saving America’s Treasures.
He mixed and mingled during the social hour, and sat briefly at Ed Nichols’ table for dinner. “I can never eat before I sing,” Scheer explained as he scooted out after the salad course to prepare for his program. Others at the Nichols table were board president Scott Wylie and his wife, Joni; Jayne Buck, vice president of tourism for the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce; the hotel’s regional manager, Tom Curley, and his wife, Jeanie; and mezzo soprano Marcia Ragonetti.
Missy Eliot put together a “girlfriends table,” inviting such pals as Riisa Dikeou, Erin Biggers, Kate Bailey and Jodi Sorensen, plus one couple: Bob and Jody Phelps. Ann Butler and Don Greco were guests at a table hosted by Korvin and Pam Powell while Gary and Gayle Ray were at Nancy Roddy’s table. Erna Butler and her daughter, Nancy Accetta, were with Nancy Brittain, who has retired at the opera’s director of development but continues to support the company by attending as many performances and special events as she can fit into her schedule.
Opera Guild president Cathy McClean was there with her husband, Dr. Kim McClean; so, too, were retired judge Bob Fullerton and wife Beverlee Henry; Denver City Councilwoman Elbra Wedgeworth; Jack Crawford and wife Madeline Collison; Carol Gossard; LeeLee Lichty.
