Love is lovelier the second time around, especially for Rusty and Loretta Kelce. When their marriage imploded a little over a decade ago, each went on to marry others – only to realize what they’d had together was all that really mattered.
They started to reconnect about a year ago, not long after each divorced their respective spouses. He’d escort her to the occasional charity gala and she reverted to the last name of Kelce after going by Collier during her marriage to Larkspur financial planner Jim Collier. There were a few raised eyebrows, to be sure, but they wisely took things slow to work out any bumps that may have remained.
Maybe waiting for Valentine’s Day would have been corny; maybe he just didn’t want to let another minute go by. The bottom line is that Rusty proposed a few days ago and Loretta responded with an enthusiastic “yes!”
“The kids think we’re weird,” she says via e-mail, “but the truth is, they couldn’t be happier. And you should see the ring: It’s gorgeous!”
More sweet touches
Barry and Arlene Hirsch feld, who are as much in love today as they were when they were high school sweethearts, are going to receive the University of Denver Alumni Association’s highest honor, the Evans Award, at the 2007 Founders Day celebration. The dinner-dance chaired by Jan and Glyn Hanbery and Etta and Mike West is at the Hyatt Convention Center on March 9; other award recipients are Richard Lapchick (professional achievement); Gordon Von Stroh (service to the university); Sandee Walling (community service); Lars Lund (service to alumni); and Jayne Vahle (recent graduate achievement).
Colorado first lady Jeannie Ritter was among Arlene Hirschfeld’s guests at last week’s CHOICES luncheon (Lt. Gov. Barbara O’Brien and Mayor John Hickenlooper were others), and when someone asked her how she liked living in the Governor’s Mansion, she beamed. “It is so neat,” Ritter enthused. “I just did our first load of laundry there.”
Former Denver City Councilwoman Joyce Foster also was at CHOICES with lots of happy news. First is that her husband, Rabbi Steven Foster, will have the joy of officiating at their daughter Debbie’s wedding in March. Then, the Foster family will be one of those honored at the Anti-Defamation League’s annual Passing the Torch gala. And Joyce will be feted by the Colorado Jewish Historical Society for having been the first Jewish woman elected to the Denver City Council.
The Marriott City Center, site of so many memorable charity galas, is celebrating its 25th anniversary with a cocktail reception for special friends on Thursday evening.
It’s dollar days at the Junior League of Denver’s Second Time Shop Friday through March 3, and members invite savvy bargain-hunters to shop ’til they drop. The shop is at 5042 E. Hampden Ave., in the Happy Canyon shopping center.
Former Denver Bronco Brian Griese and his dad, football Hall of Famer Bob Griese, will be at Luca d’Italia on Feb. 26 for the annual dinner benefiting Judi’s Place. Even though it’s an intimate event (80 guests) it is very successful. “If we make all of our goals this year,” says organizer Dean Prina, “we will have raised a grand total of $200,000 in three short years.” Prina credits Luca owners Frank and Jacqueline Bonnano. Judi’s Place serves low-income women battling breast cancer and is named for Brian’s mom and Bob’s wife, who succumbed to the disease several years ago.
Society editor Joanne Davidson can be reached at 303-809-1314 or jdavidson@denverpost.com. She also contributes at denverpostbloghouse.com/davidson.
