We’re not trying to be cute by saying the 25th anniversary Denver Antiques Show & Sale offered its visitors a bloomin’ good time. It’s true, because in addition to the bounty of vintage furniture, art and jewelry brought in by top dealers from throughout the land, this benefit for the Central City Opera boasted several English gardens designed and installed by members of the Garden Club of Denver.
In An English Garden was the theme, and at the patron preview guests were spending a lot of time admiring plants and flowers referred to in Shakespeare’s sonnets and plays – including roses, hawthorne, crab apples and primroses – adorned with antique garden accessories.
Jody Phelps chaired the show and sale, and quite a few of her predecessors were at the patron fete. Among them: Julia Secor, Barbara Knight, Dawn Wood, Susie Mammel, Riisa Dikeou and Lisa Hearst.
Hey, how nice
It isn’t cheap to become a member of Exclusive Resorts, but here’s a way to take the sting out of it: For each person who attends Cancer League of Colorado’s May 12 gala, and joins the luxury destination club by that date, president and co-founder Brent Handler will donate $10,000 to the CLC. “My one basic goal is to find a cure for cancer,” Handler says, “and so there is no limit to the number of donations we will make under this offer.” Regional director Scott Smith can provide details at 303-226-4584.
Catch Your Breath, a day-long “me day” for women, will be held on Friday at the Inverness Hotel and Conference Center. It’s hosted by the American Lung Association and is designed to help women “relax, refresh and renew” via workshops and speakers with topics ranging from body awareness to The Chocolate Therapist. Mary LoVerde, author of “Stop Screaming at the Microwave,” is the luncheon speaker and Cleo Parker Robinson will ask participants to kick off their shoes and enjoy a dance workshop that’s described as fun and easy. Tickets are $95 and can be purchased by calling 303-388-4327.
Mrs. America 2007 Marney Duckworth emcees Sunday’s Pure Fashion Luncheon and Modesty Fashion Show held at the Inverness Hotel and Conference Center. Organizer Sallie Hurley says attire that is fresh and stylish, yet modest, will be modeled by a host of Denver-area teens, including Christina DiPasquale, the daughter of Epicurean Catering boss Larry DiPasquale and his wife, Jill. Festivities begin at 11:30 a.m. and tickets, which must be purchased in advance, are $35. Call 720-482-3573.
Also on Sunday, Colorado first lady Jeannie Ritter and her predecessor, Frances Owens, are hosting a shower for the Newborns in Need program at Denver Health Medical Center. Co-hosts for the 2 p.m. event held at the Governor’s Mansion are Mary K. Lowe, Barb McTurk, Debra Pain and Marlene Rodriguez. Sponsors include King Soopers, 7News and the Post-News Charities.
Excelsior Youth Center answers the call of the wild May 11 by having its Ever Upward Gala at the Wildlife Experience Museum in Parker. Cynthia Hansen and Wendy Warren are chairing the 6 p.m. dinner and auction, proceeds from which will be used to build a new teen center and pool at Excelsior. Janet Elway is the honorary chairwoman; Tom and Cleo Parker Robinson emcee. Call 303-693-1550.
Society editor Joanne Davidson can be reached at 303-809-1314 or jdavidson@denverpost.com. She also contributes at denverpostbloghouse.com/Davidson
