Lightning may not strike twice, but for the second time in less than a month, Dr. Dean Prina has helped generate record funds for a deserving nonprofit.
His personal best was the $6 million that wound up in the Women’s Foundation of Colorado treasury following a luncheon that he and Cindy Halaby chaired on Nov. 14. A week ago today, he chaired a dinner that netted $100,000 for Adam’s Camp — the most it has ever made in one sitting.
What makes the sum even more impressive is that the venue — Tula in Cherry Creek North — could only accommodate 90 guests. “Needless to say, people were very generous,” Prina observed.
Their generosity was spurred by the high regard in which the evening’s honorees are held. Cinnie Auer and her daughter, Eileen Bennett, along with Eileen’s husband, Ben, and their daughters Moriah and Naomi, were saluted for their longtime support of Adam’s Camp and the services it provides for special-needs children and their families.
The dinner prepared by owner/ chef Cactus Douglas was enjoyed by a group that included the founder and executive director of Adam’s Camp, Karel Horney, and her husband, Bob; board members Bill Iwata and Dr. Nancy Lataitis; and such notables as Michelle Sie Whitten; Dick and Norma Auer; Buzz and Nancy Neusteter; George and Mary Sissel; J Madden and Linda Poletti; Dr. Leslie Capin; Lannie Garrett; and Helen and Morris Ginsburg.At the Women’s Foundation luncheon, $1 million came from sponsorships and ticket sales; the remainder was the result of donations made after founding member Swanee Hunt promised to match all contributions made in the ensuing two weeks.
That money made the luncheon the largest single special event in Denver history, both in terms of revenue and attendance. “Cindy and I are thrilled — and a little dizzy from it all,” Prina says.
Equally successful
The Robert E. Loup Jewish Community Center and Mizel Arts & Culture Center, meanwhile, are $640,000 richer after honoring board member Warren Cohen at a dinner for 550 at the Donald R. Seawell Grand Ballroom.
A winter theme was carried out in all-white centerpieces from the House of Rose; the Keith Oxman Trio provided the background jazz.
Those speaking warmly about the prominent developer, who now spends much of his time in Aspen, included his daughter, Emily, and brother, H. Paul Cohen. A video describing the important role the JCC played in Warren’s life also was shown.
The dinner was chaired by Jerry and Lorna Gray and Bob and Robyn Loup. The theme was “Reaching Out to You.”
Society editor Joanne Davidson: 303-809-1314 or jdavidson@denver ; also, blogs.denverpost
