The “new” Dinner of Champions was all about movement, and those who weren’t shaking a tail feather on the Seawell Ballroom dance floor were bouncing around in their seats. Which seemed to make Jerry Barnett and his Moment’s Notice Orchestra play for all they were worth at this benefit for Colorado chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.
Fabulous dance music and one of the better dinners to be served at a charity function helped make the night a happy occasion — although there’s nothing fun about multiple sclerosis and the toll it takes on patients and caregivers alike.
How multiple sclerosis robs people of their ability to move was detailed in a video that preceded Gail Sigman’s poignant telling of her husband’s battle with the devastating disease. Master of ceremonies Michael King, chairman of the Colorado chapter board, also touched on the effects of MS, but concentrated on the amazing advances being made in treatment and research.
Because it was the 20th anniversary of the Dinner of Champions, organizers chose to celebrate by putting the traditional award ceremony on hiatus and toasting those honored in the past: Sharon Magness Blake, Charlie and Diane Gallagher, Teri Garr, Larissa Herda, Jordon Perlmutter, Dan Ritchie, Dean Singleton, Sol Trujillo, Pete Coors, JoMarie Dancik, Kermit Darkey, Walt Imhoff, Bob Malone, Jerry McMorris, Dick and Eddie Robinson, Peter Teets, Gene Fatur, Sheryl Goodman, Buddy Lazier, Mary Mullarkey, Hal O’Leary, Charlotte Robinson Pritcham and Thierry Smith.
Among those enjoying the new format, and a ballroom beautifully decorated with orchids and soft lighting by David Alexander, were Scott Coors, Judi Wolf, Dr. Ben Galloway, Frances Owens, Patricia Barela Rivera, Dr. Dean Prina, Al and Jamie Angelich, Virginia Maniatis, Douglas Kerbs, BJ Dyer and Guenther Vogt, Scott and Louise Richardson, Brandt Wilkins, Carolynn Bond, and Nancy Lamb Thompson.It’s a date
Getting to laugh ’til your sides split isn’t the only reason to attend Dana Carvey’s Friday night show at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House; it’s also a chance to raise money for the Kempe Children’s Foundation. And you might want to bring your checkbook or credit card because there’s also an auction of such goodies as a diamond ring, a trip to Las Vegas with tickets to see Bette Midler, and a guitar autographed by Carvey himself. Tickets, starting at $100, can be purchased at DanaCarvey . . . Spanish wines and a four-course dinner are on tap when Volunteers of America presents another installment of its Baby Grapes series of fund-raisers. Designed for the 40-and-under set, the event begins at 6:30 p.m. April 17 at Strings. Tickets are $70 each or $140 for two; call Heather Spencer at 303-297-0408 . . . Also on April 17, Dr. Ned Calonge, chief medical officer for the state Department of Public Health and Environment, receives the Big Shot of the Year Award for his support of immunization programs for children. It will be presented by representatives of the Colorado Children’s Immunization Coalition at a soup-tasting party held at the Colorado History Museum. Call 720-777-5340.
Society editor Joanne Davidson: 303-809-1314 or jdavidson@ ; also, blogs
