Fortunatelyor not, depending on how hearty you like to party — it wasn’t like the movie “Animal House” with a bunch of soused frat boys chanting “to-ga, to-ga.”
Friends For Families First did recommend the wearing of togas for its annual Steppin’ Out gala. But with “. . . to Classical Rome” as a sub-plot, the decorations committee passed on beer kegs and tubs of popcorn and decked the Marriott City Center ballroom with emperors, gladiators, orators, centurions, spartans, and vine-covered columns.
Many of the 400 guests came in costume. Chairwoman Denise McClard wore a toga that pal Cathy Hillbrand made for her from a Vogue pattern. Ryta Sondergard walked the obligatory two steps behind her very own Roman ruler, hubby Steve Sondergard, fanning him with a giant palm frond. Dr. Bob Brewka made a dashing gladiator, complete with gold helmet, while his wife, Carol, wore a Grecian-style gown accessorized with gold.
Sally Newcomb, president of the Families First board, not only made togas for herself and her husband, Gary, she made them for each couple at her table: Kathy and Peter Friedauer, Stacie and David Hitz, Natalie and Matt Newcomb, Sheridan and Lance Newcomb, and the Sondergards.
Others getting into a toga and Ben Hur frame of mind: Rachel and Steve Petrie, Mary and Steve Thompson, Julie and Ben Graebel, Fredand Diane Hale, Dee Dee and Jim Creighton, Vicki and Dr. Ron Hattin, Connie Genova and Ralph Bellizi, Gail and George Johnson, Families First executive director Mary Hencmann, and director of major gifts Jo Blum, who joked that for “this evening, at least, I am to be called a Roman goddess and receiver of great contributions.”
After dinner, the Friend of the Children Award was presented to Jerry and Deb Sturm by 22-year-old Pierce Sykes, who had spent several months at Families First as a 4-year-old and credits the agency with keeping his family intact during a difficult time following the death of his sister.
The Sturms, who will chair Steppin’ Out 2009, have given generously of their time and money over the past 11 years to help Families First in its efforts to curb child abuse and neglect.
In addition, roses were presented to several who have supported Families First for all of its 20 years: Marsha Duemke, Barb Ingalls, Cathy Hollis, Margaret Garbe, Sarah Hite, Aldona Seymour and Glory Weisberg.
Society editor Joanne Davidson: 303-809-1314 or jdavidson@denverpost.com; also,
