Moving right along . . .
For everyone who has vowed “never again” after enduring another fundraiser that devolved into a speech-and-live-auction marathon: You should have been at the National Repertory Orchestra’s 2008 Summer Gala.
Judi Wolf planned it, and if anyone believes in cutting to the chase, it’s her. In this instance, the chase being the music provided by the Breckenridge-based orchestra.
“How often do we get to dance to the music of an 88-piece orchestra?” she asked. “Isn’t that why we’re all here?”
So to maximize the musical moments, she had master of ceremonies Ed Greene conduct the live bidding at the same time that guests were dining on an Epicurean Catering meal of chopped vegetable timbale and apricot-glazed chicken.
Did it work? I don’t have all the numbers yet, but let’s just say that in 15 minutes, Greene (“I know you can eat with one hand and raise your paddles with the other”) was able to extract $10,000 from dentist and new Breckenridge Mayor John Warner; Jim Taucher, vice president of the NRO board; jeweler Ralph Klomp; principal bass James Stroup; and Jeremy and Susan Shamos for the honor of conducting the orchestra for one number. The Shamoses relinquished their turn on the bandstand to Wolf.
Other items that intrigued the likes of co-chair Kalleen and Bob Malone; honorary chairs Ernie Blake and Sharon Magness Blake; Dan Ritchie; Joy Burns; Bob and Nancy Follett; Libby Bortz and Michael Altenberg; and Cap and Suzy Witzler ranged from an eight-day Grandluxe rail excursion to a Sonoma wine country getaway.
The instant the last bid was submitted, the orchestra, this time under the baton of maestro Carl Topilow, began not the beguine but a medley of classics and show tunes with vocals courtesy of Danyelle Bossardet.
The dancing? It began promptly at 9.
Hey, at least Wolf didn’t suggest eating dessert first. But if she had, it would have been OK because it was yummy chocolate ravioli served beside a shot glass filled with hot fudge.
Society editor Joanne Davidson: 303-809-1314 or jdavidson@denverpost.com; also,
