Sometimes I think economists and other prognosticators should take a closer look at charity fundraisers before scaring the country half to death with predictions about which way the economy is heading.
We’re in a down cycle, to be sure, but something like Memories in the Making, an art auction benefiting the Alzheimer’s Association, goes a long way toward proving that everyone hasn’t retreated behind locked doors and drawn curtains until the dark cloud passes.
Just as dire predictions can become self-fulfilling prophecies, a successful fundraiser shows that people still have jobs and money to spend.
Put another way: It’s the cause, not the economy, that drives donations. At least according to chairwoman Susie Buckley and those who helped her plan the 13th Memories in the Making.
Enthusiastic bidding by the 550 guests raised $240,000 — a figure that event manager Joanne Fisher says represents a 20 percent increase over last year.
Memories in the Making, held this year on the United Club Level at Invesco Field, is a highly emotional event in that much of the art up for bid has been created by Alzheimer’s patients. A dozen of the best pieces, chosen by a nine-member jury, are paired with works by professional artists and featured in the live auction.
Families of the Alzheimer’s artists are often the most passionate bidders. Patient/artist Jim Lash attended with daughters Karetta Lee and Edith Grey, while Lillian Horner’s children, Dave and Bob Horner and Judi Aadalen, attended with her. Horner had created this year’s signature piece, “A Bowl of Cherries.”
Mary Jo Hren attended in memory of her mother, Frances, who recently died, and a number of David Cowan’s children attended to honor their dad’s work.
Professional artist Susan Dickson was traveling the day the auction was held, but was represented by Noa Banghart and her mom, Lori. Noa was the subject of “Remembering,” a painting Dickson created in memory of her own mother, who had Alzheimer’s. Dickson describes “Remembering” as the “most important of my work this year.”
Indeed, Noa’s presence on the stage may have helped fuel the furious bidding that reached its peak when Rick Miller, CEO of Olinger Dignity, offered $10,000, a new record for the auction.
9News anchor Kim Christiansen emceed.
Guests included Jay and Joyce Moskowitz; board chair Chris and Linda Binkley; former chair Susan Barnhill with hubby Carl and their son Seth; Alex Speros; Val and Linda Dean; Dr. David Scanavino; Susan and Dr. Don Murphy; Alan Dill; Dr. Mike Wasserman; Michael Saracusa; Helen and Morris Ginsburg (she founded the association’s AWARE auxiliary); JJ and Tim Jordan; and John and Colleen Maxfield.
Society editor Joanne Davidson: 303-809-1314 or jdavidson@denverpost.com; also, davidson
