Mention the name Celine Dion and two things will happen: Cynics are going get all snarky and her fans will sing an entirely different tune. Folks at Englewood’s Craig Hospital fall into the latter category, big time.
The Canadian songbird got to know Craig when her nephew was a patient there in 2004, and when she brings her world concert tour to Denver on Nov. 19 she is going to express her thanks by appearing at an $850-a-ticket dinner before the show. Only 200 of these tickets will be sold. They include parking, cocktails and a buffet supper in the Pepsi Center’s Continental Divide Room, a photo op with Dion and up-front seats for the concert. Call Sue Lynch, 303-789-8578.
The effort is expected to raise $120,000 for Craig, one of the world’s top rehabilitation hospitals and research centers specializing in spinal cord injury and traumatic brain injury.
A sparkling affair
Most people know John Atencio for his jewelry designs, but he also paints. His home is filled with the vibrant pieces he has created, and seeing them was a special treat for those who attended a reception that launched ticket sales for Mental Health America of Colorado’s annual Tribute Dinner.
Atencio, along with MHAC’s CEO, Jeanne Rohner, welcomed about 50 of the Oct. 30 benefit’s key players, including top executives from Citywide Banks, which will be honored that night for its long-standing commitment to demystifying mental illness and promoting good mental health. Founding family members Vince, Marty and Jeff Schmitz were there, along with chief executive/president Tom Flanagan and his wife, Susan. Also, such board members and spouses as Don and Patty Cook; Gwen and Moses Brewer; Dick Saunders; Dr. Stu and Gail Kassan and Dr. Bert and Dyana Furmansky.And there’s more
Project Angel Heart, which delivers meals to those with life-threatening illnesses, is having its annual Art for Life benefit from 5-9 p.m. today at Abend Gallery. Quang Ho, Lu Cong, Kim English, Robert Spooner and Tim Deibler are among the contributors; tickets are $50 at the door … The Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation gave us the wrong date for its Women of Distinction luncheon honoring sisters Barb Nieder and Joyce Persky. It’s Sept. 17 at Denver Country Club, not a week earlier.
Society editor Joanne Davidson: 303-809-1314 or jdavidson@denverpost.com; also,
