Sorry, Cyndi (Lauper), it’s not just girls who want to have fun. Men do, too, especially right here and right now.
Even in Denver, where optimism always seemed to prevail in previous economic stumbles, the world’s economic woes have made a disturbing number of people behave badly. Very badly.
Tempers are quick to flare; unkind words and gestures are seen and heard more frequently than not; and angry faces seem to have replaced smiling ones.
So a major “yay!” for those who see what’s happening and are working frantically to stem the tide before everything spirals completely out of control.
No, they’re not loading up on smiley-face stickers and emoticons; they’re smarter than that. They’re putting the “fun” back into fundraising by scheduling speakers and programs that are upbeat and positive, and by scratching the “poor us, poor me” videos that do little more than bum out audiences.
The following may not change the world, but surely they can’t hurt:
• Colorful costumes and exotic foods will fill Colorado History Museum on Saturday when the Shining Stars Foundation presents Carnival: Escape to Rio. The 6:30 p.m. event also is the occasion for former Denver City Councilwoman Happy Haynes and chanteuse Lannie Garrett to receive the foundation’s Bright Light Award. Tickets are $100 advance, through blacktie-colorado.com, or $125 at the door.
• The Junior Symphony Guild was founded in 1958, and for one week in March, Baur’s Ristorante, 1512 Curtis St., is offering a commemorative dinner deal with proceeds going to the guild. “Imagine a prime rib dinner for $5 or a martini for a buck-fifty,” says JSG vice president Carole Kramer. Fill Your Plate Like ’58 runs March 16-21, and on March 15 there’s a $58-per-couple preview party complete with 1950s-style cocktails and food. Register at or by calling 303-355-7855.
• For its 13th A Chance to Believe Luncheon, May 7, the Volunteers of America Guild is bringing in Charla Krupp, author of the best-selling “How Not to Look Old: Fast and Effortless Ways to Look 10 Years Younger, 10 Pounds Lighter, 10 Times Better.” Past president Myrna Mourning is the chairwoman; tickets are available through Michael James, 720-264-3322.
• The Arthritis Foundation has signed the very funny sports interviewer and motivational speakerRoy Firestone for its May 8 Evening of Honors that salutes banker Jay Davidson, Villager columnist Mort Marks, radio personality Murphy Houston and construction czar Dick Saunders.• And, given chocolate’s mood-boosting powers, it’s no surprise that Say It With Chocolate was such a huge success for Third Way Center. Gateaux, Happy Cakes, Heavenly Cakes, Trina’s Treats and Chocolates by Mary Carol were among the contributors; CBS4’s Tom Mustin; jobs guru Andrew Hudson and William Poole of Wen Chocolates were among the judges. Want more? Find it in my SeenFirst blog: .
Society editor Joanne Davidson: 303-809-1314 or jdavidson@denverpost.com.
