The nicest things always seem to happen at Memories in the Making, the annual auction and dinner featuring works by Alzheimer’s patients in the metro area. And what transpired this year between two families bidding on the same item was more heartwarming than words can describe; profitable, too.
The story begins when “Indian Paintbrush,” a package that paired a John Fielder photograph with a watercolor by Alzheimer artist Marianne “Mimi” Kent, was introduced by auctioneers Chuck and Bryson Miller.JJ and Tim Jordan took an immediate liking to it and didn’t hesitate to go higher every time their bid was upped by a voice across a room so crowded they couldn’t see who it belonged to. It wasn’t until until Chuck Miller called “all in, all done” when the Jordans offered $4,000 that someone told them their “opponent” was the Kent family.
The news so touched the Jordans that they gladly paid the $4,000, and then insisted that the Kents accept the artwork as a gift. The Kents were so grateful that, after taking a minute to process what had just happened, they donated their $3,800 bid to the Alzheimer’s Association of Colorado.
Another poignant moment came when sisters Karetta Lee, Donna White and Edith Gray were introduced to the high bidder for “Gossip,” a painting of them that their father, Jim Lash, completed shortly before he succumbed to Alzheimer’s disease last fall.
Memories in the Making 2009 had a record attendance of 650, a figure that included several national officers, including the association’s new president/CEO Harry Johns. It was held at Invesco Field and made $202,000 for the programs, services and research funded by the Colorado chapter. 9News anchor Kim Christiansen emceed.
Other generous bidders were Dr. Alexis Parker, who paid $6,500 for “I Need to Talk,” a work by professional artist Michelle Torrez that was paired with “Call Me, I Need to Talk,” by Alzheimer’s artist Jim Lander, and Dr. David Scanavino, whose $5,600 bid netted him the pairing of “Six Cherries for Erma,” by professional artist Madeline O’Connell, and “Cherries,” by Alzheimer’s artist Erma Stemper. Dr. Donald Murphy offered $5,750 for “Les Armant” by professional artist Norm Cable; it was paired with “Steeple for Lovers” by Alzheimer’s artist Jane Devaney.Chris Binkley, chairman of the association board, helped event manager Joanne Fisher and chapter president Linda Mitchell welcome such guests as past chair Susan Barnhill with her sons, Seth and Matt. Seth organizes the group’s annual Polar Plunge and was there with fiancee Stephanie Grossnickle; Matt was accompanied by his girlfriend, Jennifer Williams of Colorado Homes & Lifestyles magazine.
Others enjoying a buffet supper by Epicurean and cocktails courtesy of Svedka Vodka were Sean McNicholas, who formed the chapter’s Young Professionals group, with Miss Rodeo Colorado Audra Dobbs; Dr. Val Dean; Deb Smith; Diane Fatheree and Jim Prugh; Marti Awad; Elenora Crichlow; Jean Black; art adviser Cheryl St. John; Evelyn Brown; Stacey Trujillo; and program coordinator Gwen Ippen.
