The dream that is every event planner’s worst nightmare came true for Tami Lack when, just days before Third Way Center’s Tasting for a Cause was to have taken place, the restaurant that had hosted five previous editions pulled the plug for Year Six.
The bad economy was to blame, Lack’s contact informed her. Still, “My heart sank, and of course I panicked. We had 100 of our best supporters ready and waiting, and no place to go.”
Lack is nothing if not quick on her feet, and within hours she had things back on track.
“Amy Evans, the catering director at McCormick’s, is a friend and when she heard what had happened, she told me not to worry, that she’d make everything right.”
And that she did.
The well-connected Evans worked with McCormick’s executive chef Stephen Vice to assemble a seafood and dessert buffet that was nothing short of spectacular. She also got Oxford Hotel general manager Ed Blair to donate the valet parking, and Doug Chis- holm to provide the Svedka Vodka for the evening’s martinis and cosmopolitans. Jim Beimford of Southern Wine & Spirits supplied other cocktail ingredients. A special participant was Gustavo Arroyat, regional export manager for Trapiche vineyards in Argentina, who happened to be in Denver for another event, and was only too happy to stop by the Oxford’s grand ballroom to share some of his red and white wines.
Mayor John Hickenlooper; state Sen. Mike Johnston; American Wine Association VP Jeff Sporkin and his wife, Tina; and the owners of Devil’s Thumb Ranch, Bob and Suzanne Fanch, were among those enjoying the evening; so, too, were artist William Matthews, president of the Third Way Center board; Laura Barton; Andrew Hudson and Christine Marquez-Hudson; attorney Kristen Sweat; Danny, Jim and Sandy Gryzmala; Stacy Ohlsson; and executive director David Eisner and his wife, Renee.
Third Way Center, named Large Non-Profit Organization of the Year for 2009 by the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce, provides day and residential treatment for troubled teens and their families.
“Some of Third Way’s work borders on the miraculous, noted master of ceremonies Jim Benemann of CBS4. Well, Jim, we’d have to say that applies to their fundraising, too.
Coming right up.
The Denver Adult Down Syndrome Clinic celebrates its 10th anniversary when the Cory Larson family opens its Littleton home Thursday evening for a reception with food, music and a silent auction. For details, call 303-360-3877 . . . On July 22, Steve and Neyeska Mut are expecting up to 300 guests at their Cherry Hills home for a cocktail party that will introduce Ghana’s first lady, Ernestina Naadu Mills, to the VIPs planning to attend Project C.U.R.E.’s First Ladies Luncheon. It takes place the following day at the Hyatt Convention Center, and is being chaired by Jeannie Ritter, Frances Owens, Wilma Webb and Susan Kiely. Tickets: 303-792-0729.
Joanne Davidson: 303-809-1314 or jdavidson@denverpost.com; also, and GetItWrite on Twitter
