One of Garth Brooks’ biggest hits was about having friends in low places. But thank goodness for pals in high places — otherwise I wouldn’t have this neat exclusive: He is coming here in the spring to headline the Denver Health Gala.
And he’s doing it for free.
Last Thursday, the country music superstar announced he is coming out of retirement to accept a five-year gig at the Wynn Las Vegas. What he didn’t say then, but what I can tell you today, is that his longtime friend, Sharon Magness Blake, had also talked him into starring at the gala that she is chairing with her husband, former Breckenridge Mayor Ernie Blake, and two other couples with deep ties to Denver Health: Jean and Dr. Ben Galloway and Lisa and Bruce Alexander.
The date and location won’t be confirmed for another week or two (most likely, it’ll be April 24), but the backers are hoping that Brooks’ appearance will be key in helping them meet their goal of raising $2.5 million to commemorate Denver Health’s 150th year.
Fans are asked to be patient with regard to tickets. How to buy them, and how much they’ll cost, is to be determined. Watch this space for details.
The Brooks/Blake friendship has several interesting angles. Brooks and his wife, Trisha Yearwood, were guests at Sharon and Ernie’s wedding in 2004. Two years later, Yearwood was the headliner at Western Fantasy, a Volunteers of America fund-raiser that Sharon Magness Blake started with Jean Galloway 16 years ago. And, Brooks’ charitable foundation, Teammates For Kids, is headquartered in Wheat Ridge. The foundation will donate the money to complete a child-friendly “zone”” at Denver Health that will contain toys, games and other materials to help young patients relax . Brooks will be at a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the hospital before performing at the gala.
Women of Distinction
Girl Scouts of Colorado decided to change things up a bit when planning the party honoring its 2009 Women of Distinction.
So instead of having a sit-down dinner, co-chairs Barbara Kelley and Sharon Linhart opted for a cocktails-and-hors d’oeuvres format that promoted mixing, mingling and getting everyone home in time for the 10 o’clock news.
It was well-received, with 500-plus attendees and a ton of praise for a program that was both interactive and to the point.
The 20 honorees were Margaret Atencio, Carol Burt, Margaret Catlin, Leanna Clark, Ivette Dominguez, Rae Ann Dougherty, Donna Evans, Viola Garlington, Mary Foote Gearhart, Stephanie Harvey, Irene Martinez Jordan, Mashenka Lundberg, Betsy Mangone, Leslie Mitchell, Kay Norton, JoAnn Millsap Pegues, Jeannie Ritter, Jil Rosenstrater, Mary Ann Solano Shing and Elaine Torres.
More in my Seen First blog:
Joanne Davidson: 303-809-1314 or jdavidson@denverpost.com; also, davidson and GetItWrite on Twitter
Laughter and tears
Emotions ran high when Blacktie- Colorado presented the first Georgia R. Imhoff Philanthropist and Volunteer Extraordinaire of the Year Award to Ryta Sondergard. Joanne Davidson has more about the laughter and tears at the event held at the Sheraton Denver Downtown in her Seen First blog: Photos by Steve Peterson, Special to The Denver Post
Inspiring women
Twenty women who have blazed trails and set wonderful examples were recognized as Women of Distinction by the Girl Scouts of Colorado. Read more about the honorees, and the celebration for them, in Joanne Davidson’s Inside Line, above. Photos by Steve Peterson, Special to The Denver Post
CHUN turns 40
Denver Botanic Gardens was the setting for a party celebrating the 40th anniversary of Capitol Hill United Neighborhoods, and founders Pat Schroeder, Cathy Donohue and Bernie Jones were among those on hand to thank supporters for building a vibrant, participatory community through hands- on involvement in issues ranging from historic preservation to sponsorship of the People’s Fair. Photos by Steve Peterson, Special to The Denver Post
