Just as the Kentucky Derby is said to be the fastest two minutes in sports, a derby- themed gala that raised about $150,000 for Families First had 300 people off and running on a fast track to fun.
From the souvenir photos snapped on a winner’s circle set to the requisite mint juleps, red roses, elaborate hats and pecan pie, the 2010 edition of Steppin’ Out reflected the Churchill Downs traditions that co-chairs Carol Brewka and Mary Thompson had so carefully researched in the months leading up to the big night.
Barb and Gary Reece (she’s president of the Families First board) led the thundering herd of ticket-sellers by filling four tables with family and friends; corporate chair Bob Omer crossed the finish line with enough businesses to fill seven sponsorship categories.
Infinity Park Event Center was the setting for this Friday night fete emceed by Steve Kelley and headlined by Lannie Garrett. Catering by Design did the food.
Martha and Larry Donovan received the Friend of the Children Award for their seven years of dedicated service to Families First and its efforts to stem child abuse and neglect.
Executive director Mary Hencmann joined Friends president Cheryl Paxton in welcoming such supporters as Margaret and Dr. Rick Garbe; Leslie and Jeff Modesitt; Jane Netzorg; Diane and Buzz Sweat; Denise McClard; Jodie and Gene Hohensee; Marsha and Emmett Duemke; Janet Ellis; Aldona and Rick Seymour; Ann and Bob Lowdermilk; Angie and Darrell Eastwood; Sally and Gary Newcomb; Mary Margaret and Gary Wright; Cathy and Brad Rothhammer ; and Daphyne and Rick Reiff.
More good stuff.
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society crowns its Man and Woman of the Year at a Roaring Twenties-themed party that begins at 6 p.m. today at Denver Athletic Club. Shery McDonald-Galbreath, who is chairing it with her husband, Jim, and daughter, Emma, says last-minute reservations are being accepted at 303-984-2110, ext. 16. . . . The Denver Phoenix Club’s Spring Fling runs from 4-10 p.m. Saturday at the Washington Park Boat House. It’s a benefit for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Denver and chairman Brett Kelley says the fun will include music by the reggae band Selasee and DJ Escal8. Tickets are $45 at the door. . . . Colorado Preservation, Inc. presents its highest honor, the Dana Crawford Award for Historic Preservation, to architect Edward D. White Jr. at a dinner taking place Tuesday at Denver Botanic Gardens. Call 303-893-4260.
Joanne Davidson: 303-809-1314 or jdavidson@denverpost.com; also, davidson and GetItWrite on Twitter
