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The tuxedo, maybe. A mask, no way.

When attorney Craig Fleishman realized the black-tie Masquerade Ball that he and wife Layne were chairing for Colorado Neurological Institute would fall smack dab in the middle of a four-week trial, he immediately started thinking what he could, or could not, get away with in terms of courtroom attire.

The case was being heard in Chicago and Fleishman was afraid that even though his return flight was due to land at DIA at 4 p.m. the day of the gala, weather, engine trouble, traffic jams — even a longer court day — could make him late for this very important date.

“I did give serious consideration to wearing my tuxedo to court,” Fleishman confessed. Lady Luck was in his corner, though. Court adjourned early, enabling him to catch an earlier flight that landed in plenty of time for him to go home, change into his formal duds and get to Seawell Ballroom ahead of the 250 guests.

The good fortune that shone on Fleishman’s travel schedule also shone on CNI. The costume extravaganza raised $250,000, making it the most successful gala in CNI history.

Much of that success came from a $100,000 gift from Land Title founder William Vollbracht and his wife, Leslie. CNI is thanking the Vollbrachts by putting their name on its NeuroHealth Center.

Executive director Luanne Williams said the Vollbracht gift “takes CNI to a new level, positioning us for success in meeting the neurological needs of our community for years to come.”

Another highlight of the evening came when 2009 recipient Jamie Angelich presented the 2010 Dawn Denzer Community Leader Award to the MDC/Richmond American Homes Foundation. President/CEO David Mandarich and his wife, Bonnie, a member of the CNI board, accepted the honor.

Dr. Richard Kelley, a past chair of the CNI board, and his wife, Linda, were at the gala with a group that included attorney Sherry Sherman and her partner, Tom Mansfield, who is being treated at CNI after being diagnosed with a brain tumor. Others enjoying the event emceed by 7News meteorologist Mike Nelson were the honorary chairmen Don and Arlene Johnson; Joe and Angela Alexis; auction chairs Artemis Khadiwala and Stephanie Odak; Dave Barnes, whose Scenographics did the ballroom decor; auctioneer Doug Tisdale; Ginny and Louis Messina; Drs. Tammie and David Kelsall; LaFawn Biddle; Richard and Robin Fort; and the current board chair, Lucille “Lucky” Gallagher and her husband, Dr. Richard Stieg.Coming right up.

The ninth-floor units at the new Spire high-rise in downtown Denver that have been decorated for a Rocky Mountain PBS show will be unveiled at the Designer Within party that begins at 6 p.m. today. It’s a benefit for the Kempe Children’s Foundation; call 720-457-7550 … Curators from all departments at the Denver Art Museum are asked to select significant works by three artists to include in Salon du Musee, a gala exhibition and sale that takes place on Saturday night. Those with Elite Patron tickets gather in the DAM’s Duncan Pavilion at 5:30 p.m. for champagne, “art-tinis” and a conversation with artist Daniel Sprick at 5:30 p.m.; then it’s on to Palettes restaurant for cocktails and dinner. Details: … Also on Saturday, DOVE celebrates its 10th year of providing help to members of the deaf community who have suffered abuse by hosting a fundraiser at the Denver Athletic Club. Learn more at … The Colorado Symphony Guild invites prospective members to learn more about its activities by attending a tea that begins at 2 p.m. Oct. 20 at a private home in the Denver Country Club neighborhood. Call 303-674-0757 … Colorado Ballet honors its founders, Lillian Covillo and the late Freidann Parker, at a 50th anniversary gala taking place Oct. 21 at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House. Gil Boggs, Marie Belew Wheatley and Denise Sanderson are the hosts; the $50 tickets can be purchased by calling 303-339-1610.

Joanne Davidson: 303-809-1314 or jdavidson@denverpost.com; also, and GetItWrite on Twitter