In a word, Kempe Takes Paris was magnifique, an evening that captured much of the glamour and excitement that real-life tourists enjoy on visits to the storied City of Lights.
The mood was set the moment the 500 guests stepped inside the Marriott City Center. Mimes pointed the way to the check-in table and, once seating assignments were secured, escorted them to an escalator that dropped them off at a replica of the Arc de Triomphe, where souvenir photos were snapped against a backdrop that also included the Eiffel Tower.
From there, it was on to l’Avenue des Champs-Elysees (otherwise known as the ballroom foyer) for cocktails, crepes and a cheery bonjour to the Hepburn-esque woman walking her French poodle.
Instead of the traditional silent auction, event chair Teresa Kennedy opted for a “Louvre Gallery” where artists Karen Haugan Tomlinson, Patty Ramey, Genevieve Devon Tarlton, Jennifer Devlin and Heather Delzell had their paintings for sale.
Former Colorado first lady Jeannie Ritter, and Elaine Gantz Berman and Dr. Steve Berman were honored during the beef Wellington dinner that was emceed by 7News anchor Mitch Jelniker. Afterward, the scene shifted back to the lobby where guests could sip coffee, enjoy pastries from D Bar Desserts and dance off the calories in Maxim’s Nightclub.
Net income is still being tallied, and Kennedy expects the numbers to be strong. After all, the special appeal alone brought in $78,000 — a nice spike from the $50,000 goal. The money goes to the Kempe Foundation’s work on behalf of abused and neglected children.
Kempe’s new president/chief executive, Patricia Peterson, helped Kennedy welcome a crowd that included such longtime supporters as Walt Imhoff, Dr. Richard Krugman and Dr. Jules Amer. Kempe Alliance president Sandee Walling was there, too, along with board chair Jon Kruljac; the gala’s corporate committee chair Kareina Westlund and entertainment coordinator Gail Johnson.
Others enjoying the night were former Gov. Bill Ritter; Paula Herzmark; Bob and Robyn Loup; Steve and Wendy Cohen; Dr. Andrew Sirotnak; Ren and Maureen Cannon; Ron and Miriam Abreu; Steve and Ryta Sondergard; Martha Kelce; Keegan Gerhard and Lisa Bailey; Nancy Parker; Paul Esserman; Terry Biddinger; Thierry and Sophie Kennel; and Melissa Grandchamp.
Coming right up.
Parents of the debutantes and Young Men of Distinction being presented at the 2011 Bal de Ballet will be feted at a cocktail party that David and Bonnie Mandarich are having Thursday evening at their new Cherry Hills Village home. . . . And while that’s going on, the Junior League of Denver will be staging a Kentucky Derby- themed Spring Fling at Casselman’s Bar and Venue, 2620 Walnut St. Sign up at . . . . Julie and Richard Wham, Debbie and John Rae- der and Maria and Pete Burridge are among those helping to plan Glass Half Full, an April 28 food- and-wine tasting at the Denver Bot- anic Gardens. It’s a benefit for the Boulder-based Greenhouse Scholars; call Susie Hayes, 720-346-3741 or visit . . . . Also that night, the Denver Art Museum hosts a one-night-only viewing of Streets of Afghanistan, a photo exhibit that will then depart for a two-year tour of venues throughout the U.S. The event is a benefit for the Colorado-based Mountain2- Mountain; learn more at streetsof . . . . Betty Peterson, Bret Saunders, Ingrid Julyk and Dr. Dean Prina are honorary chairmen for the Joshua School’s seventh annual spring gala, Use Your Voice. It’s at the Ritz-Carlton Denver on April 30; sign up at .
Joanne Davidson: 303-809-1314 or jdavidson@denverpost.com; also, and GetItWrite on Twitter
