Food for 1,000? Even with a crowd that large, there’s never a worry about quality control at
This benefit for three Denver nonprofits serving children from low-income families always has plenty of yummies for the tummy prepared by gents who know their way around a kitchen.
This year, the 100 church and civic leaders taking part in the black-tie event held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel Denver International Airport whipped up an equal number of treats, including Michael Short’s smoked pineapple-curry chicken, Brandon Johnson’s spinach and artichoke ravioli and Myron Sims’ smoked salmon.
VIP-level supporters also got to sample Denver Mayor Michael Hancock’s mac-and-cheese, the recipe for which is a closely guarded family secret. They also were treated to vocal stylings from the mayor’s wife, Mary Louise Lee.
“We are extremely thankful to have support from such distinguished men around Denver who are willing to invest their personal time in our youth,” said Norma Paige, the executive director and chief operating officer of 100 Men Who Cook. “The youth are our future and this has become the community’s investment in them.”
Net proceeds, which are still being tallied, go to three Denver-area grassroots organizations: the , which offers mentoring and sports programs; the , which gives youngsters the opportunity to learn life skills by participating in precision-driven, teamwork activities; and the Jazz C.A.F.E. (Cultivating a Future of Excellence), which promotes and develops music and leadership skills through music education and academic preparation.
Fox 31’s Shaul Turner hosted the red carpet, welcoming and interviewing such guests as Naquetta Ricks; Barbara Brooks; Jaz Merritt; Roz Reese; Jaymie Alexander; Rosemary Oyugi, Elizabeth Lee; Paris Ferribee; Chuck Moss, president of the 100 Men Who Cook board; and comedian Sam Adams, the benefit’s master of ceremonies.
Joanne Davidson: 303-809-1314, jdavidson@ denverpost.com or twitter.com/ joannedavidson
Bright beginnings changes its name
Twenty years after it was founded by then-Gov. Roy Romer and the late Brad Butler, Bright Beginnings has changed its name to Bright by Three. The switch was an-nounced at the Goodnight Moon Gala, which Joanne Davidson reports on in the Mile High Style blog: blogs.denverpost.com/style
