Most big charity events in Denver raise money for an individual cause — to battle cancer, improve education or the arts, for example — but one gala every year benefits dozens of groups.
The Icon Awards, chaired by Colorado Expressions and Confetti publisher Terry Vitale, asks patrons what charity they want $50 from their ticket price to benefit, and when proceeds from the event are tallied, Lisa Buscietta writes a check to dozens of organizations.
This year, that will be close to 60 groups. “In previous years, we’ve had up to 100, but this year there were more corporate tables, with the entire table designating one beneficiary, such as Amp the Cause and the Anna & John J. Sie Foundation,” Buscietta said.
In addition, $25 of each ticket is placed into a a drawing and one of the designated charities is chosen at the event to receive that money. At last week’s gala at the Grand Hyatt Denver, Parkinson Association of the Rockies was the lucky winner.
The non-profit groups aren’t the only ones who go home with prizes. The Icons honor individuals and companies who put on special events, with awards given for everything from invitations and flowers to entertainment and video. Among the winners were David Squires of Design Works, who received the Lifetime Achievement Award as well as honors for two weddings and a nonprofit event his company did last year.
Many of the nominees and award winners displayed their skills at the party, which this year was called Mad about You, inspired by the hit TV show “Mad Men” theme. Guests’ names and table numbers were on “cigarette” packs as they arrived. Martinis were free flowing and the three-course steak dinners were “like something you’d have at a supper club,” said Vitale, who was also celebrating her birthday. After the awards were presented, guests danced to the Motones and then a silent disco.
Partygoers dressed in 1960s fashions, from their beehive hairdos and sheaths to their long gloves and pointy toe pumps. Guys like Douglas Kerbs sported skinny suits (Kerbs’ was a straight-from-the-Prada runway purchase a couple of years back). Jamie Angelich dressed in a floaty chiffon Halston number, while Holly Kylberg wore a vintage floral dress. Lisa Gilford piled on her mother’s pearls, while Miriam Radelich donned her grandmother’s.
“We start in July every year. It’s like planning a wedding for 350 people,” Vitale said. “We have the most extraordinary talent here.”
Her decision that the party benefit multiple groups came out of many requests nonprofits made years ago to get her involved with their boards and special events. “It would be unfair to promote one over the other, so I started a foundation and let folks help me decide where the money should go.”
Suzanne S. Brown: 303-954-1697, sbrown@denverpost.com or @suzannebro
