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regional magazine featuring photo coverage of the local, Memphis area social scene.
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CONT
ENTS
12GREEN SHOE GALA
Chris and Allison Webb
32 BLUES BALL SPRING AUCTIONBill and Mona Sappenfield
16STREETSEEN
Lesley Brainard
38 BIG WIG BALL
Christopher Prest and Jessica Davis
44RENDEZVOUS AT THE DIXON
Bruce Campbell, Carter CampbellSr. and Carter Campbell Jr.
42GIFT OF LIFE GALA
Shawn Carter and Camille Moore
Cover PhotoAdam and Karen Hamburger
atThe Gift of Life GalaPhoto by Don Perry
ContentsJune 2009
From the Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
Signature Memphis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10Dr. William E. TrouttThe 19th president of Rhodes College just finished the spring semester, but he’salready smiling about the possibilities a new school year can bring.
Green Shoe Gala . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12Shelby Farms Park Conservancy supporters kicked up their green shoes for an eco-friendly affair in the park.
StreetSeens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16 & 18The leader of Memphis Thunder Racing swears that once you do a triathlon, you’llbe hooked. When he noticed a trend among those with drug-related offenses, thisjudge took matters into his own hands and founded the Shelby County Drug Court.StreetSeens highlight Lesley Brainard and Judge Tim Dwyer.
Onsites . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20, 22, 47 & 49Gatherings that have earned an honorable mention.
RSVPeople . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24A trek across the city’s party landscape.
Blues Ball Spring Auction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32Blues Ball Spring Auction guests celebrated the warmer temps and Cinco de Mayoat The Warehouse.
Vox Popular . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36Q&A with Habitat for Humanity® of Greater Memphis executive director DwayneSpencer.
Big Wig Ball . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38No one could top the creative hairstyles on display at this soiree for Le BonheurChildren’s Medical Center.
Gift of Life Gala . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42The National Kidney Foundation of West Tennessee honored foundation supportersand beneficiaries at a black-tie party at the U of M Holiday Inn.
Rendezvous at the Dixon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44The Dixon Gallery and Gardens drew hundreds to its lawn for a family-style picnic.
RSVPhillippi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48Wedding BlissFunnyman Phillippi doesn’t mind sitting in a church pew…that is, for a wedding.
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Volume XIV Number IX
June 2009
P U B L I S H E R
Roy Haithcock
E D I T O R
Leah Fitzpatrick
C O N T R I B U T I N G W R I T E R S
Ruth CassinJonathan DevinDennis Phillippi Lesley Young
A R T D I R E C T O R
Patrick Akers
P H O T O G R A P H E R S
Roy HaithcockDon Perry
Steve Roberts
S E N I O R A C C O U N T E X E C U T I V E
Toni Anderson
A C C O U N T E X E C U T I V E
Libby Huff
A C C O U N T I N G
Ruth Cassin
RSVP Memphis is published monthly byHaithcock Communications, Inc. First class
subscriptions are available for $75.00 per year.Send name and address with a check to:
Haithcock Communications, Inc.2282 Central AvenueMemphis, TN 38104
For advertising information contactRoy Haithcock
Phone (901) 276-7787, ext. 101Fax (901) 276-7785
e-mail [email protected]
W E B
www.rsvpmagazine.com
For editorial information or to request
coverage of an event, please
contact RSVP Magazine
one month prior to the event.
Call 901-276-7787, ext. 105 or fax to 901-276-7785.
e-mail [email protected]
Copyright 2009 Haithcock Communications, Inc.
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VÄtáá|vtÄ `âá|vMARTHA ANN PHELPS - HARP, PIANO & ORGAN
NATHAN PHELPS - TRUMPET & CLASSICAL GUITAR
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Charlotte Fine Jewelry • Crabtree & Evelyn • Coach
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Lucky Brand Jeans • Mango Street Baby
Natural Body Spa and Shoppe • Strasburg Children • Vera Bradley
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Plus many more of your favorite stores.
OUR NEWEST ADDITIONS
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While looking backthrough the editorialcontent for column top-
ics, I realized that themeparties have gained a resur-gence. From the Big WigBall to the Green Shoe Galato the Blues Ball SpringAuction’s Cinco de Mayo cel-ebration, event organizersincreased the ante for partyattire, décor and food…andattendees responded in a bigway. Not only did I hear peo-ple talking about what out-fits they were concocting forthese occasions, but theywere looking forward toevents with, what I call, the wow factor, or that extra dose ofsomething special. More importantly, these themes served asquintessential marketing tools to get people in the door forcharity.
The fresh approach to event planning proved quiteappealing for this editor, who roughly attends three or fourparties a week. Not only am I singing the event chairmen’spraises, but I think that to deviate from any standard, whetherit be a party format or morning ritual, is bold and completelynecessary to keep one’s interest peaked. So, out with the old,and in with the new!
Speaking of new, the time has come for Memphians tofocus on the beginning of summer. For those unaware, sum-mer starts June 21, which also happens to be Father’s Day andthe longest day of the year. Though I dread the fade of day-light hours after the 21st, I welcome the onslaught of week-ends at the pool, making homemade ice cream, taking hikes,throwing in some change at any lemonade stand in sight andmaybe planning an all-American road trip to the country’s bestdiners, an idea that’s been in the works for a while.
Looking for a summer adventure of your own? Checkout the Memphis Botanic Garden’s Live at the Garden concertlineup on page 23, or visit a thrift store (MIFA has a goodone!) to get a Hawaiian shirt for a backyard luau. Just remem-ber that an endless summer isn’t only reserved for the beach.Happy reading!
Leah [email protected]
From the Editor
Photo by
Steve
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Todd Dyson
Al Hollingsworth
JoFarris
Fred Headley
Joe Smith
Mark A. Pinkston
JanBounds
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Dr. William E. TrouttPPrreessiiddeenntt ooff RRhhooddeess CCoolllleeggee//PPaasstt CChhaaiirrmmaann ooff tthhee AAmmeerriiccaann CCoouunncciill oonn EEdduuccaattiioonn
YYoouurr mmaannttrraa:: You can count on me.
IIddeeaall vvaaccaattiioonn ssppoott:: Anywhere in Tuscany.LLaasstt bbooookk yyoouu’’vvee rreeaadd:: Outliers by Malcolm
Gladwell.
FFiirrsstt ccoonncceerrtt:: Peter, Paul and Mary at Ellis
Auditorium in 1965.
FFiirrsstt jjoobb:: Sacking groceries at Creekmore’s in Bolivar,
Tennessee.
HHoobbbbyy:: Carpentry and painting projects at our NewOrleans home.
YYoouurr ggrreeaatteesstt aacchhiieevveemmeenntt:: Persuading CaroleTroutt to marry me.
MMoovviiee yyoouu ccoouulldd wwaattcchh oovveerr aanndd oovveerraaggaaiinn:: O Brother, Where Art Thou?
WWhheerree yyoouu ttaakkee oouutt--ooff--ttoowwnn gguueessttss:: BarretLibrary at Rhodes and Harbor Town.
PPeerrssoonnaall hheerroo:: President Charles E. Diehl, whobrought our college to Memphis in 1925.
SIGN
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photo by
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GREE
N SH
OE GAL
AE V E N
T Green Shoe Gala Benefiting Shelby Farms Park Conservancy
Gayle Schoettle, Wynoka Terry and Jeanette Jones
Bridget and Phil Trenary
Charles and Judy Burkett
Rick and Carla Masson
Sherry Brooks and George Higgs
Lillian and Judge George Brown
Barry Yoakum and April Norris Yoakum
Jon Mikulski and Erica Humphreys
Laura and Steve Harris
Nearly 500 Shelby Farms Park Conservancy supporters kicked off anentire weekend of events celebrating our Mother Earth by attend-ing the Green Shoe Gala. The event served as a fund-raiser for the
group’s conservation efforts and gave guests a chance to wear fash-ionable shoes, gowns, cummerbunds and ties in the most earth-friendly of colors.
Inside two enormous tents that allowed fantastic views of theShelby Farms grounds and lakes, creative décor impressed, startingwith tables draped in black with overlays of bright green and chairsadorned by matching oversized green bows. Distinctive touches of yel-low were also present, from forsythia, daffodils and poppies entwinedin clear glass lanterns to tiny twinkling lights ensconced in grapevine“globes” hanging from the tent ceilings. In the reception tent, ahuge ice sculpture of a high-heeled shoe surrounded by masses of yel-low roses was the centerpiece of a delectable all-organic cocktailspread provided by Whole Foods. Adding to the ambiance were lovelymodels sporting fashions inspired by 1940s couture, designed byEmannuelle Jones, and crafted with recycled materials, including tis-sue paper and plastic shopping bags. During the reception, a silentauction took place that had guests eagerly bidding on goodies like aprivate wine tasting accompanied by an organic menu of Tennessee-made cheeses, donated by Crown Winery, and a set of handcrafted flyfishing flies given by Dr. Mike Marshall.
The dinner hour began when Channel 24 anchor Dee Griffinand Rick Masson, executive director of the conservancy, welcomedand thanked everyone for coming. The Honorable George H. BrownJr. then delivered the invocation before attendees savored a sumptu-ous dinner, catered by Harrah’s Casino Tunica. After dinner, well-known Mid-South auctioneer Jeff Morris presided over the live auc-tion, where many vied for the chance to take home the 2009 GreenShoe art work, which was created by Kat Gore and inspired by vintageFerragamo shoes and made of reclaimed decorative papers. Otheritems included an exclusive evening at Shelby Farms Park (a dinnerfor 16 by Harrah’s) and “adoptive trees,” on display in the main tentand intended for planting in the park.
Green shoes must have been made for dancing because thewonderful evening culminated with guests “Dancing in the StarryNight” to the tunes of The Legends of Rock and The Summers.Calvin Anderson, chairman of the conservancy’s board of directors,was thrilled with the eco-conscious patrons, as were gala chairmenJudge George and Lillian Brown and Tom and Melissa Grimes.
Story by Ruth CassinPhotos by Roy Haithcock
See all the party photos at rsvpmagazine.comPassword: RSVP
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E V E N
TGR
EEN SH
OE GAL
A
Barbara Williamson and Pat Kerr Tigrett
David and Stacie Wadell
Phyllis and Gary Harris
Wayne and Sharon Lichliter
Don and Alexandra Young
Anne Piper White and Carroll White
Dr. Marko and Cynthia Puljic
Penny and David Williams
Judith and Roger Stone
Chris and Linda Mathis
Dr. Autry and Denise Parker
Ethelle and Ernie Hilliard
Donna Wolf, Thomas the Buffalo and Sarah Jane Dillard
6060 Primacy Parkway, Suite 200, Memphis, Tennessee 38119901.761.4620 www.totaleyecarememphis.com
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Lesley BrainardMultisport Master
She swims. She bikes. She runs. Meet LesleyBrainard, a local triathlete who participated inthe Age Group World Triathlon Championships
in 2006 and most recently competed in NewOrleans’ Ochsner Ironman 70.3 in April. Thoughher athletic feats are inspiring, she confesses thather students sparked the triathlon bug.
“When I was teaching an indoor triathlontraining course at the Schilling Farms YMCA inCollierville, I thought if they could do it, then Icould do it,” she recalls.
Brainard began preparing for her firsttriathlon nine years ago knowing nothing about bik-ing. As a high school track/cross country competitorand collegiate swim team member, she had spentmost of her youth in pools or on running trails, butshe wasn’t going to let her lack of biking experienceget in the way. Instead, she purchased a used bike,discovered a new love for cycling and put her train-ing to the test when she biked 40 kilometers, inaddition to a 1.5 kilometer swim and a 10 kilometerrun, at her Memphis in May Triathlon debut. Shefinished in a respectable 2 hours, 20 minutes.
By 2003, she and a few other local athleteshad started a triathlon team called MemphisThunder Racing, named after the swim clubBrainard coached with Cory Horton. The groupopened the club to all ages and abilities and begantraining for various sporting events. However,tragedy soon struck Memphis Thunder’s core.
“We had just gotten started when Cory waskilled in Fayette County while riding his bike...itmade us all band together and keep going,” sheshares.
And keep going the club did, as Brainardcan attest. Now the club’s president, she’s seenMemphis Thunder Racing grow from a handful ofmembers to more than 100 people, whom shedescribes as “friendly, motivating and exciting.”The team has also won the Southeast Regional ClubSeries Championship for five consecutive years, pur-chased “Share the Road” signs that promote a safercycling community and gotten nonprofit status sothe group’s Thunder Cares program can accept tax-deductible donations for charities.
Brainard adds, “In the beginning, I remem-ber ordering uniforms so we’d look like a team, andnow we have a board of directors and a Web sitewhere you can find new info every day, like trainingtips, nutrition and a classified section for athleticequipment.”
A team is only as strong as its weakest link,but with the strong support network in this bunch,a member would only be weak if he didn’t try.Brainard promises, “There’s really a family atmos-phere at events, and they’re not as intimidating asyou would think. Lots of people are out there just tobe healthy and cross the finish line.”
Story by Leah FitzpatrickPhoto by Steve Roberts
STRE
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Judge Tim DwyerRuling in Favor of Recovery
“Avirtuous name will never be annihilated; havea care for your name, for it will stand by youbetter than precious treasures.” Judge Tim
Dwyer has posted these words of wisdom in a verystrategic spot—above a box that contains photos ofShelby County Drug Court participants. These picsnot only help the judge remember his current 281“clients” by their first names, but the images helpclients see the drastic difference between their phys-ical appearances before and after the year-long pro-gram.
A proponent of specialty courts, JudgeDwyer founded the Shelby County Drug Court 12years ago after noticing drug users making repeatvisits to his courtroom. He knew the cycle wouldcontinue if these individuals’ addictions weren’tdealt with properly, so he developed an alternativesentencing for nonviolent adult offenders with drug-related criminal charges. Instead of probation or jailtime, people meeting the program’s criteria areplaced into an intensive outpatient or inpatient pro-gram and are required to report to court every weekfor progress updates, in addition to attending treat-ment sessions, undergoing mandatory random drugtesting and other life-changing programs the courtdeems necessary for full recovery. Participants enterthe four-phase program on a voluntary basis andreturn to jail if tested positive for drugs.
“At first, people feared the court would cod-dle drug offenders and be too lenient, but they’verealized this is a very tough program,” he says.
Those in the legal system have becomebelievers in the court since a University of Mem-phis study showed that participants had a 30 to 32percent recidivism rate compared to 80 percent forthose nonviolent drug offenders not in the program.According to Judge Dwyer, the city’s taxpayers arealso saving money because it costs $80 a day tokeep someone in jail, but only $9 a day for treat-ment. The real reward for the judge and his team ofsix counselors and drug court coordinator is witness-ing recovered drug users reunite with their familiesand becoming productive citizens.
He adds, “The most important componentis accountability. Before, a judge wouldn’t see anoffender until they got rearrested, but now I seesomeone every week.”
Since the Shelby County Drug Court’s incep-tion, more than 1,200 people have graduated fromthe program, and of those graduates, 102 haveearned a GED. Judge Dwyer says that on any givenday one of his graduates might pop in the court-room to say hello and share personal and profes-sional success stories, giving him reason to continueassisting with recovery efforts.
“If the good Lord takes you to it, he’ll getyou through it,” he says.
Story by Leah FitzpatrickPhoto by Steve Roberts
STRE
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A TRIBUTE TO BOB MCDOWELLRUSSELL WILSON AND FRIENDS
X I IJAZZ IN JUNE
2009
RADIOTHON
Made possible in part by:Ground Zero • Davis-Kidd Booksellers • Fastsigns • Mid-South Jazz Foundation • Jocelyn Wurzburg - Meditation Services
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Deidre Smith and Sharon Trammel at “Angels Among Us” Art Sale
Karen McCarthy Clifton and Andrew Prislovsky at “Angels Among Us” Art Sale
ONSITE Onsite
Mary Miesse and Pat McCaleb at GPAC Guild Tea
Cindy Green, Ann Schmitt, Faye Fletcher and Joyce Bessat GPAC Guild Tea
Anna Cathryn Gay and Abby Delisi at Taste of Jubilee
Sunny, Eleanor and Mikki Duffey at GPAC Guild Tea
GPAC Guild Tea “Angels Among Us” Art SaleTaste of Jubilee
The home of MMiikkkkii DDuuffffeeyy resembled an elegant tearoom during the GGeerrmmaannttoowwnn PPeerrffoorrmmiinngg AArrttssCCeennttrree (GPAC) GGuuiilldd TTeeaa. Dressed in spring attire,attendees sipped hot and cold teas and sampled anassortment of finger foods like heart-shaped cucumbersandwiches, mushroom quiche and sugar cookiesresembling hats and tea kettles, which were all pre-pared by guild members. When not perusing homemadewares set up by vendors throughout the house, guestsenjoyed KKaatthheerriinnee WWiillddyy’s display of antique tea servic-es and her talks on the history and importance of tea.This event served as a fund-raiser for the GPAC Guild,an organization that helps bring noted artists to theGPAC stage.
Zombies may have been wandering around out-side for the Memphis Zombie Walk, but angels domi-nated inside the gallery space at 338877 SSoouutthh MMaaiinn dur-ing the ““AAnnggeellss AAmmoonngg UUss”” AArrtt SSaallee. Hosted by GGrraacceeHHoouussee ooff MMeemmpphhiiss, the sale boasted 220 works, rang-ing from stoneware to watercolors, which predominant-ly featured angel-related themes. DDoonnaallddssoonn’’ss CCaatteerriinngg,BBuucckkeeyy’’ss SSppeecciiaall EEvveennttss and JJaassoonn’’ss DDeellii supplied theedibles as guests chatted with some of the participatingartists about their donated pieces. After the two-dayaffair ended, $10,000 had been raised to help offset theoperating expenses at Grace House, a long-term resi-dential alcohol and drug treatment center for women.
The fifth annual TTaassttee ooff JJuubbiilleeee event attracted700 people to the PPiinnkk PPaallaaccee MMuusseeuumm for an eveningof savory goodness. For this occasion, 15 area restau-rants set up tasting stations, and BBuusstteerr’’ss LLiiqquuoorrss aannddWWiinneess offered a wine tasting. Entertainment includedguitar stylings by JJaammeess KKaattzzeennbbeerrgg and music on theterrace by NNiicckk PPaagglliiaarrii. CCiinnddyy DDoorriiaann and KKiimmFFrraacccchhiiaa co-chaired the festivities that helped raise$50,000 for the BBlluuee SSttrreeaakk SScchhoollaarrsshhiipp FFuunndd, a non-profit providing financial assistance to students attend-ing any of the eight JJuubbiilleeee SScchhoooollss ooff MMeemmpphhiiss.
Story and photos by Leah Fitzpatrick
Father Maurice Nutt, Dr. Mary McDonald and Ray Quiles at Taste of Jubilee
Lisa Shaffer, Michael Maness and Stephanie Stroupe at “Angels Among Us” Art Sale
Kim Fracchia and Lynell Harber at Taste of Jubilee
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David and Marie Wedaman at Entrepreneur Awards Presentation
Maggie Brown, Susan Schatz and Dana Farmer at “Fix the Problem” Fund-raiser
ONSITE Onsite
Amy Keller, Shannon Crafton and Amy Kalkbrenner at “Fix the Problem” Fund-raiser
Judy Goldberg and Dana Agranov at “A Fresh Start” Auction
Jenny, Jack and Ellis Haddad at Rajun Cajun Crawfish Festival
Kate Gassaway and Janet Traylor at Acorn Auction
“A Fresh Start” Auction Acorn Auction “Fix the Problem” Fund-raiserEntrepreneur Awards Presentation Rajun Cajun Crawfish Festival
Meemmpphhiiss RReeccoovveerryy CCeenntteerrss debuted its first silent auc-tion to benefit patients. Appropriately themed “AA
FFrreesshh SSttaarrtt,” the auction occurred on the first day ofspring at the MMeemmpphhiiss BBoottaanniicc GGaarrddeenn. Attendeesenjoyed food and a gourmet coffee bar, while listeningto the live music of HHoowwaarrdd and BBeevveerrllyy VVaannccee. EmceeJJooee BBiirrcchh charmed the crowd and encouraged everyoneto “dig deep into their pockets” to support such a wor-thy cause.
The BBooddiinnee SScchhooooll, which is the only school inthe Memphis area dedicated to working with dyslexicchildren, recently hosted its major annual fund-raiser,the AAccoorrnn AAuuccttiioonn. DDeebbbbiiee LLiittcchh served as the honorarychair for the event at the UU ooff MM HHoolliiddaayy IInnnn. In addi-tion to carnival games, activities included an Elvisimpersonator and bidding on goodies from more than600 live and silent auction items. This year’s auctionboasted nearly 400 attendees and raised more than$110,000, the most in the auction’s history.
A ““FFiixx tthhee PPrroobblleemm”” FFuunndd--rraaiisseerr was held atthe MMaaddiissoonn HHootteell to benefit MMiidd--SSoouutthh SSppaayy aannddNNeeuutteerr SSeerrvviicceess, formerly known as the AnimalProtection Association. SSttaarr DDiissttrriibbuuttoorrss, DD.. CCaannaalleeBBeevveerraaggeess, HHoollllyywwoooodd FFeeeedd and the Madison Hotelsponsored the event, with musical entertainment pro-vided by HHaannkk aanndd NNoorraa. During the evening, boardpresident DDeebbbbiiee MMeerriinnoo defined the organization’smission and announced the clinic’s intention of sup-porting the community’s increased demand for spayand neuter services.
The SSoocciieettyy ooff EEnnttrreepprreenneeuurrss and JJuunniioorrAAcchhiieevveemmeenntt ooff MMeemmpphhiiss aanndd tthhee MMiidd--SSoouutthh celebratedlocal professionals making a difference at the 17thannual EEnnttrreepprreenneeuurr AAwwaarrddss PPrreesseennttaattiioonn aanndd DDiinnnneerr.The black-tie affair, held at the UU ooff MM HHoolliiddaayy IInnnn,,highlighted the induction of new members DDiicckkGGaaddoommsskkii, FFrraannkk IInnmmaann, RR..EE.. LLiinnkkoouuss and DDaavviiddWWeeddaammaann, as well as the 2009 MMaasstteerr EEnnttrreepprreenneeuurrAAwwaarrdd recipient, HHaarroolldd EE.. CCrryyee.
Crawfish lovers took over WWaaggnneerr PPllaaccee for the17th annual PPoorrtteerr--LLeeaatthh RRaajjuunn CCaajjuunn CCrraawwffiisshhFFeessttiivvaall. VVaarriieettyy CChhiillddrreenn’’ss CChhaarriittyy presented the“everything crawfish” affair, which included entertain-ment by Louisiana’s own BBaayyoouu BBooyyss and RRooyy CCaarrrriieerraanndd tthhee NNiigghhtt RRoocckkeerrss. Admission was free, but pro-ceeds from event vendors benefited Porter-Leath, a non-profit assisting at-risk children and families.
Story Submitted and by Leah FitzpatrickPhotos Submitted
Mary Jones, Gwen Price and Alexandria Priceat Rajun Cajun Crawfish Festival
Doug and Gloria Marchant with Susan and Tom Stephenson at Entrepreneur Awards Presentation
Harold E. Crye and Pat Lawler at Entrepreneur Awards Presentation
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JUNE 2
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FAYE BAGHAIPOUR
BARBARA & BILLY
BAXTERSUSAN BRUBAKER DANNY BURKE NANCY COOPER
Landis FoyManaging Broker
Our Regional Headquarters onQuail Hollow alone CLOSED 118 Home Sales
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QUAIL HOLLOW SALES LEADERS:
ROBERT GORMAN BUD GRIMM CAROL IVERSON LOUISE JORDAN JUDY MCLELLAN
STANLEY MILLS LINDA NORTON TERRY PERA JIMMIE & BOB TAPLEY
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Regional Headquarters
Our Regional Headquarters onQuail Hollow alone CLOSED 118 Home Sales
in the Month of April for $18.6 Million!Congratulations to our
OLLO HLIAQU
Our Regional Headquarters onQuail Hollow alone CLOSED 118 Home Sales
in the Month of April for $18.6 Million!Congratulations to our
EADERS LALESW SOLLO
Our Regional Headquarters onQuail Hollow alone CLOSED 118 Home Sales
in the Month of April for $18.6 Million!
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JUNE 2
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2009 Masquerade Ball“Unmask a Cure”
Ladies bedecked in glorious gownsand men in stately suits filled the GGrraannddBBaallllrroooomm of TThhee PPeeaabbooddyy hhootteell to supportthe WWeesstt TTeennnneesssseeee BBrraanncchh of the JJuuvveenniilleeDDiiaabbeetteess RReesseeaarrcchh FFoouunnddaattiioonn at the 22000099MMaassqquueerraaddee BBaallll. Though they wore vizardsin proper masquerade fashion, the purposeof the evening was to ““UUnnmmaasskk aa CCuurree”” forType 1 diabetes.
The evening began with a cocktailhour and silent auction, which offered closeto 200 items for any occasion. During thistime, festooned funmakers nibbled on figdumplings, beef tenderloin bruschetta andother hors d’oeuvres, while students of FFrreeddAAssttaaiirree DDaannccee SSttuuddiioo brandished their ball-room expertise.
As the dinner hour proceeded, thefoundation and its board recognized theevent’s honorary chairman, MMaauurriiccee WWeexxlleerrof Baker, Donelson, Bearman, Caldwell &
Berkowitz, PC, and awarded him with theLLiivviinngg aanndd GGiivviinngg AAwwaarrdd for his “unwaver-ing support of JDRF and the families ofthose living with Type 1 diabetes in theWest Tennessee area.” Then, supporters
had the opportunity to contribute to thefoundation and its search for a cure duringthe live auction, which included such desir-ables as tee time for four at the legendaryTPC Sawgrass Pete Dye course in Florida, aweek’s getaway at Lake Tahoe and a frontrow seat to watch the legendary B.B. Kingperform in his own club on Beale, completewith a signed Lucille guitar.
The Juvenile Diabetes ResearchFoundation was founded in 1970 by parentsof children with diabetes with a mission tofind a cure for diabetes and its complica-tions through the support of research.
Through the years, the organization hascontributed more than $1.3 billion to dia-betes research around the world.
Some of those in attendance sup-porting this cause were CCaarroolliinnee BBiicckklleeyy,AAmmaannddaa and SSkkyyllaarr BBoollttoonn, MMiicchheelllleeGGuurrlleeyy, GGrraaccee HHaannkkss, CCaallvviinn FFlliinntt, JJoorrddaannand SSccootttt OOvveerrssttrreeeett, JJuulliiaann UUrrqquuiioollaa,CCoouurrttnneeyy SSttrreeeett, GGeennee RRaayy, BBiillll HHaannddeell,MMaarrttyy PPrriinnee, BBeettttyy and JJoohhnn CCrroowwee,AAuuttuummnn FFrreeiiddeell, HHeennrryy RRootthheennbbeerrgg,SSuummmmeerr and CCeecciill GGooddmmaann, EElliizzaabbeetthhMMuurrpphhrreeee, AAnnnnaa HHuummeerriicckkhhoouussee, KKrriiss andMMiikkee PPeetteerrss, GGlloorriiaa WWhhiitteehheeaadd, MMoonniiccaaWWhhiittee, DDoorriiss LLaawwlleessss, NNiinnaa RRiieetthhmmaaiieerr,
BBrreennddaa JJoohhnnssoonn, EElllleenn MMccHHoonnee, DDeenniicceeand JJiimm MMccMMaahhoonn and JJooEEllllyynn and DDaavveeSSllootttt.
Story and photos by Lesley Young
Memphis Gridiron Show, Inc.benefiting the U of M Journalism
Scholarship Fund
For once, political pundits and theirpunches were the source of entertainmentrather than anxiety as the MMeemmpphhiissGGrriiddiirroonn SShhooww,, IInncc.. took the stage with itspresentation of ““WWiilllliiee oorr WWoonn’’tt HHee??”” atthe AAll CChhyymmiiaa SShhrriinnee TTeemmppllee iinn BBaarrttlleetttt.
The Memphis Gridiron Show iscomprised of local journalists who annuallymake light of local government throughsong and dance. This year’s show includedsuch musical numbers as “Give My Regardsto Willie,” “Bye-Bye Mumpower” and “ASpoonful of Merger Helps Fiscal MedicineGo Down.” JJeeaann DDrruummwwrriigghhtt, SShhiirrlleeyy andWWaayynnee HHeennddeerrssoonn, BBaarrbbaarraa and JJiimmmmyyMMoooorree, JJiimmmmyy HHaammmmeerrss, HHaall BBlloocckk, VViirrggiieeand GGeeoorrggee MMoooorree, DDeebbbbiiee and DDoonnPPuuttnnaamm, BBiillll GGiilllloonn, AAddrriieennnnee PPaakkiiss--GGiilllloonnand MMiicckkeeyy and DDiicckk KKlleennzz laughed alongwith the comic lyrics, as did the few politi-cians who braved the evening with goodsportsmanship like RReeiidd HHeeddggeeppaatthh, SStteevveeMMuullrrooyy and MMaayyoorr AA CC WWhhaarrttoonn.
WMC-TV 5 anchor JJooee BBiirrcchh emceedthe event, and CCaallvviinn AAnnddeerrssoonn and GGeeoorrggeeFFlliinnnn served as honorary chairs. Local rock-ers, TThhee DDeemmppsseeyyss, supplied oldies like“Ain’t No Cure for the SummertimeBlues,” while guests HHeeiiddii and CCaarrll SShhaaffeerr,BBeevveerrllyy and TToommmmyy DDaavviiss, CChhrriissttii andTTeerrrryy RRoollaanndd, RRiittaa and RRiicchhaarrdd HHooddggeess,DDoonnnnaa TThhoommppssoonn, FFrraannkk SStteewwaarrtt, CChhaarrllaanneeLLaannee, PPaauull BBooyydd, LLuuccyy DDaavveeyy and DDoonnnnaa
A Trek Across the City’s Party Landscape
Caroline Bickley with Amanda and Skylar Bolton
Jim and Denice McMahon with JoEllyn and Dave Slott
Autumn Freidel and Henry Rothenberg
Bill Handel and Marty Prine with Betty and John Crowe
Charlane Lane, Paul Boyd, Lucy Davey and DonnaDerryberry
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JUNE 2
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DDeerrrryybbeerrrryy took in cocktails and a feast ofchicken and steak. Tables were adorned sim-ply with black linen and gold sashes with car-nations floating in brandy snifters, but theremarkably detailed miniature Memphis sky-line, which served as a backdrop to the show,could have come straight from Broadway.
“Gathering and disseminating thetype of information people really needrequires skill, good judgment and a strongsense of ethics,” said Gridiron presidentBBllaakkee FFoonntteennaayy, noting that all proceeds sup-ported ccoolllleeggee sscchhoollaarrsshhiippss for jjoouurrnnaalliissmmmmaajjoorrss at the UUnniivveerrssiittyy ooff MMeemmpphhiiss. “That’sthe kind of training that college journalismmajors receive. And that’s why the MemphisGridiron Show’s mission remains at least as
important as it ever was, if not more so.”Said scholarship recipient MMaatttt
GGeerrmmaannyy in a letter printed in the program,“I hope that this program will continue foryears to come and that I may some day beable to contribute to the development ofyoung journalists as you have done.”
Esteemed sponsors who helped makethe evening possible included HHiicckkssCCoonnvveennttiioonn SSeerrvviicceess, TToottaall CCoonncceeppttGGrraapphhiiccss, WWRREEGG CChhaannnneell 33, FFOOXX1133 and theCCoommmmeerrcciiaall AAppppeeaall.
Story and photos by Jonathan Devin
The Duration Club, Inc. Spring Fund-raiser
TThhee DDuurraattiioonn CClluubb,, IInncc.. membersand special guests sampled a taste of Italyfor a second year at the group’s SSpprriinngg FFuunndd--rraaiisseerr. Held at CCaarrrraabbbbaa’’ss IIttaalliiaann GGrriillll, theluncheon supplied the best in food, wine andcompany, as attendees gathered to show sup-
port for the BBaaddddoouurr CCeenntteerr in Senatobia,Mississippi.
Raising funds for the center, whichassists adults with learning disabilities, gotunder way as soon as guests entered therestaurant doors, with a table of season-
appropriate silent auction displayed frontand center. Several group members went theextra mile for the cause by donating paint-ings and a condo in Destin for a beach get-away. Other items included gift certificatescourtesy of OOaakk HHaallll and HHoolllloowwaayy FFuurrss. Fora small donation, guests could also purchase
tickets for door prizes that were awarded sev-eral times throughout the event.
Hungry for the main attraction—athree-course Italian meal—EEdd PPaarrrraammoorree andthe Carrabba’s staff began serving Caesar sal-ads and fresh-baked bread. Chicken marsalaand penne pomodoro comprised the maincourse, which was accompanied by white andred wine donated by JJoohhnn BBaarrzziizzzzaa. Sogna dicioccolata, a light chocolate dessert served insmall glasses, rounded out the delicious
Jimmy and Barbara Moore
Jean Drumwright with Wayne and Shirley Henderson
Phyllis Pollard, Jo Orman and Dee Davenport
Cathy Hurdle, Lola Llewellyn and Becky Entrekin
Gladys and Ralph Hamilton with Betty Lu and Warren Jones
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360 River View Road$ 775,000Denise Ware
Renovated and square-footage added in the heart ofRiver Oaks. A great family home!
958 Island Drive$ 599,000
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OPENING DOORS SINCE 1951651 Oakleaf Office Lane Memphis, TN 38117 (Phone) 901-767-4100 (Fax) 901-680-7793
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JennyGrehan
KathyHays
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AmandaLaMountain
�atalieLatham
MaryMcFerrin
Jeanne�ixon
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ClayTempleton
MarkThomas
DeniseWare
PeggyWilkinson
CissyWillis
360 River View Road$ 775,000Denise Ware
Renovated and square-footage added in the heart ofRiver Oaks. A great family home!
958 Island Drive$ 599,000
Jenny GrehanCustom built with fine materials. Beautiful,sophisticated house with incredible river views.
368 Tara Lane�ow...$ 799,000
Jenny Grehan & Jeanne ArthurSophisticated style and serenity abound in this
customized home on gated cove.
OPENING DOORS SINCE 1951651 Oakleaf Office Lane Memphis, TN 38117 (Phone) 901-767-4100 (Fax) 901-680-7793
566 Melody Lane$ 299,500Denise Ware
234 S Grove Park Road$ 649,000
Jeanne Arthur
1785 Harbert Avenue$ 949,000
Jeanne Arthur
2996 Iroquois Road$ 649,000
Jenny Grehan & Fontaine Brown
3790 �. Montclair Drive$ 279,900
Carrie Brody
7883 �ikerton Drive$ 349,000Lisa Putman
3868 �. Galloway Drive$ 899,000
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New
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Life Made Simple©
spread.While guests relaxed after lunch, CCaatthhyy
HHuurrddllee began the entertainment portion. A vocalistwho injects a lot of soul into her songs, Hurdleopened by saying, “I think it’s important to recog-nize our faith every day, so I’m going to sing asong that means a lot to me.” That song was “MySavior Lives,” which was followed by other mean-ingful ballads like “P.S. I Love You” and “YouRaise Me Up.”
Others enjoying the spring day with TheDuration Club were MMaarriillyynn EElllliiootttt, BBoobbbbiiTTeemmpplleettoonn, GGeerrrryy TThhoommaass, MMaarryy and SStteevvee NNeellssoonn,AAnnnn WWeellcchh, AAnnnn WWhheeaattiieess, BBeecckkyy EEnnttrreekkiinn, HHiillddaaMMuulllleenn, FFaayyee and DDoonnnn SSoouutthheerrnn, GGllaaddyyss andRRaallpphh HHaammiillttoonn, BBeettttyy LLuu and WWaarrrreenn JJoonneess, LLoollaaLLlleewweellllyynn, PPhhyylllliiss PPoollllaarrdd, JJoo OOrrmmaann and DDeeeeDDaavveennppoorrtt.
Story and photos by Leah Fitzpatrick
Dishes for Wishesbenefiting the Make-A-Wish Foundation® of the
Mid-South, Inc.
In what has become one of the city’s finestculinary fund-raisers, DDiisshheess ffoorr WWiisshheess served upnumerous artful and delectable hors d’oeuvres to a
crowd of 300 hungry patrons at FFeelliicciiaa SSuuzzaannnnee’’ss.Now in its fourth year, the event exceeded eventorganizers’ goal by raising more than $100,000 forthe MMaakkee--AA--WWiisshh FFoouunnddaattiioonn®® ooff tthhee MMiidd--SSoouutthh,,
IInncc..FFeelliicciiaa WWiilllleetttt, owner of Felicia Suzanne’s,
once again opened her restaurant for the festivities,however she welcomed other area restaurants tosupport her favorite charity. This year, UUnniitteeddLLiiqquuoorrss donated beverages, and other participatingeateries included AAuuttoommaattiicc SSlliimm’’ss, TThhee BBlluueeMMoonnkkeeyy, TThhee BBuuttcchheerr SShhoopp, IIttttaa BBeeeennaa, MMaajjeessttiiccGGrriillllee, MMccEEwweenn’’ss oonn MMoonnrrooee, RReennddeezzvvoouuss and SSoolleeRReessttaauurraanntt && RRaaww BBaarr. And boy, did the menudeliver, with everything from fresh lump crab cakes
to shrimp and scallop lollipops to smoked salmonwonton crisps being served according to a predeter-mined cuisine schedule that was supplied to guestsupon arrival. Willett’s contribution was short ribgrilled cheeses and an assortment of colorful cup-cakes, fresh from the “The Three Cupcakes WishFactory,” the name she’d given her kitchen thatnight as a tribute to three Make-A-Wish recipientswho helped her prepare and serve the goodies.
SStteevvee CCoonnlleeyy and KKaarreenn PPeerrrriinn of ClassicHits 94.1 emceed on the patio, where Willett joinedthem to toast the occasion. Willett also asked the
three girls who had their wishes granted after thefirst Dishes for Wishes to accompany her as shethanked the generous donors. The chef thenencouraged guests to fill the girls’ buckets withdonations, so the girls could have future wishesdonated in their names.
Auctioneer JJooee BBiirrcchh of WMC-TV 5 soonkicked off the live auction, which offered tickets toa UT vs. Memphis football game, tickets for theopening night of Wicked at the Orpheum Theatreand a Red Sox vs. Yankees package, to name a few.To help increase the bidding, Birch told attendeesabout the heartfelt experience he had running the
Karen Perrin, Joe Birch and Steve Conley
Jennifer Glover and Kristi Collins
Donn and Faye Southern
Linda and Dean Underwood
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29
JUNE 2
009
St. Jude Memphis Marathon inhonor of CCaarroolliinnee TTuurrnnss, who wasone of the young ladies Willett hadrecognized earlier.
Other ways guests could chipin some change for Make-A-Wishincluded buying plates decorated byMake-A-Wish children and donatingmoney for signature pours of wine,served in painted glasses by BBeellllaaVViittaa.
Those who helped makewishes come true for children withlife-threatening medical conditionswere chairmen LLiinnddaa and DDeeaannUUnnddeerrwwoooodd, SSttaacceeyy and TTooddddWWaattssoonn, JJooeeyy SStteemm, KKiimm and BBiillllMMaarrttiinn, HHuugghh CCrraaffttoonn, CCaarroollyynnLLootttteerrhhooss, SSuussaann BBrryyaann, MMiinnddyy andPPhhiilliipp JJoohhnnssoonn, BBoonnnniiee and DDaavviiddTThhoorrnnttoonn, JJeennnniiffeerr GGlloovveerr, KKrriissttiiCCoolllliinnss, BBrrooookkee EEhhrrhhaarrtt, MMiirraannddaaHHaarrbboorr, LLiizz LLaarrkkiinn, AAnnnnee and PPaattHHaalllloorraann, LLiinnddaa and AAnnddyy KKeellllyy,PPaattttyy and GGeeoorrggee AAllvvoorrdd and JJaanniinneeand JJooee LLaammmmeell.
Story and photos by Leah Fitzpatrick
The Josephine Circle, Inc.“Walking in Memphis” Luncheon
and Fashion Show
More than 600 women spenttheir lunch hour mingling andcatching up on the latest trends atTThhee JJoosseepphhiinnee CCiirrccllee,, IInncc.. LLuunncchheeoonnaanndd FFaasshhiioonn SShhooww. Themed““WWaallkkiinngg iinn MMeemmpphhiiss,”” the group’slargest annual fund-raiser attractedthose ready to help deserving collegestudents receive scholarships andinterest free loans.
PPaatt MMccCCaalleebb and BBuunnnniieeOOlliivveerree organized the festivities atthe HHiillttoonn MMeemmpphhiiss, and GGrreettcchheenn
Liz Larkin and Brooke Ehrhart
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RReeaavveess and JJeeaann MMccDDoonnaalldd oversawthe large-scale silent auction, whichspanned the entire length of thehallway outside the ballroom. Withnearly 70 silent auction contributorsinvolved, the options were endless,and TThhee SShhooppss ooff LLaauurreellwwoooodd evendonated a $500 gift certificate toany of their shops as one of thedoor prizes. In addition, memberssold sweepstakes tickets for $1 eachfor a chance to win one of the fol-lowing: a condo in Navarre Beachfor one week, a $500 necklace fromKKiittttiiee KKyyllee, a $900 David Yurman
bracelet from MMeeddnniikkooww JJeewweelleerrss,one hour in a FedEx flight simulatorand a Tiffany’s sterling necklace andbracelet.
BBiilllliiee JJeeaann TToobbiiaass, theJosephine president, welcomedeveryone to the luncheon, whichwas quite colorful thanks to innova-tive table decorations of galoshesspilling with flowers and brightgreen grass in ceramic pots, as wellas table markers that resembledMemphis street signs. RReevv.. BBiillllyyHHaarrrriiss gave the invocation beforeguests dined on assorted fingersandwiches served on a bed of
Mary Pat Custer and Tommie Pardue
Sharon Turner, Amy Phillips and Sally Baker-Brenner
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JUNE 2
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greens and pastries surrounded bystrawberries, blueberries and rasp-berries.
DDeebbbbiiee LLiittcchh served as mis-tress of ceremonies and kicked offthe fashion show with a musical act.The Shops of Laurelwood sponsoredthe show that featured models of allages walking the runway in ensem-bles from Laurelwood’s various bou-tique stores. Guests could be heardoohing and ahhing as they contem-plated future wardrobe additions.
Gracious attendees includedMMaarryy PPaatt CCuusstteerr, TToommmmiiee PPaarrdduuee,DDoorriiss HHiillll, PPaatt MMaasssseennggiillll, JJeeaannMMaatthheewwss, MMaarryy MMiieessssee, JJoossiieeHHoowwsseerr, KKaatthhyy CCoocckkrroofftt, SShhaarroonn
TTuurrnneerr, AAmmyy PPhhiilllliippss, SSaallllyy BBaakkeerr--BBrreennnneerr, BBaarrbbaarraa MMoooorree, VVeerrllaaDDeeaann, MMaarrggaarreett BBaabbbb, PPlluumm NNoobblleess,JJuuddyy AAddkkiinnss, SSnnooookkiiee NNeewwmmaann,BBrreennddaa HHaarrrriiss,, BBeettttyy CCoottttoonn,, SShheerrrryyHHuullaann and BBeettttyy CCrruuzzeenn.
Story and photos by Leah Fitzpatrick
Jean Mathews and Mary Miesse
Doris Hill and Pat Massengill
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32
JUNE 2
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Blues Ball Spring AuctionCinco de Mayo CelebrationE
V E N
T
Jon Hornyak and Dr. Susan Murrmann J.D. Sledd and Elizabeth Sumrall
Susan Boyer and Tim Lepard Henry Nelson and John Oros
Sam and Ann Samudio Sam Tweddell and Borja Giralt
BLUE
S BA
LL SPR
ING AU
CTIO
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Jack Soden, Leighanne Hart and Jeff MorrisKevin Kane and George Klein Jana Pettey and Pat Kerr Tigrett
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For years, Americans have adopted Cinco de Mayo as a holiday oftheir own, and there’s no better example of this practice than atthe Blues Ball Spring Auction. Partygoers took a trip south of the
border for a fourth time to support the Memphis Charitable Foun-dation and their love of everything español.
The Warehouse off of South Main provided the perfectambiance for the occasion, as event organizers had turned the spaceinto the ultimate destination hotspot. At the entrance, a giant “Hip,Hip, Ole” sign beckoned guests to put their cares aside for theevening and sip a margarita. Inside, balloons in red, green and yellowand cobalt blue bottles brimming with festive wildflowers added someauthentic color to the party. And what evening would be completewithout a Patrón Tequila ice luge and cowboy hat-wearing monkeysriding border collies? Look out Ripley’s Believe It or Not!
As with any Mexican party, chips and salsa (from HappyMexican) were aplenty, but so were many other theme-appropriateeats, like Earnestine & Hazel’s jalapeño soul burgers, Flying Fish’sfish tacos and Mexican shrimp cocktail, Playita’s chicken enchiladasand El Mezcal’s beef flautas. Felicia Suzanne’s cooked up chocolatebread pudding with cinnamon anglaise sauce for dessert. The HalfShell supplied bartenders, who served beverages courtesy of DeltaWholesale, Athens Distributing and D. Canale Beverages.
Amidst the celebration, guests could be seen bidding on silentauction items, including two VIP tickets for Jennifer Hudson’s showat the Orpheum, a weekend at the Madison Hotel and dinner for twoat Flight. Jeff Morris manned the live auction that followed on stage,where Rev. Al Green’s Tabernacle Choir kicked off the entertainmentportion. Al Kapone, Muck Sticky and Jason D. Williams rounded outthe musical acts who brought down the house.
Pat Kerr Tigrett spearheaded the muy caliente affair thatraised funding for the Memphis Charitable Foundation’s beneficiaries,like NARAS/MusiCares, the Madonna Learning Center, the BaddourCenter and the Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum, to name a few. This founda-tion also benefits Memphis musicians by helping with health carecosts and providing music scholarships.
Story by Leah FitzpatrickPhotos by Roy Haithcock
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Tony Kelly and Tess Bailey
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David Gordon and Pam Huxtable
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Richard Raichelson and Kay Clark
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Fred Smith with Laura and Herbie O’Mell Al Kapone, Lee Warren and Young AJ
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Rene Trammel and Nikki Schroeder Jeanne and David Simmons
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Vox PopularQ&A with Dwayne SpencerVO
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To date, Habitat for Humanity® of Greater Memphis has built 324 houses for low-income families and isn’t about to slow down, in spite ofthe current economic situation. Not only is Habitat’s Memphis affiliate breaking ground on its first planned community, but executivedirector Dwayne Spencer says his office is currently in talks to rehab foreclosed homes for 40 families in the Hickory Hill area. Quite the
community-relations guy, Spencer also shared with RSVP editor Leah Fitzpatrick that he and his staff are planning several “Coffee andConversations” meetings throughout the year to give donors a bare-bones explanation on the inner workings of the organization, which hassome 1,500 affiliates in the United States and Canada.
RRSSVVPP:: How did you first become involved with Habitat for Humanityof Greater Memphis?
SSppeenncceerr:: I was a very small volunteer and took some beverages outto a build site. When the volunteers are out building, you have toprovide water or Gatorade or something like that for them. Then myfirst work experience ended up being with Habitat International. Itook a fund-raising job, because really that’s my background, withHabitat International down in Americus, Georgia. After threemonths, I came back to Memphis and started doing fund-raising forHope House until I took the executive director position at Habitatfor Humanity of Greater Memphis in 2001.
RRSSVVPP:: Did you have any previous construction experience when youcame on board at Habitat?
SSppeenncceerr:: No, not at all. You know with Habitat affiliates, there areoccasionally people who have worked in the construction industrywho come in and lead an affiliate, but not typically. As the executivedirector, it’s mostly fund-raising and administration. For us, it’s notjust about building houses,but creating home owner-ship. Back in the summer of2001, I saw this posting andthought, “This sounds inter-esting.” A lot of the empha-sis was on what was neces-sary for fund-raising. I sortof threw my hat in the ringon the last day they wereaccepting resumes, and Ihonestly had no idea that Iwould get called. We stillstruggle with fund-raising,and I think that’s where wewere back then, which wasalmost eight years ago, sothe focus was how are wegoing to get to the next level.There were some governmentdollars that had been provid-ed to help the organizationbuild a number of homes that was about to go away, so I knew wereally had to get serious about fund-raising.
RRSSVVPP:: Isn’t there about to be a groundbreaking on HabitatMemphis’ first subdivision?
SSppeenncceerr:: Yes, it’s called Trinity Park, and it’s something very differ-ent. What Habitat has been doing for many years is a lot of infillbuilding, where we’ll take a lot that we can get very inexpensively, alot of times from the government or a donor will supply it, and we’lldo a little infrastructure work and then put a house on it. If we’reever able to acquire a piece of land where six or 10 houses can be
built at one time, we also like to do that. Trinity Park is reallyunique in that it was one of the larger parcels of land that we’ve haddonated—almost nine acres. We basically carved it up and are able toput 38 homes in this community, so it’s our first real planned devel-opment, and it’s going to be a green community, which we’re veryexcited about. We wanted to put more homes in, but we really hadto bargain with City Council and the folks in the neighborhood tocontrol the density of the homes. About two and a half years ago, westarted the fund-raising in earnest, and Phil Chamberlain ofChamberlain & McCreery Homes actually led the fund-raisingefforts, and pretty much raised the first $100,000, which helped ushire a developer, Terry Smith. We also hired just last year a newdirector of construction, who came from the for-profit world, so hebrings his expertise to the table as well. Generally, what we would doas a builder is take a small piece of land, prep it and get the founda-tion in and put a house up. This is very different because it’s aplanned development, and we have to go through all the approvalprocesses with land use control, through the City Council, and nowwe’re at the point of negotiating with MLGW rates, etc. It’s all infra-structure development that’s about to take place, which includes
streets, lights, utilities andthat sort of thing.
RRSSVVPP:: You mentioned thatTrinity Park will have eco-friendly homes, so just won-dering if that is a first forHabitat Memphis?
SSppeenncceerr:: It’s not the firsttime. We’ve built several eco-build homes, and the eco-build program is one that isspecific to MLGW and theirguidelines. They’ve support-ed us by supplying dollars tohelp us make the eco-buildhomes possible. Then theycome back and do an assess-ment of the property tomake sure we’ve done every-thing correctly and that
we’re going to meet the end result, which is lowering the homeowner’s utility bill. We’ve also been fortunate enough to be part ofsomething called the Building Sustainable Communities Initiativefrom the Home Depot Foundation. We were selected as one of 30pilot affiliates across the country to participate in the first year ofthe Building Sustainable Communities Initiative, so they actuallyprovided us with some additional dollars to help us go even further.
RRSSVVPP:: What is Trinity Park’s estimated cost?
SSppeenncceerr:: It’s a little less than a million dollars, and again that’s allinfrastructure. What happens after the infrastructure takes place
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over the next six to eight months is then we’ll start actually buildingand that will be our site, rather than having one lot here or there.We’ll have the opportunity to put 38 families in one community, andthat’s important for us because our families lean on each other. Thishappens after we send them through their financial educationcourse, which we call Financial Peace—it’s Dave Ramsey’s model—for15 weeks. Thirteen of those weeks, we spend teaching straight fromthe Dave Ramsey book, and the other two weeks really involves infor-mation we want to impart to them, like weatherizing your house, orhow to select the right insurance company and how to work withyour insurance company. The public often sees the Habitat house,and thinks about the house as the end product, but the program isreally about home ownership—first time ownership for low-incomefamilies, who could never be able to purchase a house any other way.
RRSSVVPP:: Have the families who are going to live in Trinity Parkalready been selected?
SSppeenncceerr:: No. We dohave a waiting list of15 families, who arejust waiting to beapproved for the pro-gram. We do a prelim-inary approval, andthen they have towork with us through-out the course ofmany months to dotheir financial educa-tion and put in sweatequity, which is 350hours that usuallyplays itself out duringthe build process—they’re helping build,painting, nailing ortaking care of theirhundreds of volun-teers who come out tohelp build a house—or they can volunteer with other agencies.
RRSSVVPP:: Do Habitat families’ mortgages go into the “Fund forHumanity?”
SSppeenncceerr:: Yeah, the “Fund for Humanity” is sort of the benchmarkfor the Habitat for Humanity model. The homeowners pay a zerointerest mortgage over 30 years, and those dollars come back to us,as say a couple of hundred bucks a month. Since we have 300-plusfamilies in the pool, that’s anywhere from $35,000 to $40,000 amonth that comes back to the organization. We use those dollars toimplement the program and really be here and exist every day forthe next family.
RRSSVVPP:: Does Habitat actively recruit new families, or does it onlyaccept referrals?
SSppeenncceerr:: We do both. A lot of leg work is done by our family servicesdepartment. We are also partnering with elementary schools and hav-ing the parents come and hear us give an overview of the program.We work with the RISE Foundation and other low-income housingproviders, like Estival Place at MIFA. We’re a part of the local CDC,Community Development Council, and all those folks are concernedwith the local communities, housing, economic development, etc.We do get a lot of referrals from families who have gone through theprogram, and we have a public application drive that takes place thefirst Monday of each month at noon and 6 p.m. at our office at 169
Scott Street. We see anywhere from 25 to 30 folks at each of thosesessions. Out of seeing maybe 50 families a month, we may qualifyone or two of them. Many times a family will come in and theythink—like many in the community—that it’s a free house. You’regoing to have a mortgage, but you won’t have an interest rate.You’re going to pay taxes. You’ll have insurance. Primarily, becauseyou don’t have that interest rate, and because the community comestogether and helps pay for a lot of the materials and does a lot of thephysical work at the site it really makes it affordable. For low-incomefamilies, home ownership really is one of the only ways they can cre-ate wealth.
RRSSVVPP:: I’ve read that the average cost to build a Habitat house is$60,000. Is that correct?
SSppeenncceerr:: Pretty much. That’s the published sponsorship amount if acompany or organization wanted to come in and build a house, butthat’s really a marketing number because if you have to fill every-
thing in, the cost wouldprobably be more like$90,000. However, welook for other ways tosupplement the spon-sorship through ourown general fund-rais-ing. We also apply forfunds from somethingcalled the AffordableHousing Programthrough the FederalHome Loan Bank ofCincinnati. That’s aprogram that suppliesdollars to local housingproviders in a particularregion, and those dol-lars help supplementthe sponsorship dollarswe get in.
RRSSVVPP:: What has been your favorite memory since working withHabitat?
SSppeenncceerr:: There have been so many, but I think that when I havedeep conversations with families and hear what a family was dealingwith prior to coming to this program and then seeing the change intheir children is my favorite. One woman was so excited she had asink to wash dishes in. Prior to that, she was just using a big bowl ofsome sort to do that. We had a family that lived in the rural area ofthe county who complained about having snakes in the wall of theirhouse. Those might be extreme cases, but those you remember, espe-cially if a child is living in the house. In Memphis, we go from poorcommunity to rich community, and it’s only a little street thatdivides them, and it’s appalling the way some families live in whatyou would consider some of the wealthier areas of the city. There areslumlords who are taking $500 or $600 a month from families whoare living in little shacks and don’t have plumbing. That really stillexists in Memphis, and of course, what we mostly see is folks livingin apartment complexes that are in terrible condition. Then the wageissue, making only $7 or $8 an hour, is really tough. We’re trying todo some more affirmative marketing to tell people what Habitat real-ly is. We are planning a mass application drive because we’d like tosee 400 or 500 people at one setting to tell them how the programworks. At the end of the day, it’s a three-way partnership betweenHabitat, the family and the community partner that comes to thetable. We kind of see ourselves as the liaison to bring this family whoneeds a home and the sponsor entity together to make it happen.
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Big Wig BallBenefiting Le Bonheur Children’s Medical Center
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Liz Salton and Michelle Stubbs Guy and Leigh Guasco
Joannie Taylor and Malia Downen Abby Hawkins and Robert Ledbetter
Anna Halford and Cal Montgomery Joshua Purcell and Sheila Jacobson
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Bill and Missy Williams with Sarah Cate and Emily JohnsonMichael McLaughlin and Jessica Sarno Don Perry and Tom Prestigiacomo
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“What is it about wearing a wig that makes you feel like youhave a new personality?” asked one Big Wig Ball guest. Thatsentiment rang true for more than 320 partygoers, who out-
fitted themselves in wigs of every hue, style and era and developedalter egos for the Young Adult Le Bonheur Leaders’ (YALL) secondannual fund-raiser.
This year’s festivities moved to Minglewood Hall, a concertand event venue with lots of space for some over-the-top dos. Attirecalled for cocktail cool or whatever fits your wig, so guests ran withtheir imaginations by sporting ‘80s rock star hair, redneck mullets,Renaissance-style pigtails tied with ribbons and beehives. A Wig Baroffered guests even more faux hair selections, which could be worn fora donation of attendees’ choice. The disguises worked, and as emceeTom Prestigiacomo put it, “Where else can you go and see eightHomer and Marge Simpsons and 17 Michael Donahues in one night?”
The décor seemed to play off the dress code, with blindinglybright colors at every turn. From hot pink Gerbera daisies on thetabletops to purple, green, red and blue lights shining across cur-tained walls, the vibe was disco-centric. Even the bottomless margari-tas glasses, available for $20 donations, had neon LED lights blinkingfrom the stems. The color chaos worked perfectly for the dance floor,a space occupied for hours by fans of Ronny Raygun, an ‘80s coverband out of Nashville.
Local restaurants got in on the fun-filled charitable affair bydonating special dishes, like cheese ravioli from Lucchesi’s, chickensupreme pizza from Memphis Pizza Café and The Kooky Canuck’sNanaimo Bars, to name a few. In the midst of the delectables, YALLmembers had set up a model of the new Le Bonheur Children’sMedical Center, scheduled to open in the summer of 2010. Called“Light Up Le Bonheur,” the model had lower level and upper levelwindows that could be lit up for $25 and $100 donations, respectively.As an added incentive, guests who contributed $25 donations wereentered in a drawing to nab tickets to the SunTrust Suite at AutoZonePark, and guests who gave $100 could win a two-night stay at TheRoosevelt New Orleans.
“This 88-member strong group made a commitment to build a12-story hospital on their own,” added Prestigiacomo. Reason enoughto throw in some change, which totaled $30,000 for the new facilityby the night’s end.
Story by Leah FitzpatrickPhotos by Don Perry
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Wendy Travis and Sunny Hill
Lauren Galloway, Amy Herrington and Amanda Hodges
Desiree Baucum and Britney Lee Christie
Sarah Lavacki and Nick Sinquefield Cristen Hoag and Marcy Vickery
Emily Tribo and Jonathan Frazer Linh and Nathan Crossett
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Nancy Adair and Kini Kedleigh Plumlee
Lindsay Ford and Jim Joesel
Jamie and J.D. Conn
Jason Hunter and Lacy Morris
Tiffany Brimhall and Molly Fitzpatrick
Amina Dilawari, Katie Wassmer and Christie Rutherford Shawn and Lana Danko with Taylor Cole
Ashley Colotta and Kimberly Marston Melanie and Tony Gattas Daphne and Cary Baucum Erica Smith and Amanda Mauck
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Jeff and Becca McGoff
Amy Oakes, Sarah Little and Karen Burks
Claire Frisby and Claire Boyd
Steven and Angela McCarter
Jonathan Ellis, Bryan Humphreys, Melissa Hoffman and Jon Sorenson
Heather and Scott Owen
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Gift of Life GalaBenefiting the National Kidney Foundation of West TennesseeE
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Tonya Burress and Charles Holmes Bob Johnson and Carol Casey
Karla Lipford and Elizabeth Sweet Paul and Tiffany Bozoudes
Susan and Edwin Smith Dr Omar and Shawnelle Davis
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Dr. Bettina Ault, Mike Clary and Joyce ThomasElaine and Mark Stegman Ivan and Anne Cook
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Transplant patients, donor families and specialists alike had theopportunity to mix and mingle in their finest attire to celebratelife at the National Kidney Foundation of West Tennessee’s 20th
annual Gift of Life Gala, held this year at the University of MemphisHoliday Inn.
While perusing the plethora of silent auction items, whichwere divided up into categories catering to ladies, gentlemen or kids,hitting the town, sprucing up the abode, hitting the road or entertain-ing at home, ladies in their little black dresses and men in their blacktie best nibbled on cocktail shrimp and cheese to tide them over untilthe main course and the main event.
“This is a wonderful event,” said Zola Burgess, the communi-ty outreach coordinator for the Mid-South Transplant Foundation.“We don’t get to see each other all the time, so this is a great way tocome out of our uniforms, show the beauty of everybody and have theopportunity to visit.”
The Gift of Life Award was presented to three recipients fortheir outstanding work through the years with the foundation. Thesehonorees included Dr. Bettina Ault, associate professor of pediatricswith the Division of Nephrology at the University of Tennessee-Memphis; Michael T. Clary, who donated a kidney to his brother in2000 and has served as a board member for the foundation for sixyears; and Joyce Thomas, manager for Cummins, Inc., a major foun-dation sponsor.
Not much visiting was to be had while celebrators savored thesalad, salmon, steak and assorted berries with chocolate browniesserved for dinner. But, they had the opportunity to catch up on thedance floor to the hearty sounds of the Soul Shockers. Also on displaywere two quilts from the Patches of Love campaign, a memorial of 32panels of quilts made with patches created by 2,000 donor familiesthroughout the country in honor of their loved ones who passed away.
“This is a way for donor families and recipients to celebratethe giving and receiving the gift of life,” Burgess said.
Story by Lesley YoungPhotos by Don Perry
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Drs. Wesam and Lama Ballouk
Debbie and Carlos Webb with Nimmi and Surgit Kamra
Dr. Luis and Corina Campos
Dorothy and Lawrence Griffin
Ila McDonald, Sandy Powell and Dena Hays
Vanessa Alsobrooks and Price Bullock
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Rendezvous at the DixonFamily PicnicE
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Brandon and Emilee Herrington Carole Williams and Julie Scarpace
Sissy and Eddie Kendall Peyton and Mary Kate Brandon
Bill and Camilla Wilson Danielle Lambert and Melanie York
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At an ordinary picnic, you might eat watermelon and cold chickenand play horseshoes, but, then again, Rendezvous at the Dixonisn’t your average picnic. Rather, the Dixon Gallery and Gardens’
annual spring fund-raiser offered musical entertainment, art activitiesand an al fresco dining experience filled with diverse food and bever-ages.
Not a cloud in the sky, the weather proved agreeable for anafternoon of pure unstructured bliss on the Dixon’s expansive lawn.As guests set up shop with their coolers, umbrellas and lawn chairs,others wandered throughout the picturesque gardens, attempted therock climbing wall or ventured inside the museum for a view of thelatest exhibit, Regional Dialect: American Scene Paintings from theJohn and Susan Horseman Collection. On the Canale Terrace, aplethora of art projects, including a sun hat station, a kite assemblyline and a flower pot decorating table, as well as a costume photo op,tempted youngsters to use their creativity. Brattonia, a huge botanicalballoon display, made its event debut this year in the Hughes Pavilionand seemed to garner the most attention.
Museum director Kevin Sharp said, “Chris Bratton and hiscrew worked on this display for a long time, and it’s great because itlooks like an installation piece with balloons.”
The celebration of warmer temps had officially begun accord-ing to the picnic’s crowd, and the change of season was definitely rep-resented in the menu. Drinks like Java Coast’s strawberry, orange andmocha java freezes lent a refreshing touch, as did Just for Lunch’swhite gazpacho soup with toasted almonds sprinkled on top. Placeslike Just in Thyme Catering cooked up grilled chicken with sun-driedtomatoes and zucchini over orzo pasta, and, of course, Rendezvouscontributed its signature barbecue fare.
Malco Theatres reprised its role as event sponsor forRendezvous at the Dixon, which continues to bring out all the stopsfor family fun.
Story by Leah FitzpatrickPhotos by Don Perry
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Kris and Chuck O’Kelly
Robin and Dallas Stark
Kim Motschman, Lauren Moore and Ron Cribb
Eden and Tracy Eaves with Sienna Vernetti
J.T. Pitner with McKenzie, Allie and Natalie Watson
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Katie, Dan and Sam Marks
Mary Markus and Glenn Overall
Natalie and Steve Williams
John and Sarah Tashie
Judy Kimberling with Sondra and Susan Fondren
Linda Rhea, Judith Campbell and Tasia Vergos
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Mikkel Jensen, Lauren Boyer and Nathan Berry at Bravo Memphis Opera Night
Rick Bartl and Kathy Simonetti at Spirit of Giving Awards
ONSITEOnsite
Anna Humerickhouse and Julie Felton at Spirit of Giving Awards
Mary Singer, Stacie Waddell and Dee Griffinat Women’s Foundation Tribute Luncheon
Brittany Montgomery and Charlotte Richardsonat Go Red for Women Luncheon
Dr. Kenneth T. Whalum Jr. and Sheila Whalum at Women’s Foundation Tribute Luncheon
Bravo Memphis Opera Night Go Red for Women LuncheonSpirit of Giving Awards Women’s Foundation Tribute Luncheon
Brraavvoo MMeemmpphhiiss partnered with OOppeerraa MMeemmpphhiiss toshowcase a final dress rehersal performance ofGounod’s FFaauusstt. The evening began with a cocktailreception in the BBrrooaaddwwaayy RRoooomm at the OOrrpphheeuummTThheeaattrree, where more than 100 attendees mingled asthey savored champagne, wine, beer and hors d’oeu-vres. This event also functioned as a Bravo Memphismembership drive for young professionals, aged 21 to40, interested in supporting and raising funds for thecommunity arts scene.
Nearly 230 women and their special mendonned red at the GGoo RReedd ffoorr WWoommeenn LLuunncchheeoonn toraise awareness for the prevention of heart disease.Throughout the morning, guests enjoyed educationalbreakout sessions, including a health Q&A sponsoredby SSaaiinntt FFrraanncciiss HHeeaalltthhccaarree and SSuutthheerrllaanndd CCaarrddiioollooggyyGGrroouupp, a heart healthy cooking demo by CChheeff JJoossééGGuuiitteerrrreezz and sponsored by MMeemmpphhiiss HHeeaarrtt CClliinniicc anda fashion consultation courtesy of MMaaccyy’’ss. Duringlunch, KKaarreenn PPeerrrriinn of Classic Hits 94.1 served as theemcee, while Mrs. International, LLaaiinnee BBeerrrryy, spokeabout her battle with heart disease. MMoonnaa SSaappppeennffiieellddchaired the event, which was held at the MMeemmpphhiissBBoottaanniicc GGaarrddeenn and raised $115,000 for the GGoo RReedd ffoorrWWoommeenn ccaammppaaiiggnn.
VVoolluunntteeeerr MMiidd--SSoouutthh recognized Mid-Southernerswith noted volunteer service at the organization’s 33rdannual SSppiirriitt ooff GGiivviinngg AAwwaarrddss at the HHiillttoonn MMeemmpphhiiss.RRiicckk BBaarrttll, president of the board of directors forVolunteer Mid-South, welcomed some 80 award nomi-nees to the lunch, which was attended by 430 area non-profit supporters. Miss Collierville, AAnnnnaaHHuummeerriicckkhhoouussee, lent her singing talents to the occa-sion, which was co-chaired by MMeellaanniiee CCaarrtteerr and LLiissaaHHaarrrriiss, as well as honorary chair CChhrriiss TThhoommaass.
The MMeemmpphhiiss CCooookk CCoonnvveennttiioonn CCeenntteerr housedthe WWoommeenn’’ss FFoouunnddaattiioonn ffoorr aa GGrreeaatteerr MMeemmpphhiiss 11thannual TTrriibbuuttee LLuunncchheeoonn. AAnniittaa VVaauugghhnn chaired theevent that included the introduction of the firstLLeeggeennddss AAwwaarrddss. The theme “WWoommeenn LLeeaaddeerrssAAsscceennddiinngg” certainly applied to awards honoreesMMiinneerrvvaa JJoohhnniiccaann, SSuussaann SSaannffoorrdd, MMaaxxiinnee AA.. SSmmiitthh,DDrr.. JJaannee WWaalltteerrss, HHaappppyy JJoonneess and JJeeaannnnee VVaarrnneellll.
Story and photos by Leah Fitzpatrick
Laine and Kevin Berry at Go Red for Women Luncheon
Rabbi Adam Grossman, Celia Mutchnick, Elizabeth Rouse and Kevin and Farran Levy at Bravo Memphis Opera Night
Alla Olswanger, José Guitterez and Mona Sappenfield at Go Red for Women Luncheon
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By Dennis PhillippiRSVP
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IPPI
WEDDING BLISSHere’s something you don’t often hear amiddle-aged, straight, married guy say;I love this time of year because I love
weddings. There are a lot of things I admitI like that my peers insist on being stereo-types about. Christmas, babies, dancingand people getting hitched are at the topof my list. There’s just nothing like seeinga woman at her very prettiest, wearing awhite dress that everyone accepts, smilinglike a crazy person as her dad hauls herdown to the nervous cat in the rented tux.
Part of it, of course, is that I’mhappily married. A lot of guys my age havealready made a couple of trips down theburgundy indoor-outdoor, and they can bea little on the jaded side about the process.Me, I get to sit there next to my slamminghot wife musing on how grand love can be.Having never had to divvy up the CDs andbooks, we don’t have that dark cloud tomake the whole thing threatening.
In fact, and this is admittedlyunusual, all of my five older siblings arealso still on their original marriages. And,all of them have been with their respectivespouses longer than my wife and I.Between the six of us, we have well northof a 150 years of community property. Andmost of them even have kids.
My wife and I just got back a weekor so ago from attending a friend’s wed-ding in a town named, impossibly for awedding, New Hope. This wasn’t just awedding either, this was a Quaker wed-ding. In the likely event you haven’tattended a Quaker union, here’s how it dif-fers from, say, a Presbyterian one: there’sno preacher, no choir, no organist, no setscript and no repeating of vows you’veheard a thousand times before. Everyonesits silently for a predetermined period oftime, and if someone, anyone, feels movedby the spirit he is encouraged to stand upand say what’s on his mind. Honest, that’show it works, and it’s amazing. At first thecongregation, comprised almost entirely ofnon-Quakers, kind of squirm nervously,and then out of the blue someone standsup and says how much he loves his spouseand he hopes that the bride and groomwill be as happy. Before you know it, folksthat never stand up in public, much lessin church, are tearfully playing their partin the wedding. No one has planned whathe’s going to say, so it can be awkward or
rambling, but it’s so sweet no one cares.Of course, I got up and said something. Ifthere’s an audience and an agreement thatanyone who wants to can get up and per-form, you know I’m going to be springingup to get my laugh. I was in the weddingparty, so there wasn’t just an audience,there was an audience already looking atme. What I said is unimportant, but I’lltell you this, it was teary, sincere, and yes,I got my laugh.
I love all weddings, even doomedones. You know what I mean. All of ushave sat in a pew or two knowing full wellthat the till death do us part we’re watch-ing will fall apart faster than a pursebought off of a sidewalk card table, but it’sstill fun to pretend for that half an hour.Sure they’re going to have too much cham-pagne at their own reception and have astraight up brawl, but the service will stillbe beautiful.
One that sticks out in my memory,and understand my wife and I have proba-bly been to 40 or 50 weddings, was one inwhich each of the bride and groom’s par-ents had divorced and remarried. Theimmediate family took up the first fourrows. The ushers were as confused asimmigrants watching NASCAR.
This is that time of year. Most wed-
dings take place in May and June. There’sa gamble on the capricious Memphisspringtime weather, but if it plays out, youget flower-filled memories to last a life-time.
We got married in June. I’ve writ-ten about our wedding in various placesbefore, so I’ll keep this part brief. We weremarried in my in-laws’ living room, andthey have a regulation living room. It waspacked to the walls with folding chairs,and our guess is there were maybe 25 peo-ple there. It was a hot day in a crowdedroom, I was nervous and damp, no onethought it would last, and my wife wasabsolutely breathtaking. We would runback into a burning house to get that wed-ding video. We watch it every once in awhile and are astonished that peopleallowed those children to get married. Wedon’t look old enough on that tape to buya used car without a co-sign.
We know a couple who came to usas a package deal, they were marriedbefore we met them, but their anniversaryis on Christmas Eve. That always surprisesme. I can only imagine that at least someof the attendees were the tiniest bit resent-ful that during that period, when theywere already shelling out the green forgimmes to ingrates, they had to pony upanother pile of smackers for a weddinggift. And you know they knew the hitcheeswere going to resent that gravy boat if itwas wrapped in Grinch paper, too.
Weddings are always about hope,and there’s nothing more wonderful thanthat. The promises, the crying, the trem-bling women with gigantic smiles, thedeterminedly polite father of the bride, it’sall so, well, nice. And nice is almost alwaysa good thing. Marriage should be aboutbeing nice. That could be the whole cere-mony as far as I’m concerned. “Do youpromise to be nice to this person evenwhen you want to strangle them? Yes? Doyou? Good. We’re done. Go be nice to eachother for the rest of your lives.”
Our happily married humor columnist,Dennis Phillippi, is no wedding crasher,but he comes pretty close. He loves tosolicit invites to distant relatives’ andlong-lost friends’ weddings, so if you fallinto one of those categories, ignore hiscalls before the big day.
If there’s an audienceand an agreementthat anyone who
wants to can get upand perform, you
know I’m going to bespringing up to get
my laugh.
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JUNE 2
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Bob and Shirley Geiger at Bob Williams Photography Exhibit
Angela Parkerson, Belynda and Judge Tim Dwyer at “Rockin’ on the River” Fund-raiser
ONSITEOnsite
Donna Mulhern and Barbara Hodgesat “Puttin’ on the Glitz” Fashion Show
Debbie Florendo and Gail Pittman at “Puttin’ on the Glitz” Fashion Show
Colleen Couch-Smith with Ann and Robin Smithwick at Project Green Fork Spring Supper
Celine Croce, Mac Carrier and Carmen Bond at “Puttin’ on the Glitz” Fashion Show
“Puttin’ on the Glitz” Fashion Show Project Green Fork Spring Supper“Rockin’ on the River” Fund-raiser Bob Williams Photography Exhibit
Lee BBoonnhheeuurr CClluubb ladies were ““PPuuttttiinn’’ oonn tthhee GGlliittzz””with a capacity crowd at the HHiillttoonn MMeemmpphhiiss. Aninspiring message from GGaaiill PPiittttmmaann, creative directorof Southern Living, was the highlight of the day thatalso featured two auctions, a delicious lunch and aspring-themed fashion show courtesy of TThhee SShhooppss ooffLLaauurreellwwoooodd. Event proceeds benefit LLee BBoonnhheeuurrCChhiillddrreenn’’ss MMeeddiiccaall CCeenntteerr.
PPrroojjeecctt GGrreeeenn FFoorrkk’s (PGF) SSpprriinngg SSuuppppeerr atTTssuunnaammii marked the nonprofit’s inaugural fund-raiser.Community members from across the city, includingfellow chefs from CCaafféé EEcclleeccttiicc, CCeennttrraall BBBBQQ, FFrraatteellllii’’ssand AAnnddrreeww MMiicchhaaeell IIttaalliiaann KKiittcchheenn, enjoyed organicwines and cuisine prepared with locally grown foods byTsunami CChheeff BBeenn SSmmiitthh, who is also the PGF boardchairman. The sold-out event raked in $7,000, whichwill support PGF’s quest to help local restaurantsreduce waste, lower overhead and decrease their envi-ronmental impact.
Even though it was a rainy night, 200 peopleshowed up at the ““RRoocckkiinn’’ oonn tthhee RRiivveerr”” FFuunndd--rraaiisseerr tosupport the SShheellbbyy CCoouunnttyy DDrruugg CCoouurrttFFoouunnddaattiioonn. JJaassoonn DD.. WWiilllliiaammss entertained the crowdwith his musical repertoire as guests sampled foodfrom GGeerrmmaannttoowwnn CCoommmmiissssaarryy, CCiiaaoo BBeellllaa, FFoorrkk IIttOOvveerr CCaatteerriinngg and SSppiinnddiinnii. The event raised morethan $13,000, which will go toward the foundation’sMMootthheerrss AAtt RRiisskk PPrrooggrraamm and to place some of itsclients, who don’t have stable housing, in transitionalliving.
MMeemmpphhiiss HHeerriittaaggee,, IInncc.. and the LLeewwiiss CCeenntteerrCCaammeerraaddeerriiee CClluubb presented an opening reception forBBoobb WWiilllliiaammss’ PPaassssiioonn ffoorr AAllll TThhiinnggss PPhhoottooggrraapphhyyEExxhhiibbiitt. Fans of the noted artist attended the openingreception at HHoowwaarrdd HHaallll inside Memphis Heritageheadquarters for an exhibit of antique and rare camerasand to see highlights from Williams’ work at theCommercial Appeal from 1949 to1982.
Story Submitted and by Leah FitzpatrickPhotos Submitted and by Roy Haithcock
Chef Michael Hudman, Chef Ben Smith and Chef Andrew Ticer at Project Green Fork Spring Supper
Bobby Plyer, Jane Giovannetti, Jason D. Williams and Lee Giovannetti at “Rockin’ on the River” Fund-raiser
Bob and Jo Williams at Bob Williams Photography Exhibit
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JUNE 2
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The Little Ones’ Last ClassRSVP
AST
1956
The 1956-1957 East High School (EHS) kindergarten class, which was the school’s last kindergarten class, gathered on thefront steps of EHS in the fall of 1956 to show off Halloween costumes. Out of the 200 senior graduates of 1969, approxi-mately 50 classmates attended kindergarten at EHS. Mrs. Cameron Trenor is in the center of all the kindergarten teachersstanding on the back row. This June, some of the students from the 1969 graduating class will gather to celebrate a 40threunion.
PHOTO COURTESY OF KATHY WILKINS MCMATH
If you have a past photo you would like to share with RSVP readers, please contact Leah Fitzpatrick at 276-7787 ext. 105or e-mail the photo and caption to [email protected]
All photos will be returned promptly.
