rsvp magazine february 2009

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C a r o l P e r e t z T r u n k S h o w

M e e t t h e D e s i g n e r

F e b r u a r y 6 a n d 7

F r i d a y a n d S a t u r d a y

C o c k t a i l D r e s s e s & E v e n i n g G o w n s

P e r f e c t f o r W e d d i n g C e l e b r a t i o n s

Y a n s i F u g e l T r u n k S h o w

F e b r u a r y 1 9 , 2 0 , 2 1

T h u r s d a y

F r i d a y

S a t u r d a y

f a s h i o n a c c e s s o r i e s s t y l e

c h i c k a s a w o a k s v i l l a g e 3 0 9 2 p o p l a r a v e . 9 0 1 . 4 5 2 . 2 3 2 3

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CONT

ENTS

12LIBERTY BOWL PRESIDENTS’ GALA

Scotty and Nancy Todd

26 STREETSEEN

Amy Kalkbrenner

24STREETSEENRich Martin

28 LES PASSEES CABARET BALLCarmen Bond and Kim Pitts

42ORPHEUM AUCTION GALABrad and Lindsey Doby

36SUBSIDIUM CARROUSEL OFSHOPPES PREVIEW PARTY

Will and Paige Irby

Cover PhotoArnie Birmingham and Debbie Jacobson

atLes Passees Cabaret Ball

Photo by Don Perry

ContentsFebruary 2009

From the Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8

Signature Memphis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10Dr. Benjamin HooksOne of the nation’s renowned civil rights leaders recently retired from the pulpit,but his inspiration still resonates with the masses.

Liberty Bowl Presidents’ Gala . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12More than 800 elegantly clad guests arrived at The Peabody hotel to honor theAutoZone Liberty Bowl’s 50th anniversary and to support St. Jude Children’sResearch Hospital.

Vox Popular . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18Q&A with esteemed writer and filmmaker Willy Bearden.

StreetSeens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24 & 26He reserves his palate for vino as president of one of the area’s longest-runningtasting circles. As executive director of the Animal Protection Association, she has amission to tame the local pet overpopulation problem. StreetSeens highlight RichMartin and Amy Kalkbrenner.

Les Passees Cabaret Ball . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28Les Passees, Inc. celebrated a successful year raising funds for Les Passees Kids onthe Block, Memphis Elite All-Stars, MIFA’s City Kitchen and the John CalipariBasketball School, at a formal ball inside the Memphis Hilton.

RSVPeople . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32A trek across the city’s party landscape.

Subsidium Carrousel of Shoppes Preview Party . . .36Shopping for a cause has become a holiday tradition at Subsidium Inc.’s previewparty benefiting the Memphis Oral School for the Deaf at Agricenter International.

Onsites . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38, 40, 46 & 49Gatherings that have earned an honorable mention.

Orpheum Auction Gala . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42“Sold” was the catchphrase at the 30th anniversary of the city’s premier theatregala.

RSVPhillippi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48It Was a Super YearWhile secretly wearing his favorite Batman boxers, Dennis Phillippi critiques moviesabout heroes boasting surreal powers.

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Volume XIV Number V

February 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 CassinKelly Cox

Jonathan 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 $50.00 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.comFor editorial information or to request

coverage of an event, pleasecontact 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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2009

Javier is a regular teenager. He plays soccer and basketball

and even helps his mom in the kitchen occasionally. But

it wasn’t long ago that Javier was so sick that he needed

a liver transplant to save his life. Thankfully, Le Bonheur

Children’s was there. He got the transplant and continues to

receive the follow-up care he still needs.

As the number of children we care for grows, Le Bonheur

must grow, too. That’s why we’re building a new hospital –

one designed for children like Javier whose lives truly

depend on it. With your support, we can continue to provide

the exceptional care they deserve and build a brighter future

for the children of the Mid-South and beyond.

lebonheur.org

Not-For-Profi t Organization

A Common Thread of Exceptional Care

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By the time this issue goesto press, the nation willhopefully be reaping the

benefits of new leadership. I,personally, am preparing toattend a local inaugurationparty to join in the celebra-tion and can’t wait to hearstories from my friends inD.C. Though the president’slegacy has only just begun,his promise for a revitalizednational identity has alreadybecome a universal anthem.

In light of thismomentous occasion, I feelblessed to have recentlyshared the company of Dr.Benjamin Hooks, one of the many civil rights leaders whohelped make equal opportunities possible for all. I met Dr.Hooks in his home, which resembled a museum with its his-torical timeline of photos and newspaper clippings. As Iscanned the photos, I realized Dr. Hooks had attended severalformer presidents’ inaugurations, and his wife mentioned shehoped the two of them would be able to attend that ofPresident Obama. Ever gracious, Dr. Hooks welcomed theopportunity to appear in our Signature Memphis section (onpage 10), and even had a few ideas for his photo shoot, thanksto childhood days spent in a dark room.

The Vox Popular feature (on page 18) highlights anoth-er man making history. Perhaps best known for his documen-taries on everything Memphis, Willy Bearden has a mission tospread the word about the unique individuals, the rich ethnicmakeup and the historical significance the Delta has at homeand abroad. So, stay tuned for The Delta, a two-hour documen-tary that will mark Bearden’s first theatrical release.

Though unintentional, I selected two people for theStreetSeens features who have a Valentine’s Day connection.One savors wine, and the other adores pets, but both of theirloves would make a perfect holiday gift. Turn to pages 24 and26, respectively, to get the full story on the president of theNoble Rot Wine Club and the executive director of the AnimalProtection Association.

Without further ado, I leave you this month with aquote by Helen Keller, who said, “Alone we can do so little;together we can do so much.” To me, this timeless messagesummarizes the current national sentiment and our optimisticfuture.

Leah [email protected]

From the Editor

Photo by

Steve

Rob

erts

BILL BATES BARBARA & BILLY

BAXTERSUSAN BRUBAKER DAVID ERNST VICKI GANDEE

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SIGN

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photo by Steve Rob

erts

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THE

LIBE

RTY

BOWL

E V E N

T The Liberty Bowl Presidents’ Gala

John and Judy Oros with Hayden and Kevin Kane

Tara Osseck and George Handwerker

Celeste and Mike Longo

Craig and Kim Fraser

Elliot Hughes and Amy Goodman

Jill and Jack Taylor

Alexander Wharton and LaToya Gerald

Monica Burnette and Fredrick Davis

Ann Eichhold and Joe Novello

The face-off between East Carolina University (ECU) and theUniversity of Kentucky (UK) football teams at the AutoZoneLiberty Bowl was anything but tame, and the Presidents’ Gala

was where all the action began. Held at The Peabody hotel, theblack-tie affair proved especially memorable for those who have beenLiberty Bowl supporters for 50 years.

The festivities, which helped raise funds for St. JudeChildren’s Research Hospital, commenced with a cocktail hour inthe Continental Ballroom, where Hudson and Saleeby performedpopular tunes like “Walking in Memphis.” Ladies and gents nextheaded into the Memphis Ballroom for a special welcome by MayorA C Wharton. Harold Graeter resumed his role as the gala’s masterof ceremonies and thanked all for attending a Mid-South football tra-dition that embraces “winning and success.” Steve Ehrhart, theAutoZone Liberty Bowl executive director, had the privilege of pre-senting honorary guests Jennifer Holtz (wife of ECU football coachSkip Holtz), Karen Brooks (wife of UK football coach Rich Brooks)and Miss AutoZone Liberty Bowl 2008, Sarah Dupuy, to name a few.

Attendee Gretchen Reaves enthused, “I have a really funtime at the gala because different people always attend each year.”

During dinner, the Andy Childs Orchestra played Memphishits, but the headline performance belonged to Tennessee’s ownSara Evans. Mike Longo, the AutoZone Liberty Bowl president,introduced the country star to anxious fans, who quickly cleared thefront of the ballroom for a dance party. Evans, a St. Jude supporter,was also awarded the 2008 Outstanding Achievement Award for hercharitable contributions.

After the show, guests had the option of dancing to moretunes by the Andy Childs Orchestra or enjoying coffee, laces andmusic by René Koopman in the Continental Ballroom. One wouldhave never suspected that the game’s kickoff was less than 24 hoursaway with the gala lasting until the wee hours, but golden anniver-saries don’t come around too often either.

Story by Leah FitzpatrickPhotos by Don Perry

See all the party photos at rsvpmagazine.comPassword: RSVP

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E V E N

TTH

E LI

BERT

Y BO

WL

Amanda and Chris Cox

Benny and Shirley Scott

Kate Pera and Bobby Lanier

Joelle Bradshaw and Mike Scholl

Stacy Edgeworth and Damon Young

Angie and Jonathan Hackmeyer

Seth Jewell and Chelsea Rose

Monica and Andre Wharton

Jon and Courtney Neal

Jessica Throneberry and Ericka Morton

Nathan Rose and Mary Ashley Seabrook

Mayor A C and Ruby Wharton

Miss AutoZone Liberty Bowl Sara Dupuy

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E V E N

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BERT

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Jack, Pam, Chandler-Grace and Evan Michael

Ross Pickle and Anna HurstJan and Ed Murphey

Liz and Lloyd ThomasJeany and Anthony Dionne

April and Bill LipseyJoe and Amanda Turner

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THE

LIBE

RTY

BOWL

E V E N

T

Jeff and Claire Turner

Bobby and Janette Krauch

Ryan Mills and Ann Coyle

Donna Divietro and Keith Renard

John and Wanda Barzizza with Lanetta and Buddy Lanier Linda Farmer and Larry Hardy

Janay and Kevin Nienhuis John and K.K. Gross with Jennifer and Alan Bosworth

Calvin and Brenda Anderson

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2009

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Patrice and Robert SantiJulie and Kevin Stonebarger

Justin and Michelle WormmeesterBrenda and Ron Karlin

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2009

Vox PopularQ&A with Willy BeardenVO

X PO

PULA

R

Writer and filmmaker Willy Bearden founded the William Bearden Company 21 years ago, but has waited for just the right moment tomake the documentary he’s been researching his entire life. This project about the Delta will tell the story of Bearden’s stompinggrounds and the people that make the region seem “a little cooler” than the rest. RSVP editor Leah Fitzpatrick met Bearden in his

downtown Memphis office, which might not be around much longer as he contemplates relocating his company headquarters to Mississippi,to discover what makes Bearden’s historical narratives relatable to the masses. Oh yeah, Bearden also can’t stop smiling about the Keepingthe Blues Alive Award, an honor he’s poised to receive in February.

RRSSVVPP:: Did any of your childhood experiences shape your love offilm?

BBeeaarrddeenn:: You know, they did. One of my early jobs was handing outcirculars for the Joy Theatre in Rolling Fork, Mississippi, and backthen, they changed the movies three times a week. The pay was I gotinto movies for free for that month, so I saw every movie.

RRSSVVPP:: When did you being working in film?

BBeeaarrddeenn:: When I came to Memphis, I went to work in the film busi-ness, and in the ‘80s, I became an account exec for MPL Film &Video traveling all over the country selling MPL services, so I got toknow a lot of filmmakers and advertisingpeople. The thing that I quickly under-stood is that people aren’t like we are inother parts of the country. People weresaying, “You’re the biggest characterI’ve ever seen.” And I’m thinking, “Ifyou think I’m something, I ought toshow you some people.” I saw that mostpeople maintain a distance that wedon’t recognize here. When I was upNorth, I would talk to a hotel clerk, awaitress or somebody, and say, “How yadoin?” and they’d say, “Not too bad.”[Laughs] Wow! Bad? But not too? As Icontinued with my career, I started talk-ing about these things and writing aboutthem, and I went from doing mainly liveevent production and corporate videointo museum work and documentaries,and all of it was about the South, andpretty much most of it was about theDelta.

RRSSVVPP:: What motivated you to open theWilliam Bearden Company in 1988?

BBeeaarrddeenn:: I would be on location withpeople in my job, and they’d be shootingmaybe a religious drama or a trainingpiece for the Great Northern Railway orwhatever, and I’d be standing back andthinking, “Well, I wouldn’t put the cam-era there.” You start kind of getting acritical eye because you know what people are doing and you knowwhat they have to end with. I knew the post-production business,but I didn’t really know the production business. I was a film editorand a color timer, and I knew that part of it. I had this idea that Icould do it. I’m pleased with what I do, and I never do the samething long enough to get sick of it. I’m a director for a few days. I’ma producer of corporate conventions for a week. I’m a writer, editor,shooter for a few days. I get to bounce around and do a lot ofthings, and I rarely get tired of doing one thing.

RRSSVVPP:: Is there one role in your company that you enjoy more thananother?

BBeeaarrddeenn:: I think I enjoy writing more than anything because my goalwith my documentary and museum work has been to cover thisunserved population. I say that because the PHDs have it covered onthe topics. They know how many people were at Fort Pillow and theracial makeup and what the gun emplacements were and how manyfeet apart they were. I’m much more of a generalist. If you weren’twilling to read that 900-page book or give someone a semester ofyour life, you don’t get the story. I’m kind of 180 degrees fromthere. All I’m asking people is to give me 56 minutes and 45 sec-

onds of your life, and I’ll tell you astory. Then maybe you’ll understand thestory about cotton, Horn Island,Elmwood Cemetery, 19th-centuryMemphis or whatever. Doing those docu-mentaries led me into museum work,which is the greatest work in the worldbecause people see your work every day.I know that right now, right this second,people are in the Cotton Museum; wehave 42 oral histories in there, sevenfilms, wrote all the text panels in there.Same thing at the Tunica RiverPark withthe story of the Mississippi River andthat culture. Same thing with the ElvisPresley Birthplace Museum.

RRSSVVPP:: Even though a lot of your docu-mentaries are Memphis-based, do youfeel people outside of Memphis canrelate to them?

BBeeaarrddeenn:: I think they do. I can’t tell youhow many people from all over havewritten and called me after someone hasshown them my films. It’s gratifying tobe able to tell these stories and for themto resonate with people. I bet you everyweek somebody tracks me down becausethey’ve seen something I did on theLibrary Channel. If somebody will takethe time to track me down to tell methey enjoyed something, then I know

there are other people out there who are getting it. That’s what Iwant. I want these things seen. You know, people ask me if I enterfilm festivals, but I don’t. It seems to me like people put so mucheffort into getting into these film festivals, then 200 people see thefilm, and no one else ever sees it. I’ve not done that because I thinkthat takes a whole lot of effort. I’m not taking that away from any-body because I know that’s kind of the normal path people take, butI want ordinary people to see my films. It’s not my mission to edu-cate filmmakers.

Photos

by Do

n Pe

rry

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VOX

POPU

LAR

RRSSVVPP:: What is the latest project you’re working on?

BBeeaarrddeenn:: I’m working on a two-hour documentary on the Delta rightnow. I’ve been waiting all of my life to do this. This will be the firstdocumentary that I’ve ever released theatrically. I think I’m justgoing to call it The Delta. I’m going to be that bold [laughs]. What Isee is that people who aren’tfrom around here come here andare so enamored of the Delta—andI consider Memphis part of theDelta—but they only scratch thesurface. They get into the blues alittle bit, but they don’t know thedynamic between white peopleand black people. They don’tknow that the Delta was the lastfrontier in this part of the world.I grew up in a town that was soethnically diverse that I thoughteveryone grew up in a town withSyrians, Jews, Lebanese, Italians,black people, white people andMexicans. When I started travel-ing, I saw that that was not thecase. Most people grew up intowns with people just like them.There’s so much more to the Delta, and I want to tell all of it.

RRSSVVPP:: Will there be any notable names in the documentary?

BBeeaarrddeenn:: I don’t know. I’m approaching the film a different way. I’mactually going to do the standups. I’ve never been on camera before,

but I’m going to do this because I wind up talking about it all thetime. I have a friend, who is a producer, call me after I did The Viewfrom Adams Avenue, and he said, “Listen, I kept stopping after youtalked because you had more enthusiasm for your subjects than mostof the people you interviewed, so next time, you need to present.” Ithink that I’m going to do a live lecture like I would at the Delta

Symposium and kind of use thatas a springboard to do this. I’malso going to do a book along withThe Delta documentary.

RRSSVVPP:: Do you have plans to pro-duce genres other than documen-taries?

BBeeaarrddeenn:: My friend DavidTankersley and I are going toshoot a 90-minute-plus film in thespring. The working title is OneCame Home, and it’s set in 1946.Some of it will be shot inMemphis, but most of it will beshot in rural Mississippi. I wasdown in Central Mississippi at mycousin’s house last weekend, andit was like people had been build-

ing my set there for the last 20 years. They have a sharecroppercabin in ruins and a sharecropper cabin that looks like it’s from the1930s that they have put back that’s beautiful. All of these things aresitting back off the road, way out in the country. Then they have thishouse that was built back in the 1850s that has a dogtrot through itthat’s beautiful, so I’m thinking these are all of my locations. At this

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VOX

POPU

LAR

time in my life, I’m getting to do things that I really want to do, andI think I’ve learned my craft well.

RRSSVVPP:: Tell me about your involvement with the Blues Music AwardsShow.

BBeeaarrddeenn:: It used to be called theW.C. Handy Awards, and I’vebeen the producer of that showsince 1997. The Blues Foundationis a world-class organization nowthat sells out the Blues MusicAwards every year. It’s theGrammy®s of the blues. I thinkwe’ve been a good partner withThe Blues Foundation in puttingon this show, and we’ve taken itto TV a few times and gottengood results with that. It’s been alot of fun. I mean, Memphis isabout the blues, but there aren’tmany blues fans here, so whatyou wind up seeing is that 90percent of people that come tothe Blues Awards are from some-where else. Those people that come are fascinated by our music, andthat’s what we have to sell. We’ve learned somewhat in Memphisthat music is our currency.

RRSSVVPP:: How did you find out that you’ll be receiving the Keeping theBlues Alive(KBA) Award this year?

BBeeaarrddeenn:: I actually got an e-mail from The Blues Foundation, andthey released the press release a couple of days after that. You know,I think everyone likes to be recognized for their work, but I’ve neverbeen much for awards. I love doing the work, and 98 percent of thetime is doing the work, and 2 percent is receiving recognition. Inever coveted any award, except the KBA. I really did! Every year, I

said, “I sure would like one ofthose.” I really am honored bythat and think maybe in some wayI have helped keep the blues alive.

RRSSVVPP:: Do you have a favoriteblues artist?

BBeeaarrddeenn:: I’m from Rolling Fork,which is where Muddy Waters wasfrom, so Muddy Waters is myfavorite. I joke that I’m the sec-ond most famous person fromRolling Fork.

RRSSVVPP:: Why do you thinkMemphians should care about thecity’s history?

BBeeaarrddeenn:: We have such a great story, and it’s almost criminal thatthe schools don’t teach about that past. When I’ve shown schoolgroups my films, they get it. I think our story is unique, but it alsoexplains who we are and why we are. I feel like once you know thesethings, you have a bigger stake in the community. Maybe then peo-ple see it’s worth being a better citizen.

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Rich MartinUncorking Memphis

For 30 years, Rich Martin has reserved the lastMonday of each month for happy hour, buthe only savors one type of libation. A charter

member and current president of the Noble RotWine Club, Martin rarely forgoes a challenge tolearn about and discover the next best wine.

He laughs, “I’ve missed a few tastings,but the group has never missed holding a month-ly tasting.”

Sam Ward, the late owner of Liquor, Etc.,founded the grassroots wine club to teach hisfriends how to look for traits like complexity andvarietal character. The group met behind Ward’sestablishment until his death, and has changedlocations several times before finding its home atBogie’s Delicatessen on Mendenhall. Eight char-ter members remain active in the Noble Rot,which gets its name from a fungus that attackslate harvest grapes causing their skins to burstand most liquid to run out resulting in a highlyconcentrated sweet juice. Martin says the processis “kind of neat,” much like the composition ofthe group’s roughly 40 members, who vary inage, gender and wine knowledge.

At tastings, Martin assumes his role as“facilitator” by introducing a presenter from alocal wine shop to the circle and initiating vinospeak with old and new faces alike. Presentersoften group flights under themes like “RacyReds” or “Old World vs. New World,” andencourage tasters to rank their favorites before aprice tag is revealed. Many share their favoriterecipes for wine pairings as a tasting progresses,but Martin’s best advice sticks to the drink dujour.

“The most important thing for people toknow about wine is that it’s an opinion,” hesays. “Wine is highly subjective.”

Martin admits there’s a romance to winethat makes it special, so much so that he alsoholds membership in the 2nd Saturday WineAficionados. This wine circle is the second out-growth of Tasters Guild, a club started by thelate “Big John” Grisanti. Martin remembers trav-eling twice to California vineyards with Grisantiand tasting wine alongside the restaurateur onSaturday mornings before Grisanti’s restaurantopened. He offers one revelation from time spentamongst wine connoisseurs.

“You can’t be wrong about how you feel,and you can’t be wrong about how you feel aboutwine,” Martin winks.

Story by Leah FitzpatrickPhoto by Steve Roberts

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A Celebration of BeautyFebruary 7 – JULY 5, 2009

1-866-VIEW ART msmuseumart.org380 South Lamar Street, Jackson, MS 39201

THE ANNIE LAURIE SWAIM HEARIN MEMORIAL EXHIBITION SERIES

The exhibition has been organized by the Humanities Exchange, Montreal, Canada, and the exhibition tour is managed by Landau Traveling Exhibitions, Los Angeles, California. Additional support provided by Trustmark Bank and the Jackson Convention & Visitors Bureau.

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2009

Amy KalkbrennerFixing Pet Homelessness

Amy Kalkbrenner, the executive director of theAnimal Protection Association (APA), hasundertaken a cause that current and future

pet owners should seriously consider: spayingand neutering. And here’s why. According toKalkbrenner, between 13,000 and 20,000 catsand dogs, most healthy and adoptable, are eutha-nized annually at local shelters because of over-population, which can be controlled with a littleawareness.

“Spaying and neutering pets is the back-bone to decreasing euthanization because youcan rescue dogs and cats all day long and stillhave overpopulation,” Kalkbrenner says.

APA staff and volunteers constantly tack-le overpopulation by offering Memphians afford-able spay and neuter options at the nonprofitclinic. In 2009, the APA plans to perform 5,000surgeries, and hopes to increase surgery daysfrom four to six weekly. Though the clinic targetsthe Memphis community at large, the APA typi-cally serves clients with fixed incomes. She addsthat 70 percent of APA’s clients have never visit-ed a veterinarian, and many are concerned thatspaying and neutering will negatively affect apet’s personality.

“Our goal is to educate people moreabout the benefits of spaying and neutering,which include less aggression, decreasing pets’tendencies to run away, ensuring that pets won’tget certain types of cancer and infection andreducing the number of strays,” she explains.

Kalkbrenner is currently focusing herattention on promoting “Feral February,” sincecats normally go into heat in the early part ofthe year. The APA rents traps for a month at atime for people to catch nondomesticated cats,and urges trappers to bring captured cats intothe clinic within 24 hours for surgery. In addi-tion, the APA will recognize Spay Day, a nation-wide movement, on February 24 by bookingtwice the usual amount of surgeries that day andtentatively getting a volunteer vet on board.

For those leary about checking their petsinto the clinic, the executive director assures thatthe APA doesn’t sacrifice quality care. Two vetassistants, one licensed vet technician and a full-time vet, who has specialized in spaying/neuter-ing procedures for 17 years, work for the APA.The surgery room even comes equipped withheated tables, which help prevent sedated ani-mals from contracting hypothermia. Also, a vol-unteer sits with an animal for a minimum of 15minutes following surgery and subsequentlychecks on each patient every hour thereafter.

“I don’t want to persuade people to gettheir pets fixed, but I want them to know thefacts: for every person born in the U.S., sevencats and 15 dogs are born,” she points out.

Story by Leah FitzpatrickPhoto by Steve Roberts

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Les Passees Cabaret Ball“Reflections of the Past and Promises for the Future”E

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Charles Eilertsen and Adron Vanderslice Jay and Laura Cofield

Nancy and Jim Brooks Erin Reid and Chris Dickens

Libby Hubbard and Meg Glass Lee Anderson Roper and Sloane Trezevant

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Sarah Oliver, Kelsey Pidgeon and Sarah Jane ZanoneJoyce Peterson and Ron Childers Ronnie and Dena King

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Les Passees, Inc. continued a tradition of hosting one of the year’smost glamorous affairs—the 2008 Cabaret Ball. Themed“Reflections of the Past and Promises for the Future,” the ball

highlighted Memphis’ oldest women’s volunteer organization, specifi-cally its focus on children’s needs.

Nearly 300 guests convened at the Memphis Hilton for theball spearheaded by Nancy Brooks, Mary Forsdick, BethHigginbotham and Susan Price. The décor, including silver peacockfeathers, tree branches adorned with clear crystals and an impressiveice sculpture featuring the living ads’ pictures, exuded the ultimatewinter wonderland vibe. A cocktail hour warmed up attendees to thesilent auction, which tempted a range of tastes, from art lovers with aBrooks museum family-level membership to sports fanatics withMemphis Tigers basketball tickets up for grabs. Energy abounding,attendees soon gathered in the Tennessee Grand Ballroom for themoment all had been awaiting—the presentation of living ads.

Joyce Peterson of ABC24 fulfilled the emcee duties and kickedoff the program by saying, “The future of this organization and thework it does is important, and if you don’t realize it at this point,then you will in the future.”

Peterson then introduced 13 living ads, which were represent-ed by senior daughters of Les Passees members and past Les PasseesCarnival Memphis and Germantown Horse Show princesses. Theseyoung ladies wore floor-length white gowns and stunned the audienceas they promenaded with their escorts and pages along the ballroom.After the presentation, living ad representatives joined their fatherson the dance floor for a special dance to “What a Wonderful World.”A three-course dinner and entertainment by the Soul Shockers round-ed out the agenda.

To expand its outreach in the community, Les Passees optedto support four charities throughout 2008. These beneficiaries includ-ed Les Passees Kids on the Block, Memphis Elite All-Stars, MIFA’sCity Kitchen and the John Calipari Basketball School.


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Jim and Jessica Robinson Stephanie and Bill Barbour

Everett and Amy Pidgeon Lance and Jennifer Kruchten

Andrew and Leslie Horn David, Sarah and Robyn Buechner

Richard and Joyce Carter Tuckey Dewey and Jane Deaton

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Sean Hord and Jessica Neal

Dennis and Joanne Fleetwood

Jenny and Nick Vergos

Jeff Sexton and Julia Stapleton

Allie and Michael Varner with Chantal Johnson

Patricia, Earl W. and Hope Cook Taylor AntonKaitlin Rogers

Eric and Kathy Eilertsen Moacir and Elma Schnapp Teresa and Dr. Eric Theiner Elise Lasko and Reagan Bugg

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Jenny and Dr. Julius Fernandez Nathan Johnson and Inglish Maffitt

Beve and Connie Johns Nicole Imhof and Robert Reid

Cindy and David Gambrell Ray Revelle and Wynn Tedford

Russell and Marti Kruchten Maggie Oliver and Tucker Oliver

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2009

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Heartlight Gala“Not Too Far from Here”

There was absolutely no possibilityof getting lost at the HHeeaarrttlliigghhtt GGaallaa, anannual benefit for AAggaappee CChhiilldd aanndd FFaammiillyy

SSeerrvviicceess held in the CCooookk CCoonnvveennttiioonnCCeenntteerr’s GGrraanndd BBaallllrroooomm. Street signs, roadmaps and traffic signals decorated thebuilding from foyer to stage highlightingthe dinner and concert’s theme, “NNoott TTooooFFaarr FFrroomm HHeerree.”

Agape Child and Family Services,whose roots in West Tennessee date back to1969, provides services for foster children,adopting parents, the homeless and familiesin need of counseling through five centerslocated in Memphis, Jackson, Tennesseeand Southaven, Mississippi. Its mission is“to be a Christ-centered ministry that pro-vides children and families with healthyhomes.”

At this event, Agape provided about2,000 people with healthy food and enter-tainment, which included Christian musicsinger MMaarrkk SScchhuullttzz. Schultz, an adoptedchild himself, also had his award-winning

CD “Broken and Beautiful” for sale in thelobby. A casual pre-concert buffet dinnerincluded chicken tenders, meatloaf, variouspastas and casseroles, salad, cooked vegeta-bles, cheesecakes and winter pies on whitelinen service with red napkins. Those enjoy-ing the fare included AAnnttwwaannee and CChhrryyssttaallOOlliivveerr, TToommmmyy and EErriiccaa BBrraannddtt, GGeerraallddand PPeeggggyy GGrriiffffiitthh, CChhaarrlleess and SSaannddrraa

EErrvviinn, DDaavviidd LLaaVVeellllee, LLiizz LLaaVVeellllee and BBoobband DDiiaannnnee PPhhiilllliippss.

Dress for the evening tended to bebusiness/formal with a number of woolsuits in blacks, grays, and browns, thoughmore than a few ladies braved the newautumn chill in cocktail dresses with wraps.Guests like GGrreegg and TTaanniiaa HHoowweellll, JJiimm andPPhhyylllliiss BBuurrnnss, JJooddyy and RRhhoonnddaa HHeellmmss,

DDaavviidd and JJuuddyy SShhoocckklleeyy, BBeetthh MMiicchhaaeell,MMaaxx MMiicchhaaeell, TToomm and JJeeaannnniiee AAlleexxaannddeerr,LLoouuvvaaddiiee KKiinngg, PPaattrriiccee MMiilleess and JJeennnniiffeerrEEsstteerr mingled among the tables as theymade their way through the excited chatterand soft lighting of the ballroom.

Finally the stage, awash in royalblue starlight, lit up with Schultz’s powerfulvoice as cheers rang out from the audience.

Among those taking credit for bringingSchultz to the stage were sponsorsIInntteerrmmooddaall CCaarrttaaggee, MMaarrkk and MMeelliinnddaaGGeeoorrggee, LLaayyttoonn and TTeerreessaa MMccCCoowwnn, DDaalleeand KKiimmbbeerrllyy SShhaarrpp, TToodddd and PPeeggggyySSttrriicckklleenn, JJiimm and BBaarrbbaarraa WWiinnggeetttt and along list of other donors who each gave any-

where from $500 to $50,000.No doubt many hearts were lit at

the Heartlight Gala, not the least of whichwere those whose time and dedication lightthe hearts of children and families everyday.

Story and photos by Jonathan Devin

MCA Holiday Bazaarbenefiting MCA Scholarship Fund

The 59th annual HHoolliiddaayy BBaazzaaaarr atthe MMeemmpphhiiss CCoolllleeggee ooff AArrtt (MCA) broughtrecord numbers of eager, art-loving shop-pers to the TTeedd RRuusstt GGaalllleerryy space. With

A Trek Across the City’s Party Landscape

Sandra and Charles Ervin David LaVelle and Liz LaVelle

Kate Hanney and Katherine Paxton

Judy and David Shockley

Rhonda and Jody Helms

Beth Michael, Max Michael and Jeannie and Tom Alexander

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2009

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MCA currentlyexperiencing itslargest enroll-ment to date,there was moreoriginal artthan ever tochoose from.And becausethis popularevent happensjust one week-end a year, thegallery wasstanding roomonly as festivefolks poured infrom the cold.As always,

the student and faculty artists kept 80 percent oftheir items’ sale prices, while 20 percent was ear-marked for the MMCCAA SScchhoollaarrsshhiipp FFuunndd. “Every pur-chase puts money directly in the artists’ pockets,”explained MMiicchheellllee BByyrrdd, “which really affects

them, especial-ly in this econ-omy.” Bargains

abounded, asdid good will.As TTaannjjaaHHeeeecckktt happilycarried awaythe triptych shehad just pur-chased, thepainter of thepiece stoppedto thank thepurchaserbefore givingher a hug. DDaavviiddRRaannddoollpphh, who

regularly shops the Holiday Bazaar, always findsgifts for his friends and for himself. “This onereminds me of Edward Hopper,” Randolph said,holding up a painting by PPaauull GGaarrnneerr.

Among those having a very merry eveningat MCA were AAuussttiinn BByyrrdd, KKaatthheerriinnee PPaaxxttoonn, JJoonn

WW.. SSppaarrkkss,KKaattee HHaannnneeyy,,MMiissttii RRaaeeWWaarrrreenn,,JJaarreeddaaaann BBrraaaall,EEllaaiinnee MMiilllleerr,AArriieell CCllaabboorrnn,LLeesslliiee HHoollllaanndd,KKeennnneetthhCCookkeerr, AAllllaaBBaarrttoosshhcchhuukk,FFuunnlloollaa CCookkeerrand SSaarraahhWWoorrddeenn..

Storyand photos by

Kelly Cox

Jazz for St. JudeBenefit Concert

Nothing warms up a cold winter’s night likean evening of warm hearts and hot jazz. TheMMeemmpphhiiss DDrruumm SShhoopp in the heart of historicCooper-Young once again presented JJaazzzz ffoorr SStt..JJuuddee, a benefit concert for SStt.. JJuuddee CChhiillddrreenn’’ssRReesseeaarrcchh HHoossppiittaall. Now in its fourth year, the bene-fit was co-hosted by the MMiidd--SSoouutthh JJaazzzzFFoouunnddaattiioonn.

MemphisDrum Shopowners JJiimm andNNaannccyy PPeettttiitt,along withtheir son SSccoottttand his guestDDaallaannaa FFrraannkk,welcomedguests, whopoured insideto beat thechill of theDecembernight, as ifeach was an oldfriend. Perhapsbusiest of allwere staff mem-

bers checking in coats, cloaks and hats by thedozen. Guests were attired mostly in slacks, sportsjackets and festive holiday party wear, thoughMMaarriillyynn KKeennnneeddyy, one of the evening’s featuredsingers, arrived wearing a sleeveless gold sequincocktail dress—one of the few short dresses to beseen this night. It was plenty warm indoors, but a

spread ofwines, cheesesand fruitsawaiting atten-dees inside thecymbal roomhelped rid theparty of thelingering chill.Partygoerslike JJeeaann OOuurryy,JJiimm FFiicckkllee,VVaalleerriieeFFiinnnneellll, BBiilllland LLeeiigghhAAnnnnee FFrraazziieerr,GGaaiill DDeellaanncceeyy,,JJooeeyy WWiilllliiaammss,

GGiinnggeerr GGaarrbbaarriinnii, RRiicckk KKeennnneeddyy, JJeessssee and SSoonniiaaHHoowwlleeyy, TToommmmiiee PPaarrdduuee and JJuunnee SSmmiitthh walkedamong the towering displays of drums and equip-ment as members of the 17-piece MMeemmpphhiiss JJaazzzzOOrrcchheessttrraa like PPaauull MMoorreellllii, all dressed in black,headed upstairs to warm up for the concert. Thecatchphrase, “Don’t worry, I’m with the band,”was heard more than a few times amid laughter.The sell-out crowd of about 75 guests also included

Tanja Heeckt and Sarah Worden

Jaredaan Braal and Misti Rae Warren

Jon W. Sparks and Leslie Holland

Scott Pettit and Dalana Frank with Jim and Nancy Pettit

Rick and Marilyn Kennedy

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2009

CChhaadd BBrraaddddoocckk, AAnnddyy BBrraaddddoocckk, RRiittaaBBrraaddddoocckk, AAddaamm BBrraaddddoocckk, MMaarrkk and MMeeggCCoommeess, AAuuddrreeyy DDrriissccoollll and YYvveettttee HHoowwaarrdd.

Finally, it was time to move theparty upstairs to the Drum Shop’s intimateconcert venue where tables were set for the

comfort of guests. The Memphis JazzOrchestra and TToomm PPrreessttiiggiiaaccoommoo lit thenight with classic jazz selections of holidayfavorites. Suddenly, the cold was long for-gotten!

The warmest hearts of all that nightwere those of the children of St. Jude, whobenefited from the concert’s proceeds.Thanks to the work of St. Jude, many chil-dren enjoyed this Christmas and hopefullymany more to come.

Story and photos by Jonathan Devin

Salvation Army Women’s AuxiliaryChristmas Luncheon

With a program titled “RReedd--HHoottHHaalllleelluujjaahh!!,” the SSaallvvaattiioonn AArrmmyy WWoommeenn’’ssAAuuxxiilliiaarryy CChhrriissttmmaass LLuunncchheeoonn heated upthe afternoon for those hoping to get into

the holiday spirit. An agenda filled with var-ious musical acts and Christmas-themedactivities entertained the sold-out crowd atthe MMeemmpphhiiss CCoouunnttrryy CClluubb.

DDoonnnnaa MMccMMaannuuss and TToommmmiieePPaarrdduuee co-chaired the occasion dedicated tohighlighting the auxiliary’s continued

involvement with the AAnnggeell TTrreeee program.Out of 4,500 angels the Salvation Army putout for Memphians to “adopt,” only 200angels were left at the time of the luncheon.Auxiliary president DDiiaannnnee CChhaammpplliinn pre-sented a check of $25,000 to SalvationArmy officer MMaajjoorr RRhheeaa DDaawwnn WWooooddccoocckkto further finance this program, which givespeople a chance to purchase gifts of anyamount from disadvantaged children andseniors’ Christmas wish lists. Auxiliarymembers volunteer their time at Angel Treedrop-off locations to help sort the gifts.

Major Woodcock also announced the2009 auxiliary officers, including new presi-

dent CCaarrooll WWoollff. Wolf said, “Everyone whoaccepts this position knows you don’t dogood deeds on your own. All the hearts inthis room aid in the process.”

Prior to a savory lunch of chickenmushroom crepes, asparagus, fruit and amint chocolate mousse torte, the holidaycheer began with the TToossccaanniinnii EEnnsseemmbbllee, agroup of young violinists directed by LLiibbbbyyAArrmmoouurr, playing its best Christmas classics.

The second musical portion began whenDDeellttaaCCaappppeellllaa, an all-male a capella groupformed by JJaayy MMeeddnniikkooww, took the stage fol-lowing lunch. Eight of the group’s mem-bers, who come from diverse backgrounds,sang a Christmas medley as well as a fewcontemporary songs. JJeeaann MMaatthheewwss, thegroup’s executive director, looked on as themen wowed more than 250 attendees.

The agenda wasn’t complete withoutFFlloorreennccee LLeefffflleerr’s satirical rendition of“Twas the Night Before Christmas.” Guestswere in stitches by the end of the readingand even joined in a group sing-along led byTommie Pardue, with CChhaarrlloottttee NNeeaall on thepiano.

Some who partook in the pre-holi-day festivities were CCaarrooll BBoowwddeenn, AArrlleenneeSSoouutthheerrnn, DDoolloorreess MMiigglliiaarraa, GGeerrrryy TThhoommaass,CCoouurrttnneeyy NNeeaall,, HHiillddaa MMuulllleenn, MMaarrtthhaaGGaarrddnneerr, DDoorriiss HHiillll, NNiicckkyy PPeerrssoonn andMMaajjoorr MMaarrkk WWooooddccoocckk. GGlloorriiaa NNoobblleess wasthe club sponsor.

Story and photos by Leah Fitzpatrick

Mark and Meg Comes

Florence Leffler, Dianne Champlin and Carol Wolf

Dolores Migliara and Gerry Thomas

Carol Bowden, Courtney Neal and Charlotte Neal

Jean Oury, Jim Fickle and Valerie Finnell

Audrey Driscoll and Yvette Howard

Arlene Southern and Donna McManus

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2009

balletmemphis.org 901.737.7322

The Orpheum FEB 14–15

AbunDANCEArt in Motion

Memphis Symphony LeagueHoliday Brunch

MMeemmpphhiiss SSyymmpphhoonnyyLLeeaagguuee supporters sampledsome of the symphony’s upcom-ing concerts at the group’s hhoollii--ddaayy bbrruunncchh. Held at theMMeemmpphhiiss CCoouunnttrryy CClluubb, themorning get-together woke upclassical music fans to memo-

rable music performances.The program began in

true holiday fashion with “TTaakkeeNNoottee” singing Christmas carolsin the ballroom. DDoonnnnaa FFlliinnnndirected the group, and MMaarryyLLaawwrreennccee FFlliinnnn accompanied onthe piano. Guests next followedtheir tastes to the dining roomfor a brunch of Eggs Benedict,fruit, apple cake and assortedpastries. RReennéé KKooooppmmaann enter-tained on the keyboard as guestscaught up on holiday plans anddiscussed which MMeemmpphhiiss

SSyymmpphhoonnyy OOrrcchheessttrraa concertsthey planned on attending in thenew year.

Symphony League presi-dent FFlloorreennccee LLeefffflleerr welcomedeveryone and thanked DDrr..EEuuggeennee and GGlloorriiaa NNoobblleess forserving as the club host andhostess, MMaarrsshhaa DDuunnllaapp forchairing the brunch and

CChhaarrlloottttee NNeeaall for co-chairing.Leffler then introduced RRyyaannFFlleeuurr, president and CEO of theMemphis Symphony Orchestra,who said, “The mission of thisgroup is to create meaningfulexperiences through music, andit certainly has with the wonder-

ful concerts coming up.”Following brunch, Fleur

announced the event’s specialguests, including JJaassoonnHHoowwllaanndd, a guestconductor/pianist who com-posed “Little Women” onBroadway; KKeevviinn DDuuddaa, whoappeared in “Les LiaisonsDangereuses”; and DDaannii DDaavviiss, aTony-nominated producer. Thetrio then delighted all with a

“Home for the Holidays” popconcert. Inspired by the musicaltalent, guests sang Christmascarols, leaving the day on a highnote.

Those in attendancewere MMaarrggaarreett, PPeeggggyy and BBeettssyyWWeeaavveerr, PPeeggggyy BBooddiinnee, CChheerryyllJJoohhnnssoonn, CCllaaiirree PPeerrkkiinnss, TTeerreeGGuussmmuuss, BBoobbbbiiee VVaannCClleevvee,DDoonnnnaa MMccEEnniirryy, JJaanneett JJaannuuaarryy,MMaarrcciiaa MMaaddrryy, KKiittttyy LLaammmmoonnss,MMaarriiee HHaannssoomm, EElllliiee PPeellttss,DDiiaannee WWeessttpphhaall, TToommmmiieePPaarrdduuee, LLyynnnn BBiisshhoopp, LLoorrrriieeMMoooorree, BBiilllliiee JJeeaann GGrraahhaamm,SShheellbbyy TTeerrrryy, RRooddggeerrss andNNaannccyy MMeennzziieess and BBaabbbbiieeLLoovveetttt.

Story and photos byLeah Fitzpatrick

Nancy and Rodgers Menzies with Billie Jean Graham

Margaret, Peggy and Betsy Weaver

Tere Gusmus and Bobbie VanCleve

Cheryl Johnson and Claire Perkins

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Vance and Trisha Lepeard with Kevin Kent and Debbie Compton

Bob and Polly Richards

Krista Brewer and Teja Butcher

Liz and Jim Jacobs

Nick and Jean Morton

Sandra and Richard McDuffie

Travis Sheley and Brooke Hall

Shawn Massey and Gwen Horner

Ben and Aaren Mitchell

The 2008 Subsidium Carrousel of Shoppes Preview Party offeredbenevolent patrons holiday shopping, mingling and delectables attheir best. Opening night festivities merely provided a warm-up to

the weekend shopping extravaganza, which helped raise funds forthe Memphis Oral School for the Deaf.

Hundreds of guests dressed in party duds gathered atAgricenter International for the debut of some 120 vendors’ mer-chandise. From Mednikow’s display of David Yurman jewelry towhimsical ornaments and fashionable capes, the event rolled out thered carpet of goodies. A silent and live auction, with appealing itemslike an AutoZone Liberty Bowl game day package and a five-nightColorado ski package, also took place. Many vendors catered to food-ies by offering product samples, and area restaurants like OwenBrennan’s, Chick-fil-A and Swanky’s Taco Shop pitched in by servingup their specialties. Ravenous shoppers found reason for a break atthe numerous taste test stations, and Bella Café Catering evenpoured fine coffee and espresso for a java fix.

The event’s theme, “A Weekend of Shopping Gives aLifetime of Sound,” made patrons aware of the cause they were sup-porting. Since 1968, Subsidium, Inc. has selected the Memphis OralSchool for the Deaf as its philanthropy and raised more than $4 mil-lion to give hearing-impaired children the gift of speech. Some of thechildren who have benefited from the school’s programs were fea-tured in a large poster draped above the stage during the party. Achild shown in the center of the poster had his arms spread wide,with the words “We Love You This Much” printed above him, mak-ing the joy of giving seem all the more worthwhile.

Thanks to Carrousel chair Paige Irby, gala chairs Mitzi Wareand Pam Hudsmith, honorary chair Richard Ramsey and many morevolunteers, the weekend marked another successful fund-raiser thatwill continue Subsidium Inc.’s mission to help empower deaf chil-dren to listen, learn and talk.


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Laura Omell, Becky Rivalto and Becka Wigton

Lynne Wilkinson, Evonne Parks Reed and Anne Sutton

Debbie and Jerry FerrellJohn Bryant and Lezli Peeler

Betty Davis and Vickie HamiltonMary Beth Camurati and Emma Jean Pierotti

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Carmen and Dion Grey at Pray for Pink Breast Cancer Benefit

Kathleen McKenzie, “Ben” and Jeff Coatsat Harbor Town Dog Show

ONSITE Onsite

Bigelow Robinson and Erica Perry at Delta Waterfowl Banquet

Don Lake and Hunter Ziegler at Delta Waterfowl Banquet

Brian Tisdale and Amy Robertson at Memphis Cancer Foundation Benefit

Susan and Robert Milner at Delta Waterfowl Banquet

Memphis Cancer Foundation Benefit Pray For Pink Breast Cancer BenefitHarbor Town Dog Show Delta Waterfowl Banquet

The MMeemmpphhiiss CCaanncceerr FFoouunnddaattiioonn BBeenneeffiitt served upsome flavor for a good cause at AAnnddrreeww MMiicchhaaeellIIttaalliiaann KKiittcchheenn. Foundation supporters gathered to bidon local art and get copies of The Unbook for Men andWomen with Cancer, co-authored by mother-daughtercombo PPaatt GGooddffrreeyy MMccRReeee and AAmmbbeerr MMccRReeee TTuurrnneerr,both cancer survivors. The event also marked the intro-duction for the new restaurant owned by chefs AAnnddyyTTiicceerr and MMiicchhaaeell HHuuddmmaann.

Breast cancer survivors, doctors, communityleaders and prayer enthusiasts came together on GGlloobbaallPPrraayyeerr DDaayy at the PPiinnkk PPaallaaccee MMuusseeuumm for theSSttaannddiinngg iinn tthhee GGaapp44’s second annual PPrraayy ffoorr PPiinnkkBBrreeaasstt CCaanncceerr BBeenneeffiitt. During the afternoon and intothe evening, nearly 150 pink-clad participants weretreated to an airline flight journey, which included tuto-rials on “tightening your faith” and “directing yourattention to early detection” in a “cabin pressurizedwith love, faith and hope,” as well as presentations bydoctors, survivors and pastors. Standing in the Gap4 isa Christian organization that uses faith, prayer andcommunity outreach to combat issues that negativelyimpact the Memphis community.

Elvis was spotted in Harbor Town…that is ifElvis were a West Highland white terrier going underthe name “BBeenn.” Ben was one of close to 20 dogs whoentered this year’s seventh annual HHaarrbboorr TToowwnn DDooggSShhooww’s best costume contest. Dog owners and theircanine friends also enjoyed an owner look-alike contest,an obstacle course, a sexiest walk contest, various ven-dor booths and hot dogs. KKyymm CCllaarrkk of WMC-TV 5acted as master of ceremonies, and dog lovers enjoyedcool weather, sunny skies and loving licks from Bernesemountain dogs, golden retrievers and every breed inbetween. Held in NNuurrsseerryy PPaarrkk on MMuudd IIssllaanndd, theevent helped raise money for the MMeemmpphhiiss aanndd SShheellbbyyCCoouunnttyy HHuummaannee SSoocciieettyy.

The MMeemmpphhiiss CChhaapptteerr ooff DDeellttaa WWaatteerrffoowwll heldits annual banquet at the UU ooff MM HHoolliiddaayy IInnnn. Theevening featured a children’s duck calling contest, a raf-fle for hunting equipment and a huge auction. Eventproceeds will further the group’s efforts to help con-serve waterfowl breeding grounds.

Story and photos by Don Perry, David Tankersley and Lesley Young

Brant and Stephanie Singley at Memphis Cancer Foundation Benefit

Dr. Susan Murrmann Price, Henry Nelson, “Grace,” Cindy Bailey and Vince Samuel at Harbor Town Dog Show

LeeAnn Christopherson, Latrena Ingram and Deborah Coleman at Pray for Pink Breast Cancer Benefit

Introducing Electrolux.Exquisitely designed appliances found in Paris, Italy, and now Memphis.

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Nancy Trenthem, Cecilia Paulsen, Dennis Trenthem andPhyllis Rose at Wine Down at the Dixon

Andrea and Kenneth Schultz at Memphis Wine Opener

ONSITE Onsite

Jessica Wood and Mary Lee at Une Grande Soiree

Sandra and Warren Riggsat Une Grande Soiree

Mary Lunn and Patrick Halloran at Rock n Roll, Brews and Q

Natalie Williams and Brian Harrellat Wine Down at the Dixon

Rock n Roll, Brews and Q Une Grande SoireeMemphis Wine Opener Wine Down at the Dixon

The OOrrpphheeuumm TThheeaattrree’s 80th anniversary celebrationkicked off at TThhee WWaarreehhoouussee. The affair, titled RRoocckk nnRRoollll,, BBrreewwss aanndd QQ, attracted 300-plus music, BBoossccoossbeer and CCoorrkkyy’’ss BBBBQQ fans, who also perused silentauction wares and enjoyed a performance by JJoohhnn PPaauullKKeeiitthh && tthhee OOnnee FFoouurr FFiivveess. By the night’s end, morethan $4,500 had been raised for the Orpheum.

UUnnee GGrraannddee SSooiirreeee attendees filled the CCllaarrkkOOppeerraa MMeemmpphhiiss CCeenntteerr for an event that raked in$40,000 for the WWiinnggss CCaanncceerr FFoouunnddaattiioonn. This debutevent, hosted by DDrr.. and MMrrss.. BBeennttoonn WWhheeeelleerr andemceed by TToomm PPrreessttiiggiiaaccoommoo of WKIM-FM, featuredwines from Simi Winery, Raymond Vineyard & Cellarand Schmitt Söhne Winery. Food pairings came fromAAmmyy PPiicckkllee CCaatteerriinngg, BBaannggkkookk AAlllleeyy, BBrrooookkllyynn BBrriiddggee,BBuucckklleeyy’’ss, CCaafféé SSoocciieettyy, CChheezz PPhhiilliippppee, FFoorrkk iinn tthheeRRooaadd, JJuusstt iinn TThhyymmee CCaatteerriinngg, RRoobbiinn JJooyyccee CCaatteerriinnggand WWaanngg’’ss MMaannddaarriinn HHoouussee. DDeellttaa NNoommaaddss providedthe tunes as guests chipped in some Dough-Re-Mi fortasting tours, wine, original artwork and winged heartsin support of the nonprofit assisting anyone touched bycancer.

BBuummppuuss HHaarrlleeyy--DDaavviiddssoonn and MMccGGhheeee’’ss CCrraanneeSSeerrvviiccee presented the MMeemmpphhiiss WWiinnee OOppeenneerr at theMMeemmpphhiiss AArreeaa HHoommee BBuuiillddeerrss AAssssoocciiaattiioonn. Guestsdanced the night away to music by TThhee “MMaajjii” whileraising money for the CCyyssttiicc FFiibbrroossiiss FFoouunnddaattiioonn.International and domestic wineries poured the vino,and CCrrêêppeeMMaakkeerr, RRoommaannoo’’ss MMaaccaarroonnii GGrriillll, TThheeMMeellttiinngg PPoott, RRoobbiilliioo’’ss SSiiddeeccaarr CCaafféé and SSwwaannkkyy’’ss TTaaccooSShhoopp supplied the appetizers for the festivities, com-plete with a live and silent auction.

WWiinnee DDoowwnn aatt tthhee DDiixxoonn rounded out the popu-lar vino functions held last year at TThhee DDiixxoonn GGaalllleerryyaanndd GGaarrddeennss. The RReennéé KKooooppmmaann TTrriioo played to thecrowd’s taste this night as several wines were availablefor sampling in the HHuugghheess PPaavviilliioonn located in the gar-dens. This event will take place five times throughoutthe year in 2009 for those looking to experience theDixon in a new way.

Story Submitted and by Leah FitzpatrickPhotos Submitted and by Leah Fitzpatrick

and Seth Joneas

Brenda Wendt and Jim Koehler at Rock n Roll, Brews and Q

Nick Rice, Scott Bumpus, Jerry Bumpus and Larry Rice at Memphis Wine Opener

Liz Harvey and Shawn Thomasat Rock n Roll, Brews and Q

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Orpheum Auction Gala30th AnniversaryE

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Tim and Melanie Craig Rachel Gray and Sarko Kish

Linda and James Gattas Greg and Mary Marx

David and Jan Gould Chase Hardin and Lindsey Rowsey

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Michelle Perez, Krystal Lepeard, Rae Dowdy, Julia Ormiston and Gail SredonjaMaggie Garcia and Emily Oliva Brittany Elster and Webb Sabin

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Theatregoers have embraced the Orpheum Theatre for 80 years, butit is just in the past 30 years that this Memphis landmark hashosted an auction gala as a way for patrons to give back to the per-

forming arts. This year, 780 attendees showed their dedication bybraving the chilly temperatures for the glamorous fund-raiser.

Silent auction items were placed throughout the theatre, butbidding began in the parlor with a cook’s corner, clothing and acces-sories and gifts section and in the Broadway Club, which showcasedgoodies related to advertising, business, children, pets, photographyand spa and wellness. The grand foyer, brimming with holiday décor,offered home furnishings, wine, spirits and cigars. As guests madetheir way through the auditorium, they got a glimpse of the live auc-tion items, but more silent auction goodies remained beyond.Upstage, the annual painted chair collection remained a favorite, witha Wizard of Oz, Casablanca, Isaac Hayes and a “Wicked” chair up forgrabs. Art and antiques also tempted attendees in this area, and back-stage luxuries included luxurious dining opportunities, parties, vaca-tions, jewelry and celebrity and sports memorabilia.

At nine o’clock, those anxious to place live auction bids filledthe best seats in the house. Orpheum Theatre president Pat Halloranencouraged the crowd by saying, “These times are tough, but we hopetonight we reach our goal and end on a positive note.” Terri Walker ofWalker Auctions then took over by rousing the crowd to bid on every-thing from a “Fiddler on the Roof” party for 12 at the Orpheum to afishing excursion for four in Destin, Florida. Live auction items werecut from 35 to 25 this year to speed up the program, and four lotswere sold in 60 seconds.

“This will be the fastest auction you’ve ever seen!” Halloranadded.

Sedgwick CMS was the gold sponsor for the evening dedicatedto raising the bar in the local arts scene. With more than $250,000garnered from goods and services sold at the auction, the OrpheumAuction Gala continued the tradition of bringing Broadway home.


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CLASSIC & CONTEMPORARY

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C.J. and Sadie Pickering

Jim and Sue Perrin with Winston Wolfe

Kathy Connor and Maggie Brown

Jamie Patterson and Bob Bell

Trinna Herron, Tichina Hearn and Edwyna Bonner

Mike and Gail Huey

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Donna Peer and Jim Wooldridge Emily and Mike Zinkus

Karen and Kenneth Isaacman Kathleen and Mike Edelmuth

Joe and Janine Lammel Frank and Sue Guardino

Donna and Mark Bettison Lindsey Wildman and Ryan Marx

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Top Regional Bands International Superstars All Your Event Management Needs

Thank you to our season sponsors

Opera MemphisWild Game Dinner

2 0 02 0 02 0 02 0 02 0 0BUCKS AND BARITONESFebruary 6, 2009 7:00 pmHOLIDAY INN at the University of Memphis

a fundraiser benefiting theOpera MemphisEducation and Outreach Programs

Honorary Chairman, Mayor A.C. WhartonSpecial Guest Auctioneer, Lt. Gov. Ron Ramsey

For more details and reservations contact Christiana Leibovich:901.202.4535 or [email protected].

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Natalie Young and Leigh Shannon

Lacey and Scott Myers

Dean and Lynette Mueller with Gia and Paul Blanchard

Mark Aquadro and Denise Rikard

Renee Hanan and Linda Kelly

Sabrina Taylor and Winter Reynolds Molly Fitzpatrick and Tiffany Brimhall

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Midge Weinberg and Nancy Jaffeat Maternal League Fund-raiser

Bonnie Thornton and Mary Padron at Harvest Celebration

ONSITE Onsite

Bob Cornish and Beth Brock at Harvest Celebration

Joey Dudek, Kevin Dean and Betty Dupont at Art for Hope

Rebecca Dubois, Jackie Nichols and Cristina Guibao at Curtain Up: A Taste of Playhouse

Jeni Stephens and Ann Jackson at Art for Hope

Harvest Party Harvest Celebration Maternal League Fund-raiserArt for Hope Curtain Up: A Taste of Playhouse

The CCoottttoonn MMuusseeuumm hosted its second annual HHaarrvveessttPPaarrttyy at EEaarrnneessttiinnee aanndd HHaazzeell’’ss to raise funding andtreat supporters to a night of good music, drinks andSoul Burgers. The EEaarrnneessttiinnee aanndd HHaazzeell’’ss BBaanndd provid-ed the tunes, while folks from the Mid-South bid onsilent auction items, danced and celebrated the area’srich history in the cotton industry.

Eating fresh fare was all the rage at theMMeemmpphhiiss FFaarrmmeerrss MMaarrkkeett (MFM) HHaarrvveesstt CCeelleebbrraattiioonninside the BBrriiddggeess facility. More than 17 restaurantsoffered tastings featuring ingredients from the MFM,and market favorites KKeenn and RRoobbiinn GGrreeeennee suppliedthe music. A complimentary wine and beer bar, as wellas a silent and live auction, rounded out the activitiesfor the party that brought awareness to the communi-ty’s hotspot for seasonal produce.

Not only did waiters at RRoonnnniiee GGrriissaannttii’’ss wearaprons that read “This Side Up,” but they also strayedfrom the menu by serving empanadas, dim sum, andbaba ghanoush for the MMaatteerrnnaall LLeeaagguuee ooff MMeemmpphhiissFFuunndd--rraaiisseerr. Along with an open bar and silent auction,members and friends of the charitable organizationenjoyed a five-course meal featuring food from everycontinent. The local Maternal League chapter wasestablished in 1935 to help decrease infant mortality inShelby County.

AArrtt ffoorr HHooppee showcased talented Mid-Southartists’ work at the PPiinnkk PPaallaaccee MMuusseeuumm to benefit thechildren of HHooppee HHoouussee. From pottery to paintings tojewelry, the event offered 350 guests plenty of holidayshopping and hors d’oeuvres from MMccEEwweenn’’ss. Of thesesales, $9,000 was contributed to Hope House, an organ-ization devoted to helping children and families affect-ed by HIV/AIDS.

More than 100 patrons gathered at PPllaayyhhoouusseeoonn tthhee SSqquuaarree for its fifth anniversary of CCuurrttaaiinn UUpp:: AATTaassttee ooff PPllaayyhhoouussee. Act One began with martinis, appe-tizers and a piano bar with RReenneeee KKeemmppeerr, while ActTwo offered guests jazz, blues, beer, wine and aSouthern style dinner. The Finale took place on stagein the theatre, where TThhee VVeennuuss MMiissssiioonn belted out hitsand after-dinner drinks and desserts were served. RRoonnCChhiillddeerrss of WMC-TV played host, and WWaaddee aannddCCoommppaannyy catered the affair, with proceeds totaling$15,000 for Playhouse.

Story and photos by Leah Fitzpatrick and Lesley Young

Marshall Duncan and Avril Marshall at Harvest Party

Tim Fabian and Liz Pritchard with Celine and Martin Croceat Maternal League Fund-raiser

Jeff and Ellie Bennett at Harvest Party

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By Dennis PhillippiRSVP

HILL

IPPI

IT WAS A SUPER YEARSuperheroes have taken over popular cul-ture. It happened subtly. It happenedwhile we were all paying attention to

other things. But it has happened. I know,I’ve spent the month of January catchingup on all the superhero movies I got forChristmas. And there were a lot of them.Apparently no one thinks I can handleanything more challenging than DVDsabout sociopaths in their underwear.

The biggest hit of last year, andthe second biggest hit in history, was thatDark Knight Batman movie deal. Everyonesaw The Dark Knight. Everyone keeps say-ing it was brilliant, and it was a greatmovie, but was it a billion dollars great?Seriously, worldwide it made more than abillion dollars, and a boat didn’t even sink.Before you start that angry email NerdlyMcComicbookfan, I liked The Dark Knighta lot. It was a swell comic book movie.Having said that, how exactly does Batmanlook anything like a bat? I’ve been aroundbats. They have tiny bodies and giganticears. Batman has a gigantic body and tinyears. He looks more like some kind ofarmor-plated large dog. Maybe a boxer. ButI guess Boxerdogman just doesn’t have thesame ring. Criminals may be a supersti-tious lot, but they’re not going to bescared by some guy dressed as a breed ofdog that likes to fetch things. “Oh no…it’sBoxerdogman…quick, find a stick.”

There’s also the voice thing. Hesounds like a cross between Sam Elliottand a professional wrestler with a sinuscondition. I kept expecting people to offerhim a tissue or a lozenge. Critics havedone back flips for Christian Bale’s acting,but it’s hard to tell that someone is actingwhen he’s wearing a rubber head. The lateHeath Ledger was amazing as the Joker,but I remind you, he was playing a lunaticwearing clown makeup. That’s not exactlyMethod acting, unless the method is howto act like a psychopathic Emmett Kelly.

It may seem picky of me, but italso bothered me that The Dark Knightwas so obviously set in Chicago. In thefirst Batman movie starring Bale, they cre-ated a seemingly real Gotham City thatwas totally unique. In this one, Bale wasdriving that silly Batcycle past stuff we sawon the opening credits of the old “BobNewhart Show.” At one point, there’s anoverhead shot of the Michigan Avenue

Bridge. I’ve only been to Chicago a coupleof times, but both times I had to walkacross that bridge all the time. It’s likeshooting a movie here that’s supposed tobe somewhere else and having the maincharacters walk past Graceland.

The second highest grossing movieof the year was Iron Man. Personally, Iliked Iron Man better than The DarkKnight because it was funnier. Just the

idea of Robert Downey Jr. playing a super-hero is funny. Superheroes don’t normallyget loaded on happy pills and fall asleep inthe neighbor kid’s bed.

When you think about it, Batmanand Iron Man are the same guy. They’reboth egomaniacs with zillions of dollarswho spend their free time building super-suits and hunting bad guys. If they weren’trich, they’d just be nuts. Sure they’re tor-tured, but you know, so is whoever just gotvoted off of American Idol last, and heisn’t strapping on a latex suit and jumpingoff of buildings. Although there must besome way we can convince him to do so.

The fourth highest grossing movieof the year was Hancock. That was a weird-er movie than superhero movies usuallyare, and it got one thing absolutely right:having crime fighting superbeings aroundwould be a huge pain in the neck. No mat-ter what you say, your insurance carrier isnot going to reimburse you when the Hulkdrops an armored car on your garage.When the bricks are flying and things areexploding in these movies, it always seemsfun, but someone owns those bricks.Someone has sunk his life into that ware-house Spiderman just threw a super villainthrough. And it’s not like he’s going toshow up in court either. Why do you thinkthey wear masks? It’s not to protect theirsecret identity, rather it’s to avoid havingto pay for all that property damage. Go

ahead, try serving Thor with papers andsee how far you get.

Don’t get me started on that TVshow “Heroes.” It was fun at first—whowouldn’t want an indestructible cheer-leader around—but it’s gotten to the pointnow where it’s more confusing than thattrig class you took in college with the pro-fessor from Pakistan.

One of the most annoying thingsabout this whole genre is that only prettypeople ever get superpowers. With theexception of that rock guy in the FantasticFour, only gorgeous people get to fly orthrow buses at evil-doers. There have to becharacter actors in Hollywood who want toslip into the spandex. Paul Dooley comesto mind. So does Steve Buscemi. Thoseguys would make great superheroes.

Of course this is all silly nitpickingof things that are by nature nitty. Theseare big silly movies for the big silly audi-ence, but they seem to take themselvesentirely too seriously. While The DarkKnight was cool and had all kinds of neatthings blowing up, it was also about a guywho was frowning like he had my 401k andnot his pile. Iron Man was, forgive thephrase, supercool, but the whole messageabout international arms trading and howthat is a bad thing was an unnecessarydrag. Hancock was a nice ride, but it gotpretty grim just because if you have WillSmith around, apparently you have to givehim some acting to do.

Mind you, all of this is probablyjust sour grapes because I’m never goingto get superpowers. It’s something thatdoesn’t get discussed much, but for a lotof guys in my generation, the momentwhen they realized they were adults wasthe moment when they realized they werenever going to get bitten by a radioactivemonkey and get supermonkey powers. It’sa dark night when you have that moment,but not as dark as The Dark Knight. Light-en up, Bruce.

RSVP humor specialist turned superheroanalyst, Dennis Phillippi, says he has nosuperpowers of his own, but we here atRSVP suggest he dig a little deeperthrough his closet for some late ‘80s span-dex. After all, Gym Guy could save the daywhen someone’s pulled a hamstring orneeds a refreshing bottle of water.

CCrriimmiinnaallss mmaayy bbee aa ssuuppeerrssttii--ttiioouuss lloott,, bbuutt tthheeyy’’rree nnoott ggooiinngg

ttoo bbee ssccaarreedd bbyy ssoommee gguuyyddrreesssseedd aass aa bbrreeeedd ooff ddoogg tthhaatt

lliikkeess ttoo ffeettcchh tthhiinnggss..

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Jenny Wallace and Mark Billingsley at Methodist Cancer Center Luncheon

Vicki Singh and Suzanne Landers at Merry Marketplace

ONSITEOnsite

Nora Roberts, Laura Russell and Chey Widdop at Merry Marketplace

Gegi Bethea, Catherine Lowie and Linda Burleson at Hope Presbyterian Christmas Dinner

Jon and Donna Van Hoozer with Anne and Andy McCarroll at Toast for Toys Gala

Lynne Robilio, Renee Jordan and Tracy Christoffersen at Hope Presbyterian Christmas Dinner

Merry Marketplace Methodist Cancer Center LuncheonToast for Toys Gala Santa Paws Party Hope Presbyterian Christmas Dinner

The SSuunnTTrruusstt MMeerrrryy MMaarrkkeettppllaaccee “WWiinntteerr iinn tthhee CCiittyy”preview party kicked off the JJuunniioorr LLeeaagguuee ooffMMeemmpphhiiss’ (JLM) ninth annual holiday fund-raiser atAAggrriicceenntteerr IInntteerrnnaattiioonnaall. With more than 160 vendors,a silent auction, open bar and appetizers donated fromlocal restaurants, guests readily accepted the invitationto help support JLM’s community projects, some ofwhich include the MMiidd--SSoouutthh FFoooodd BBaannkk, CClloovveerrnnooookkCCeenntteerr and the SShheellbbyy CCoouunnttyy BBooookkss ffrroomm BBiirrtthh pro-gram.

Political commentators JJaammeess CCaarrvviillllee and MMaarryyMMaattaalliinn shared their insight into the country’s politicalclimate with 850 attendees at the seventh annualMMeetthhooddiisstt CCaanncceerr CCeenntteerr LLuunncchheeoonn. Prior to the politi-cal “crossfire” exchanged on stage in TThhee PPeeaabbooddyy’sGGrraanndd BBaallllrroooomm, the couple attended a VIP receptionfor a meet-n-greet with special guests. Event proceedstotaling more than $100,000 will benefit the MMeetthhooddiissttHHeeaalltthhccaarree CCaanncceerr CCeenntteerr.

The BBooyyss && GGiirrllss CClluubbss ooff GGrreeaatteerr MMeemmpphhiisshosted the TTooaasstt ffoorr TTooyyss GGaallaa, where 250 peoplehelped foster a brighter Christmas for disadvantagedyouth through toy donations. MMeemmpphhiiss BBoottaanniicc GGaarrddeennprovided the backdrop for the occasion filled with holi-day cheer thanks to food courtesy of DDrraappeerr’’ss CCaatteerriinngg,drinks from AArrtthhuurr’’ss WWiinnee && LLiiqquuoorr and tunes by EEllmmoo&& tthhee SShhaaddeess. Event proceeds reached $35,000 for theorganization, and $45,000 in gift cards for KB Toys.

Santa remembered his pet friends this year atthe AAnniimmaall PPrrootteeccttiioonn AAssssoocciiaattiioonn’s (APA) secondannual SSaannttaa PPaawwss PPaarrttyy. The nonprofit spay andneuter clinic hosted the event at SSTTOOPP 334455 and raised$5,000 to help combat pet homelessness with the helpof generous donations to the animal-themed silent auc-tion, music courtesy of CCaappttaaiinn PPhhiill MMccGGeeee and fooddonated by WWiilldd OOaattss (now Whole Foods).

The WWoommeenn’’ss MMiinniissttrryy ooff HHooppee PPrreessbbyytteerriiaannCChhuurrcchh CChhrriissttmmaass DDiinnnneerr and FFaasshhiioonn SShhooww treated1,000 attendees to an unforgettable program, featuringmusic from an a capella quartet and gospel choir.Themed “SStteepp iinnttoo tthhee LLiigghhtt,” this event broughtawareness to and funding for NNeeiigghhbboorrhhoooodd CChhrriissttiiaannCCeenntteerrss, raising enough money to sponsor severalKenyan women at a conference being led by the womenof Hope in Nairobi, Kenya in March.

Story and photos by Leah Fitzpatrick

Jane Carroll, Captain Phil McGee and Seena Walker at Santa Paws Party

Earniece Foster, James Carville and Janas Jackson at Methodist Cancer Center Luncheon

Kathy and Neil Solomonat Santa Paws Party

RSVP

50

FEBRUARY

2009

Championship GloryRSVP

AST

1968

The American Legion baseball team from Memphis secured the 1968 American Legion World Series title and hefty braggingrights as evidenced in this picture taken after the championship game in Manchester, New Hampshire. Most of the playersattended Christian Brothers High School, and one teammate, Ross Grimsley, went on to become a Major League pitcher. Theteam’s bond prevailed at a 40th anniversary celebration held last fall.

Pictured above from left to right in the front row are Al Andre, Bobbie Goodman, Lynn Alford, Paul “Skeeter” Gowen,Richard Daughtery and Mike Dempster. In the second row are Bob Camp (coach), Duane Donahoo, Jack Long (batboy), BobStolarik, Ron Majkrzak, Jimmy Conn and David Hazelip. Standing in the back row are Bill Speros, Homer Phillips (coach),Terry Dan, Donnie Castle, Ross Grimsley, Charlie Blanchard, Jim Evans, Farrell Vincent and Tony Gagliano (coach).

PHOTO COURTESY OF BOB PHILLIPS

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.

rsvp magazine february 2009

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