Home > Social Butterfly > Archives > 2007 > November
November 2007
Evening of Elegance at the “Pink Palace”
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
More than 180 preservation-minded guests turned out for An Evening of Elegance: Renaissance in Buckhead,; benefiting the Atlanta Preservation Center.
The black-tie gala was held last month at one of Atlanta’s most famous private homes, the Rhodes-Robinson-Lezhava House, known fondly over the years as the Pink Palace.
Honorary chairs for ;Evening of Elegance were the home’s current owners, Nino Sukhishvili, director of the Georgian National Ballet, and Zurab Lezhava, an exporter. The couple came to Atlanta from the Republic of Georgia and spent two years restoring the home. Renowned Atlanta architect Neel Reid began building the home in 1924; it was completed in 1926 by the heralded Philip Schutze.
Co-chairing the event were Jean Astrop and Jane Kell. The evening’s keystone sponsor was the Hon. Anne Cox Chambers, a principal owner in Cox Enterprises, which owns The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Cornerstone sponsors were Meg and Jeff Arnold, Jean and William B. Astrop and Penny and George Hart.
Foundation sponsors were Elizabeth and Howell Adams, Mr. and Mrs. Shepard B. Ansley, Jane and Dameron Black, Catherine W. Dukehart, Anne and Robert Colgin, Peggy and Rawson Foreman, Belle and Barry Lynch, Mr. and Mrs. Henry McCamish, Mr. and Mrs. Wade T. Mitchell, William E. Pennington (president of the board of trustees), Mr. and Mrs. Daniel B. Rather, Mr. and Mrs. J. Mack Robinson and Mrs. Allison Thornwell Jr.
The host committee of more than 40 people included Atlanta Fine Homes agent Rosina Seydel, who has the six-bedroom, seven-bath (and four half-bath) home listed for sale at $20 million.
The evening began with cocktails and tours of the exquisite home. Guests then dined in various rooms of the house at elegantly appointed tables; Dr. Felton Norwood, a past president of the APC board, was in charge of floral arranging for the evening. Finally, the event concluded outside by the pool, where the crowd was entertained by Georgian National Ballet dancers.
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Trumps Tower
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
from left, Eric Trump, Ivanka Trump and Dallas Austin. Photo by Jeff Slate.
A crowd of around 200 turned out to sip “Trump-tinis” at Trump Towers’ Atlanta sales gallery on Wednesday night. The $300 million condo building, set to rise at 15th and West Peachtree streets starting in the spring, has 80 firm contracts in place already.
The crowd included Donald Trump’s statuesque offspring Eric Trump and Ivanka Trump, who arrived with bling from her fab jewelry collection. Among the revelers at the jam-packed bash were a fair number of developer types including Mark Randall and Gil Dezer; and designer-to-the-stars Jim Weinberg.
Localistas included music and film producer Dallas Austin, Q-100’s Bert Weiss, gallery owner Uri Vaknin and Corinna Allen of CBS 46’s “Better Mornings.”
from left, Corinna Allen and Ivanka Trump. Photo by Jeff Slate.
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In the Pink and Black
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
JaQuitta Williams
A special group of women were honored at the Pink & Black Affair, hosted by the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Decatur/DeKalb Chapter.
The honorees, who have been through treatment for breast cancer, were chosen for their positive attitudes and dedication to supporting breast cancer awareness.
Sara Grant, Alice Hunt, Vanessa Love, Lucy Jones, Trudy Allen, Timolin Jefferson, Ernie McMillian, Christina Parks, Iris Stanley and Olivia O’Neal Robinson were presented with “A Celebration of Life” awards and gift baskets at the event, held Nov. 3 at the Holiday Inn Decatur Conference Plaza.
From left, Paulette Smith, Norma Johnson, JaQuitta Williams, Deondai Colquitt, DeLois Grizzle, Rochelle Callender, Doreen Williams, Leisa Stafford, Danyle Dawson-Oglesby, Chair, Kim Cameron and Geralyn Smith.
Chapter president Kimberly Cameron greeted guests and introduced DeKalb County CEO Vernon Jones, who presented a “Pink & Black Day” proclamation. The group heard from guest speaker Dr. Rogsbert F. Phillips, founder of breast cancer advocacy group Sisters By Choice (www.sistersbychoice.net)
The Pink & Black Affair was spearheaded by Danyle Dawson-Oglesby. WSB-TV’s JaQuitta Williams served as mistress of ceremony.
To find out more about the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Decatur/DeKalb Chapter and next year’s Pink & Black Affair, email pinkandblackaffair@yahoo.com.
Toasting Teen Journalists
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
From left, Sarah Nell-Walsh, Lauren Estrin, Whitney Munn and Debbie Segal.
The law firm of King & Spalding was the site of “Sip and Shop,” a wine tasting and silent auction to benefit VOX Teen Communications from 6 to 9 p.m. Nov. 14.
The event drew a crowd of about 100 people and raisedabout $17,000 for VOX, where Atlanta teens produce a monthly newspaper and Web site.
Hosts included Paula Frederick, Carolyn Forest, Lynda Greer, Carolyn LaRocco, Debbie Segal, Simit Shah, Carolyn Wingfield and Nancy Zintak.
Catering was provided by Dennis Dean, and the vino was compliments of Diageo, Ansley Wine Merchants, Sherlock’s Wine Merchants and Gallo.
The young people involved with VOX, a non-profit youth-development organization in downtown Atlanta, write articles, take pictures and create the layouts for the VOX newspaper and update its Web site, http://www.voxrox.org.
For information see www.voxrox.org.
A personal cause
CMA nominated songwriter and north Georgia native Monty Powell performs with special guests, country singer Keith Urban and jazz singer Anna Wilson at the Nov. 28 “better start livin’” concert, held at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre. It benefits the Alzheimer’s Association.
For Powell, the event has special meaning. His father died four years ago at 66, having struggled with Alzheimer’s for nearly a decade.
“The disease robbed him of himself,” said Powell, who grew up in Calhoun and Resaca and now lives in Nashville. “The care and support we received from the Alzheimer’s Association was spectacular.”
Powell says as eager as organizers are to raise money for the organization, they want to raise awareness, too.
“In the last stages, the victim doesn’t really know what’s going on but the caregiver struggles with the disease until the end,” he said.
The concert starts at 7:30 p.m., and general admission tickets are $100 and $65. Patron tickets, which include premium seating, food, drinks and the “Champion Party with the Stars” following the concert, are $300.
Call 404-728-1181 or see www.alz.org/georgia.
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Dear Crane’s…
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
It’s been two years, and I’m still heartbroken.
I’m talking about the departure of the Crane & Co. stationery store, which pulled up its stakes at Lenox Square. The company apparently had decided to retool its retail strategy, so Cranes’ elegant papers are now available through its Web site, www.crane.com, and at other purveyors of fine stationery.
But it’s not the same.
I still miss going into that exquisite, wood-paneled store and poring over fonts and colors. Crane’s mailed the dies used to make my engraved notes and cards just before closing, but I haven’t had the heart to take them to another shop yet. I need to, though. My stock’s about depleted.
Hopefully, by the time “National Letter Writing Day” gets here on Dec. 7, I will have figured something out.
In the meantime: what’s the most memorable letter you’ve received or written? Was it a holiday card, a love letter, a birthday greeting from a child? Send me an engraved email and tell me all about it.
By the way, here’s the lamentation I wrote when Crane’s closed. It was published in the AJC’s Living section on Dec. 11, 2005, and I still hear from readers about it from time to time.
Fond farewell to stationery store
JENNIFER BRETT / Staff jbrett@ajc.com
Dear Crane & Co.,
The moment I opened the mailbox, I knew you were leaving. Your postcard was bright - almost garish - and sent in bulk, like a flier for a mattress store. I winced at the word “clearance, ” then at the news.
The store at Lenox - which sells items like boxed notecards, wedding invitations, fine pens and etiquette books - is closing at the end of the year.
Your corporate office in Dalton, Mass., didn’t want to say much, only that the store’s lease was up and the company couldn’t come to new terms with its landlord. For now, the closest store will be in Charlotte. In this diverse and booming town, where malls have valet parking and people camp out to greet a new furniture store, one small stationery shop is a tiny drop in a teeming retail bucket.
Still, it’s a shame to see you go. Your company, founded in 1801 when Zenas Crane and two partners asked ladies for old rags to make paper with, is unlike other stationery stores. It is a beacon of propriety in a coarsening society, a standardbearer for correct behavior. One I’m sorry to see leave a town that could use a refresher course in decorum from time to time.
I guess it shouldn’t be surprising. Each generation makes communication a little faster, but even the earliest improvements seemed to chip away at civility.
“Mrs. Bell, my children and grandchildren join me in kind remembrances to you and yours, ” is how Alexander Graham Bell concluded a tender note to Thomas A. Watson on Feb. 3, 1905.
You’ll recall that during their famous first telephone conversation, Bell was a bit more brusque: “Mr. Watson, come here. I want you!” I love a cute e-vite as much as anyone, but the most meaningful correspondence has always been handwritten. (Paul’s text message to the Ephesians? It just doesn’t sound right.)
I don’t mean to imply that good stationery is for snobs. The point of sending a note on crested letterhead is not to club your friends over the head and shout, “I know which fork to use!” It’s to make them feel special, and let them know that you cared enough about them to sit down and write a warm and genuine greeting.
When some of our dearest friends learned they were expecting, I sent a note on an informal - a folded card that, despite the name, is actually quite formal - telling them what wonderful parents they would be. When their daughter turned 1, I took over a small gift with our calling card tucked under the ribbon.
After dinner parties or luncheons, I send a thank-you on a monogrammed card within a day or two.
People always seem to appreciate it, and I’ve spotted my letters on friends’ refrigerators months, even years, after they were sent. Before assembling a stationery wardrobe for my husband and myself - socially, I’m Mrs. Charles Taylor Gay -I consulted the Crane’s Blue Book of Stationery and my favorite etiquette book, Emily Postcirca 1945.
(There’s an entire chapter dedicated to “Visiting Cards and Their Uses.” Another chapter laments “The Vanished Chaperon and Other Lost Conventions.”)
Decent stationery is available at a number of stores, but Crane, with its time-honored process of making paper with cotton fibers instead of wood, was my destination. “We at Crane believe there is no substitute for true engraving, ” your Web site says. So do I.
Buying stationery at Crane’s has been a joy. Assistant manager Moore, a master of the dying art of customer service, helped me almost every time I came in. On one visit I pored over fonts and colors for nearly an hour before deciding on Doric in navy blue with a houndstooth liner for my husband’s notecards.
Another time, I flipped back and forth, back and forth, trying to decide between a matte and glossy finish for the liner of my Christmas cards. I labored over a color for my monogram, settling on claret.
Moore, who has a refined, courtly manner about him, was never impatient. And he would utter a discreet word of triumph each time I made up my mind.
“Excellent, ” he’d say softly, like a sommelier who’d just guided a diner toward a nice glass of wine.
Crane’s, I love that you honor your heritage with posters showing old photos and the history of your company. In a town known for bulldozing its past, and in an age that prizes the immediate - the T-Mobile booth outside your doors does a brisk business - a visit to your store or Web site is a nice respite.
Old photos and timelines tell visitors how Henry Craneemigrated from England to Dorchester, Mass., in 1648. How his great-grandson, Stephen Crane, got the family into papermaking and sold paper for currency to Paul Revere for the Colonies’ first paper money.
How Crane’s innovations over the years produced thin paper for Bibles and thick paper for diplomas.
I learned that the first company-owned store opened in 1994 in Boston, with others following, including the one here. Eleven years is nothing for a company that began more than 200 years ago, and for that reason I’m hopeful Crane’s may open another store here, or at least somewhere a little closer than Charlotte.
If you do, I hope you’ll let me know. On proper paper, please. Yours truly,
Mrs. Charles T. Gay (Jennifer)
Toy story
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
From left: Jason Lowery, Jon Woody and Alex Wan, at the sponsor party for the upcoming Toy Party, organized by For the Kid in All of Us. The sponsor party was Nov. 8 at Bill Lowe Gallery in Buckhead. credit: Nick Gold
How’s this for holiday hospitality: Alex Wan is throwing a bash and more than 4,000 of his closest friends are expected to attend.
Wan is founder of For the Kid in All of Us, which organizes the annual Toy Party. The fifth annual party is planned for 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Dec. 2 at the Atlanta Apparel Mart, 250 Spring St.
The cost for admission is a new, unwrapped toy valued at $15, or a gift card. Items will be donated to Atlanta-based non-profit organizations that work with underprivileged youths: Hillside, Tobie Grant Manor, Sheltering Arms for Kids, CHRIS Kids, the women and pediatric division of AID Atlanta, Youth Pride, Safe Path, Atlanta Alliance on Developmental Disabilities, Jerusalem House. Easter Seals and Rainbow House.
Like so many successful philanthropic events, the Toy Party started out with a small group of friends and blossomed. Since 2003, the event has distributed more than 12,000 toys and gift cards and donated $270,000 to local charities.
Last year more than 3,700 revelers attended, and organizers expect this year’s Toy Party, which is presented by Delta Air Lines, to attract a crowd of some 4,000. If you come, wear your holiday finery and enjoy complimentary cocktails and hors d’oeuvres.
For the Kid in All of Us board members include Thomas Blenk, Frank Bragg, Eric Bryant, Angie Buysse, Zandra Conway, Andrea Criste, Glen Paul Freedman, Kerrie Gilbert, David Gillespie, Deneen Goddard, Joe Jeter, Jason Lowery, Billy Milner, Derek Schmidt, Chris Thiele, Stephen Wells and Jon Woody.
Advisory board members include Ken Britt, Tony Conway, Nick Gold, Tony Nelson and Kevin Perry. For more information see go to www.ForTheKid.org.
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Pet fete
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
From left, event chairs Aida Flamm, David York and Lisa Miller. Photo by Jim Fitts.
New Leash on Life’s third annual fundraiser, held Nov. 1 at the home of Guy and Ginny Millner, raised nearly $250,000.
Guests enjoyed a cocktail reception donated by Avenue Catering Concepts, bid on silent and live auction items and visited with some adorable guests - companion animals up for adoption from Furkids, Lifeline Animal Project, and Small Dog Rescue.
Leslie Fram of 99X-FM served as master of ceremony. Event sponsors included Roy and Mary Jane Mallady.
Guests included Alison Womack, Jada and Tom Loveless, David Covell and Sheryl Evertson of Avenue Catering Concepts, Susan Forehand, Terri Slone, Marilyn Krone and her son Cameron Krone, as well next year’s New Leash on Life event chairs, Sandra Baldwin and Tony Conway.
The 1929 “Alamo House” was built by J.H. Hulsey, with bricks manufactured by Canton Brick Company. Its occupants have included the Hulsey family, Nola Marshall and the Fortson family. Current owners Susan and Jim Mathis completed a 1,500 square foot addition in 2005.
Marietta on tour
Can you believe it? It’s almost time for the 21st annual Marietta Pilgrimage Christmas Home Tour.
Tour times and dates are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Dec. 1 and 10 a.m. 6 p.m. Dec. 2.
Before I go any further, I should say that if you’d like to pitch in during this year’s tour, docent coordinator Lea Fisher would love - I mean love to hear from you. She’s at lea430@bellsouth.net.
The houses this year, located on and near Kennesaw Avenue, are just fabulous. Public buildings on tour include “Fair Oaks,” the 1852 home that now houses the Marietta Garden Center; First Presbyterian and St. James Episcopal churches; the Root House and the Marietta Museum of History, located in the Kennesaw House; among others.
Day tour tickets are $15 in advance and $20 the day of the tour. Candlelight tour tickets are $12 in advance, $15 day of the tour. Combination tickets are $20 in advance, $25 day of the tour.
The preview party is planned for the evening of Nov. 30 at the Traton Homes headquarters at 720 Kennesaw Ave. Three of the tour homes will be open for preview touring Friday night: the Minshew-Coons House, 225 Maple Ave.; the Alamo House, 299 Stewart Ave.; and the Green-Sutton Crowley House, 93 Holland St.
The Marietta Pilgrimage is a labor of love among so many folks. This year’s chairs are Cindy Dye and Haley Meaders. Docent coordinators are the aforementioned Lea Fisher and Jackie Johnson.
Mary Ansley Southerland is in charge of the fab preview party. Larry Zenoni is doing signage and public Buildings. Dorie Hill and Mary Finney are running the tea room.
The effervescent Sarah Bullington and cool-headed Kathryn Mayfield are in charge of ticket sales. Handling bus transportation are Laing Heidt and Neal Russell.
Homeowner liasons are Connie Kone, Leigh Ann Worden and Leigh Pharr. Candlelight Tour liaisons are Barbara Norton and Phil and Frances Herron, and Rose Wing is in charge of sponsorship.
For more details see http://www.mariettapilgrimage.com, or call the Marietta Welcome Center & Visitors Bureau, 770-429-1115 or Cobb Landmarks & Historical Society, 770-426-4982.
You must remember this
from left, Kathryn Arnett, A Meal To Remember’s mascot “Escoffier”, Robert Long, and Marilyn Krone. Photo by Jim Fitts.
The 20th anniversary of A Meal To Remember, benefiting Senior Citizens Services of Metropolitan Atlanta raised more than $485,000. It was Nov. 2 at the Buckhead Ritz-Carlton.
Marilyn Krone and Kathryn Arnett served as co-chairs, BNY Mellon Wealth Management, led by Regional President D. Jack SawyerJr., served as Presenting Sponsor for the third year in a row.
Honorary chairs Sandra and Dan Baldwin were recognized for their commitment to Senior Citizen Services of Metropolitan Atlanta and for their generous donation as a presenting sponsor.
The meal, truly one to remember, was the creation of a star chamber of Manhattan chefs: Executive Chef Christopher Lee of Gilt; Owner and Executive Chef Bill Telepan of Telepan; Proprietor and Executive Chef Terrance Brennan of Picholine; Jean-Louis Dumonet of Saks Fifth Avenue; and Pastry Chef Eric Girerd of Atelier du Chocolat.
Michael Venezia of United Distributors selected premier wines to pair with each course.
Floral designer Robert Long and staff created unique arrangements on each table.
Monica Pearson and Fred Blankenship of WSB-TV served as hosts for the evening. Vocalist Courtenay Collins entertained, and Uladia Taylorpresided during the live auction. Pearson got things rolling with an a cappella rendition of “New York, New York” as guests were being setated.
The elegant crowd included Jada and Tom Loveless, Susan Forehand, Mo Akbar, Tony Conway, Steve Welsh, Merry and Chris Carlos, Tom and Carolyn Carroll, Carey Carter, Sally Dorsey and Herb Miller, John Mellon, Leigh Testa of Neiman Marcus, Lynne and Howard Halpern, and Sharon Umphenour.
A Meal To Remember will allow the Meals on Wheels Atlanta program to provide more than 90,000 meals next year to homebound seniors who are unable to cook or shop for themselves. The annual Meal to Remember has raised nearly $4.5 since it began. For more information on programs, please visit www.scsatl.org.
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Betting on pets at Turner Field
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Newly hitched Jeff Francoeur was among the Braves on hand for a Saturday night event benefiting the Homeless Pets Foundation.
Braves manager Bobby Cox and wife Pam hosted the “Paws Because…They Are Worth Saving” Saturday night in the 755 Club at Turner Field.
Homeless Pets Foundation co-founder Dr. Michael Good worked the crowd as guests enjoyed featured casino style games and bidding on sports memorabilia up for silent auction.
Jim and Florrie Corley at the Atlanta Botanical Garden
A few years ago, when S.B. was tapped to help organize a spring garden tour, Jim Corley’s guidance, encouragement and great ideas saved me from having a heart attack.
So I was just thrilled to attend Saturday’s “Thanks for Giving” luncheon at the Atlanta Botanical Garden, where Mr. Corley was honored with a lifetime achievement award for his many years of dedicated service.
It was a big secret — hardly anyone in the crowd of around 200 even knew a lifetime achievement award was being given. I conducted interviews about him on the sly while volunteers and staffers mingled before the luncheon began.
“Without him we would not have a plant hotline,” said volunteer manager Mary Woehrel, referring to the program where master gardeners answer phoned and emailed plant queries. “He trains the new volunteers. When a volunteer can’t show up, he fills in for them.”
Corley and his wife Florrie live in historic Marietta, where they are avid gardeners and active in the community.
Also honored at Saturday’s luncheon were Ernest Arvesen, named 2007 volunteer of the year, and the “Roots of the Garden” — volunteers who clocked the most number of hours this year with their hands in the dirt on the botanical garden’s behalf.
That group included Merrily LaBarthe, Jo Ann Bertrand, Clark Weisner, Roger Johnson and Annalee and Edwin Boyett.
Having a lively time at their table in the back of the room were members of the Garden Associates, the ABG’s fundraising arm. The jovial bunch included Christan Wojcik, Marie Hannon, Patricia King, Kitty Hoepper, Kathryn LaTour and outgoing president Corrie Johnson.
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The Lowe-down
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
We were somehow able to coax a few words out of that shy, retiring Bill Lowe Friday night.
Seriously, the ebullient Lowe was as chatty as ever as he greeted guests at the reception for “Love, Loss & Longing: International Female Discoveries of the Human Spirit.” The show, featuring works by Margarita Checa and Katharina Chapuis, is probably one of the last ones to be exhibited in Lowe’s current space.
Early next year Lowe moves to new gallery space at Two Peachtree Pointe, the Dewberry Capitol Corp. building going up in Midtown.
The new digs will offer more light and more space - crucial when you consider the “too much is never enough” type of entertaining Lowe is famous for.
Still, after 20 years on Bennett Street, he’s a little wistful. In those lean early years, Lowe actually lived there. What’s now his office was then his bedroom.
“I will miss being here,” Lowe said. “It’s been the playground for my aspirations.”
As you’d expect from Lowe, known for theatrical openings featuring go-go dancers and such, he’s planning a big opening bash. It’ll probably be sometime in March and it’s bound to be a big one. The new spot will hold around 2,000 revelers, up from the 1,300 or so the current gallery accommodates.
Talk about a playground.
A true power lunch
The downtown Ritz-Carlton just teemed with brainpower Thursday.
A slew of bright young people were recognized at the annual scholarship awards luncheon of the Achievement Rewards for College Scientists Foundation’s Atlanta chapter.
Attendees heard first from Jan K. Bennett, president of ARCS’ Atlanta chapter, who noted the chapter has raised more than $2 million and supported more than 400 scholars since its inception 15 years ago.
After an introduction from State Rep. Kathy Ashe (D-Atlanta), Mary Brown Bullock, president emerita of Agnes School College, spoke on collaboration between American and Chinese scientists.
“Why should we be collaborating with our potential competitors?” asked Bullock, a visiting distinguished professor of China studies at Emory University. The answer lies in China’s growing economy and world prominence, she said.
“Greater collaboration leas to a greater intelluctual openness,” Bullock said. Working together, she added, “may help both nations transcend political differences and contribute to world peace.”
The luncheon honored students from Emory University, Georgia Tech, Morehouse College and the University of Georgia.
The Emory students included Kathryn B. Anderson, Christopher Bond, Matthew Boone, Jill Bordelon, Allison Lange, Jeffrey W. Mercante, Troy Querec, Jennifer Sorrells and Shana Topp.
The Tech students included Andrea Forte, Donavon R. Gerty, Michael Hewitt, Shelby Highsmith, Janine B. Johnson, Charlotte Kotas, Michael Pennock, Dylan Shephardson, Andrew Smith, Khalid Sorensen and Tracy L. Westeyn.
The Morehouse students included Mark W. Cunningham Jr., Austin Dixon, Britt A. L. Gayle, Desmond Moore, Andre Okoreeh, Jonathan Singletary and Eric S. Toone.
The UGA students included Geneva J. DeMars, Sarah A. Eisenstein, Jillian H. Hurst, Jodell Linder, Dawn M. Penn, Norman K. Pollock and Laura E. Williams.
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Pause and remember the cause
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Juli Owens and Sally Dorsey. Photo by Jim Fitts.
Next time you’re pawing through the closet trying to find that elusive black sequinned evening bag, take a second to consider the work the night’s shindig supports.
If you read Monday’s paper, you might have spotted the story about Capt. Furat, an Iraqi soldier who switched sides and signed up to fight with American forces.
Badly injured in 2005, he was brought to Atlanta’s Shepherd Center, where he’s had several procedures and months of rehab. Today he regularly comes to Shepherd, which has absorbed the cost of Furat’s care, to exercise and visit.
“These guys care about you,” Furat told me recently.
Shepherd’s mission of research and rehabilitation for people with spinal cord injury and disease, acquired brain injury, multiple sclerosis and other neuromuscular problems is supported by events like the annual Legendary Party.
The 19th annual Legendary event was Nov. 3 at the Ritz-Carlton Buckhead. Led by chair Juli Owens, the gala raised more than $658,000 for Shepherd Center’s Irene and George Woodruff Family Residence Center.
Honorary chair Angie Marshall was recognized for her many years of service and support. Sally Dorsey is chairing next year’s ball, so you’ll want to be there.
Right now, the folks at Shepherd would love to tell you about volunteer opportunities and other ways to support the hospital. Visit at www.shepherd.org.
Andruw Jones: “A Man With A Resume”
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Jon Bobbett, Andruw Jones and Coach Larry Brown at Saturday night’s bash benefiting Jaden’s Ladder. Photo courtesy of MRPR.
Andruw Jones: what a good sport.
He wouldn’t say much about his plans when we caught up with him for a brief visit at a Saturday night charity bash - only that he plans to keep hanging his hat in metro Atlanta, regardless of whose roster he ends up joining.
“Atlanta’s home,” he said.
But the former Brave cheerfully greeted friends and fans at the swank soiree, posing for pictures and exchanging hugs and handshakes. Dragged reluctantly on stage during the live auction, he even took a little gentle ribbing in style.
It was for charity, after all.
Jones and wife Nicole served as celeb ambassadors for the gala benefiting Jaden’s Ladder, a group that helps survivors of domestic violence(www.jadensladder.org).
Nicole Jones enjoys the talents of Keith Sweat at the swank soiree. Photo by Dexter Sharper.
Smooth-talking auctioneer Paul Boudreau fetched top dollar out of the crowd for items like signed sports memorabilia, a trip to the Masters golf tournament, Hannah Montana tickets and some high-wattage bling.
Then he figured it was time to shake things up.
“Andruw, where are you?” he called, and after several moments, he was able to cajole Jones into joining him.
“We’ve got a man with a resume up here!” Boudreau joked before Jones made a generous donation of $50,000 for Jaden’s Ladder.
Then it was Jones’ turn at the mic.
“Hey Mac, what are you putting in?” he asked former teammate Brian McCann. “I know you got paid. Give me a number!
McCann was good for a grand.
Next, Jones hauled golfer Stewart Cink on stage and helped Boudreau auction off a round with the PGA tour veteran for $4,500.
“He is the best golfer in our subdivision,” Jones quipped of his Sugarloaf Country Club neighbor. “And in general.”
Hundreds of people packed the private Buckhead estate Saturday night. The party was held in the home’s 20-car garage, and the guest list included sports figures ranging from Brave Tim Hudson to former Atlanta Hawks player Kevin Willis.
The benefit continues Sunday with a charity golf tourney scheduled to star McCann and Hudson, along with Chipper Jones, John Smoltz, longtime NBA coach Larry Brown, once and future Brave Tom Glavine, former major league outfielder Jacob Brumfield and, former NBA power forward Charles Oakley.
Andruw Jones with golfing buddies Brian McCann and John Smoltz at the charity golf tournament benefiting Jaden’s Ladder.
“Hopefully we’ll hit them straight and keep them out of the water,” Jones said of the Sunday golf outing. “Oh wait, I forgot, we don’t have any water.”
Mercedes-Benz of South Atlanta and Jon and Oneta Bobbett, Jaden’s founder, were the event’s diamond sponsor. Other sponsors included Steve and Rosalinda Rayman - and Scott Boras, Jones’ agent.
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To Market, to Market
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
2007 Mistletoe Market chair Kelly Sheriff, left, with 2008 chair Laurie Cates. Photo courtesy of the Junior League of Cobb-Marietta.
So you’ve started thinking about Christmas?
Well, the ladies in charge of the Junior League of Cobb-Marietta’s annual Mistletoe Market started making their lists and checking them twice more than a year ago.
The event, featuring exquisite gifts from loads of unique vendors, was Oct. 18-20 at the Cobb Civic Center, and organizers estimate 5,000 shoppers turned out.
This year’s Mistletoe gala, held Oct. 19, attracted a glam crowd of about 150 and raised $25,000; the entire market raised about $54,000 for the league’s charitable activities.
This year’s chair was Kelly Sheriff. Laurie Cates is on deck for next year.
Committee members included Kendall Andrews, Suzy Cooper, Sandra Daniels, Inga Dolezar, Randy Farley, Shari Graham, Christi Hodges, Hayley Kelly, Tina Kerr, Christy Mire, Amy Moore, Beth Nix, Jennifer Ruhl, Erin Rusin and Julie Willner. They’d love to see you there next year. Find out more about the organization at www.jlcm.org.
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Wild Night
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
From left, Audrey Peterman, Frank Peterman and keynote speaker Majora Carter at Saturday night’s “Keeping it Wild” gala. Photo by Bruce Morton
Man, I hate I missed this one.
The “Keeping it Wild” gala attracted 300 guests to the historic Georgia Freight Depot Saturday night. The crowd enjoyed great food and music along with inspiring speakers.
Event co-chairs were the Rev. Michael and Linda Battle and the Rev. Woody and Carol Bartlett. Honorary chair was the eco-fabulous
Event planner Damita Holbrook of Glam Event Solutions dressed up the Depot in autumnal tones of deep red and gold, with live natural centerpieces.
We’re told keynote speaker Majora Carter of Sustainable South Bronx talked of transforming a waterfront wasteland into a lush green riverfront park in an otherwise gray and industrial community. She challenged everyone present to consider their dreams for making the world around them better and to pursue them with passion.
Were you there?
GET ready…
Georgia Ensemble Theatre’s annual gala, “One Enchanted Evening,” is coming up this Saturday, Nov. 10. It’ll be at Atlanta Country Club, 500 Atlanta Country Club Dr. in East Cobb.
This fun fete honors some dedicated GET supporters and arts advocates. U.S. Rep. Tom Price and Dr. Elizabeth Price, as well as long-time GET corporate partner Northside Hospital, will be recognized as the fourth annual recipients of the Georgia Ensemble Theatre Legacy Awards.
Community volunteers and GET trustees Helen Owens and Bev Burke are the event’s co-chairs.
Tix are $125 each; call 770-641-1260 or see www.get.org.
AIDS Walk Atlanta 2007, held Oct. 21 along Piedmont Park, drew more than 14,000 participants. Organizers are nearing their fundraising goal of $1.1 million; donations are being accepted through Nov. 30. (Contribute at www.aidatlanta.org.)
Leslie Fram and Sean Demery of 99X were on hand for the event, themed “Every Life Deserves Hope.” The walk honored Brett Lykins, a 27-year-old youth AIDS activist who recently lost his battle with the disease.
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What’s cookin’?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Marvin Woods
The 18th annual Gourmet Gents event, hosted by the National Coalition of Black Women, Metropolitan Atlanta chapter, is planned for 3 to 6 p.m. Sunday at the Hyatt Regency, 265 Peachtree St.
Brandishing the golden whisks will be chefs Marvin Woods and Daryl Shular, along with Atlanta City Councilman Caesar Mitchell; Kiss 104.1’s Art Terrell, Youngblood and Stacy D; Grown Folks 102.5’s Si-Man Baby; and Fulton County District Attorney Paul Howard.
Naturally we were eager to know what the lawman had up his culinary sleeve.
“I don’t know what I’m going to prepare, but of all of my secret recipes, most people have been requesting my ‘Get Out of Jail’ lasagna, ” Howard joked in an e-mail.”Legend has it that in 1998 when I first made it, three inmates broke out of the Fulton County Jail to attend the Gourmet Gents cook-off, just to get some of my lasagna!”
CNN’s T.J. Holmes will be master of ceremonies, with mistress of ceremonies Paquita Nassau of Kiss. Tickets ($40 in advance, $45 at the door): 404-522-1061; e-mail ncbwatl@bell south.net; www.ncbwmetroatlchapter.org.
A most festive fete
The Hope for Children bash, held Oct. 27 at the Grand Hyatt in Buckhead to benefit Murphy-Harpst Children’s Centers, featured models with exotic makeup and hairstyles that can only be described as, well, architecture.
Entertainment included Grady High School’s marching band, chorus and orchestra and local songstress Diana DeGarmo. More than 500 attended, and $400,000 was raised for Murphy-Harpst (www.murphyharpst.org).
Co-chairs were Carey Carter and Dr. Nancy Gallups, host committee chairs were Kimmy and Rusty Umphenour, and honorary chair was Sharon Umphenour.
Airstream elegance
There was so much fabulosity on display at the recent DIFFA (Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS) gala, benefiting the Atlanta AIDS Partnership Fund.
“Dining By Design,” held Oct. 25 at Mason Murer Fine Art, featured a slew of gorgeous dining spaces.
Tony Conway’s purple paradise boasted loads of fresh blooms on myriad levels.
The Larson-Juhl/Artaissance nook was adorned with the ethereal works of artist Nichole Sloan and featured swimming centerpieces — two energetic goldfish doing laps in cylindrical bowls.
Elle Decor’s dining area felt like a scene from the French countryside, while guests at the Atlanta Classic Cars table lounged on a chic slate-gray sofa.
But how could you not love what the folks at Edelman came up with: a down-home vignette designed by Sandy Thigpen with an actual Airstream trailer. The bash raised $210,000.
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