Home > Social Butterfly > Archives > 2007 > December
December 2007
What exactly is “playground chic?”
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Q100 morning man Bert Weiss answered his cell phone from a beach in the Dominican Republic to answer the Butterfly’s plea for help.
Our query: what exactly is meant by “playground chic?” It’s the official attire for Amuse’UM, the upcoming fundraiser for the Children’s Museum of Atlanta, planned for 7 p.m. Feb. 9.
Weiss, serving as honorary co-chair with wife Stacey, responded like any guy with a lick of sense: he turned to the Mrs.
“For me it brings images of Toughskins (jeans) with the patches,” he said. “That’s a sexy, sexy look — if you’re 7. She says it’s casual, jeans and a nice top, like you’re going to a club. I don’t care. I’m wearing my Toughskins.”
Amy Barnes is chairing Amuse’UM, which will feature cuisine and cocktails, silent and live auctions, live music, and a performance by Mr. Potato Head.
The committee includes Kirk Adams, Katie Bayne, Leigh Beninato, Meg Gammage, Elizabeth Klump, Robert Long, Katherine and Whit Mulford, Tracy Steen, Roger Steffens, Rich Warren and John Williams Jr. Tickets are $125. See www.imagineit-cma.org, email courtney.davis@imagineit-cma.org or call 404-653-8156.
From left, Dottie Smith, Donna Lefont, Jerry Smith, Ellenwood Barton, Lisa Tush, Bill Tush, Kelly Willett, Scott Willett and Merry and Chris Carlos at the recent bow tie bash.
Tie one on
S.B.’s husband is such a die-hard bow tie man that he’s had nearly all his long ties converted. So I’m happy to tell you about the Atlanta Bow Tie Society.
Charter members on Dec. 18 celebrated its formation at the home of former CNN anchor Bill Tush and wife Lisa. BTers included Ellenwood and Tom Barton, Connie and Mark Brittain, Merry and Chris Carlos, Val and John Cullen, Eleanor Ringel Gillespie and Arthur Cater, Jessica and Colin Mayo, Anne and Dave Sapp, Dr. and Mrs. John Schilling, and Kelly and Scott Willett.
Gifts and gift certificates valued at more than $12,000 were donated to three charities: The Bridge, A Friend’s House and Angel Tree.
Another membership event is planned for March and a grand gala for this December, so keep that Churchill spot handy. Info: email bltush@aol.com or kellywlltt@yahoo.com.
Oh, and if you’re looking to switch neckties into bow ties, Beau Ties Ltd. of Vermont does an excellent job. www.beautiesltd.com
This and that
Doggies on the Catwalk,; a pet fashion show produced by Urban Couture, Grady High School’s fashion program, is planned for 8 p.m. Jan. 17. $40; $35 advance. The event, benefiting Pets Are Loving Support (PALS) will be at Grady High School, 929 Charles Allen Drive N.E., Info: 404-876-7257, www.palsatlanta.org.
The Junior League of Cobb-Marietta celebrates 75 years with ;Dames through the Decades,; a gala and show planned for 5:30 p.m. Feb. 23 at Jennie T. Anderson Theatre. Guests will enjoy cocktails, dancing and entertainment. Tickets are $75, see www.jlcm.org.
Taste of Dunwoody, featuring bites from 35 area restaurants, is planned for 7 to 10:30 p.m. Feb. 1 at W Atlanta Perimeter. The evening will also include a silent auction, live music and a cash bar. All proceeds benefits Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. Co-chairs are Amy Otto and Pam Koch. For tix and info see www.choa.org/tod.
Help me help you
So your 2008 goal is to make the Social Butterfly column? Here’s some guidance.
With upcoming events, tell me the date, time, location, a little about the affair (seated dinner? cocktail buffet? luncheon? cash bar?) and the organization it benefits, if it’s for charity.
I also like to know the chairs, honorary chairs and key committee members — they deserve a little shout-out, don’t you think? Tell me if it’s black-tie, cocktail or casual attire and how much tickets or tables are, and include a phone number, e-mail address or Web site for more information.
I do try to hit as many events as I can, but I can’t be everywhere, at least not without a helicopter. So you can send items after the fact, too. Tell me when and where the event was, who came, a few details and how much it raised if it was a charitable endeavor.
Think brief and basic, complete yet concise.
Four pages of florid prose but no times or dates make S.B. want to reach for the martini glass at 10 a.m., so let’s not have that. If you’d like to send pictures, e-mail one or two jpegs to butterfly@ajc.com.
Include names of everyone from left to right, and — this is important — who shot the photos. Candid shots are great and posed shots are fine, but pictures with 87 people lined up like soldiers holding a giant check? Come on, y’all, have mercy.
Thanks and happy new year! S.B.
Catching up the CFA Coaches’ Wives
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Suzanne Tuberville, left, and Linda Bowden
While their husbands are gearing up for Monday’s Chick-Fil-A Bowl, the wives of the coaching staffs from Clemson and Auburn are enjoying our fair city.
The folks from the CFA Bowl arranged a fun spa-shopping-lunching outing for the ladies. We caught up with Linda Bowden, wife of Clemson head coach Tommy Bowden, and Suzanne Tuberville, wife of Auburn head coach Tommy Tuberville, Friday afternoon after lunch at Sweet Lowdown on Peachtree.
Q: How do you balance the demands of football and family? How do you get used to new towns when you move or travel?
LB: My son was in three high schools. The first thing we do is get involved with church and Bible study. That’s been my rock and foundation. The people there don’t care about what happens on Saturdays.
ST: We’ve been fortunate that every time we’ve moved, we’ve stayed with the same coaching staff. It’s not too bad when you can take all your friends with you. I have two boys, 10 and 11. It’s entertainment for them. They enjoy hanging out with their dad.
Q: If you were going to offer advice to someone who’s new to the coaching life, what tips would you offer?
ST: If I was talking to a young woman who’d just married a football coach, I’d tell her to get involved in your church, your kids’ school, your community. You’re going to have a lot of time on your hands.
LB: Look at the positives. You get to travel and meet all sorts of people.
Q: You both face a similar challenge: looking good in orange. How do you manage it?
LB: Embrace it. Every time I’m in a store I scan for anything orange.
ST: You wouldn’t believe how much orange stuff I have. I have six or seven orange suede jackets. It’s been a really big color in recent years. It really looks cool.
Keith Urban at the Cobb Energy PAC
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Travel delays kept country singer Keith Urban and singer-songwriter Monty Powell from practicing before last month’s Better Start Livin’ concert, to benefit the Alzheimer’s Association.
No matter.
The two friends captivated the nearly 3,000 people who attended the event, held at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre.
We talked to Powell, who grew up in Calhoun and Resaca and now lives in Nashville, just before the event. 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. “In the last stages, the victim doesn’t really know what’s going on but the caregiver struggles with the disease until the end. The care and support we received from the Alzheimer’s Association was spectacular.”
Better Start Livin’ raised nearly $250,000.
A highlight of the evening was Powell’s performance of “Strangers with You,” which he said he wrote in 25 minutes the day before the concert, sitting at the Tavern at Phipps.
He dedicated the song to his friend Ellen Adair Wyche, who also knows the pain of watching a parent struggle with Alzheimers.
Peachtree Planning Corporation was the event’s corporate sponsor. Sarah Kennedy and Sarah Clarke are Alzheimer’s Society of Atlanta co-founders.
Shortstop Adam Everett, an Austell native who just signed for one year with the Minnesota Twins, attended with wife Jennifer. Atlanta-based wine artist Thomas Arvid attended with wife Vanessa.
Patrons included Sam Austin, Bob and Lee Birdsong, George and Suzanne Cox, Ed and Elly Dobbs, Kerry and Bailey Izard, Bob and Betty Mathis, Kathy and Marbury Rainer, Jane and John Ridall, Chris and Scottie Schoen, K’re and George Shirley, Lynn and Lee White and Michael and Susan Veysey.
Fashion forward
The Forward Arts Foundation’s Saks Fifth Avenue fashion show luncheon, held Dec. 10 at the Ritz Carlton Buckhead, raised more than $120,000.
The Foundation, founded in 1965, supports institutions such as the High Museum of Art and the Atlanta History Center.
Guests enjoyed a lunch of roasted beet tartare, panko crusted grouper and a dessert medley of chocolate cheesecake, passion fruit panna cotta and vanilla raspberry macaroon tart.
The highlight of the event, of course, was the presentation of designer Oscar de la Renta’s cruise and spring collections for 2008. The debonair de la Renta, flown in on a private jet by Saks Fifth Avenue, was as courtly and gracious as ever as he greeted many of the 500 patrons in attendance.
The event chair was Betsy West, honorary chair was Marjorie West. Cathy Christians is the Forward Arts Foundation chair. Cathie Wilson is the Atlanta Saks Fifth Avenue general manager.
The event’s corporate sponsors included The Mansion on Peachtree, Wachovia Wealth Management and Hennessy Jaguar.
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Debs make their debut
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
A poised and elegant group of young ladies from metro area high schools was presented last month at the 57th Annual Debutante Ball, sponsored by Eta Sigma chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority.
The event was held at the Rialto Center for the Arts. The debutantes, wearing white gowns and gloves and accompanied by their junior escorts, demonstrated the results of weekly rehearsals for their during the cotillion dance. The debs also devote themselves to community service and seminars on etiquette in the time leading up to the ball.
Scholarships were awarded this year to ball Queen Robin Moss of Westlake High School, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J. Kenneth Moss, Sr.; First Attendant Kasha Huffman of Our Lady of Mercy Catholic High School, daughter of Dr. Shaunta Peyton and Mr. Irwin Lathan Huffman and a third-generation Eta Sigma debutante; and Second Attendant Vania Westbrook of Douglass High School, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Vernon Westbrook.
Krystye Reeves is president of Eta Sigma Chapter, which was organized in Atlanta in 1923. For information see www.sgrho1922.org or www.etasigma-sgrho.org.
The Giving Tree
Ann Huff and Meg Harrington came up with sweetest idea this holiday season: the gift of giving.
Co-owners of Huff Harrington Fine Art in Buckhead, they figured their clients already had plenty of candy and bottles of wine. So they came up with the Festivity Tree, adorned with dozens of silver boxes including certificates in the amounts of $25 to $100. Huff and Harrington invited clients to select boxes, then donated the amount in the clients’ names to Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta.
The result will be a donation of at least $1,000 to Children’s.
Participating clients included Mr. and Mrs. Chip Davidson, Gretchen Edwards, Mr. and Mrs. Peter Fish, Mr. and Mrs. Doug Johns and Mr. and Mrs. Cliff Martin. Atlanta artist Nancy Franke created the image for the holiday card Huff and Harrington sent to their clients. Information: www.huffharrington.com
Best in shoe
Don’t think when the holidays are over that you can’t still get your glam on.
At 7:30 p.m. Jan. 8, the Food Studio (887 West Marietta St., 404-815-6677) hosts an Atlanta shoe club party with the Hello Stiletto Shoe Club, a social networking club for shoe lovers. Enjoy complimentary appetizers and a ‘best shoe’ competition.
Admission is free. For info email Amanda@shoeclub.us or see www.shoeclub.us.
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Femme behind the Fete
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Prevent Child Abuse Georgia will honor board member Lila Hertz at Fun Fete, planned for 7 p.m. Jan. 26 at the Atlanta History Center.
Jane Fonda is honorary chair, designer Tony Brewer is doing decor, caterer Dennis Dean is feeding everyone and Dave FM’s Mara Davis is mistress of ceremonies.
Proceeds benefit PCA Georgia.
Hertz, a local philanthropic dynamo, has served on the PCA board since 1995. You’ve also seen her name affiliated with organizations including the Atlanta Outreach Center, Camp Twin Lakes, Susan G. Komen for the Cure Greater Atlanta Affiliate, the Piedmont Hospital board of directors, the Emory Winship Cancer Institute’s board of advisors, Jeffrey Fashion Cares, the Atlanta AIDS Partnership Fund and the American Jewish Committee.
Tickets to Fun Fete are $300 per person. Sponsorship levels range from $1,500 to $50,000. For information, call 404-870-6589, e-mail lorend@pcageorgia.org or see www.pcageorgia.org.
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Trying to get in the social column?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
I do try to hit as many events as I can personally, but I can’t be everywhere, at least not without a helicopter.
So here are some ‘Fly tips when submitting your items for consideration.
Please keep it brief and tell me when and where the event was, who came, a few details about the evening and how much it raised, if it was a charitable endeavor. If you’d like to send pictures email two or three, in jpeg form, to me at butterfly@ajc.com.
Include names of everyone in the photos from left to right, and - this is important - tell me who shot the photos.
If you’re sending an item about an upcoming event, keep it simple. Tell me the date time, location, a little about the affair (cocktail buffet? luncheon? cash bar?) and the organization it benefits, if it’s a charity thing. I always want to know who the chairs, honorary chairs and key committee members are - those hardworking folks deserve a little S.B. shout out, don’t you think?
And tell me how much tickets are and where folks should go to purchase them, and a number, email or web site potential patrons can use for more information.
If you’re new at PR, or pitching in as a volunteer, a good rule of thumb is no more than one page or no more than one email screen. Don’t worry so much about the writing style; what I’m looking for is basic information. I can’t tell you how many four-page press releases I get that are full of florid prose but fail to list the date or location. Luckily S.B. is too polite to name names.
Alright, so what’s happening?
Last week I hit the Ritz-Carlton Buckhead for the Forward Arts Foundation luncheon, sponsored by Sak’s Fifth Avenue, on Monday. Then dropped by the “Who’s Who in Black Atlanta” gala at the Hyatt Regency that night.
On Tuesday I paid a visit to Frank Ski’s home in Dunwoody for an interview about the wine auction he and wife Tanya hosted on Sunday.
On Wednesday I stopped in at a cocktail party at Amanda Brown-Olmstead’s gorgeous West Paces Ferry Road home, where she hosted a fun group of associates and clients. (Did you know she does all the cooking when she entertains?)
On Thursday my destination was the Peach Atlanta party at Mayor’s Jewelers in Buckhead, benefiting the Kim King Foundation. On Friday I visited with Paula Deen and sons, who were the special guests at the HERO for Children gala at the Atlanta Marriott Marquis. UGA football Coach Mark Richt and Georgia Tech basketball coach Paul Hewitt and their wives were the co-hosts. The legendary Vince Dooley and wife Barbara, who’s just a stitch, were honorees.
Saturday it was time for the Mayor’s Masked Ball at the Hilton Atlanta downtown, before heading to the West End neighborhood party hosted by Carl and Liz Nes. Yesterday I joined a delightful group of ladies whose book club has been meeting since 1949. They were having a Christmas luncheon at the Capitol City Club Brookhaven.
And somehow, amid all my official socializing I found time for a couple of friends’ parties, just for fun.
I didn’t cover anything on Monday night. Last night I went to an event at Au Pied de Cochon (have you been? you should go) and picked up this morsel: just before the hotel opened in the late part of 2004, they flew in an artist to make some last-minute touch-ups to the exquisite murals that adorn the walls.
It seems the artworks were deemed a little risque for Southerners, so the painted ladies quickly got shawls draped around their shoulders and little cherubs were covered with strategically placed leaves and such.
Oh, also, Pied de Cochon is one of the few places, apparently, where you can order Opus One by the glass. It’s $40 and comes paired with a cheese tasting. (Sean “Diddy” Combs just purchased a six-liter bottle of Opus One at V-103 announcer Frank Ski’s charity wine auction. For $14,000).
I’m going to a private event tonight in Buckhead, so stay tuned.
S.B.
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Bling and bubbly
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Elizabeth Schulte Roth, Chingy, and Angela Karatassos
Champagne + diamonds = great party, especially when the bash benefits a good cause.
We stopped by last week’s Atlanta Peach Holiday Gift Guide event at Mayors Jewelers in Buckhead. It benefited the Kim King Foundation, which works with kids in the West End community.
The late King, a Georgia Tech football standout who went on to become one of the city’s most well-known developers, grew up there and remained devoted to the area where he grew up. His daughter Angela Karatassos, hostess for last week’s event, mentors students in her dad’s former neighborhood.
About 200 glittering guests joined Karatassos to enjoy cocktails by Patron and nibbles donated by 103 West, including A.D. Allushi, Justin and Kelly Anthony, Jill Berry, hip-hop artist Chingy, Bouna Choe, Jeff and Jessica Dauler, Mark Edge, Jeffrey and Nancy Gallups, Ashley Miller, Atlanta Peach editor Elizabeth Schulte Roth, Andrew Saltzman and Amy Saltzman, Jade Sykes, and Bert and Stacey Weiss.
La scene fabuleuse
The bar downstairs at TROIS hosts “French Club” every Thursday from 8 p.m. to midnight, featuring French wine and cocktail specials and a DJ spinning hot French sounds. The night le Papillon dropped in, it was a mix of revelry by the bar and relaxed chat around the tables (where French mags were scattered about).
Wendy Kelly, Todd Prindle, Alicia Johnson and Denise Dym had just wrapped up an office party upstairs and headed down to enjoy the club scene. Andre Oosthuizen, Jared Janeczko and Stephen Blankenship claimed prime real estate in one corner. Meeting and greeting was dining room manager John F. Schadl, who lived in Paris for 15 years.
If you’re free this Thursday, stop by for a special treat: French carolers. 1180 Peachtree St., 404-815-3337, trois3.com.
Speaking of les choses francaises
The theme for the 2007 Atlanta Symphony Ball, held last month at the Intercontinental Hotel in Buckhead, was “La Vie en Rose,” rendered by Tony Conway of A Legendary Event with some 7,000 blooms.
The event raised more than $540,000. ASO board member Darrell Mays and wife, Ena, were the high bidders for a most-fab trip to the Beijing Olympics next summer, donated by the Coca-Cola Company.
Victoria Palefsky served as the ball’s chair, with ASO Director of Choruses Norman Mackenzie as honorary chair. Gail Starr is next year’s chair. Info: www.atlantasymphony.org.
From left, Adair Massey, Dick White, Lelia Brougher, Victoria Palefsky, Mary Page van Hamel Platerink, and Gail Starr at “La Vie en Rose.” Photo by Jim Fitts.
Gilded Age Glam
The Country Club of the South Charity Guild hosted its 20th annual black-tie fund-raiser on Dec. 1 in the clubhouse ballroom.
The Golden Era of Gatsby Gala raised more than $130,000 for the Atlanta Day Shelter for Women and Children, Cure Childhood Cancer, Georgia Transplant Foundation, Fragile Kids Foundation and North Fulton Community Charities.
Paul Brummel of Rooms in Bloom created a Roaring ’20s decor for the event, which featured a Glenlivet tasting, dinner and dancing. Co-chairs were Charlotte Tauches and June Hodge.
The all-volunteer, nonprofit Country Club of the South Charity Guild has donated more than $3 million since its inception in 1988. Info: www.charityguild.org.
Mark next year’s calendar
Rest up a bit after the holidays, then get ready for the 2008 Southeastern Flower Show’s opening night party, planned for 7 p.m. Jan. 29 at The Georgia World Congress Center.
Beth and Tom Ventulett are the show’s honorary chairs, and Timothy Martin is the show artist. The chairs are Mary Wayne Dixon and her daughter, Ginger Dixon Molloy.
WSB-TV’s Jovita Moore will serve as gala host, along with colleagues Chuck Dowdle and David Chandley.
Hirtle, Callaghan & Co. is sponsoring the gala. Tickets to the black-tie event are $200; call 404-351-1074.
The 21st annual Southeastern Flower Show, themed “Imagine That!”, will be Jan. 30 through Feb. 3. The show chair is Nan Henson. (Sorry, we don’t have room to name the 2,000 dedicated volunteers who will help make it all happen.) Information about the show: www.flowershow.org.
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Richt, Dooley and Paula Deen
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Blanche King and Paula Deen cut up during the VIP reception prior to Friday night’s gala benefiting HERO for Children.
Y’all, this was some party.
Hundreds turned out for the black-tie bash benefiting HERO for Children Friday night at the Atlanta Marriott Marquis.
Co-hosting were UGA football Coach Mark Richt and wife Katharyn, and Tech basketball coach Paul Hewitt and wife Dawnette.
Honorary chairs were the longtime and legendary UGA coach Vince Dooley and wife Barbara.
And special guests were celeb chef Paula Deen and husband Michael Groover; son Bobby Deen and son Jamie Deen and his wife Brooke.
From left, Bobby Deen, Ryan Gembala, Jamie Deen and Tony Conway
“It’s so great to be on Georgia soil!” Paula, just back from a promotional tour, told us.
She said her sons got her involved with HERO, which works with children affected by HIV and AIDS. The founders are Ryan Gembala and Garrett Gravesen.
“It was as simple as Ryan calling us up,” said Bobby Deen. “This is a cause Jamie and I both feel strongly about. I’ve told Ryan he can look for us every year. We’ll schedule around this.”
Coach Richt brought his mother Helen, who was just a delight. Her sharp eye discerned a Yellow Jacket in the room, even though she hadn’t yet met Coach Hewitt.
“I said, Mark, he’s got on a gold tie, he’s probably from Tech,” Mrs. Richt told us. “He said, ‘Mom, he’s the coach!’ “
Richt and Hewitt exchanged some gracious repartee.
“I’m glad to be hanging around Paul,” Richt said. “It’s not often you get to hang around a Georgia Tech guy and enjoy it.”
Hewitt won style points for his classy comment regarding Georgia’s upcoming bowl game: “For what it’s worth, I thought you should be playing for the championship.”
Despite her fame, Deen seemed a little star-struck as she stood with Richt, Hewitt and Dooley.
“Great time of day, you almost think it’s a joke!” she said.
She and the equally effervescent Barbara Dooley teamed up during the live auction portion of the evening. Both seemed more than up to the task.
“My mouth is bigger than yours,” Dooley said.
“I doubt it, sister!” Deem responded.
Vince Dooley visits with Ralph and Ginny Olson during the cocktail hour.
The night’s honoree was Dr. Helene Gayle, CEO of CARE, the international relief organization. CNN’s Kyra Phillips served as emcee and honored guests included Tony Conway, president and owner of A Legendary Event, and Miss Georgia USA Amanda Kozak.
The glam set included Lisa and Hank Bryant, Barbara and Steve Chaddick, Jennifer and Andrew Davis, Sally Dorsey, Neeahtima and Craig Dowdy, Lee and Billy Espy, Catherine Hutchinson, Blanche and Allen King, Amy and Lewis Massey, Susan and Rob Meredith, Amy and Greer Monin, Ginny and Ralph Olson, Eileen and Tom Rosencrants, and Jackie and Kirk Wimberly.
Coach Richt and mom Helen; Coach Hewitt and wife Dawnette
How much partying does 2008 rate?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
With just about two weeks before Christmas, you might be thinking what I’m thinking:
What are we doing on New Year’s Eve?
We received an invite to a fab fete for New Year’s and were overjoyed to accept. Then came the invite for the pre-party dinner party. Sounds good! Then came the invite for the pre-pre-party.
Mercy!
How much partying are you planning to ring in the New Year? Does it get to be too much? Anyone staying in?
Tell me your plans for parties large, small and in between. Or maybe your most memorable New Year’s Eve.
Oh, and if anyone’s planning a party that starts about 1 p.m. New Year’s Eve, S.B.’s available. Otherwise, I’m booked - see you next year!
Who’s Who?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Christina Johnson, left, and Toni Acey at the Who’s Who in Black Atlanta event, held Monday night at the Hyatt Regency.
The Hyatt Regency downtown was the scene of a spectacular bash Monday night: the unveiling of the 10th anniversary edition of “Who’s Who in Black Atlanta.”
This year’s list is an all-star gallery. The program listed the “47 Men of Distinction,” including Attorney General Thurbert Baker, Hartsfield-Jackson general manager Ben DeCosta, Fulton County Commissioner Bill Edwards, Lockheed executive vice president and GM Lee Rhyant and Labor Commissioner Michael Thurmond, among others.
The “Living Legends” list included some familiar names as well, including the Rev. Joseph E. Lowery, U.S. Rep. John Lewis, Hank Aaron, Evander Holyfield and Ambassador Andrew Young.
The evening featured entertainment by the group Five Men on a Stool. Mark Hayes of Good Day Atlanta and Xernona Clayton, founder of the Trumpet Awards, served as master and mistress of ceremony.
S.B. did some mingling when it probably would have been more polite to listen to remarks from the sponsors, but with party guests this gorgeous it was hard to resist. First we met Stephanie Rockmore and daughter Dazze’a, 16.
Stephanie, left, and Dazze’a Rockmore
Mona Singleton looked just smashing in a leopard print dress and gold wrap. She was there with William McGhee. Christina Johnson and Toni Acey both glammed it up.
One fun group toward the back included Barbara Guillory, Carla Morrison, Ericka Newsome, Maurice Jenkins and Don Rivers. We pulled out the camera for some ‘Fly photos and Charmaine Ward and Courtney L. Davenport appeared.
And we were thrilled to meet Sam Burston, regional development director of the United Negro College Fund. We’ll be seeing him at the Atlanta Hilton on Saturday everning, of course, at the Mayor’s Masked Ball, which benefits the organization. Tix and info: www.uncf.org
Sam Burston, left, and Charmaine Ward, at the Who’s Who in Black Atlanta.
Mona Singleton, left, and William McGhee at the Who’s Who event.
This party was SCADs of fun
Jason Parrish, left and Margaret Yarbrough at shopSCAD
I run into lots of striking blondes on Butterfly duty, but they don’t all say things like “It’s an eco-friendly, nontoxic resin” while at a cocktail party.
The scene was a shopping reception on Nov. 27 at shopSCAD, the Buckhead gallery where you can buy original art created by the talented young artists from the Savannah College of Art and Design.
Sarah Boardman was there admiring some pro-enviro belt buckles. Meanwhile, we were taken by the art Tamara Garvey was displaying - on herself. S.B.’s not much into tats, but these were the sweetest blue roses you ever saw. (Wonder if we could get one printed on some notecards?)
From left, PJ Johnson, Chris Brandner, Jason Parrish and Margaret Yarbrough.
“Small Works, ” an annual exhibition of pieces priced at $500 and under, continues through the end of the year. Works include photography, paintings, sculpture, jewelry, collage and fiber pieces and more.
The Small Works reception was both a fab and family fete - Nikhil Deshpande brought daughter Sara, 2. Others in the low-key crowd included Chris Brandner, PJ Johnson, Jason Parrish and Margaret Yarbrough. shopSCAD is at 3096 Roswell Road. Info: www.shopscadonline.com.
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Brunch and bears
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Ballerina Abbie Necessary and Jared McKinley as the Nutcracker. Photo courtesy of the Georgian Terrace
What a sweet idea.
The Georgian Terrace Hotel is partnering with the Atlanta Ballet and Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta to brighten the spirits of children who are in the hospital this Christmas.
On Dec. 16 and 23, Nutcracker dancers from the Atlanta Ballet will perform during Sunday brunch. The meal is served from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. for $29 per adult and $12 per child under 12. With the donation of a new stuffed bear, the child eats free.
The hotel will match each donation and the teddy bears will be delivered to the young patients at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta the week of Christmas.
For reservations and information, call 404-898-8350 or see www.TheGeorgianTerrace.com.
From left, John Marshall, Sandy Smith, Steve Gilliam and Stell Huie. Photo by Jeremy Gragg
Toasting 104 years
Morris, Manning & Martin, LLP attorney Sandy Smith and wife Susi welcomed more than 60 people to their Ansley Park home recently to celebrate the 104-year tradition of Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School, a prep boarding and day school for grades 6-12.
Guests at the Dec. 6 event included members of the school’s board of trustees, visitors, and friends. Sandy Smith is on the board.
Board members in attendance included Charlie and Yetty Arp, Niles and Kathy Bolton, Margaret and Bob Carton, John Caskey, Steve and Susan Gilliam, Stell Huie, Walt and Lynn Huntley, Fred and Jennifer Jones, Don and Terre Kelly, Kirk Knous, Phil Peck, Terri and Craig Pendergrast, Lewis Penland, Paul and Jane Pressly and Tom Quigley.
Guests included Mr. and Mrs. George Berry and Jesse Spikes.
Board of Visitors members included Wayne and Jennifer Bradley, Carl and Gavron Campbell, Rita and Gene Fink, and Frank and Libby Love.
School faculty and staff included June Beale, John Boland, Bob Brigham, Kelly Frank, Head of School John Marshall and wife Rebecca, Paige Spivey, Holly White and Adele Yermack.
Parents attending included Eddie Cheek, Bo and Bonny Dorough and Herb and Cheryl Orlansky.
What to Wear?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
A model at Joy Han’s Spring 2008 fashion show in Culver City, Calif. in October appears to be sporting the “playground chic” look that an upcoming charity event calls for. AP Photo by Kevork Djansezian.
Holiday season is party season, so what are you wearing to all the festive fetes the ATL will be throwing over the next few weeks?
Do invitations spell out clearly enough what you’re supposed to wear?
Guys usually have it a little easier. “Black tie” is pretty easy to figure out. (Although S.B. doesn’t actually recommend a plain old black tie/cumberbund set. Consider garnet, tartan plaid, paisley or houndstooth instead. H. Stockton has a fab selection. You don’t want to look like a waiter, do you?)
It’s not uncommon to show up at event and see people in everything from sequined pantsuits to ball gowns. Last night, at the Atlanta Press Club holiday author’s party at the new World of Coca Cola, we saw attire ranging from tux to jeans and everything in between.
But it can be puzzling trying to figure out what to wear sometimes.
At the Nov. 10 Jaden’s Ladder benefit, hosted by Andruw and Nicole Jones, the attire was “Atlanta chic,” which I hope meant a black dress and fur-trimmed jacket, because that’s what I wore. The invitation to the Nov. 28 Trump Towers Atlanta reception had a plaintive ring to it: “Cocktail attire please.”
My favorite sartorial directive has to be from “Amuse’UM,” coming up Feb. 9 at the Children’s Museum of Atlanta. Attire for the event, chaired by Amy Barnes with Bert and Stacey Weiss as honorary chairs, is “playground chic.”
Do you have your giant lego hair accessories ready?
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Shhhh!
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
‘Twas several weeks before Christmas
And all through the playhouse
Not a creature was stirring
Except these two loudmouths.
Y’all, help. The Butterfly would chew glass before saying something pointed that could hurt someone’s feelings. But is it our civic duty to intervene when someone’s being rude? Especially someone who’s, say, chatting during a live theater performance?
This was the conundrum I found myself in Monday night. A friend and I were enjoying the most marvelous performances - well, trying to, anyway - during WordFeast, a medley of talent at the Horizon Theatre Company to benefit the Atlanta Community Food Bank. (Let me digress here for a moment to say I’d listen to novelist-playwright Jim Grimsley read his grocery list.)
Anyway, two of our fellow patrons, apparently feeling unencumbered by rules of theater-going decorum, carried on a conversation during much of the show.
Granted, they were whispering, but still, a whisper can carry. S.B. was sorely tempted to step in, but figured saying something would merely add to the racket. I did exchange a look of woe with another patron, who seemed similarly steamed.
What should I have done?
Christmas Comes to Atlanta
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Happy holidays, Fab-lanta.
This weekend is just full of festive merriment. S.B. made a couple of stops Friday night and it’s sure to be a busy few weeks. Hope to see you in your winter finest!
Sisters-in-law Maria and Alesia Brown at Friday night’s Festival of Trees preview gala.
Do you have your lights up and tree decorated yet?
The Atlanta History Center sure does.
The current (and future?) home of the annual Festival of Trees, the history center’s halls and walls are decked like you can’t believe.
We stopped by Friday night for the champagne and dessert and sneak-peek gala. What fun!
We ran into sisters-in-law Alesia and Maria Brown (known for her own fab Christmas decor scheme, by the way) admiring the forest of twinkling trees. Diane and Lynn Rainey were among the festively dressed revelers. SunTrust staffers Josh Voisine and Makesha Hillery handed out the cutest ornaments courtesy of their employer, a sponsor of the evening.
From left, Anna Pennington, Lauren Jones and Taylre Malkemes.
Anna Pennington, Lauren Jones and Taylre Malkemes were resting after a night in heels.
“We didn’t realize how huge it would be,” Taylre marveled.
“It’s great to see people come out to support a cause,” Anna added.
Robert and Lauren Korthoff were among the patrons who gave thumbs-up to the festival’s new digs.
“It’s more classy,” Lauren enthused.
Scheduling issues canned plans for the F of T to set up shop as usual at the Georgia World Congress Center, its home for the past few years. Nostalgic Atlantans worried the cherished fest might be headed for the chipper. “Not so fast,” said the Atlanta History Center. “Y’all come on up to West Paces Ferry.”
Beth Hamilton and Virginia Stephens
Virginia Stephens, exhibits coordinator for the Festival of Trees, was at Friday night’s gala with Beth Hamilton, and both gals sparkled brighter than a string of lights.
“Fabulous,” Stephens proclaimed of the festival’s home for 2007 and perhaps beyond.
Stay tuned!
from left, Kathryn Mayfield, Shannon Bohannon, Sarah Bullington and Lea Fisher at Friday night’s Pilgrimage gala in Marietta.
Christmas Comes to Marietta
Our earlier stop Friday night (the Butterfly keeps a busy schedule these days, let me tell you) was the Marietta Pilgrimage gala. It was held this year at the Traton Homes Design Center on Kennesaw Avenue - a magnificent place for a party.
A great way to ring in the holiday social season, the Pilgrimage party always gives folks a chance to catch up with neighbors they haven’t seen in a while. It was great to see Phyllis and Bob Kiser, Mamie and Michael Hodnett and Marietta City Councilwoman Holly Walquist and husband Bruce Hamilton.
From left, Mamie and Michael Hodnett, Janet Hosler and Holly Walquist.
Melissa and Parker Gilbert, Robyn and Paul Brennaman and Janet Hosler, whose homes were all on tour, seemed remarkably sanguine at the thought of hundreds of visitors.
Standing in line for cocktails we caught up with Shannon and Ford Bohannan. We spotted Terri and Steve Cole visiting with Jim Glover, who gets more handsome every time I see him. (Speaking of eye candy, what did y’all think of Johnny Sinclair’s new beard?)
From left, Jim Glover with Terri and Steve Cole.
As always it was a pleasure to see Florrie and Jim Corley and Kathy and Neely Young.
That’s it for now - I’m off for more Butterflitting! - S.B.
