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February 2008
Will your husband hold your purse?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Clay Edmonds, right, with his wife’s purse and his buddy Dennis Mobley
I saw the coolest thing last Saturday night at the Tree Huggers’ Ball, held at the Trolley Barn on Edgewood Avenue.
Clay Edmonds was holding his wife’s purse for her. Does your man do this? S.B.’s husband would sooner hold a live hand grenade.
Clay and his wife, Laura, are newlyweds who are new to Atlanta. The Tree Huggers’ Ball raised money for the Inman Park Tree Watch, which plants trees in the area in conjunction with Trees Atlanta. We chatted with Casey Brandtjen, Kristin Collazuol, Holly Doe, Geri Dominguez, Dennis Mobley, Kristin and Paul Perdue, Frank Schultz, and Sean Thamert.
Clay and Laura Edmonds
In other news last Saturday, a gaggle of women were sipping champagne while encased in yards of shimmering pastel.
The Should’ve Been a Bridesmaid Super Deluxe Southern Baptist Brunch honored newlyweds George and Donna Lefont, who married five months ago in Tuscany.
From left, Eleanor Ringel Cater, Wendy Babchin, Donna Lefont, Lisa Tush and Elizabeth Spiegel
Guests made donations to their favorite pet-related charities and wore smashing numbers from the “you can wear it again” collection. The event was held at Eleanor Ringel Cater’s home in Buckhead and co-hosted by Lisa Tush.
The guest list included Wendy Babchin, Tami Gross, KP Hendry, Amy Lance, Michele McInnish, Kim Kelly, Mary Jo Osteen, Sandy Schmal, Leanne Shaw and Karin Smithson.
KP Hendry at the bridesmaid bash
And finally, Jackie Yeaney gave me a great idea with her fabulous butterfly tat. She wore a strappy black dress that revealed her body art to the Hearts With Hope gala at the InterContinental Hotel.
“I did that for my 35th birthday,” she said.
Husband Eric added, “We got matching tattoos for our 10th anniversary.”
On their ankles, y’all. Simmer down.
The Yeaneys The gala, chaired by Cammie and John Rice, raised more than $642,000 for the Partnership Against Domestic Violence. We visited with Robin Argo, Audrey Baker, Michelle Bufkin, Stephanie Davis, Carol Jackson, Molly Lang, Sheryl Sellaway, Shelley Senterfitt, Ami Thaker, Susan Tillery, and Jacqui and Tarik Welch. Cathy Willis Spraetz is the PADV’s president and CEO. Jacqui and Tarik Welch A gift to Morehouse men AT&T presented a check for $250,000 to officials of Morehouse College at the Feb. 15 dinner celebrating the inauguration of President Robert Michael Franklin Jr. The contribution will support the Morehouse College Board Opportunity Fund, which provides financial help to qualified juniors and seniors. Mark your calendars The 20th annual gala to benefit EnAble of Georgia, which works with adults with developmental disabilities, is March 15 at the Crowne Plaza Ravinia Hotel on Ashford-Dunwoody Road. It’s black-tie optional. Tickets start at $135 each. Call 770-664-4347, Ext. 102, or see www.enablega.org. The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation’s 13th annual Hope for a Cure gala is April 26 at the InterContinental. Chairs are Grant Boyd, Steve Riddell and Jack Womack. Tickets are $250; tables start at $5,000. Call 404-420-5996 or e-mail aflynn@jdrf.org. Seasons of Love, a cabaret benefiting the CHRIS Kids Rainbow Program of CHRIS Kids, is March 8 at the Ferst Center for the Arts on the Georgia Tech campus. Mike Beecham directs, with music director Jeff Herndon and lighting designer Warren Flynn. Tickets are $45. Call 404-894-9600. For info on sponsorships, call 404-564-3411.
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Oscar Night in the ATL
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
How was your Oscars night? Did you fire up the flat-screen for your very own Academy Awards party, or hit the town for a ritzier bash? Tell me about it and send your pix!
As for me, my esteemed colleague Mr. Smithee was in Hollywood for the Academy Awards Sunday so the Butterfly did the next best thing and hit the local Oscar Night social scene.
About 700 glamsters turned out for the Center for Family Resources’ Oscar Night America party at the Cobb Galleria Centre. Guests entered after running a gauntlet of Chattahoochee Tech students posing as paparazzi, snapping cameras and shouting questions. So cute.
The evening’s goal was $350,000, and CFR CEO Jeri Barr was confident the gala, which featured live and silent auctions, seated dinner and a live telecast, would bring in that amount. (Learn more about CFR at www.thecfr.org).
Barr’s husband, former U.S. Rep. Bob Barr, was there talking shop with U.S. Rep. Phil Gingrey (R-Marietta). Other pols in attendance included U.S. Rep. Tom Price (R-Roswell) and Sam Olens, chairman of the Cobb County Commission.
Junior League of Cobb-Marietta president Angie Fowler was there with husband Robert; president-elect Carey Merritt was there with husband Jack.
Jerrie Alexander, there with husband Tom, stood out in her white feathered boa and emerald green gown. Jo Vernon, there with husband Humberto, wore a beaded black pantsuit and black and white boa.
And Cindy Samples and Shirley Whitmire had this flapper-fabulous look going. Cindy paired her little black dress with yards of pearls, while Shirley sort of looked like an Oscar statuette, gleaming in a gold sequinned cocktail dress.
The ladies reminded S.B. about the upcoming Jewel of the Nile gala to benefit the Circle for Children. It’ll be March 15 at the new Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre, and comedian Jeff Foxworthy is honorary chair. Cindy is this year’s chair and Shirley’s on deck for next year. Details at thecircleforchildren.org.
All right, back to the CFR.
We visited with Carla and Brent Brown and Mary Claire and Rob Andrews. Co-chairs were Cheryl and Jerry Nix and Elaine and Bob Feldberg. The committee included Randall Bentley, Tony Britton, Jane Bunn, Bruce and Mary Clayton, Nancy Davis, Margie Deitz, Cassy Ferrell, Lee Freeman, Joe Garner, Melanie Howard, Bob Kiser, David Lee, Ann Lovvorn, Kaaren McNulty, Kim Menefee, John O’Hara, Van Price and Carol Stelling.
The event honored Douglas H. Chaffins.
Next, I ran by the InterContinental Hotel in Buckhead, where a smaller but no less fab crowd turned out for a fun costume-optional fete benefiting AIDS Survival Project (aidssurvivalproject.org).
Leigh Ann Nall and Patti Roberts, in sumptuous jewel-toned garb, were elegant Elizabethan courtiers. Leigh Ann’s husband, Clint, looking a little scruffy, was done up as Anton Chigurh, Javier Bardem’s nefarious character in “No Country for Old Men.”
Steven Schaffer was there in a chef’s toque, but had to be reminded by wife Rachelle that he was there as Remy, the gifted culinary rodent in “Ratatouille.” I thought for sure that Scott McDowell, there with wife Susan, was meant to remind everyone of Johnny Depp as Sweeney Todd. Nope, that’s just how he looks.
“Aren’t I lucky?” Susan chirped.
The event, which featured heavy hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar, has for 20 years been chaired by Craig Eister, sporting a bushy mustache and chapeau like Daniel Day-Lewis’ in “There Will Be Blood.”
His partner Doug VanOrsdall wore a velvet tux jacket, but said he wasn’t in character: “I’m just glam.”
Now there’s an acceptance speech.
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Do you tell your age?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
I met the vivacious Charla Krupp at a cocktail party at Stan Milton Oasis this week, and wrote a short Q&A about her new book, “How Not to Look Old.” Here’s the link to the story.
Given the topic of her book, we decided to ask Charla if she gives her age.
“I stopped telling people my age because I’d like to see the day when we don’t ask women their age,” she said. “It should be as off-limits as asking about religion or bank accounts. Nothing good will come from it in our youth obsessed society!”
I’m from the South, where it’s impolite to ask women their age, although as a journalist, I’ve certainly asked people their age (and all sorts of other questions about themselves.)
Does age matter? Or is it just a number?
By the way, even though Charla doesn’t disclose her age I can tell you she’s obviously living by the advice she dispenses in her book. She looks fabulous!
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These women mean business
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Mayor Shirley Franklin and Maryam Alavi, vice-dean of Emory’s Goizueta Business School, will serve as keynote speakers at the Atlanta Women’s Commission Annual Business Conference.
The event is planned for 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Feb. 28 at the Loudermilk Center, 40 Courtland St. It features more than a dozen workshops on branding your business, legal issues, technology and procurement with the City of Atlanta 101 and 201 - highlighting the changes in the city procurement process.
Sponsors include ING, Holland and Knight, the Georgia Association of Women Lawyers, Emory Goizueta Business School, Hartsfield Jackson Atlanta International Airport, CSX Transportation and Atlanta Woman Magazine.
The cost, including lunch, is $60 in advance or $70 day of conference. Men are welcome too, by the way. To register see www.atlwomen.com or call 404 330-6330.
Joe Louis’ son at the Carter Center
Joe Louis Barrow Jr. with Bernard Taylor
Joe Louis Barrow Jr. was in town recently as the 100 Black Men of DeKalb County hosted a debut of the new HBO Sports documentary about his father, boxing great Joe Louis.
“Joe Louis: America’s Hero…Betrayed,” debuts Feb. 23 on HBO.
The Tuesday night screening was the third time Barrow has seen the film in its entirety.
“I get emotional every time,” he said.
From left, Tommy Johnson, Stephanie Bray, Lynn Waymer and Andy Macke
The documentary, produced by Joe Lavine, tells the story of how Joe Louis (who dropped Barrow as his last name professionally) grew up poor in the segregated South, winning the admiration of white America with his phenomenal moves in the ring. A number of high profile interview subjects, including Maya Angelou, President Carter, Bill Cosby, Dick Gregory, Jerry Lewis and Gay Talese, help tell the story of Louis’ profound impact on American society - both black and white.
Although Louis devoted his time and resources to rally troop morale during WWII, he was hounded for years by the government for back taxes. In his later years he was reduced to professional wrestling, celebrity pitch man for a slew of products, and even a stint as a celebrity greeter at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas - anything to earn money to pay off his debts.
Barrow said he wants viewers to learn about all aspects of his father. Joe Louis was not only the first black heavyweight champion, but also the first black man to play in a professional golf event. His triumph over German boxer Max Schmeling made him a hero to all Americans.
“Joe Louis was such a man of magnitude,” Barrow said. “He really challenged America’s conscience. I’m proud and privileged to be his son”
Barrow is CEO of The First Tee, an organization that introduces young people to golf.
From left, David Manuel, Don Rivers, Angela Robinson, Laverne Carter and Bill Carter at the Joe Louis event.
An enthusiastic crowd turned out for the Tuesday debut, including Stephanie Bray, Laverne Carter, Bill Carter, sisters Jeannette and Helen Guillermo, Tommy Johnson, Andy Macke, David Manuel, Don Rivers, Angela Robinson and Lynn Waymer.
Speakers included HBO Sports President Ross Greenburg, 100 Black Men of DeKalb President Bernard Taylor and Trevor Yant, vice president and general manager of Comcast Metro Atlanta, a sponsor of the Tuesday event.
Sisters Jeannette (left) and Helen Guillermo
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What’s cookin’?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Share Our Strength’s Great American Baking Contest is from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. this Thursday at The Cook’s Warehouse in Midtown.
Tickets are $25 per person and include a sampling of desserts and wine. Proceeds benefit Share Our Strength, an organization that combats childhood hunger.
My colleague, the dashing John Kessler, will judge the professional chefs’ creations, while a panel of professional pastry chefs will judge the amateur chefs.
For tix and info see www.strength.org/bakingcontest or call 770-436-5151.
For the Cook’s Warehouse, at 549-I Amsterdam Avenue, call 404-815-4993 or see www.cookswarehouse.com.
A Night for Hope in Camelot
From left, Alex and Joanne Gross and Christan and Kevin Wojcik, chairs of the upcoming Excalibur Ball: A Night in Camelot,” to benefit Hope Lodge.
This morning I had the opportunity to tour the American Cancer Society’s Hope Lodge, a warm and inviting home away from home for patients receiving cancer treatment in the Atlanta area. The facility, on the Emory campus, includes 34 guest suites with private baths, with group living areas, a large communal kitchen and dining room and peaceful terrace overlooking the woods.
Patients who live at least 40 miles away and are referred by physicians stay there with their caregivers and enjoy a supportive, family-like atmosphere while they’re going through treatment. The residents come together for dance lessons, movie or Bingo night and their caregivers draw strength from the the Hope Lodge community. Every Wednesday is “graduation night,” when patients who have completed their treatment are sent home in style.
Hope Lodge, which is celebrating its 10th year this year, operates almost all the time at 99 percent capacity, and hopes to expand. So you’ll want to mark your calendar for the Excalibur Ball: A Night in Camelot, benefiting the Hope Lodge. It’s March 29 at the Atlanta History Center.
The evening will feature dinner, dancing and auction. Speakers are Vince and Barbara Dooley. Tickets are $250 each, patron tickets are $1,250 per couple. Call 404-582-6103 for information.
Oh by the way, I meet lots of hard-working volunteers who devote countless hours and resources to charity benefits around town. But this is the first bunch I’ve seen willing to dress up for their cause:
From left, Alex and Joanne Gross and Christan and Kevin Wojcik, all dressed up and ready for the Excalibur Ball: A Night in Camelot. Photo by Greg Mooney
Coming up: American Craft Council Gala
Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta) will honor Renee and Philip Moulthrop the evening of March 13 at the American Craft Council’s opening night preview party. The party, at the Cobb Galleria Centre, is sponsored by Gas South.
Moulthrop is an Atlanta native and turned-wood artisan whose work is part of the permanent White House Collection on Fine American Craft. The Smithsonian’s Renwick Gallery, the Yale University Art Gallery and the National Museum of American Art all hold Moulthrop’s work.
Moulthrop’s son Matt is an emerging turned-wood artist who has exhibited nationally and been featured in publications such as Southern Living.
The preview party is being co-chaired by Swan Coach House Curator Marianne Lambert, and Spruill Center for the Arts Board President Tania Becker. It’ll include a benefit raffle featuring one of Philip’s signature bowls, and a book signing of “Moulthrop: A Legacy in Wood.”
Proceeds from the opening night preview party will benefit BGCMA’s art and cultural enrichment programs. Tickets are $75, see www.youthartconnection.org.
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Love Don’t Cost a Thing
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The sweetest Valentine’s Day gift I ever received probably cost less than 5 bucks.
It was eight years ago, when my husband and I were fairly newly married and had just bought our first house. In other words, we were pretty well broke. Especially since Christmas had just come and gone and our anniversary is in March, we agreed not to do Valentine’s gifts that year.
I came home from work and discovered Charlie in the kitchen. He was making a heart-shaped pizza. How cute is that?
I took a picture of him but now I can’t find it. (I think it may have gotten “misplaced” if you know what I mean.)
This year I got roses, dinner at a favorite French restaurant and some Butterfly bling, but I still love telling people about my sweet Valentine pizza.
What’s the best Valentine you ever received?
John and Cammie Rice
Speaking of hearts and flowers, the 20th annual Hearts with Hope gala, benefiting the Partnership Against Domestic Violence, is planned for 7 to 11 p.m. Feb. 23 at the InterContinental Hotel in Buckhead.
The evening will honor Alge Crumpler and Carrie Kerr.
Committee co-chairs are General Electric Co. Vice Chairman John Rice and wife Cammie, senior vice president of business management strategy at Bank of America.
Committee members include Evan Appel, Kellie Appel, Madi Bailey, Rhonda Baker, Charles Barnwell, Diane Barnwell, Jeanine Belsky, Karen Benjack Glatzer, Genevieve Bos, Remco Bos, Rosalind Brewer, Jason Brewster, Greg Casagrande, Andre de Winter, Bobbi de Winter, Linda Willis Eydt, Claire Ferrier, Ann Franks, Rob Frohwein, Dana Frohwein, Ronda Fults, Bo Hagler and Chris Hagler.
Also, Rhonda Harper, Terri Jones, Rena Kilgannon, Ellen Dracos Lemming, Jeff Lemming, Debbie Levine, Sharon McDaniel, Shira Miller, Rhonda Mims, Elizabeth Noe, Sarah O’Brien, Ashley Palermo, Jason Pierce, Chuck Robbins, Paige Robbins, Manola Robison, Sheryl Sellaway, Marianne Spraggins, Christine St. Clare, Susan Tillery, Michelle Tondi, Chris Van Duyne, Jacqui Welch, Tarik Welch and Sarah Welton.
PADV operates two shelters, in Fulton and Gwinnett counties, and a 24-hour crisis line. Tickets are $200. Call 404-870-9616 or see www.padv.org for more information.
Ray Schoenbaum with Jill Gossett, left, Director of Development for the Fragile Kids Foundation and Carolyn Polakowski, executive director. Photo by Jim Fitts
Ray’s in the Community
The big-hearted guy behind Ray’s on the River, Ray’s Killer Creek and Ray’s in the City took center stage the other night for his support of the Fragile Kids Foundation.
Atlanta restaurateur Raymond Schoenbaum was honored as 2008 Child Advocate of the Year at the Fragile Hearts gala, held Feb. 9 the Fernbank Museum of Natural History. The host committee included Eliot Arnovitz, Clive and Sandra Bank, Louis and Goldie Bertone, Bob and Jane Fischbach, Jimmy and Dale Glenn, Seth and Lisa Greenberg, Rose and Michael Haber, and the Henry and Etta Raye Hirsch Heritage Foundation.
Also, David and Michele Hirsch, Neil and Patty Kaplowitz, Maurice Levitt and Peggy Karp, Dr. Russell and Cheryl Kramer, Mr. and Mrs. Ronald Sachs, Kenny and Betty Seitz, Dr. Victor and Saba Silverman, Tom and Susie Williams and Rod and Linda Windley.
The event committee included Jazz Boudreaux, Rose Haber, Ellen Herold, Mark Leidner, Marilyn Margolis, Rene Miller, Barbara Touchette, Ann Marie White and Susie Williams.
Top row, from left: Krista Paseur, Sidnee Paschal, Amber Sandlin, Lisa Pierson, Olivia Poole. Bottom row, from left: Justine Donahue, Kayla Procell (Co-Chair), Mindy Kaplan (Co-Chair) and Danelle Wilson. Not pictured: Amy Morelli. Photo by Angela Turk
Giving Gala, planned for 7:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. Feb. 29 at Callanwolde Fine Arts Center, benefits the Junior League of DeKalb County’s signature project, A Space of My Own. The project distributes new bedding and room accessories to hundreds of children living in community shelters and foster homes.
The event is cocktail attire and features a spread by Cafe Voila and entertainment by the Agent Smith Band. It’s $25 at the door. Info: 404-387-4072 or www.jldekalb.org.
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Happy Valentine’s Day!
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Dr. and Mrs. Knopf, Atlanta Heart Ball chairs. Photo by Ernie Russell.
I hope you have fab plans for Thursday night.
Mark your calendar for the 2008 Atlanta Heart Ball, themed “Celebrate Life,” March 1 at the Ritz-Carlton Buckhead.
The evening starts with cocktails and silent auction at 6:30 p.m., dinner at 8 p.m.
Chairs are Dr. William and Mrs. Toni Knopf and organizers expect more than 600 guests. Patron tickets are $2,000 per couple. Call 678-224-2064 for information.
The ongoing Red Dress Exhibition is up now through May 9 at the Fox Theatre, Rialto Center for the Arts, MODA/Museum of Design Atlanta, VSA Arts of Georgia, and Fulton County Central Library. The exhibition is a free public display of red fashion meant to inspire women to take charge of their heart health. It’s part of the American Heart Association’s campaign to create awareness that heart disease is the No. 1 killer of women.
This year’s red dress donors included Lexie Kaye from 97.1/The River, 11 Alive’s Brenda Wood, Bonnie Speed from the Michael C. Carlos Museum, Mary Pat Matheson from the Atlanta Botanical Garden, Allison Vulgamore from the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, Jackie White from the Atlanta Women’s Network, B 98.5’s Jordan Graye, Leslie Gordon from the Rialto, the CDC’s Dr. Julie Gerberding, and Sandy Springs Mayor Eva Galambos.
Also, Jane Turner from Imagine It children’s museum, Tracy Hoover from Hands on Atlanta, CJ from 95.5/The Beat, Stephany Fisher from CBS 46, Karen Beavor from the Georgia Center for Nonprofits, Venus Gines from El Dia de la Mujer Latina, and ING Foundation’s Rhonda Mims, Go Red for Women Luncheon chair.
Also, Janet Tharp of Cool Girls Inc. of Greater Atlanta, Pat Upshaw-Monteith from Leadership Atlanta, Julia Bernath from the Fulton County school board, a whole slew of Georgia legislators, Miss Georgia Leah Massee, Susan Booth from the Alliance Theatre, Sharon Klein from the Junior League of Atlanta, Elizabeth Labbe-Webb from VSA Arts of Georgia and Jennifer Owens from the League of Women Voters.
And me!
From the expert
I sat by Buckhead jeweler Jonathan Shapero at Tuesday’s Fine Art + Fashion luncheon, benefiting the National Black Arts Festival. As guests enjoyed lunch by A Legendary Event, a Macy’s fashion show and special presentation to “Model Citizen” honoree Iman, S.B. got a few pointers from Mr. Bling.
First, what jewelry trends will we see this year? “Gold jewelry,” Shapero said. There I sat in all white.
Next, I asked whether he approves of wearing different gemstone rings on your left hand. Shapero likes the tradition of wearing the wedding ring and band every day. Strike two.
Then I asked if he has any jewelry pet peeves. “Anything cheap,” he said. Finally, we agree! And the foundation of any jewelry wardrobe? “Pearls,” says Shapero. Roger that, too.
Hosts and table sponsors included Juanita Baranco, Sandra Baccus, Merry Carlos, Charlene Crusoe-Ingram, Jada Loveless, Sandra Teepen and Sharon Umphenour. Desiree Reid, general manager of Iman Cosmetics, gussied up a few of the guests with mini-makeovers. We chatted while she made Jeannie Gibson and Nicole D. Smith even more gorgeous. Also spotted in the crowd: Melanie Boltax, Sally Dorsey, Diane Durgin, Aida Flamm, Sharon Giles, Joanne Chesler Gross, Monica Pearson, Sacha Taylor, Lisa Tush and Barbara Waters.
This and that
The Women for Women bash, held Jan. 26 at the Mansour Center in Marietta, raised $90,000 for women fighting cancer. The aforementioned Monica Pearson served as honorary chair. Women for Women co-founders are Patty Hermann and Marti Okerberg.
More than 300 guests turned out on the wintry night of Jan. 19 for Tour de Champagne, held at the downtown Ritz. Notables included former White House pastry chef Roland Mesnier, who was signing copies of his book; TDC founder Richard Marble; and French Consul General Philippe Ardanaz.
Also, Raymond Bearden, Samy Gachen, Jane Garvey, Gary Gross, Steve and Caroline Harless, and Dane Huebner. The event’s silent auction benefited Angel Flight of Georgia.
The Howards and Susan Bixler. Photo by Ellis Vener
Clark and Lane Howard hosted a Feb. 7 dinner party saluting donors who make annual, unrestricted donations of $10,000 or more to Atlanta Habitat for Humanity. Affairs to Remember Caterers created a spread including cinnamon spiced chicken and butternut squash lasagna and mini French fruit tarts and chewy pecan squares. The Clark Howard Society was launched this year in conjunction with Atlanta Habitat’s 25th anniversary and has a goal to secure 25 or more charter members.
Society members honored at the Howards’ included Susan Bixler and Susan and Alan Arnold.
The Atlanta Fine Wine Festival is planned for 2 to 6 p.m. Saturday at Mason Murer Fine Art, 199 Armour Drive. The event, benefiting Hospice Atlanta, will feature rare and vintage wines, gourmet nibbles and a silent auction. It’s $100 in advance, $120 at the door. Call 404-520-3113 or see www.atlantafinewinefestival.com.
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Nothing says love like NASCAR
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
What could be more romantic than getting hitched at the race track?
Atlanta Motor Speedway has a heart-warming promotion going next month. A licensed and ordained minister will be conducting weddings in victory lane in the hours prior to the March 9 Kobalt Tools 500 Sprint Cup race.
All couples participating will receive complimentary access to the pre-race stage area, a wedding day photo and a special gift from Atlanta Motor Speedway.
In addition, there will be a newlywed drawing for more fab gifts. One lucky couple gets to participate in Victory Lane festivities after the race, another receives an upgrade from grandstand to Club One tickets, and another gets VIP access to Atlanta Motor Speedway’s October NASCAR weekend including tickets to Friday’s qualifying night, Saturday’s Craftsman Truck Series race and suite access to Sunday’s Sprint Cup race.
But wait. There’s more.
Register on Valentine’s Day and have your initials painted in a heart on the retaining wall for the Kobalt Tools 500 weekend.
Couples must have tickets to the Kobalt Tools 500, and a Georgia marriage license. Call the Atlanta Motor Speedway ticket office at 770-946-4211 to register.
Oh that reminds me, if you’re getting married on Thursday, or celebrating an anniversary, or have a really great celebration planned - a romantic evening or even a guys’ or gals’ night boycott of the Hallmark holiday - tell me about it. We’re always looking for cool stories.
In other Valentine’s news
Finally, here’s a happening on the other end of the social spectrum.*
WABE 90.1 FM’s own John Lemley, assistant program director, local host of All Things Considered and producer and host of Tapestry, will delivering the prologue during the Shakespeare Tavern’s Valentine’s Day evening performance of Romeo and Juliet. He’ll be in proper Elizabethan costume as he reprises last year’s “Shakespearean newscast,” delivered in NPR style. Info: 404-874-5299 or www.shakespearetavern.com
- Don’t worry, I’m not cracking on NASCAR. S.B. is from North Carolina and, for a time, as a kindergartner in Charlotte, actually thought Richard Petty was president.
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SB Myths Debunked!
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Myth: When submitting items for the Social Butterfly column it’s a good idea to send a 12-page press release, or a 3-pound press kit, missing basic details like what time the event starts or how much tickets cost.
Fact: I need one or two paragraphs of very basic information. When and where your event is, how much tickets are, what the attire is, who the chairs or committee members are, the charity your event benefits, a few details about the bash, and a number or Web site for more info.
Myth: When submitting photos it’s best to include over a dozen, with no one in the pictures identified and the name of the photographer missing.
Fact: Send one or two photos in jpeg form with everyone identified left to right, and the name of the photographer.
Myth: It’s best to send info in the form of cumbersome pdf files or large graphics, and to use ALL CAPS or italic type.
Fact: Large files make my email crash. Capitalize only when grammatically correct. As a bonus, it’s helpful when a list of names is presented in alphabetical order.
Myth: S.B. is acting all cranky. What’s the deal?
Fact: S.B. is a benevolent creature who wants to help folks all over metro Atlanta spread the word of their fun parties and worthy charitable events. If everyone follows a few simple guidelines it’ll be easier for great causes and hard-working volunteers to get the shout-out they deserve!
Go Fish
Hats off to Becky Burnaugh for the absolutely flawless release she sent out about the Georgia Women Flyfishers’ annual fundraiser.
The event is planned for 6:30 to 10 p.m. Feb. 23 at Sweetwater Brewery, 195 Ottley Dr. It’s a Cajun Night, with music, silent auctions, and raffles. Auction items include fly rods and equipment and guided fishing trips, as well as non-fishing items such as vacation lodging and artwork.
Tickets are $25 at the door and include beer, wine, food, and five raffle tickets.
Proceeds benefit the club’s outreach programs, which include Casting for Confidence, a fly fishing instruction class for breast cancer survivors; youth mentoring programs; and scholarships for young people to attend Trout Camp.
Info: www.georgiaflyfishing.com.
Oscar Night Plans?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
I’ll never forget Oscar Night 2005.
The dazzling red carpet. The blinding flash from the paparazzi’s cameras. The smack of the puck on the air-hockey table.
No, really.
The scene was Ray and Katie Lail’s home on a quiet Lilburn cul-de-sac. Katie sent Ray and their sons Ethan, Spencer and Griffin downstairs to play air-hockey while she and her girlfriends glammed it up during the show. As I recall Spencer and Griffin, then 5 and 7, took seriously their jobs as officials photogs, snapping away with their Polaroid cameras. Little Ethan was 2 and a hit as “emcee,” with a mic and everything.
Another year I hit the Cobb Galleria Centre on Oscar Night, for the Center for Family Resource’s big bash. The event featured a live broadcast of the Oscars along with great auction items and a seated dinner.
I’ll have to find out if the Lails are partying again this year, but I can tell you for sure that the Center for Family Resources is. This year’s Oscar Night event, co-chaired by Bob and Elaine Feldberg and Jerry and Cheryl Nix, features live jazz entertainment, silent and live auctions and the Oscars telecast, of course.
The event starts at 6 p.m. Feb. 24 at the Cobb Galleria. Tickets are $150 or $1,200 for a table of eight. Call 770-428-2601 or see www.thecfr.org. They’re still looking for volunteers, too, if anyone’s interested.
Here’s Angie Green, on the left and Mamie Hodnett on the right, at the CFR’s 2006 Oscar Night party. Photo by Elissa Eubanks.
Another Oscar Night option is the AIDS Survival Project’s bash at the InterContinental Hotel in Buckhead. Dress as your fave nominee and enjoy heavy hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar. It’s $30 or $50 per couple.
This party starts at 7 p.m. Call 404-874-7926 or see www.AndTheWinnerIs.biz.
I’ll be hitting both of those events and possibly others on Oscar Night. What are your plans? Send me fab photos of your past Oscar ‘dos and I’ll post ‘em!
Fernbank’s new young bloods
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Let’s hear it for the new members of Artemis, the 20- to 40-something board at Fernbank Museum of Natural History.
Stay tuned for details on Lost Oasis, benefiting BONES for Kids (Building on Experiences in Science), a fund established by Artemis. That’s coming up in June.
For now, here are the new Artemis board members for the 2008-2010 term, with bios provided by Fernbank.
R. Joseph Burby
Joey has been active in the Atlanta community through his work with young adults as a basketball coach for the DeKalb-Decatur YMCA and as a coach for the D.M. Therrell High School Mock Trial Team. He also serves on the Board of Trustees for Atlanta New Century School. Joey is a graduate of the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill with a BA in History with Distinction in 1993 and from the School of Law in 1996. Joey is currently a Partner with Powell Goldstein LLP, Special Matters & Government Investigation Team.
Kate and Matt Davis
Kate and Matt became involved in Artemis during the 13th Annual Lost Oasis: Swamp Romp in 2007. Kate served as the Volunteer Logistics Chair for the event, and both Kate and Matt are serving on the Lost Oasis 2008 Committee. Kate is an Assistant Vice President, Relationship Manager with SunTrust Bank, and Matt is a Financial Services Manager with First Horizon Bank. They have been guild members since February 2007.
Elizabeth Ferrara
Elizabeth was a silent auction donor at Lost Oasis: Swamp Romp and has actively sought ways to become further involved with Artemis. Her community involvement includes: Hands On Atlanta Day; Women In Technology Nominating Committee for “Woman of the Year”; and 2006 & 2007 Digital Ball, Corporate Sponsorship. She is a graduate of James Madison University with a BBA Cum Laude in Management Information Systems/Marketing. Elizabeth currently serves as a Regional Director for Accenture.
Alison and Chad Labruyere
Alison and Chad have been members of Fernbank Museum since May 2006 and have supported Lost Oasis for the past two years. Alison and Chad are attorneys with Alston & Bird LLP. Active in the community, they live near Fernbank and are excited about committing their time and energy to the Museum, including generating support for Fernbank from Alston & Bird.
Cara and Zak Lee
Cara and Zak have been members of Fernbank since April 2003. Cara also has supported Fernbank Museum as a staff member, serving as the Artemis Program Representative in 2006-2007. With the arrival of the Lees’ first child in late 2007, Cara switched her role to volunteering with the Museum. Among supporting numerous causes in the community, Cara and Zak’s involvement includes the Isdell Family Foundation; the Cara Isdell Service Learning Award and Cara Isdell Service Learning Scholarship at Pace Academy. Cara and Zak graduated from the University of South Carolina. Zak is a Sales Coordinator for Schwing America, Inc.
Hayden Pace
Hayden brings his commitment to the Atlanta community to Fernbank, having served with the Atlanta Volunteer Lawyers Foundation’s Guardian Ad Litem Project before joining the Artemis Board. His interests include the restoration of vintage race cars, hiking in Georgia’s State Parks and cooking. Hayden is an enthusiastic individual who has great interest in serving Fernbank Museum of Natural History through Artemis. He is a graduate of the University of Virginia with a BA in Government and of the Emory School of Law. Hayden is a Lawyer with Greenberg Traurig, LLP.
Cathrine Watkins
Cathrine has been involved with Fernbank through Lost Oasis, securing PriceWaterhouseCoopers as a Corporate Sponsor in 2007 while serving as a patron for the event as well. She is a member of the PWC Community Service Committee and is eager to serve Fernbank through her corporate career and her volunteer efforts. Cathrine grew up near Fernbank and attended Paideia, garnering an incredible passion to give back to the Museum. Cathrine is the Director of Global Strategy, Advisory and Tax Services for PriceWaterhouseCoopers.
The guild also elected new officers for the 2008-2009 term:
Jorge and Zaida Fuenzalida have been leaders in Artemis since each joined the guild and will serve during the 2008-2009 terms as the Co-Chairs. Leading by example, they have consistently devoted time and effort to ensure their roles are successful as well as innovative. Jorge has held a chair role on that Corporate Sponsorship Committee of Lost Oasis since 2002, and secured record-breaking contributions for the Lost Oasis during that time, while Zaida also successfully served as the Programs chair.
Rebecca and Randy Moore, who have been Artemis Board members since 2003, were named chairs-elect and will provide support for the Fuenzalidas and leadership for the guild’s endeavors, including Lost Oasis.
Sponsorship Committee Chair, Whit Mulford has served on the Lost Oasis Board since 2004 and carries with him the experience of serving for the past two years as the sponsorship committee co-chair for Lost Oasis. In his new role, Whit will spearhead the fundraising efforts of Artemis and Lost Oasis, which benefit the BONES for Kids fund (Building on Experiences in Science) to support children’s programming at Fernbank Museum.
Jennifer Williams, an Artemis Board member since 2005, was named Programs Committee Chair. She will be responsible for planning, scheduling and implementing programs, activities and events that encourage young professionals to become involved in Artemis and more engaged with the Museum. Jennifer served as the silent auction committee chair for Lost Oasis in 2003 and 2004.
Membership Committee Chair Kara Worthington will be responsible for recruiting new members to join Artemis through networking, events and informational programs while engaging current members to remain active and increase their involvement. As silent auction co-chair for Lost Oasis in 2007, Kara not only helped secure in-demand auction items from the local business community, but also connected numerous individuals and corporations to the Artemis mission.
Artemis board members include Ben Balsley, Lesley and Chris Baradel, Jason Beach, Joseph R. Burby, Sarah Clamp, Kate and Matt Davis, Mark Delorenzo, Ryan and Sam Dunlap, Jeff Fancher, Elizabeth Ferrara, Artemus George, Michele Cacdac Jones and Patrick Jones, Molly and Reid Knox, Alison and Chad Labruyere, Cara and Zak Lee, Kevin Maxim, Shanon and Jim McGinnis, Jeffrey P. McKinnis, Scott Miller, Andrew Osterman, Hayden Pace, Christopher Reed, Samantha Rein, Elizabeth and Larry Sommerfeld, Tracy Stuckrath, Lesley Truitt Wainwright, Lu Walker and Cathrine Watkins.
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Partying for preservation
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Event Chairs Allen and Amy Nelson, from left, with Honorary Chairs Mary and Billy Warren. Photo by AtlantaPhotographers.com
More than 300 patrons attended the 24th annual Preservation Ball, benefiting The Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation.
The event was Feb. 2 at the the Atlanta History Center. Themed Big Band Blowout, the bash honored President and CEO Greg Paxton for his 27 years with the organization. Event chairs were Allen and Amy Nelson. Honorary chairs were Mary and Billy Warren.
And also
Merv Rudner, from left, Randy Martinez, Susan Alexandera and Robert Alexander. Photo by Mia McCorkle, JTM Photography
Emerald Wealth Management hosted a Jan. 24 fundraiser for CURE at Kolo Collection’s Westside showroom. The event raised more than $14,000 for CURE, dedicated to research, education and support of young cancer patients and their families. Info: www.curechildhoodcancer.org.
Guests enjoyed a spread from Chef Tim Williams’ Dantannas Surf and Turf while bidding on silent action and raffle items like included floor seats for a Hawks game, a week in a Tuscan Villa, Masters tickets, and jewelry from Solomon Brothers.
More than 150 people attended, including Mark Aycock, CFO of Emory Hospital; Dr. Angelo Galante of Georgia Tech Sports Medicine, Mr. and Mrs. Jim Phillips, Kolo Collection Owners; Michelle and Greg Martin; and Solomon Brothers’ general manager Robert Alexander and wife Susan.
Steve Kee served as master of ceremonies. Merv Rudner and Randy Martinez are founding partners or Emerald Wealth Management.
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Tiffany event’s a Dream
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Joiel Alexander, Lynne Homrich, and Coach Marynell Meadors
She’s got game, and she’s got bling.
Marynell Meadors, coach of Atlanta’s new WNBA franchise, the Atlanta Dream, was among the local notables at a fab event at Tiffany’s the other day to honor leaders of Atlanta organizations and businesses dedicated to advancing women in business.
The Uptown Scoop All-Star Awards was co-hosted by the Atlanta Dream, and Meadors and Uptown Scoop CEO Lynne Homrich had the most enviable tasks of modeling gorgeous diamond necklaces as they presented the awards.
The Dream’s 34-game schedule begins in Connecticut on May 17, with the home opener at Philips Arena coming May 23.
(Oh that reminds me, S.B. ran into a few members of the Dream team, including Allison Fillmore, vice president of ticket sales and service, on Tuesday night while knocking back a pomegranate martini at Thrive. Fillmore was mingling and touting the Dream with colleagues Akilah Washington, Jimmelle Melvin and Eric Schirmer. A really affable bunch.)
Sorry, I digress.
Alright, honorees at the Tiffany event included Judy Agerton of AT&T, Amy Brady of Bank of America, Katie Davis of Home Depot, Stephanie Davis of Skirt! Magazine, Mary Ann Green of Delta Air Lines, Cynthia Good and Genevieve Bos of PINK Magazine, Tracey Rice of Coca-Cola, Randi Menkin of UPS, Sheila Weidman of Georgia-Pacific, Deborah Richardson of the Atlanta Women’s Foundation, Christine St. Clare of KPMG LLP, Susan Steel of GE Capital Solutions and Donna Willard of eWomenNetwork.
Guests included philanthropist Stephanie Blank, Atlanta City Council President Lisa Borders and Olympic gold medalist Carla McGhee. The crowd nibbled on shrimp and grits, mini quiches and pastries at the morning event.
Speaking of Thrive
Thrive, which sometimes seems to serve as the AJC’s satellite cafeteria, holds its 1-year anniversary starting at 5:30 p.m. on Feb. 12 with a special prix fixe menu. Dinner’s $35 and Thrive offers free sushi and Red Bull Vodkas and Cosmos from 9 to 10 p.m.
Here’s the menu: Amuse Bouche: Mozzarella stuffed cherry tomato wrapped in prosciutto in a balsamic reduction
First Course: Snow crab hush puppies in pickled ginger syrup, tuna ceviche “Thai style” with Rice paper chips, or braised beef short rib tacos and avocado pico de gallo.
Second course: White tuna seared rare and stuffed with sweet corn relish with Thai basil infused rice, blood orange reduction, pan-roasted springer mountain chicken breast or roasted red pepper Israeli cous cous, saffron supreme sauce.
Dessert: Coconut milk panna cotta in lemongrass syrup with spicy pineapple or warm liquid-center chocolate cake with cherry chutney and vanilla bean cream.
The restaurant’s in the Centennial Tower building at 101 Marietta St. downtown. See www.thriveatl.com or call 404-389-1000.
Poking fun for a cause at the Lite Gov
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle, shown here at the recent Wild Hog Supper, is in for it. Staff photo by Elissa Eubanks
The Butterfly is of course a nonpartisan creature, but surely Republicans, Democrats, Libertarians and Independents all agree that a few chuckles at a politician’s expense are good and healthy for our democratic republic.
Especially if it benefits a good cause.
So hats off to Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle for agreeing to a public roast to benefit TEAM Georgia and the Herb Emory Victim’s Assistance Fund, which supports children who have lost a parent in an impaired driving crash.
The event is planned for Feb. 26 The Westin Buckhead, 3391 Peachtree Rd., with cocktails and a silent auction 6:30 p.m. sharp, followed by the dinner and roast at 7 p.m. Emory and his WSB-750 colleague Mark Arum will be among the roasters.
TEAM Georgia is a safe and sober transportation coalition that reaches millions of Georgians each year through the Designated Driver Booth Program at the Georgia Dome, Philips Arena, Turner Field and the Gwinnett Arena; the annual Safe Holiday Program; the statewide Safe Boating campaign; safe prom and graduation activities and a host of other transportation safety efforts.
Tix are $100 each or, $1,000 for a table. Call 404-261-6053 or see teamgeorgia.net.
A fashionable fete
Brian Kozlowski, left, and birthday boy Brian Finneran. Photo by Jennifer Walker
Local fabsters turned out on Jan. 31 for Lifestyle ’08, an expo featuring all sorts of glam gear held at Twelve Hotel in Centennial Park.
The crowd nibbled healthy eats from Domino’s Pizza while checking out fashion trends from Festivity boutique, the latest in luxe from Vilas MedSpa. Also on hand: Atlanta Dental Spa, and Elite Green Car Service.
The bash benefited Dress For Success Atlanta.
Atlanta Falcons player Brian Finneran, attending with wife Erin, was there celebrating his 32nd birthday by sipping from Coca-Cola’s slamming new aluminum bottles. Also having a Coke and a smile was former Falcon Brian Kozlowski, who attended with wife Ellen.
Notables in the crowd included CBS Better Morning’s Corinna Allen, Nicole Southavanh of fitATLANTA mag, Holly Firfer and Evelyn Mims from WXIA-TV, Elissa Rosen from Atlanta Peach mag, Marsha Hallager from Ryan Cameron’s show on V-103, Mary Welch from Atlanta Woman and my resplendent colleague Nedra Rhone, the AJC’s shopping and fashion reporter and perennial winner of our annual best-dressed contest. (I assure you, competition is fierce).
The glam set also included Alicia Junca from Twelve Hotels, Kate Zimmer and Kristin St. Hilaire of Event Design Group, Jen Ruffner from Menopause the Musical, Dr. Peter Boulden and Susan Estep of Atlanta Dental Spa, Lisa Stein of LA Stein Jewelry and husband Dr. Bruce Stein; and Dr. Pradeep Sinha, Colleen Nilan, Kate Dempsey, Caryn and Murray Briggs, Jena Jolissaint and Pam and Bobby Kaufman.
The Green Scene
The fourth annual Party for the Parks on Ponce is planned for 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Feb. 24 at Fernbank Natural History Museum.
Themed Green Dreams, the event benefits the restoration of the historic park, spearheaded by the Olmsted Linear Park Alliance (OLPA).
The evening will feature live and silent auctions, hors d’oeuvres and cocktails, and an IMAX movie. Claire Sterk and Kirk Elifson are this year’s co-chairs.
Tickets are $100 each. See www.partyfortheparksonponce.org, call OLPA at 404-723-3118 or send a check payable to the Olmsted Linear Park Alliance to OLPA, Box 5500, Atlanta, GA 31107.
For more information about OLPA and the history of the Olmsted Linear Park see www.atlantaolmstedpark.org
Help me help you
I’ve posted these guidelines before but I think they’re handy to keep around:
Thanks to everyone for all the great tips on fab events going on around town.
I really do want to help you get the word out, so please follow some simple guidelines. I need basic information like time and date, location, ticket price, attire, names of the chairs and committee members, the charity your event benefits if applicable, a few details about the bash and a number or Web site for more information.
If I didn’t make it to your soiree, please feel free to send pix and a brief recap. Tell me when and where it was, some of the folks who came, some highlights and how much you raised for charity, if it was a philanthropic endeavor.
If you send a photo include the identification of everyone in the picture from left to right and - this is important - the name of the photographer.
Do me a favor, y’all, and don’t put things in ALL CAPS. When you’re sending a list of people, like members of a host committee, put their names in alphabetical order. Simpler is always better. A couple of jpegs in an email is preferable to a zip drive full of images. A brief email trumps even the prettiest 2-pound press kit.
Some of y’all are working too hard. I’m worried about you. If you find yourself compiling a nine-page release or preparing to email a slew of PDF attachments, rest your fingers and collect yourself. Just the essentials, please!
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