December 2010
Art on Fire Bone Bash Zoomelièr Chefs' Celebrity Gala Merry Marketplace Gala RSVP 15th Anniversary Party Q&A with Wayne Sneed
CONTENTS
Contents December 2010
From the Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 Signature Memphis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 Wiles-Smith Drug Store owner and pharmacist, Charles “Charlie” N. Smith, has RSVP over to enjoy one of the last true soda fountains.
RSVP Watch List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 Add one of these cool items to your holiday wish list.
16 MERRY MARKETPLACE GALA Miles Fortas and Ellis Haddad
Onsites . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14, 20, 38 & 54 Gatherings that have earned an honorable mention.
Merry Marketplace Gala . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16
46 ART ON FIRE Zac Brimhall and Jennifer Feltner
Memphians got a jumpstart on their Christmas shopping at the Junior League of Memphis’ annual fund-raiser at Agricenter International.
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StreetSeens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22 & 24 She’s introducing a new kind of sound to Memphians. Working in St. Jude’s Blood Donor Center is very rewarding experience for this recruiter. StreetSeens highlight Marcela Pinilla and Kim Spencer Foster.
RSVP 15th Anniversary Party . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26 Magazine fans celebrated in big style at the Inn at Hunt Phelan.
4 RSVP
Vox Popular . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34 Q&A with Orphanos founder and executive director, Wayne Sneed.
26 RSVP 15TH ANNIVERSARY PARTY Suzanne Thompson and Jeannie Mandelker
Chefs’ Celebrity Gala . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40 Forks were raised for the Memphis Child Advocacy Center during a delectable affair at the U of M Holiday Inn.
50 BONE BASH Eric and Amy Stookey
Art on Fire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46 The Dixon Gallery and Gardens was ablaze for charity at this inaugural benefit.
Bone Bash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50 The Pink Palace transformed into a haunted mansion for the Arthritis Foundation’s Halloween benefit.
Zoomelièr . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .52 Guests experienced wine and enriched animals by coming out for the Memphis Zoo’s newest fund-raiser.
RSVPhillippi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .56
40
We Want Moderation…We Want Moderation… Dennis Phillippi heads to D.C. for a rally about how to get along.
CHEFS’ CELEBRITY GALA Leanne and Jed McQuown
52 ZOOMELIÈR Caitlin Gunn and Luis Belisario
Cover Photo Ryan Jenkins and China Palko at RSVP 15th Anniversary Party Photo by Baxter Buck
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Volume XVI
Number III
December 2010 PUBLISHER
Roy Haithcock EDITOR
Leah Fitzpatrick CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Ruth Cassin Kelly Cox Jonathan Devin Dennis Phillippi Suzanne Thompson Lesley Young ART DIRECTOR
Patrick Aker s PHOTOGRAPHERS
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Nathan Berry Baxter Buck Don Perry Steve Roberts SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE
Libby Huff
Chris Pugh
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ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE
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Ruth Cassin
ACCOUNTING
RSVP Memphis is published monthly by Haithcock Communications, Inc. First class subscriptions are available for $55.00 per year. Send name and address with a check to: Haithcock Communications, Inc. 2282 Central Avenue Memphis, TN 38104 For advertising information contact Roy Haithcock Phone (901) 276-7787, ext. 101 Fax (901) 276-7785 e-mail publisher@rsvpmagazine.com WEB
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From the Editor
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Photo by Steve Roberts
s 2010 really coming to a close? I’m afraid it is, but maybe that’s a good thing because a new year means a fresh start…not that 2010 has disappointed. You must know though that I’m not a big believer in New Year’s resolutions, which totally contradicts my column from this time two years ago. I think I’ve just grown to realize that you don’t need a special reason to make a resolution. At the same time, a little motivation, like New Year’s, never hurts anyone. What really comes to mind about this time of year is how to ring in 2011. The conversation in my head goes a little something like this: “Do I want to stay glued to the couch and watch the ball drop in Times Square on TV, or would I rather make the trip to New York to actually see the ball drop in person for once in my life, or do I just want to be surrounded by friends I love and go to a party?” I can never make up my mind as to the best option because all three sound appealing for different reasons. New Year’s is so hyped up anyway that probably anything I decide to do will be a letdown, so I’ve opted to forgo any plans…at least until the last minute. Spontaneity seems far more appealing, however I figure a lot of you are probably the planning type, so feel free to send me any fun suggestions about how to end one year and start another with a bang. As for my event calendar after 2011 officially starts, it’s already getting full. First up will be the St. Jude Red Carpet Bash on January 22 at Hollywood Casino, followed by the Memphis Heart Gala on February 5 at The Peabody and the Cirque du CMOM: Viva! Las Vegas! fund-raiser that same day at the Children’s Museum of Memphis. The Memphis Symphony Orchestra has even got a jump on Valentine’s Day, with a Valentine’s Day Pops: In the Mood concert planned for February 12 at the Cannon Center that will feature songs from Doctor Zhivago, Gone With the Wind, My Funny Valentine and West Side Story. Last, but not least, I must say that the December issue of RSVP has been a memorable one to put together thanks to two new parties surfacing (Art on Fire-page 46 and Zoomelièrpage 52) and interviewees as diverse as they come (a pharmacist-page 10, a Latin singer-page 22, a recruiter for the St. Jude Blood Donor Center-page 24 and an advocate for orphans the world over-page 34). I hope 2011 stays just as interesting!
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Leah Fitzpatrick editor@rsvpmagazine.com
Pharmacist and Owner of Wiles-Smith Drug Store/Golfer/Memphis Bop Club Member
Ideal vacation spot: Florida. Favorite Memphis musician: Elvis. Your greatest achievement: My four children. Stress outlet: Getting away from work and meeting friends. Words or phrases you overuse: I couldn’t have those printed. Biggest obstacle you’ve overcome: A fire at Wiles-Smith Drug Store in 1985. First job: Working in a grocery store for 50 cents an hour in Gallatin, Tennessee. Personal hero: My uncle, who was a coach and athletic director at Middle Tennessee State University for 30 years. First concert: Seeing Little Richard, Fats Domino and several other greats of that era at the Ryman—I had to borrow $2 from a girl to get in the concert. Where you take out-of-town guests: Rendezvous, Folk’s Folly and to see the Redbirds or the Grizzlies. What most people don’t know about you: They don’t know I’m quite as bashful as I am and that I lived in Hurt Village for six-and-half months when I was in pharmacy school.
Photo by Steve Roberts
SIGNATURE MEMPHIS D E C E M B E R 2 010 RSVP
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Marion Multi-Chain Necklace by Lee Angel$450 at Oak Hall (901-761-3580)
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White Caviar Illuminating Cream by La Prairie Switzerland$450 at Mona Spa & Laser Center (901-683-0048)
Mani/Pedi in DS Radiance Nail Polish by OPI$57 at the Nail and Skin Bar (901-276-0621) Silver Faux Sherpa Bomber Jacket by Tribal$148 at Loni’s Fashions (901-850-3380) Custom Christmas and New Year Card by LallieInquire for Pricing at Stovall Collection (901-767-8808)
Embellished Winter White Coat by C.C. Couture$169 at Seriously FUN! Apparel (901-754-0018)
Women’s One Sixty White and Silver Ski Boots by Nordica$315 at Outdoors Inc. Poplar Location (901-767-6790)
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Soho Waves Square Tray by Beatriz Ball$122 at Gild the Lily (901-682-8277)
Private Gardens Holiday Candle by Trapp$24.99 at Happi-Stores (901-758-0034)
O3 Speed Port Silver Tennis Racquet by Prince$289 at the Pro Shop at the Racquet Club of Memphis (901-765-4400)
White Chocolate Chunks, White Chocolate-Dipped Pretzels and White Chocolate MintsInquire for Pricing at Dinstuhl’s (901-377-2639)
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ONSITE
Onsite
Women on the Move Silent Auction Cooper-Young Festival Art Invitational Distinguished Achievement Award Luncheon Les Passees Stock Exchange Preview Party
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Tamara Walker, Jessica Puckett and Mary Burns at Cooper-Young Art Invitational
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David and Teri Smith at Cooper-Young Art Invitational
Kallen Esperian and Honey Scheidt at Distinguished Achievement Award Luncheon
Carol Palazola and Martha Pipkin at Distinguished Achievement Award Luncheon
omen on the Move organized a Silent Auction at the Crescent Club to benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation® of the Mid-South. All of Women on the Move’s board members attended to assist with bidding on items like pet photography sessions with Brittney Williford of Whisker Snaps Photo, tickets for shows at the Tennessee Shakespeare Company and wine glasses hand-painted by Make-A-Wish children. Ashley Cullum, the group’s president, offered, “Women on the Move is all about networking, community service, education and promoting women in the community.” The Cooper-Young Festival kicked off with an Art Invitational in the neighborhood’s new David Perry Smith Gallery. Fifteen of the area’s artists featured pieces in the show, and the festival’s original poster art by Carol Robinson was on display and for sale in a silent auction. Van Duren served up some live music as guests perused the gallery and sipped on complimentary wine and beer. The Cooper-Young Business Association hosted the party. International opera star Kallen Esperian delighted fans by accepting the Distinguished Achievement Award in the Creative and Performing Arts during a luncheon held in her honor at the University Club. The College of Communication and Fine Arts at the University of Memphis bestowed Esperian with this accolade, which Rudi Scheidt proudly presented. A film tribute, produced by Eric Wilson, also aired, and students from the Rudi Scheidt School of Music, including Chris Dabbo, Amy Redden Smith, Evan Nicholson and Jeremy Warren, delivered a music tribute. Of the occasion, Esperian said, “I thank Memphis for supporting my artistic endeavors, and more importantly, for always being a friend.” The Les Passees Stock Exchange opened to its 24th year with a Preview Party at a 50,000-square-foot space in the Carriage Crossing MarketPlace. Members readied themselves for opening night festivities, which attracted 350 buyers eager to get first pick at goods ranging from coveted antiques to $5 finds. Violinist fiddler Donna Wolf returned as the guest performer. The public consignment shop stayed open for six weeks, bringing in $640,000 in sales, with 70 percent going to consignors and 30 percent to Les Passees for the Les Passees Harwood Center and Kids on the Block.
Susan Price, Libby Hubbard and Meg Glass at Les Passees Stock Exchange Preview Party
Irene Stover and Linda Aaron at Les Passees Stock Exchange Preview Party
Story and photos by Leah Fitzpatrick Amy Barringer, Caroline Harrison and Patty Calvert at Women on the Move Silent Auction
Asia Diggs, Heather Fox, Miranda Harbor and Natasha Bowen at Women on the Move Silent Auction
Ashley Cullum and Kim Hall at Women on the Move Silent Auction
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MERRY MARKETPLACE GALA
EVENT
Merry Marketplace Gala 10th Anniver sary
W Ellen Fortas and Anne Gamble
Emily McEvoy and Melinda Rothenberg
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hen the Junior League of Memphis debuted Merry Marketplace in 2001, the organization set out to show that fun, shopping and service go hand in hand. Fast forward to 2010 and that mission remains strong, with the proof in the eventful 10th season of Merry Marketplace at Agricenter International. To kick things off in grand fashion, Junior League members hosted a preview party the first night of the shopping extravaganza, which doubled as a fund-raiser for the organization’s community projects. Nearly 350 guests made it out for this special sneak peek that offered art, clothing, gourmet food, holiday décor, housewares and jewelry. Some 120 merchants signed on to participate, with local showings from Bella Vita, Forest Hill Photography, Little English, Rebecca Rivalto Interiors and Shara’s Paperie, to name a few; Mednikow Jewelers even joined in for its first year. JLM volunteers, outfitted in red aprons, assisted buyers throughout the venue and stirred interest in numerous silent auction offerings. The enjoyment didn’t stop with shopping because throughout the night, Tate Moore & the Cosmic Door, out of Oxford, Mississippi, catered to guests’ musical tastes. Regional restaurants also got on board and strategically placed appetizer stations an arm’s length away from all the activity. Perhaps the best part for members’ dates was the nearby Men’s Zone. With wings from Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken and ahi tuna tacos, shrimp ‘n grits and beer by Boscos, the Men’s Zone came with plenty of hearty eats and a giant screen for watching the World Series. Décor leaned toward Christmas, beginning at check-in with the popular Sustainer Hall of Wreaths. Towering Christmas trees appropriately lit up the path to the spot where partygoers picked up their oversized shopping bags. Other creative touches were the centerpieces of silver ornaments in glass bowls that had white roses artfully fastened to silver wire along the bowls’ exteriors. All in all, the true beauty of the event came from the innumerable patrons who helped raise more than $120,000 to support JLM’s efforts to provide leadership, volunteers and financial support to projects that improve the lives of women and children in need.
See all the party photos at rsvpmagazine.com Password: RSVP
Cynthia and Andrew Saatkamp
Story by Leah Fitzpatrick Photos by Don Perry
Amy Beth Dudley and Bonnie Hollabaugh
Bill and Chey Widdop
Lacey Hardin and Lindsey Terrell
Courtney Murrah and Caroline Williams
Lisa Spiotta, Jeni McBride and Judy Racine
Ellen Baker and Jenny Vergos
EVENT MERRY MARKETPLACE GALA D E C E M B E R 2 010
Grace Simmons and Whitney Miller
Laura and Joey Russell
Michele Ehrhart and Monica Skipper
Michael and Dr. Shelly Thannum
John Lawrence and Melody McAnally
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Erica Davies and Sara Brock
Maya Ervin and Candice Ivy
Claudia Efird and Mary Jane Hamlett
Kenny Harrell and Carol Bailey
Mike Arndt and Charlene Cox
Jackie Jefferson and Pandora Brown
EVENT
D E C E M B E R 2 010
MERRY MARKETPLACE GALA
Christy Muller, Cindy Dobbs and Tasha Brennan
Amy Farris, Stacia Weir and Karen Kassen RSVP
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Becky Cook, Peggy Davis and Brooke Childers
Dianna and Stephanie Simpson, Michelle Epps and Mary Barbara Ruschkofski
ONSITE
Onsite
Freedom Awards Repair Days Auction Salvation Army Fall Luncheon “Benefit of Love for Women” Concert
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Dr. Aria Torii and David Isabell at Repair Days Auction
Jean Moss and Mary Delle at Repair Days Auction
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he presentation of the 2010 Freedom Awards took place at the Memphis Cook Convention Center. Hosted by the National Civil Rights Museum, the ceremony serves as the museum’s largest annual charity event and draws hundreds of guests to see the honorees accept awards representing environmental and human rights, civil rights, social change and philanthropy and humanitarian work. This year’s recipients were the following: Dr. Wangari Maathi-IInternational Freedom Award, Dr. Dorothy Cotton-N National Freedom Award Legacy Freedom Award. and Eva Longoria Parker-L Down by the Mississippi, metalsmiths from across the nation gather for two days each year to donate their services to the National Ornamental Metal Museum’s beloved Repair Days. On the Saturday night of the volunteers’ stay, the institution holds a Repair Days Auction and invites the public to bid on exquisitely crafted pieces, such as steel sculptural bookends by John Medwedeff and a sterling silver tea infuser by Adam Whitney. Currently, the museum is the only one in the nation devoted exclusively to the preservation and promotion of fine metalwork. A chill was in the air as guests gathered for the Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary Fall Luncheon. Held at the U of M Holiday Inn, the festivities included an expansive silent auction, tableside modeling courtesy of The Pink Door and a hilarious comedic act by Kay Dekalb Smith. Event chair Joan Alperin and co-chair Debra Bryan were thrilled with the turnout and acknowledged they couldn’t have pulled off an occasion without the help of their dedicated membership. It’s not every day a four-time Grammy® Awardwinning act comes to town, but that’s just what happened when BOYZ II Men decided to perform at a “Benefit of Love for Women” Concert at Germantown Performing Arts Centre. Xavier Henry of the Memphis Grizzlies emceed the evening that included a performance by special guest Alexis Grace and helped raise funds for the Memphis-based Ovarian Cancer Awareness Foundation. The concert hit particularly close to home for Nancy Hooper-Wright, who accepted an award in her late mother’s (Janice Kleiner-Hooper) memory; Kleiner-Hooper passed away from ovarian cancer at age 45. Story by Leah Fitzpatrick Photos Submitted and by Leah Fitzpatrick
Joe Towns and Kenneth Miller at Freedom Awards
Mary Jo and Paul Karre with Ruth and Fred Towler at Freedom Awards
Wanya Morris, Todd Hutchison, Nathan Morris, Tracy Beaver and Shawn Stockman at “Benefit of Love for Women” Concert
Kay Dekalb Smith and Arlene Southern at Salvation Army Fall Luncheon
Annette Poole and Doris Hill at Salvation Army Fall Luncheon
Joan Alperin and Debra Bryan at Salvation Army Fall Luncheon
Nancy Hooper-Wright and Cheryl Leedom at “Benefit of Love for Women” Concert
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STREETSEEN
Marcela Pinilla A New Beat on the Memphis Music Scene
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arcela Pinilla might be small in stature, but she’s making a lot of noise with her tremendous voice, which is filled with a mature soulfulness and a sound all its own. Originally from Colombia, Pinilla traces her musical influences back to her childhood in Bogota, however she’s since had stints living in Singapore, China, the Philippines, Indonesia and Malaysia that have proved equally inspiring. Having called Memphis home for a year now, she’s incorporated jazz and the blues into the mix and is ready to show her adopted music scene just what her Spanishlanguage songs can do for audiences, emotionally and diversity wise. Deep-rooted in experiences intrinsic to her, Pinilla’s songs are self-written and take shape at the piano. Though she doesn’t play the piano during gigs, the songstress says hearing the keys accompany her lyrics helps the composing process; currently, she’s taking piano lessons and a theory and composition class to one day feel comfortable enough to sing and play the piano together in public. The music that comes forth from Pinilla ranges from ballads to danceable tunes sprinkled with samba and flamenco flair. “People like to define my style as Latin fusion or world music, but to be honest, you never know what you’ll hear when I sing because all I care about is singing songs that matter and that bring people together,” she explains. The one thing that remains certain is Pinilla’s talent, which first drew attention at age four when she began singing with a Spanish Musica de Tuna group in Bogota. She went on to perform in competitions, at weddings, for a TV program and as part of several singing groups, and by age 16, Pinilla had embarked on a five-month tour with a band in Malaysia. Pinilla continued singing professionally, mostly in Asia, into adulthood and even opened her own music production company in Singapore. Along the way, she turned down several proposals to record songs because she jokes that she didn’t want to fall into the trap of being told to wear boots and miniskirts for promotional purposes. After coming to Memphis with her husband, a Memphis native, last year, Pinilla joined forces with the Memphis Music Foundation, got a gig at the Westin on Wednesday nights and starting performing with local artists. She also decided to finally focus on recording her way and began by enlisting area musicians to play in her band. From March to October, she went to work writing, singing and recording an EP entitled Ahi Estare (translation: I’ll be there] at Young Avenue Sound. Four songs comprise her debut recording effort, released last month. She says, “I’ve waited a long time to do this and didn’t want to keep people waiting for more songs, so I got what I had out there and am happy to say it’s 100 percent Memphis made.” Story by Leah Fitzpatrick Photo by Steve Roberts
STREETSEEN
Kim Spencer Foster Another Side of St. Jude
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here are more facets to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital than meet the eye, with the St. Jude Blood Donor Center being one of them. Kim Spencer Foster, the Blood Donation Center recruiter, even acknowledges that many people she reaches out to for blood donations don’t realize that St. Jude has such an onsite service. Donors are even more surprised when they learn the center conducts platelet donations. Foster says, “St. Jude has actually been doing platelet donations since after the hospital opened.” The center’s manager, Deirdre Cullen, explains that platelets, or cell fragments, are so useful because they work as an internal bandage, plugging up leaks. At St. Jude, platelet donations, as well as whole blood, are commonly used to help its child cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. Patients who have organ transplants also benefit from these donations. “What’s cool about our center is that all donations stay here for the benefit of St. Jude patients,” Foster proudly points out. Last year alone, the center collected 63 percent of all platelets used at St. Jude. Unfortunately, collecting 100 percent of platelet donations in-house remains a nearly unattainable task due in part to the fact that platelets can only be stored at room temperature for five days, as opposed to 35-42 days for whole blood, which can be refrigerated. Also, two of the five days platelets are able to be stored are used for testing of units. The entire donation process for platelets takes about two hours and about 30-45 minutes for whole blood. Several of the center’s current donors travel from as far away as Missouri and Florida, but lots of St. Jude employees and patient families make up the regular donor list as well. Foster adds that lately lots of UT Martin students have been making the drive every Friday to donate, thanks to a lot of fraternities spreading the word. Make no mistake, there is always a need for more people willing to give someone an invaluable gift of a blood or platelet donation, especially this time of year. “The holidays are our most critical time for donations since our donor pool shrinks with people going out of town,” Foster stresses. If someone’s not able to give blood or platelets, he or she is encouraged to keep up the mission to give back by encouraging a friend or family member who can donate to visit the center. Foster says that the staff and recipients are always thankful for those “Calling All Angels”—a fitting motto for the St. Jude Blood Donor Center. Story by Leah Fitzpatrick Photo by Steve Roberts
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EVENT
RSVP 15th Anniversary Party
RSVP 15TH ANNIVERSARY PARTY
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hanks to all of our friends, freelancers, advertisers and nonprofit leaders who graced us with their presence at RSVP’s 15th Anniversary Party. The evening proved one
for the records with lots of heartfelt “Congrats” and near-perfect temps, making for favorable al fresco dining on the Inn at
Hunt Phelan’s terrace. Highlights included an RSVP Cover Roy and Pam Haithcock
Contest featuring one cover from each of the last 15 years (The
Janice and David Tankersley
March 2004 cover of Jeff and Valerie Morris won.) and piano tunes by David Saks of WUMR, followed by amazing vocals from Amy Redden Smith, who was accompanied by Chris Dabbo on keys. Here’s to another 15 years and counting!
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Photos By Baxter Buck See all the party photos at rsvpmagazine.com Password: RSVP
Andy King and Libby Huff
Patrick and Ginger Akers with Kym Clark-Akers
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Nathan Berry and Cassandra Kimberly
Joey Reinagel and Holly Cassin
Leah Fitzpatrick and Madelyn Gray
David and Susan Palvado
Sarah Veazey and Ashley Bryant
Sara Walden, Valerie Morris, Mona Sappenfield, Jessica Toliuszis and Monica Burrow
Janet and Dennis Phillippi
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EVENT RSVP 15TH ANNIVERSARY PARTY
Laura Freeze, Brenta Medley and Chris Pugh
Sally and Vince Alfonso
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Bill and Carla Baker
Danny Paccasassi and Tim Tanner
Jessica Sappenfield and Pryor Lott
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Lori Spicer and Eric Robertson
George and Nayla Nassar
Steve Conley and Jeanie Gundlach
Tommie Pardue, Alla Olswanger and Betty Hays
Gil Uhlhorn and Grace Swaney with Carl and Sue Ellen Raney
Tran Bui and Matt Peace
EVENT
Charlotte Neal, Amy Redden Smith and Billie Jean Graham
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RSVP 15TH ANNIVERSARY PARTY
Jeff and Chantal Johnson with Emily and Joel Halpern
Hilda Mullen and Jennifer Schneider
Evelyn Malone and Amy Greer
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Marguerite Piazza and Shirley Condon
Michael Detroit, Whitney Jo and Jackie Nichols
Steve Cohen and Lisa Maners
Miranda Harbor and Brooke Ehrhart
Tiffany and Jan Brimhall with Lindsey Cross
WORLD PREMIERE
AIDA was a “sparkling jewel IXOO RI ÂżUH ´ - Christopher Blank, Commercial Appeal, 10.09.10
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Don’t miss the rest of our exciting 2010-2011 season!
music by Michael Ching a collaboration with Playhouse on the Square featuring DeltaCappella and RIVA Playhouse on the Square Jan 21 - Feb 13, 2011 Thu - Sat @ 8:00p; Sun @ 2:00p
music by Giaochino Rossini a collaboration with Mississippi Opera
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The Cannon Center for the Performing Arts Apr 16, 2011 @ 7:30p Apr 17, 2011 @ 3:00p
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Vox Popular Q&A with Wayne Sneed
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hildren often occupy the most cherished spot in many adults’ holiday celebrations, however millions of child orphans throughout the world don’t have the chance to be at the center of someone’s universe during this special time, much less any other day of the year. Right here in Memphis, Wayne Sneed has helped base an organization that aims to incorporate those parent relationships into orphans’ lives so that every day is a special one. Called the Orphanos Foundation, the nonprofit enlists the help of child sponsors, volunteers and corporate donors to facilitate personal growth for orphans, specifically those residing in impoverished areas outside the U.S. RSVP editor Leah Fitzpatrick met with Sneed at Orphanos’ headquarters to uncover what it takes to stay steadfast to what he refers to as a “Global Need, Local Response.”
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Sneed: I’ve traveled quite a lot internationally and lived in Iran for a bit, and practically lived in the Caribbean for a while. I moved to Memphis to work for Campus Life, then I worked for another group called P.R.O. Missions and basically my job assignment for them was to lead groups of people overseas on projects to places like Eastern Europe, Africa, the Caribbean and South America. That covers the travel part, but how I got into working with orphaned children stems from the fact that I really like kids and think kids are delightful and enjoyable to be around. Also, halfway through my time at my former job, I was asked to take over management for a child sponsorship program they had, and that’s when I started engaging in children’s orphanages.
though I was still in a comfortable Bartlett home with all the food I needed. I just never want to lose perspective on my comfort and the kids’ comfort. I wouldn’t even say that was a challenge…one of the greatest challenges was knowing how to manage all this stuff and knowing when to say “no” and knowing when to say “yes” because a very godly friend of mine, who has gone on to his reward, told me, “The need is never the calling.” With 140 million orphans in the world and countless thousands of orphanages, there’s a need that’s way beyond my capacity, so it was really insightful for me to understand that just because someone has a need, it doesn’t mean that I’m the one that God’s wanting to meet that need. I need to be careful what I commit to, and I need to follow through on my word. There’s been a lot of struggle in that, and many, many nights I’ve been up here all night long because I said I was going to do something. Not having enough resources to help has probably been my grandest challenge.
RSVP: Do you remember the first orphanage you ever visited? Sneed: It might have been an orphanage in Guatemala called Agua Viva [Spanish for Living Waters] Children’s Home, which is still in existence today. They have more than 100 kids who live there. I just fell in love with the whole concept of merging children and missions together at the same time and being involved with caring for kids on more of a longterm, sustainable basis. I just really enjoy that, and that’s why I ended up at the Orphanos Foundation. RSVP: What were some of the struggles you had starting Orphanos? Sneed: It was five men, including myself, who were just feeling very drawn to do this. When we started, all five of us were on the board, but I was the only employee. Of course, there was zero money, so I talked to a friend of mine who had a house and told him I needed a place to sleep and work. He had a 10-by-11-foot bedroom, and I put a desk in there and would sleep under the desk at night for the first year or so. It wasn’t that big of a deal actually. Even after Orphanos grew a bit, I still slept on the floor for a while just because I knew that a lot of the kids I was purporting to serve sleep this way,
RSVP: What makes the Orphanos Foundation unique? Sneed: We have some interesting things that are different about us that I wrote into the charter and the bylaws. One of the things I’m kind of picky about is giving credit where credit’s due, and not taking credit that’s not due. I think that many organizations, both religious-based and nonreligious-based, are building their own kingdoms and taking credit for themselves and things they shouldn’t be, so we’re pretty particular about stating that we are a Christian organization and that we work for God, who we believe is the creator of the universe. We started with no money in 1997, but nearly $5 million later, we feel blessed that that money has been a gift from God. God did that work through us, so we don’t want plaques or named buildings with the Orphanos name on it. Another thing that is unique about us is we’re 100 percent pass-through, which means that if someone wants to start sponsoring a kid in the Amazon jungle at one of our partner homes for $50 a month, all of that money makes it to the home. We don’t keep any percentage of that money for our overhead, which is extremely rare. I don’t know of any large or medium organization that’s doing that, and that goes back to our passion of giving credit where credit’s due. We’re Photos by Don Perry
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RSVP: What first inspired you to begin working with orphanages abroad?
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Sneed: We’re a local organization, and one of our mottos is “Global Need, Local Response.â€? A lot of our donors are Memphis-based, and we interact a lot with local people. We have a gig where you can come in to our office, and if you’re sponsoring a kid at one of our homes, we’ll let you Skype with your sponsor kid. And, if you really want to do something wild and crazy, we’ll set up a trip for you to meet the kid you’re sponsoring. For instance, on Sunday, I’m leaving with a group of six people to go to the Amazon River to our partner home there. I would say that 10-15 percent of our sponsors have gone to meet their kid. A lot of these people actually attend local churches and they don’t go as sponsors on these trips to partner homes, but after I take them there, they fall in love with the kids and become sponsors. Of the group going Sunday to La Aljaba [Spanish for The Quiver] in Colombia, three of the people are already sponsors. The home is run by Colombia National, and they have a Colombian and American board that run that home. We don’t own orphanages, we just partner with them and resource them from the United States. Currently, places we’re supporting financially or with teams entail two homes in Brazil, one in Colombia, one in Ecuador, two in Mexico, one in Jamaica, one in India, one in Korea and one in the Ukraine. Orphanos does more than just child sponsorships—we’re also making grants to children’s homes. We’ve also built things like dormitories and chapels, dug fish ponds and filled them with tilapia, repaired damages from storms, dug wells for water‌all kinds of things. We basically give, go and pray. We give money, go visit and pray for change.
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RSVP: How does Orphanos reach out to the community to sponsor orphans in the organization’s partner homes?
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RSVP: Do you scout out Orphanos’ different partner orphanages? Sneed: I used to, but I don’t anymore. They come to me now. Really, we’re a small organization and not trying to be one of the big boys, so we’re just trying to be faithful with what we believe. Most all requests get turned down, simply because we’re small and don’t have the staff and manpower to meet all requests. You’d be surprised at how much work it takes to give away money ethically, so for some orphanage or children’s home to contact me and say they just want a certain thing, I know internally what it’s going to take for me to facilitate that request. RSVP: What kind of experience do people have when they visit one of Orphanos’ partner homes for the first time?
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Sneed: It’s almost across the board a good experience because I’m very careful with what we do and very detailed and organized from who picks us up at the airport to where we’re staying. Basically, people just provide the expenses for the trip to our organization, and then I facilitate all their details. We’re also very thoughtful about the fact that people change lives, not buildings, meaning we don’t go to do projects, but we do go to build relationships. If you think about some of
by that is we have memberships in organizations that examine us to make sure we’re being ethical in what we say and do and how we manage the finances. The primary one is ECFA, the Evangel®. We’re ical Council for Financial Accountability® audited every year by outside auditors. Another thing that we’re very careful of for credibility is we don’t publish any brochures and pamphlets that aren’t graphically nice, well done and professional. It’s been a challenge to keep that standard accomplished. RSVP: Will you share some details about Orphanos’ upcoming event, Memphis Messiah?
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the most significant things in your life, most people will say it was another person who changed their life. What we aim to do then is change kids’ lives by building relationships. These kids are challenged constantly when they’re living on the streets or without their family and getting negative feedback because they’re stealing to survive, so we’re trying to go in and counter that with positive affirmation and telling them they matter. We have a phrase in our office that goes like this: The perceived quality of a short-term mission is in direct proportion to the relationships established. RSVP: What are some ways Orphanos has evolved? Sneed: Well, we have office space now—1,600 square feet. We have quite a number of people who now understand we put an enormous amount of effort and work into credibility. What I mean
Sneed: First, I have to tell you that when I was researching George Handel, who wrote the “Messiah,” I found out that Mr. Handel never took a penny when he conducted the “Messiah.” And, his favorite event was when he conducted it every year for an orphanage in London. I’ve been a passionate listener of the “Messiah” for a long time and passionate about orphans and children, so after learning Handel’s history, I decided to do the “Messiah” in Memphis. The Memphis Symphony Orchestra was thrilled with the concept and so was the Cannon Center. Then, I went to Memphis City Schools, and they were thrilled with the concept. Everyone basically said though, “You fund it, we’ll do it”…much easier said than done. We hired the symphony, rented the Cannon Center and contracted with Memphis City Schools, and every year the schools are bringing about 5,000 inter-city school kids down to the Cannon Center to listen to the Memphis Symphony Orchestra, a chorus and soloists doing the “Messiah.” On Thursday, December 9, we’ll do the two Memphis City School concerts in the morning. On Friday morning, December 10, we’ll have a concert for the Jubilee Schools, and then that night, we’ll do the public performance with ticket sales through the Memphis Symphony. We are able to fund this through local companies, which sponsor kids to go, and we ask $500 or $1,000 a company. It’s a very expansive project, but we’re not asking for a company to underwrite the whole thing, and they wouldn’t be donating money anyway unless they thought it was a valuable thing for these kids.
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Kathryn Barrow and Caroline Underwood at Baddour Center Fashion Show and Auction
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uests donned their most colorful cocktail attire for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation’s Breath of Life Gala, held at Hilton Memphis and titled “Paint a Cure.” The evening featured “The World’s Fastest Painter,” Rock Demarco, as well as dinner, live and silent auctions and a special presentation to honor this year’s Breath of Life Award winners, Shannon Brown and Meri Armour. The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation is dedicated to curing cystic fibrosis through fund-raising efforts for research, as well as funding and accrediting a nationwide network of specialized CF care and therapeutic development centers, including Le Bonheur. The Muscular Dystrophy Association hosted Stars Behind Bars Red Carpet Affair” part two of its “S at the Orpheum Theatre. Earlier this year, organizers held part one at Bonefish Grill, however the downtown location at the Orpheum remains the larger fund-raiser. The formula for both entails local law enforcement officers picking up employees at their offices and bringing them down to a makeshift jail, so they can call friends and family to make “bail.” Money raised supports the work MDA does to help combat muscular dystrophy. Memphis Symphony Orchestra supporters dressed to the nines for the Memphis Symphony League Gala at One Commerce Square, welcoming MeiAnn Chen, the MSO’s new music director. Mabel McNeill served as event chair, and Priscilla Alexander A New Season-A New co-chaired the gala, themed “A Beginning.” Cafe Society Chef Kent Cullen prepared dishes representing France, Italy, Spain and the U.S. on separate tables with fare from each country. After a mini concert, Chen said she already felt at home in Memphis and that her goal is for the MSO to become one of the best regional orchestras in the country. Fashionistas recently gathered at Hilton Memphis for the 31st annual Baddour Center Fashion Show and Auction. Diverse silent auction goodies lined the hallway outside the ballroom up until the models took center stage. Though runway tables were reserved for top-level sponsors, all could take in the trends presented by Oak Hall, Chessie’s, Gloria’s Mother of the Bride and Special Daze. Heartfelt performances by The Miracles, the Baddour Center’s nationally recognized choir, rounded out the agenda.
Sherry Bramucci and Chris Jenkins at “Stars Behind Bars Red Carpet Affair”
Janice Welch and Tammy Adams at “Stars Behind Bars Red Carpet Affair”
Story by Leah Fitzpatrick, Suzanne Thompson and Lesley Young Photos by Chris Pugh, Suzanne Thompson and Lesley Young Annice and Grant Paule at Breath of Life Gala
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Billie Jean Graham, Mary Jo Mayton and Kitty Cannon at Symphony League Gala
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he Memphis Child Advocacy Center served up five courses of exquisite fare to a record crowd of 670 diners, plus volunteers, at the 21st annual Chefs’ Celebrity Gala. Attendance aside, the Thursday-night affair also drew in big financial support (Net proceeds totaled $263,000 with only an eight percent overhead.) for the CAC’s young beneficiaries, who come to the center victims of sexual and physical abuse. Carol W. Prentiss once again chaired the delectable fund-raiser, held at the U of M Holiday Inn, with the help of a 25-personstrong gala committee. New this year was the incorporation of an acoustic guitarist (John Gloria) and violin player (Roy Brewer), who serenaded partygoers as the evening began. Guests next came across a silent auction filled with items like college memorabilia, toys, scarves, jewelry, gloves and even handmade coats by local designer Yendry Alvord, a gala committee member for the first time. Meanwhile, more than 100 celebrity servers, who hold day jobs at area corporations and philanthropic organizations, got a crash course on the dishes they’d be serving. Jenny Koltnow, executive director of the Memphis Grizzlies Charitable Foundation, said, “I enjoy helping out the CAC so much and am proud to say this is my fourth year as a server.” Just as guests’ appetites peaked, the ballroom doors opened to reveal a space filled with bright orange, blue and green tablescapes, classic sounds by the Jim Johnson Orchestra and an onslaught of dining options. Beginning with butler-style hors d’oeuvres of smoked Berkshire pulled pork crostinis with Carolina slaw and Tennessee wild mushroom and goat cheese tarts, servers had their hands full with food and “tips,” as they competed against one another to raise extra dough for the CAC. The menu went on to include the following: golden nugget cups with sweet potato leek soup (first course); butter lettuce wedges with Bonnie Bell bleu cheese, fried green tomato croutons, smoked bacon and balsamic drizzle (second course); Champagne-kiwi sorbet in miniature ice carving octagons (third courseintermezzo); chargrilled black angus beef filets and crabmeat stuffed shrimp, haricot verts and white cheddar cheese grits (fourth course); and chocolate flourless Neapolitan bombes with strawberry Chambord sauce (fifth course). As much as guests ate, they remembered to save room, or pocket change, for the event’s signature “Teddy Bear Surprises.” These unique offerings are for sale at different price increments and come with gift certificates for various donated goods and services. Guessing what item the gift certificate will disclose, whether it be a diamond necklace or travel excursion, is only half the fun though. The other half comes from knowing you’ve become a part of the CAC team. See all the party photos at rsvpmagazine.com Password: RSVP
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taffers at the Dixon Gallery and Gardens saw autumn as an opportune time to introduce art supporters to its newest charity event, Art on Fire. Thanks to the Dixon’s expansive South Lawn, there was more than ample space for the party that literally fired up the night with a beautiful bonfire and live music aplenty. To think, someone hadn’t thought of this concept sooner! Hundreds of Memphians responded to the invite by bundling up in their warm winter coats and scarves and heading to East Memphis’ brightest hot spot. A few local firemen even got in on the action by stoking the fire and keeping onlookers at a safe distance from the heat. Penn Owen, a Dixon board member, helped party organizers find the enormous fire pit, a spectacle in itself, through a farmer in the Delta. On the outskirts of the lawn, guests could sample tastings courtesy of Andrew Michael Italian Kitchen, Humdingers, Owen Brennan’s, Rendezvous, Sole, Sweet Grass and JG’s Trattoria. Libations from Buster’s, Rex-Goliath Wines and Ghost River Brewing, which featured Magic Beer, also warmed up the crowd. After they’d savored and sipped, celebrants gathered at the far end of the lawn for a concert showcasing some of the city’s finest and most diverse musicians. Papa Top’s West Coast Turnaround started the set with its old country covers, then the folksy Valerie June took the stage. The Bo-Keys shook things up next with a mix of soul and jazz classics. Visible School students Bobby Ross, Karina Mia and Darien Clea rounded out the bill, playing between the featured bands’ sets and at the very end. Equally entertaining was Liz Dimaggio, a fire dancer with MidSouth World Dance Center, who wowed her audience through manipulation of objects on fire. Though a majority of Art on Fire took place outdoors, two tents provided an indoor feature to the affair. One of the tents housed a VIP area, complete with a full bar, and the other offered a silent auction. Both came with gas heaters! In the silent auction tent, items ranged from artwork by Lisa Mac to a gardening consultation from resident horticulture director Dale Skaggs. Proceeds from the auction and the event tickets benefit programs like Art To Grow, which entail free art classes to Mid-South elementary schools within a 60-mile radius of the Dixon. Emily Halpern, the Dixon’s associate director of communications said, “Due to the great success, this will be an annual fundraiser celebrating the beautiful Dixon grounds and wonderful fall season.” Story by Leah Fitzpatrick Photos by Nathan Berry See all the party photos at rsvpmagazine.com Password: RSVP
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No matter No matter how how d dressed ressed u up p you you want want to to look, look, theree is absolutely no reason throw ther reason to thr ow money aaway way w hen yyou ou throw throw a p arty. FFrom rom tthe he when party. features featur es to the service to the flexibility to tthe he location… location… to to the the vvalue… alue eevery very one one squaree feet is beautiful. of our 8,000 squar There’s Great. Ther e’s a word word for this. Gr
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GREAT TIMES IN GERM ANTOWN
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EVENT
Bone Bash A Spook tastic Affair
BONE BASH
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Chad and Amy Arterburn
Dianne and Ed Steiger
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t was an October night, and a full moon was shining bright. As guests passed through the mansion gates, they saw strange creatures on the grounds and an entrance engulfed in an eerie fog. This was the setting for Bone Bash, the Arthritis Foundation’s most popular fund-raiser, held at the Pink Palace not far from the skulls and bones of the natural history exhibits. Inside, flickering jack-o-lanterns illuminated a path up the stairs to where The Plaintiffs, arrayed in the tackiest of disco duds, performed tunes like “Monster Mash” and “Jungle Love.” The band’s rendition of “Get Down Tonight” got a host of souls out on the dance floor, including a gladiator, a clown, a couple of bikers, a zombie bride and groom, characters from The Matrix and an energetic pair of good-looking pirates. At the buffet, catered by Maximillian’s, partygoers dug into a gingerbread coffin with Oreo grave dirt, meringue bones and dark chocolate truffle eyeballs, while “severed-finger” hors d’oeuvres played with the notion of finger food. Guests could do a little trickor-treating at the candy table or buy a chocolate bar that doubled as a raffle ticket. A lucky few would find “golden tickets” that garnered big prizes like a Delta Airlines ticket or 10 feet of pearls. Indeed, most everyone wore a costume, with references to pop culture in the majority. Amy Arterburn, Meghan Beasy and Angela Inman all came as the peppy woman from the Progressive insurance commercials. Mike and Vicki Jones were Fred and Wilma Flintstone...with Mike wearing shoes shaped like giant bare feet. When told his feet-shoes were a little startling, Fred replied, “They’re freaking YOU out? What about me?!” Jane and David Weinstein, Shasta Neville and Alicia and Richard Dunlap were the cast of “Three’s Company.” Complimented on the muumuu, bangles and sunglasses she wore as Mrs. Roper, Neville admitted, “And I didn’t have to buy a thing for this costume!” Later, the cast of “Three’s Company” won Best Group at the costume contest, emceed by Drex of the bash’s media sponsor Q107.5. Best Couple went to the Wicked Witch of the West and the Yellow Brick Road (Elisa Trotter and Rocky Wisley). Paul West won Best Male as a blind referee, while Ramona Keenan, dressed as an Oompa Loompa, triumphed as Best Female. Crowd favorites were Major Nelson and Jeannie from “I Dream of Jeannie” (Glenn and Gina Wells). Bone Bash sponsors were TechsPerts, Wright Medical, Smith and Nephew, Stryker Orthopaedics, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Tennessee, Campbell Clinic and presenting sponsors Dr. Cathy Chapman and Dr. George Woodbury. All attending helped the Tennessee chapter of the Arthritis Foundation continue its work to better the lives of the nearly 1.2 million adult Tennesseans with arthritis. See all the party photos at rsvpmagazine.com Password: RSVP
Mike and Vicki Jones
Story by Kelly Cox Photos by Baxter Buck Jason Hunt and Melissa Parks
Drex and April Rener
Glenn and Gina Wells
Elisa Trotter and Rocky Wisley
Alicia Dunlap, David and Jane Weinstein, Shasta Neville and Richard Dunlap
Brenda and Ray Kolls
EVENT BONE BASH Frances Hunter and Dr. Frank Adams
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Dash on over for all your holiday wants! Chickasaw Oaks Village 901.452.5575
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Jessica Winterburn, Jeff Brown and Marcy Paulsen
Tiffany Gray, Johnsie Wallace and Aleasheia Stanford RSVP
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Shenda and James Shead
Caitlin Cross and Robb Smedema
Rick and Stacey Berry with Missy and Paul West
EVENT
Zoomelier ´
´ ZOOMELIER
Enrich Animals, Experience Wine
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Tim and Cathy Dalfiume
Sarah Worden and Chris Blancett
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fter the sweltering days of the Memphis summer lingered well into October, about 500 casually clad oenophilists were more than happy to finally greet a starlit, crisp autumn evening as they made their way through the Northwest Passage and Teton Trek. The occa´ (pronounced zoo-muh-ly-ay) fundsion was the inaugural Zoomelier raiser at the Memphis Zoo. Encouraged by the past sellout crowds at Zoo Brew and the Wild World of Wine and Beer, event organizers conceived a truly one-of-a-kind wine tasting experience in Memphis. Thirty-two tables set up throughout the winding trails featured 240 different fine wines from vintners in California, Oregon and Washington State, as well as large variety of imports. From chardonnays and pinot noirs to rieslings and gewürztraminers, there was definitely a wine for everyone. Representatives from presenting sponsor Southwestern Distributing Company, winemakers and local wine merchants like Arthur’s, Cheers Wines and Spirits, Joe’s, Kimbrough, Winery of Germantown, Buster’s and the Wine Market were ready and willing to lend their expertise as guests sampled from complimentary glasses etched with the zoo’s logo. A new and decidedly different twist to this tasting was that guests were able to select and place orders for wines at discount prices that were available for pick-up at the retailers two days later. Event Rentals by Hicks generously supplied equipment, and the popular Kathryn Stallins Band entertained attendees from a stage set up in the picnic area. The rustic Teton Trek Lodge provided a warm and cozy place to duck in from the chill as the large indoor and outdoor fireplaces were ablaze. Lancer Catering offered a delectable array of meats, cheeses, cocktail shrimp and other light fare to cleanse the palate. Both connoisseurs and novices found plenty of camaraderie as they discussed their old and new favorite vintages and shared opinions and knowledge. With a great turnout and enthusiastic reviews, Zoomelier ´ is a sure bet to become another premier fund-raiser for our city’s world-class zoo. See all the party photos at rsvpmagazine.com Password: RSVP
Todd and Karen Perrin
Story by Ruth Cassin Photos by Don Perry
John and Erin Goodman
Sam and Lauren Notowich
Heidi and Jack Yates
Stephen Jeans and Mallery Duncan
Carly Pratt, Curt Peterson and Chelsey Holmes
Rick and Leslie Zurburg
EVENT ´ ZOOMELIER Natasha Wardlow and Michael Buckingham
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Jessica and Justin Hall with Kelli and Brian Lewis
Katie and Hampton Parr
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Onsite
Cirque du CMOM Kickoff Party Wild Night Out Connections: Food James Award Celebration Memphis Latino Leadership Awards
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Dan and Chloee Poag at Cirque du CMOM Kickoff Party
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54 Jay Keras, Cullen Kent and JJ Keras at Cirque du CMOM Kickoff Party
Jessica Fredrick and Stephanie Hom at Connections: Food
Susan Jabbour and Kai Lee at Planned Parenthood James Award Celebration
irque du CMOM’s committee held a Kickoff Party at the home of Chloee and Dan Poag. Party hosts Alison Barton and Erika Anderson, also the event chairs, Viva! announced the 2011 Cirque du CMOM theme—“V Las Vegas!”—to about 100 guests. Another new highlight will be the incorporation of an online auction. Mark your calendar for February 5 to attend the annual fund-raiser for The Children’s Museum of Memphis. Big bad wolves, who looked more cute and cuddly than fearsome, took center stage at the Memphis Zoo’s Wild Night Out. Canine fans gathered in the Teton Trek Lodge to sample light refreshments and libations while strolling through a silent auction of art by zoo staff, volunteers and even some animal artists. Then, the noted wolf researcher Suzanne Ashe Stone of Defenders of Wildlife shepherded guests to their seats for a lecture on the designated dogs. If ballet doesn’t tempt your taste buds, you haven’t been to Ballet Memphis’ Connections: Food, held at Bridges. Four of Memphis’ premiere chefs team up with four choreographers to present a stunning fourcourse meal with themed dances like choreographer Steven McMahon’s “M Meridian,” set to bagpipe music and paired with a beet salad with Scotch-cured duck. Bridges’ austere décor was enhanced by lounge furniture from Scan Interiors and photography of Ballet Memphis performances. The dances revolved around Telling Our Stories,” both through dance the theme of “T and food. Planned Parenthood Greater Memphis Region honored Dr. Rose Johnston with its sixth annual James Award for her support of PPGMR and its mission to promote reproductive health and rights. Dr. Johnston, a private practice psychotherapist, served on the PPGMR board of directors from 1982-1985. The event, held at Just for Lunch, raised more than $20,500 for Planned Parenthood’s health center and educational activities. Some 300 people gathered at Hilton Memphis to celebrate outstanding achievements of Hispanics in the community at the first Memphis Latino Leadership Awards. Honorees were chosen from six categories: Community Executive, Civic Leader, Young Luminary, Small and Corporate Business Partners and Public Service Partner. U.S. Treasurer Anna Cabral also delivered a moving speech about her rise from poverty to a cabinet position due to encouragement from a high school teacher. Story and photos Submitted and by Jonathan Devin
Barry Chase, Dr. Rose Johnson, Betsy Mandel-Carley and Nora Boone at Planned Parenthood James Award Celebration
Anna Cabral and Lisa Maples at Memphis Latino Leadership Awards
Mauricio Calvo, Roberto and Zulema Baisi and Lucia Heros at Memphis Latino Leadership Awards
Dr. Carrie Vance, Andy Kouba and Suzanne Stone at Wild Night Out
Janice, Tammy and Tabitha Hill at Wild Night Out
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RSV PHILLIPPI
By Dennis Phillippi
WE WANT MODERATION…WE WANT MODERATION…
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ack in late October, my wife and I were watching Jon Stewart, and he was going on and on about this big rally he and Stephen Colbert were going to put on in Washington the next weekend when my wife said she thought I should go. It seemed like a fun idea, but not something I would actually do. Taking a long road trip by myself is the kind of thing I might talk about doing, like going camping or watching PBS, but never really do. She persisted however, and suddenly it was two days before the rally and I was loading up my wife’s car and hitting the road. I took her car because I am bad about maintaining vehicles. Once every few thousand miles I get the oil changed, and other than that, unless a wheel falls off, or it starts making a disturbing sound, I generally ignore my car. She takes good care of her car, so I took it and left her with my questionable transport. Which would be worse, her having a car break down on Poplar, or me having one break down outside of Wytheville, Virginia? She bought that argument, so you should, too. It had been a good decade since I took a long driving trip. In those 10 or 12 years, there have been innumerable injuries, back issues and a middle-aged prostate has made the scene, so I was skeptical about this whole enterprise. Still, I’m a grown man, so I was armed with audio books from the library and a cooler full of water and snacks. And beer, but that was for my destination. The drive from Memphis, all the way across the state, and then all the way across Virginia in the fall is as beautiful as a good credit score: long, rolling hills covered with late autumn muted colors. Mind you, first I had to get out of Memphis during morning rush hour. This is another challenge I hadn’t faced in, well, ever. I’ve been in show business my whole life. Mornings and me, we don’t have much of a relationship. Everyone seemed angry at the world and at one another, which I imagine is how anyone who made this drive every day only to end up at work starting their day would feel. Eventually the traffic settled down, and by the time I passed Jackson, that weird fugue state where you almost forget you’re driving at all had set in. In time, you just feel like you’re sitting still and the world is falling
behind. Nashville by lunchtime, Bristol as the sun set and finally a hotel somewhere outside of Roanoke, Virginia, where I popped a few cold ones and watched a baseball game in my room. Something like eight-and-a-half hours behind the wheel, and it wasn’t bad at all. There was a strange sort of sense of accomplishment, even though all I had done is something morbidly obese truckers do every single day.
I may have felt like a tool when I dragged my cooler on wheels through the massive lobby to check in, but I felt a lot better about it when I discovered that beers in the lobby bar were seven bucks. The next morning, I drove the three hours and change into the nation’s capitol, the last half hour of which was the white-knuckled panic of unfamiliar urban terrain and impatient D.C. natives. Assuming there is such a thing. My hotel, the only one I could find at an even close to reasonable price, was at a monster resort on the National Harbor. Everything was overpriced and snobby. I may have felt like a tool when I dragged my cooler on wheels through the massive lobby to check in, but I felt a lot better about it when I discovered that beers in the lobby bar were seven bucks. I was drinking Natty Light I brought from home, which runs less than seven bucks a 12-pack. It was Friday, the rally scheduled for the next day, so I caught the hotel shuttle into D.C. proper and Griswolded the sights. They were setting up the stage
for the rally near the steps of the Capitol, so I started there and hiked the length of the Mall, past the Washington Monument, phallic, through the World War II Memorial, along the reflecting pool, and up the steps of the Lincoln Memorial. This was probably the equivalent of hoofing it from the river to, oh, let’s say the Highland Strip. Then, I strolled over to the White House to see if Barry and the girls were maybe tossing a Frisbee around the front yard. It was a beautiful day and hardly crowded at all. I figured the rally would be a relatively calm affair, so I wasn’t in a big hurry the next morning. In fact, a lady on the shuttle told me that they had downgraded expectations and thought only about 60,000 people would show up. Turns out it was more like a quarter of a million. For a time, I was in the middle of it, being jostled in directions not of my choosing until I bolted for the fringe and caught my breath. The point of this whole hootenanny was to cheerfully say to everyone, “Please stop yelling about your politics.” That’s it in a nutshell. I don’t generally talk about my politics, and I would just as soon you didn’t either. You don’t care what I think about the president, and I don’t care what you think about health care reform. Just settle down, and keep it to yourself. Instead of screeching about war and gas prices, a quarter of a million people gathered to make one another laugh. Signs said everything from “Puppies, I love ‘em” to “This is the front of my sign” to “You can’t spell fear without kittens.” People laughed and walked and laughed and watched Kid Rock and laughed and wondered what Cat Stevens was doing there. This was what I wanted to be a part of. I ultimately drove 1,800 miles to add my statistical presence to a rally aimed at asking people to please be polite. Totally worth it. After all, I wasn’t putting miles on my car.
Dennis Phillippi, we’re glad polite politics got you to Capitol Hill, but don’t let another decade go by before you embark on another long road trip. You might not have a cooler big enough next time for your beer-on-the-go if hotel lobby beverage prices inflate.
AFTER HOURS
After Hours A photo collage of the latest business happenings Holiday Open House at Dermatology Realm
Holiday Open House at Chickasaw Oaks Village
Amy Howard and Dr. Kris Leventhal at East Memphis Aesthetics Skin and Laser Boutique
Jennifer Black, Dr. Adam Baker and Teresa Wilkes at Dermatology Realm
Christy Muller, Courtney Smith, Janie Lowery and Cindy Dobbs at Chickasaw Oaks Village
Emily McEvoy, Pamela Hauber, Erica Farmer and Mollie Smith at East Memphis Aesthetics Skin and Laser Boutique
Denise LaForce, Debbie Baker and Brenda Lorenz at Dermatology Realm
Sherry Jones, Sami Lott and Cindy Gambrell at Chickasaw Oaks Village
Holiday Open House at Amy Howard
“You Look Marvelous Event” at The Salon and Boutique of Germantown
KK Weinberg, Susan Graf and Denise Henning at James Davis
Kristy Barton with Pat and Marilyn Fleming at Amy Howard
Jeanne Fioranelli Fortney, Jane Speed and Luanne Bailey at The Salon and Boutique of Germantown
Tammy Earwood, Yossi Harari and Marge Snipes at James Davis
Linda White, Jenny White, Sarah Vickers and Amy Hyneman at Amy Howard
Becky Byrd, Porter Curtis and Paula Sandidge at The Salon and Boutique of Germantown
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Timeless Beauty Event Benefiting the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women Campaign at East Memphis Aesthetics Skin and Laser Boutique
Holiday Open House at James Davis
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RSVPAST
Music Connection
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1940s
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T
he men and women in this photograph, dating back to the early 1940s, sang together as a group called the North Memphis Chorus. Although of different faiths, they met for rehearsals at the Saint James African American Episcopal Church, 600 North Fourth St., which is where this picture was taken. PHOTO COURTESY OF GLADYS COLE JENNINGS, WHOSE MOTHER, MATTIE COLE, IS IN THE THIRD ROW, THE FIRST PERSON FROM THE RIGHT. If you have a past photo you would like to share with RSVP readers, please contact Leah Fitzpatrick at 276-7787 ext. 105 or e-mail the photo and caption to editor@rsvpmagazine.com All photos will be returned promptly.