RSVP Magazine May 2012 by RSVP Magazine

May 2012

Zodiac Ball Promise Ball Celebrities on Canvas BRIDGESâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Screen on the Green MED Night, A Soul Celebration Q&A with Angela Woods

FEATURING

WOMEN WITH DRIVE

CONTENTS

Contents May 201 2

From the Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 Signature Memphis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 Wei Chen invites RSVP to Wilson Air Center to see his aviator side. Promise Ball . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 Hilton Memphis took on an Asian theme for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation’s “Voyage to a Cure” benefit.

10 SIGNATURE MEMPHIS Wei Chen

StreetSeens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20, 22 & 24 She’s opening the football field to female athletes. This deejay is exercising his creativity off-air by taking up painting. Campus School’s principal tells why her school’s students will have a competitive advantage as adults. StreetSeens highlight Paula Anderson-Estep, Ron Olson and Dr. Susan L. Copeland.

54 ZODIAC BALL Janet Scola and Jill Clarice

Celebrities on Canvas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26 Local celebrities found their inner artist to help raise funds for the Memphis Brooks Museum of Art.

M AY 2 012

Women With Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33 A who’s who of the city’s top female professionals. Vox Popular . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46 Q&A with the CEO of Girl Scouts Heart of the South, Angela Woods.

RSVP

Onsites . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50, 67, 68 & 69 Gatherings that have earned an honorable mention.

12 PROMISE BALL Jennifer and Ryan Kim

RSVP Room View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .52 Gwen Driscoll’s sunroom stuns with its blend of rural and urban touches.

58 BRIDGES’ SCREEN ON THE GREEN Marie-Stéphane Bernard and Howard Lamb

Zodiac Ball . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .54 The American Cancer Society hosted a sold-out black-tie benefit at Ridgeway Country Club.

BRIDGES’ Screen on the Green . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .58 BRIDGES looked like a scene straight out of The Great Gatsby for its inaugural fund-raiser.

MED Night, A Soul Celebration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .62 Advocates for the Regional Medical Center at Memphis cut loose for an evening of soul music at The Peabody.

RSVPhillippi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .73 Gordon Gekko Would Be Proud Humor columnist Dennis Phillippi toys with the idea of the outcome of winning the lottery.

CELEBRITIES ON CANVAS Vicki and Ron Olson

62 MED NIGHT, A SOUL CELEBRATION David and Rachel Harvey

Cover Photo Kush and Pooja Shah at BRIDGES’ Screen on the Green Photo by Don Perry

Feeling

Young Again! “Since I began Amor VieTM Therapy, my hot flashes and night sweats are gone and my relationship with my husband is back...it feels like we’re falling in love all over again!” Janet, HRC patient

Hormone imbalance can affect many areas of your life... Reclaim your youthful energy and attitude. TAKE A TEST TO ASSESS YOUR NEED FOR AMOR VIETM HORMONE REPLACEMENT THERAPY

Visit www.AmorVieTest.com

Call C allll T Today oday T To o SSchedule chedule Your Your Free Free Consultation Consultation

901.457.1237 Natural Hormone Replacement Therapy

Volume XVII

Number VIII

May 2012 PUBLISHER

Roy Haithcock EDITOR

Leah Fitzpatrick CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Kelly Cox Jonathan Devin Dennis Phillippi Suzanne Thompson ART DIRECTOR

Patrick Aker s PHOTOGRAPHERS

Nathan Berry Baxter Buck Roy Haithcock Don Perry Steve Roberts SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

M AY 2 012

Libby Huff

RSVP

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES

Chris Pugh Phil Wall ace ACCOUNTING

Ruth Cassin EDITORIAL INTERN

Maggie Giffin 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

www.rsvpmagazine.com For editorial information or to request coverage of an event, please contact RSVP Magazine one month prior to the event. Call 901-276-7787, ext. 105 or fax to 901-276-7785. e-mail editor@rsvpmagazine.com Follow us on & RSVP Memphis Magazine

R SV P S TA F F

LIBBY HUFF, SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE 901.276.7787, EXT. 104 libby@rsvpmagazine.com Having worked in advertising and publishing since 2000, Libby decided to try her hand in magazine ad sales by joining the RSVP team in 2007. Right off the bat, this free-spirited Mississippi girl fit in perfectly with her new surroundings, quickly rising to become head of the advertising department as senior account executive.

CHRIS PUGH, ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE 901.276.7787, EXT. 103 chris@rsvpmagazine.com

M AY 2 012

Chris has been exercising his talent in the advertising world since 1999. He joined the RSVP team in 2009 and brought with him a love for laughter and creativity. Originally from New Albany, Mississippi, Chris has settled in Memphis and enjoys being active in the fashion community.

RSVP

PHIL WALLACE, ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE 901.276.7787, EXT. 102 phil@rsvpmagazine.com Phil, who was born in Flint, Michigan, is the newest addition to the RSVP advertising team. An actor at heart, he has appeared in many plays in local theaters in Memphis. Currently, Phil performs as historical characters in schools around the country.

FEELS SO GOULDâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S!

Say â&#x20AC;&#x153;thank youâ&#x20AC;? this Motherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day with a Gouldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Gift Card. www.gouldssalons.com

MAGGIE GIFFIN, EDITORIAL INTERN 901.276.7787, EXT. 108 maggie@rsvpmagazine.com Maggie is a recent graduate of the University of Mississippi with a degree in marketing communications with an emphasis in magazine publishing. Originally from Jackson, Mississippi, Maggie moved to Memphis to attend culinary school in hopes of pursuing a career in both food styling/ writing and magazine publishing. Maggie enjoys reading magazines, cooking and her new position as editorial intern at RSVP.

$M BT T J D 'S F OD I * OĂŽVF OD F #J T U S P -ONDAY 4HUR S DAY PM T I L L PM &R I DAY 3AT UR DAY PM T I L L PM 3UNDAY PM T I L L PM 3UNDAY "R UNC H AM T I L L PM

WWW C A F E C O M

From the Editor

M AY 2 012

ou know how easy it is to get distracted sometimes? Well, I’m usually pretty good about staying focused (eyes on the prize, right?) on the task at hand, but there’s always the exception…like when life happens. The older I get, the more those distractions seem to pop up when least expected. Luckily, I have come to realize that unexpected occurrences can be things of beauty because they force you to think outside the box, exercise patience and ultimately sit down and reflect on what really matters. At the end of the day, hopefully you smile knowingly, coming to the understanding that everything happens for a reason. Tying into this month’s issue, I want to point out that each and every individual who appears in our features or in the nonprofit party spreads has a backstory, which often includes dealing with a minor, or major, distraction that made someone the person he or she is today. While these stories don’t often reveal themselves upon first meetings, they often come to light if you show interest in someone’s volunteer work, family, pets, travels or career path. Considering that I attend a lot of charitable affairs, more times than not I’ll find out about a difficult illness or extreme misfortune someone’s overcome through a motivational video shown during a fundraiser or in a nonprofit’s informational handout. And while the struggles may be different, there usually seems to be some common ground in how we all carry on when unanticipated circumstances arise. When getting to know some of the fabulous women featured in our second annual Women With Drive feature, beginning on page 33, I realized more and more that everyone you cross paths with has a “behind-the-scenes” tale that usually involves dealing with a bump or two along the way. A few of those in this section even admitted they never dreamed they would be working in their current professions because of everything that has happened in their lives, but in the end, they were stronger because of the trying situations and, more importantly, happy in their jobs. In closing, I would like to urge you grateful readers to remember all the times you gave your mothers unnecessary distractions, and give them a necessary distraction instead this Mother’s Day, May 13. If you need ideas, please keep our advertisers in mind when shopping for that perfect gift or experience. Till next month, happy reading.

RSVP

twitter twitter.com/S .com/SaddleCreekShop twitter.com/SaddleCreekShop

Leah Fitzpatrick editor@rsvpmagazine.com

Mom Deserves The Best! Love Quotes Linen Scarves $78 Etro Paisley Makeup Bags $235 Vintage Chanel Handbag $2950 Max Mara Weekend Black and White 3 Piece Bangle Set $125 Brave Green Drop Necklace $275

901.767.4640 | jamesdavisstore.com L A U R E L W O O D S H O P P I N G C E N T E R 4 0 0 G R O V E PA R K R O A D M E M P H I S , T N 3 8 1 1 7

Founder and CEO of Sunshine Enterprise, Inc./Aviator

Favorite author: Jim Collins. Guilty pleasure: Aerobatic Flying. Personal hero: Charles Lindbergh. Ideal vacation spot: Destin, Florida. Childhood ambition: To be a stunt pilot. First job: Intern at a local insurance company. Favorite Memphis musician: Preston Shannon. One thing you can’t live without: Passion. Movie you could watch over and over again: Top Gun. Favorite album: “Flying Higher” by Chinese singer Zhang Feng. Where you take out-of-town guests: On a sightseeing tour above Memphis. Last book you’ve read: Execution: The Discipline of Getting Things Done by Larry Bossidy and Ram Charan. Stress outlet: Deep breathing and getting good rest. Tomorrow is another day! Biggest obstacle you’ve overcome: I started a business in August 1998. I was fresh out of school without any money, any investor and a well-thought business plan. How Most People Know You: As the first Chinese citizen who flew around the world in a single engine airplane. Your Mantra: “Never, never, never, never give up!”—Winston Churchill.

Photo by Steve Roberts

SIGNATURE MEMPHIS M AY 2 012 RSVP

Wei Chen

EVENT

Promise Ball

PROMISE BALL

“Voyage to a Cure”

M AY 2 012

Scott and Jordan Overstreet

Summer and Cecil Godman

RSVP

uests at the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation’s 12th annual Promise Ball, held at Hilton Memphis, were transported to the Orient for this year’s theme, “Voyage to a Cure.” Children dressed in Eastern attire twirled parasols and directed attendees to the silent auction room where hundreds of items awaited, so many, in fact, the offerings were broken into categories like “Sports and Fitness,” “Just for Him,” “Just for Her,” “All about Me” and numerous others. As they browsed the roomful of silent auction items, guests enjoyed drinks from the signature martini bar and noshed on cream cheese and walnut tartlets, as well as beef teriyaki kabobs offered by children clad in make-shift kimonos. Appropriately, the loud sound of a large gong signaled the end of the silent auction, and then the ballroom opened to reveal an Asian paradise, complete with several tables boasting five-foot bamboo stalks draped with strands of orchids, giving the appearance of floating flowers cascading toward the large glass hurricane vases. The stage was decorated with a huge blue fan, adding to the décor. After opening remarks by Cecil Godman, who acted as master of ceremonies, two Living and Giving Awards were presented–one to Milton Allen, the other to Dr. Jerome Thompson. “I don’t think anyone should have to worry about taking shots or sticking their fingers,” said Allen, whose daughter was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at age 10. Then, special entertainment was provided by opera singer Kallen Esperian, who tearfully shared that her son had been diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes two years ago. Accompanied by pianist Amanda Johnson, Esperian performed a beautiful rendition of “Summertime.” The program also included a live auction, offering unique items such as a trip to be a personal guest of Disney star Olivia Holt, a cast member of “Kickin’ It,” and a VIP tour of the sets of four other Disney shows, as well as a spot in a national teen magazine. Bidding was spirited and followed by a “reverse auction” called Fund a Cure, which raised $360,000. The Distraxshuns provided live entertainment following the program, and dancers took the floor for the remainder of the evening. See all the party photos at rsvpmagazine.com Password: RSVP

Barbara and Gene McClatchey

Story by Suzanne Thompson Photos by Don Perry

John and Rebecca Molpus

John and Angie Vranas

Daryl and Crystal Quarles

Milton and Norma Allen

Sarah, Jerome, Evan, Mary and Becky Thompson

Hal Jaffe and Deborah Foyle

EVENT PROMISE BALL

Kaci and Landon Willard

Kevin and Angela Reynolds

M AY 2 012

Dane Smith and Alam Sharifi

Greg and Elaine Otto

Sara and David Coates

RSVP

Michael and Mary Hatcher

Kemp and Anne Conrad

Wesley Wade and Katrina Moore

Sonja and David McGittigan

Drs. Julie Kate and Chad Webster

Juni Ganguli and Dr. Malini Gupta-Ganguli

EVENT PROMISE BALL M AY 2 012

Joyce and Gordon Fykes

RSVP

Wendy and Michael Smith

Molly, Brad and Norma Allen

Dennis and Sarah Norton

Shannon and Lloyd Finks

Andy and Hope Mouhot

Mike McLaren and Judge Diane Vescovo

EVENT PROMISE BALL Emily and Jeff McEvoy

Steve West and Pamela Hauber

Dr. Shazia Hussain with Dr. Kashi and Zoya Latif

Donna and Mike McManus

Luke Uithoven and Lindsey Hatcher

M AY 2 012

Ashley and Mike Hinton

17 RSVP

Michael and Jana Branham

EVENT PROMISE BALL M AY 2 012

Genia and Travis Nipp

RSVP

Jenny McCormick and Angela Goetz

John and Susan Jerit with Lauren and Sam Notowich

Eloise Graziosi and Ruth Kerr

Jerry and Barbara Billions

Jeff and Stacey LaRusso

Trudy and Charlie Johnson

EVENT PROMISE BALL Bill and Mona Sappenfield with Sherri and Randy Gallick

Odell and Ella Horton

Nancy and George Klepper

Nell and Ed Wall

John and Becky Rooner

M AY 2 012

Jill and Steve Wilensky

19 RSVP

Erin Wright and Nancy Cheairs

STREETSEEN

Paula Anderson-Estep Woman on the Field

M AY 2 012

RSVP

aula Anderson-Estep helped opened a new, competitive playing field for women when she started the Memphis Belles, a female tackle football team, five seasons ago, however the Belles’ owner and executive manager wishes the same opportunities for women football players had been available when she was growing up in Ohio. Going back to her teen years, she recalls being escorted off her high school’s football field when she went to inquire about trying out for the team, so she resorted instead to cheerleading and playing tennis. When Anderson-Estep did finally get to wear a real football jersey with the Belles, for which she sometimes suits up and plays for if there are not enough players, she made sure the number on her jersey meant something. “Dwayne Woodruff, who I was good friends with in high school, went on to play for the Pittsburgh Steelers as Number 49, so I wanted to have that same number,” she tells. Anderson-Estep went into the Belles’ inaugural season solely focused on creating a team to play in the Independent Women’s Football League, consisting of 30-plus teams across the U.S., Canada and Mexico. She found out quickly that there are challenges to recruitment though, as many women who come out to play are full-time students, have jobs or are mothers. And since recruits aren’t required to have any playing experience, they have only one pre-season to cram in eight year’s worth of training, unlike many pro and semi-pro male players who have high school and college team experience under their belts. Anderson-Estep’s son, Zak Klingemier, the Belles’ director of operations, also says that the first Belles team experienced a lot of knee problems, an issue that has been alleviated since adding many knee-specific exercises into training. “What often separates recruits is when they start hitting, and then putting on all the gear [including NFL helmets], which is extremely heavy and hot in the summer,” Anderson-Estep notes. “If you’re a female athlete though, what a great opportunity this is to compete against other women!” Admittedly a little ahead of her time when she started the Belles, Anderson-Estep feels like people are coming around to female tackle football, with up to 300 fans attending games at either Halle Stadium or Fairgrounds Stadium, and the team itself, which averages 20-25 players a season, is exuding a love and passion for the sport she never expected. Anderson-Estep points out that one player even had 1,000 yards rushing in eight games last year and has been approached by a college to coach a men’s football team. Two Belles players were also recruited to be on USA Football’s first female team to play in the inaugural International Federation of American Football Women’s World Championship in Sweden in 2010, though the chosen Belles couldn’t go. Proud of all her players, Anderson-Estep wants nothing more than to focus on the current season. May 12 will mark the team’s first home game (see memphisbellesfootball.com for more details), so be sure to catch what all the buzz is about on the field. Story by Leah Fitzpatrick Photo by Steve Roberts

SOL 4732 Eiffel LLane ane

453 Tennessee Tennessee Street

137 Harbor PPoint oint LLane ane

585 S. Greer Street

119 Harbor Commons Dr. Dr.

$849,000

$689,000

$469,000

$399,000

$425,000

415 Twelve Twelve Oaks Cir Circle cle

391 Chickasaw Bluff St.

$289,000

$429,000

Nesbit, MS

The Bluffs

SOL

Harbor Town Town

2246 Court Avenue Avenue

954 Harbor View Dr. Dr.

$469,000

$325,000

$305,000

Midtown

Harbor Town Town

SOL

2221 Washington Washington Ave. Ave. Midtown

Countryy Club Tower Countr Tower

Harbor Town Town

East Memphis

The Bluffs

FFeature eature Your Your Home Here!

1234 Main Street $150,000

SOL

Circle cle W. W. 7741 Hunters Run Drive 2515 Cedar Cedarwood wood Drive 859 Harbor Isle Cir

50 Gayoso Avenue Avenue

$549,000

$149,000

Germantown

$249,000

Harbor Town Town

Office: 901.754.0800

Germantown

$227,000

Downtown

SOL

948 Island Drive Harbor Town Town

$379,000

STREETSEEN

Ron Olson The Artistic DJ

M AY 2 012

RSVP

long-time staple of FM 100’s morning show, Ron Olson not surprisingly tries to fit in a daily afternoon nap, but the beloved deejay has also spent the last year squeezing in an unforeseen post-work activity: painting. Glance around the upstairs of Olson’s home and you begin to realize that his vinyl collection, TV and couch have faded into the background of a space that appears to look more like an art studio, brimming with paint brushes, canvases, easels and well-used palettes. But just how serious could this fun-loving music buff be about art? “I love playing golf, but now I think that I could be using that time to paint two pieces,” he admits. “I even wake up as early as 6 a.m. on Saturdays to paint, and I start tinkering with stuff and preparing gesso [used as a canvas primer] the night before.” Where did Olson’s newfound creative outlet come from anyway? He says he’s had a big creative streak all along, enjoying writing and photography through the years, often stopping to capture images of animals and even bullet-riddled truck windshields in route to his Heber Springs getaway. Though, Olson pinpoints his foray into painting to a piece that his wife, Vicki, received from well-known local artist Charles Chandler. Intrigued by Chandler’s work, Olson picked up a paintbrush and created an imitation, which got him curious about painting. Nearly a month later, an opportunity to contribute an original painting to the 2011 Celebrities on Canvas benefit for the Memphis Brooks Museum of Art came along, and that’s when he decided to continue the hobby. Of his inspiration, he says, “All the ideas come from my head, and sometimes I sit down and have nothing planned. I just keep telling myself, ‘Don’t be afraid. It’ll turn into something.’” Since donating that first painting, Olson has been asked to do others for nonprofits, from the Humane Society of Memphis & Shelby County to The Bodine School. He has also sold pieces at places like the Orpheum Theatre, where he set up his guitar painting series before and after “Million Dollar Quartet” shows earlier this year, and currently, Square Beans Coffee in Collierville has his pieces for sale. Olson next hopes to get into a restaurant if he has enough of the right works and admits it would be cool to exhibit in regional galleries, listing Little Rock, Nashville and New Orleans as possibilities. “I do realize I’m a newbie, but I’m learning to get past that and know I’m getting better…when a lady from Le Bonheur bought a couple of pieces, I stopped asking if this was worth it,” he shares. Perhaps what’s starting to win over art buyers is Olson’s proclivity toward a mixed media style, which entails incorporating various elements like acrylics, bamboo, tissue paper, spray paint and even mop bristles (used in the outline of the American Queen riverboat pictured at right), to achieve a textured look. From golf clubs to angels, no subject is off limits either, and don’t put it past him to use doors and insulation boards in lieu of canvases. His originality is explained best when he says, “You can’t copy someone else’s stuff; it doesn’t come off.” Olson’s sounding more and more like a true artist! Story by Leah Fitzpatrick Photo by Steve Roberts

STREETSEEN

Dr. Susan L. Copeland Achieving Second Language Success

M AY 2 012

RSVP

s a teaching lab for the University of Memphis’ College of Education students, Campus School has always been about trying innovative programs and implementing the newest research in its first through fifth grade classrooms, but it has really taken center stage with the successful incorporation of Mandarin Chinese curriculum. Introduced through a collaboration with U of M’s Confucius Institute, which was selected as one of the top six Confucius Institutes in the U.S. and one of the top 30 in the world in 2010 by the National Office for Teaching as a Foreign Language (Hanban), Mandarin will give Campus School students a leg up in the business world later in life says the school’s principal, Dr. Susan L. Copeland. She thanks parents however for being instrumental in choosing the school’s second language. “We already knew many things from research, like the younger the better when learning another language, and that Spanish and Mandarin Chinese are the two languages of the future,” she says. “Then, we surveyed parents, and Mandarin Chinese was their choice.” Currently in the third year of implementation, Mandarin, the most widely spoken form of the Chinese language, is taught by two instructors from the Confucius Institute to all Campus School students one hour a week, with regular classroom teachers sitting in for half of the program so they can bring components of it into their classrooms. Students can also take Mandarin during summer camps or in an advanced class after school, and to help them better comprehend the culture surrounding native speakers, students engage in signifiers of Chinese culture, such as martial arts, tea ceremonies, mask-making and creating Asian dumplings. Furthermore, students learn pinyin (the official transcription of characters in Mandarin), which Dr. Copeland says that many Chinese students can’t do according to what she learned during a 2010 China trip organized through Hanban for 500 U.S. administrators to do observations and research for best practices. She shares, “We were told that the art of reading and writing pinyin is declining as the country is modernizing.” With a home base in Beijing, Dr. Copeland and her colleagues were able to see the Chinese school system first-hand and traveled to other provinces as well throughout six days. What the experience did she says is “reinforce in her that the Campus School’s decision to move in the direction of Mandarin was a right and valid one.” She adds that she also learned about the language from a humanitarian perspective, which she didn’t comprehend the value of before the trip. The next step at Campus School entails growing the Mandarin program, with the help of the Confucius Institute, by working on a continuous curriculum for students. Dr. Copeland hints at even maybe doing an exchange program where Chinese students come learn at Campus School. “I think we’ve achieved success in demonstrating our commitment to global education and that children have a deep interest in the Chinese language and culture,” relays Dr. Copeland. Story by Leah Fitzpatrick Photo by Steve Roberts

Motherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day

M AY 2 012

Gift Cards Available For

RSVP

5131 Wheelis D Drive rive M Memphis, emphis, TN 38117 t XXX.studiolaruesalon.com t X XX XX X X.studiolaruesalon.com

EVENT

Celebrities on Canvas

CELEBRITIES ON CANVAS

Art for Charity

M AY 2 012

Brad and Dianne Champlin

Marta and Chris Patrick

RSVP

o one is surprised to find amazing works of art displayed at the Memphis Brooks Museum of Art, but it becomes an occasion when they’re made by non-artists. In early March, the Brooks Museum League presented Celebrities on Canvas, a tribute to the talents of many whose celebrity comes from other areas than painting. In all, 35 well-known Memphians, some under the tutelage of professional artists, donated original paintings, which were conceived of specifically to raise funds for the museum. After cocktails and a light dinner buffet of shrimp and grits, pulled pork sliders, an array of cheeses and beef satay, works were sold via silent auction and live auction. Chefs Wally Joe and Andrew Adams of the Brushmark Restaurant presented the edibles. Artistic themes were as diverse as their creators. Dr. Shirley Raines, president of the University of Memphis, presented “Irene’s Hat,” a pastoral setting of a lady’s straw hat hanging over the corner of a straight-backed chair with a collection of wildflowers in a basket resting on the seat. Chef Felicia Willett, owner of the downtown restaurant Felicia Suzanne’s, took a spin off legendary local artist John Robinette’s works in “Sunny Side Up.” In it, a tiny red barn lying low on the horizon is illuminated, not by a blazing full moon, but by a giant glowing egg in Robinette’s style. A field of sunflowers fills the hill below the barn. The themes of other works included childhood board games, Celtic saints, Memphis landmarks, Batman and even the final words of former Apple CEO Steve Jobs, “Oh wow, oh wow, oh wow!” Valerie Calhoun, Joyce Cobb, Shea Flynn, Sharon Goldsworthy, Alexis Grace, Jerry Lawler, Ursula Madden, George Nassar and Ron Olson were among the long list of contributors. Cobb was busy inside the museum’s rotunda with her band providing dance music. Meanwhile, off to one side, artist Paul Edelstein created one of his signature paintings of a gathering of muted human figures in oil on linen canvas as a dazzled crowd looked on. The final celebrity event of the evening was the live auction by Tom Prestigiacomo in which some of the larger pieces on display found their way into the private collections of guests to hang among other artistic masters.

William Lund and Ursula Madden

George Hunt and John Robinette

Story by Jonathan Devin Photos by Roy Haithcock See all the party photos at rsvpmagazine.com Password: RSVP Tom Prestigiacomo and Joyce Cobb

Mary and Corey Trotz

George and Nayla Nassar

Yvonne Jones, Mary Belenchia and Melyne Strickland

Karen and Sam Almand

EVENT CELEBRITIES ON CANVAS M AY 2 012

Shing and Dr. Tom Gettelfinger

Mark, Ethan and Laura Cary

Marla and Erich Mounce

Ed Murray and Joan Ray

Jane Eveland and Betty Lu Pope

RSVP

Joseph Grubbs and Sandra Burke

Shirley Cobbins and Toni Crutchfield

Gigi and Will McGown

Mike and Kathleen Edelmuth

Ralph and Jane Sacharczyk

Margie and Gil Humphrey

Luxury, now available in a new, more powerful package. Introducing the entirely new 2013 RDX. With a host of standard amenities like leather, power moonroof, Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink®, Keyless Access, Pandora® internet radio interface and an innovative SMS text message function®. Plus a 273-hp V-6 engine with Variable Cylinder Management that can respond to changing driving conditions and actively increase fuel efficiency! The entirely new RDX. A smarter way to look at luxury.

Your story continues here…

Town Village offers an outstanding retirement lifestyle in the heart of East Memphis. Let us do the cooking, cleaning and yard work! • Spacious and comfortable apartment homes • Heated indoor pool

*Pandora compatible with selectt Apple® iPhone® devices only. Your wireless carrier's rate plan apply. SMS text message function compatible with select phones featuring /Bluetooth /wireless technology. Your wireless carrier's rate plan apply. State or local laws may limit use of texting feature. Only use texting feature when conditions allow you to do so safely. Drive responsibly. Some state laws prohibit the operation of handheld electronic devices while operating a vehicle. For safety reasons, always launch your audio application or perform any other operation on your phone or audio device only when vehicle is safely parked. The /Bluetooth/ word mark and logos are owned by the /Bluetooth/ SIG, Inc., and any use marks by Honda Motor Co., Ltd., is under license. Visit handsfreelink.com for a list of compatible phones and available features. 20 city/28 highway/23 combined mpg for RDX FWD AT. Based on 2013 EPA mileage estimates. Use for comparison purposes only. Your actual mileage will vary depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle. ©2012 Acura. Acura, RDX and Variable Cylinder Management are trademarks of Honda Motor Co., Ltd.

Independent Living 950 Cherry Rd Memphis, Tennessee 38117 1-888-841-2369 www.horizonbay.com 5HJ 8 6 3DWHQW DQG 70 2IÀFH 523 %&

29 RSVP

2 6 11 R id g eway R oa d | M e mp h is, TN 3 8 11 9 To l l Free 8 00 - 8 56 - 5 08 9 | w w w.acu ra of memp hi s.com

M AY 2 012

• Daily activities including bingo, bridge and more

EVENT CELEBRITIES ON CANVAS M AY 2 012

Dr. Art Franklin, Amy Weirich and Tricia Franklin

Calley Anderson, Calvin Anderson, Harold Byrd and Lauren Anderson

RSVP

Mike Strickland, Ellyn Daniel and Steve Ross

John Elkington, Dr. Shirley Raines and Valerie Calhoun

Michelle Crump and Laurence Ritter

Nathan and Marcia Rast

Dr. Jim and Sharon Brawner

M AY 2 012

CELEBRITIES ON CANVAS E V E N T Jim Waller and Kitty Cannon

RSVP

Barry Yoakum and Gretchen Turley with Megan and Brett Grinder

Craig and Margaret Cardwell

Bob and Lesa Rowe

Presented by

20th ANNIVERSARY AGING WITH PERFEC TION

SATURDAY, MAY 12

5 PM

Mark Parker in memory of Tony Parker 5MUXPQ[ C74 28CH <060I8=4

B R O O K S vin kyoo

M E M PH I S

n: the art of swine and wine

TWO NIGHTS . ONE GREAT PRICE!

RSVP

M AY 2 012

VOX POPULAR

Vox Popular Q&A with Angela Woods

s CEO of Girl Scouts Heart of the South, Angela Woods has a lot to be happy about. Not only has this council had the most product sales increase out of all of the councils nationwide in 2012, but this year marks the 100th anniversary of the national organization, Girl Scouts of the USA. In light of this milestone, Woods says, “We estimate nationally that more than 50 million women in this country have been impacted and participated in Girl Scouts. My appeal would be to get back in touch with us and let us know how Girl Scouts impacted you, and let’s keep connected so we can grow our network of Girl Scout alums.”

Woods: Yes, and I think I went up through Junior Girl Scouts. My mom was a troop leader, but when she stopped being a troop leader, I stopped being in Girl Scouts. Coming back to lead this organization years later was an interesting path for me in philanthropy.

M AY 2 012

RSVP: How did you hear about the CEO job at Girl Scouts Heart of the South?

RSVP

Woods: I got a phone call from a recruiter, and at that time, I was thinking about what was going to be my next step after United Way because I had been in the system at that point for almost 12 years and had done all the jobs I could do. I was really looking for more of a direct service opportunity when I got that phone call from a recruiter, who was talking about the transformation that Girl Scouts was undertaking, which peaked my interest. RSVP: When you started at Girl Scouts Heart of the South in January 2010, were there any immediate changes you wanted to make? Woods: [Laughing] Maybe you should ask my staff that. I think not immediately. I think my approach in leadership has always been to try and learn the organization because I’m not doing my job as a leader unless I’m helping others in the organization become leaders as well. Part of how I learn is to observe and figure out what works and what doesn’t work, so I spent really the first six months just talking to people and visiting the large area that we cover. We cover 59 counties, and I’m sure I hit at least 48 of them and talked to volunteers, parents, staff and everybody about what they liked and didn’t like about Girl Scouts Heart of the South. From there, I kind of had an idea of understanding the cultures, and we cover a lot of different cultures. We cover Western Tennessee and the top half of Mississippi, so we go all the way up to Obion County, which is the Kentucky border, and go all the way down to the Delta, down to Humphreys County, and go all the way over to the Alabama state line into Itawamba. It’s a large area, and it’s urban, suburban and rural all mixed together. There are pockets of wealth, but there are

huge pockets of poverty. The way in which we deliver Girl Scouts’ services and the way in which we connect to communities has to be exceptionally localized. We can’t be corporate-centric and spread out—it’s grassroots kind of organization and driven by volunteers. That was a learning curve I had—how you attract people to your mission and retain folks you already have. Photos by Don Perry

RSVP: Were you a Girl Scout?

RSVP: Is there anything people in this area would be surprised to know about the history of this council? Woods: I’m sure there are a gazillion things. You know, this council was born of four separate councils, so in 2008, this council came together as a result of a merger, which was kind of precipitated by Girl Scouts of the USA. It was Reelfoot Council, which is Jackson and the whole West Tennessee area; Northwest Mississippi, which is kind of the Delta region; Northeast Mississippi, which stretches from Tupelo all the way to Itawamba; and the MidSouth, which is the greater Memphis area. Each of them had their own distinct history, and each of them had their own distinct personalities. I think what people might be surprised at is how rich and deep the traditions of Girl Scouts still are in many of our smaller, rural counties, particularly in the Delta. If there are not a lot of girl services or youth services, there’s always been Girl Scouts. If you come to more urban or metropolitan areas, people have heard of us, but a lot of people have the idea that Girl Scouts is more of an older kind of thing–it’s not necessarily right in their radar screen. RSVP: How many girls are in Girl Scouts Heart of the South? Woods: We serve more than 10,000 girls. We’re looking to move that number up to 12,000 girls. I think nationally the membership has gone down throughout the last several years for a number of reasons. I think in this area it’s especially challenging because of the diversity of economics of the choices that girls now have in terms of

VOX POPULAR

time. There was a time when there wasn’t as much to do. Now, there’s a lot of stuff for girls to do. I think because of visibility and access to Girl Scouting, we have spent a lot of time the last couple of years not making Girl Scouts about a building, but about a leadership experience. We now take Girl Scouting out of this building and go into the communities, which I think has made a tremendous difference because people aren’t knocking on our door. We’ve got to find them, and we have to really make an effort to say we really do have some great leadership programming for people to take to their communities and help girls become confident and self-aware. We do that a lot and do it in partnership with existing organizations.

RSVP: Is there one aspect in particular that you can attribute the success of the organization as a whole to in light of Girl Scouts’ 100th anniversary? Woods: It would be the volunteers. Girl Scouts more than any other organization—well, the Red Cross and the Salvation Army are probably other good examples—has programs that are 100 percent driven by volunteers, and there are so many stories across our region about women and men who have dedicated their time and effort to take on Girl Scouting as their mission. It is amazing what they do on behalf of girls. RSVP: Do you know how many volunteers are active in this council? Woods: About 3,500, and we could use double that number. We did our strategic planning exercise at the end of last year during a lot of focus groups, and it was very important to me to not just talk to Girl

47 RSVP

Woods: More than 800, but we also have girls who aren’t in troops. It really depends on how the girl wants to experience it. They’re also working on a virtual Girl Scout experience because that’s how all our girls communicate.

M AY 2 012

RSVP: How many troops are in this council?

VOX POPULAR

Scout folks, but to talk to people who knew nothing about Girl Scouts. The number one thing I thought they were going to say was that we need to focus on girl membership, but what our focus groups said was that we need to focus on volunteer support. Without volunteers, we cannot get access to girls, deliver the program or spread the message throughout 59 counties.

M AY 2 012

RSVP: Has there been any major change within the organization that has made Girl Scouts more relevant to todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s culture?

RSVP

Lose Weight

Fastest Weight Loss Clinic In Town! Phentermine, Adipex, Ambien, and Other Prescription Medications Available

30-day supply of phentermine available in clinic for only $25

Now Offering Lipotropic Shot $25 Helps with weightloss!

Walk-Ins Welcome No Appointment Necessary Monday-Saturday www.cordovamedical.com

Cordova Medical Clinic 'U -RKQ %LOOV -U 0' %RQQLH /DQH (1 block east of Corky's)

Woods: I have to say that itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s both an internal and external change. Internally, we experienced in 2011, a year to the date I started, a huge decline in our cookie sales, almost 25 percent. The way Girl Scouts is funded is largely through cookie sales, donations, corporate grants and that sort of thing, but the majority of our funding comes from the annual cookie sales. So, when our numbers were down, and our cookie sales were down 25 percent, we knew at that moment in time that we werenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t going to be able to make the number up. We had to do some significant cost-cutting, staff realignment and we had layoffs. There had been issues and issues and issues, and finally, this particular time in the economy, people didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t buy cookies and didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t feel connected to Girl Scouts, and it all kind of came out. After we determined this was going to be a hit for us, we had to figure out the plan going forward. It was either that we were going to do this really well or die a slow death, so I think our staff said that itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s too important for us to do that. Everybody became intimately acquainted with every possible job in here, so thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not one person who doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know how to do the job of someone else. We reinvolved our volunteers in the process. Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s happened in the interim is we went from a 25 percent decrease to record-setting cookie sales this year. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re 37 percent over last year and are 11 percent above our projected budget. We are number one in the country for product sales increase. RSVP: Are the Forever Green Take Action Projects associated with the 100th anniversary? Woods: You know, the part of it that becomes a celebration of the 100th year is what Girl Scouts have kind of been doing all along, which is conservation and protecting the environment. So, what weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve done on the individual girl and troop level is say â&#x20AC;&#x153;come up with ideas of how you can support your environment.â&#x20AC;? A lot of our troops are doing 100 things, like community service projects, collecting clothes or helping at the Humane Society. It really depends on whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s needed in their communities, and thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s part of the whole experienceâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;to understand whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s going on in your town and how you as a girl can make decisions to make your community better. This year nationally is the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Year of the Girl,â&#x20AC;? which I think is cool. The focus is on providing girls with everything they need to become leaders and to minimize the leadership gap that we currently have. RSVP: What are some ways youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re hoping to

increase the visibility of Girl Scouts? Woods: I think through figuring out what is the best and most strategic way to get our message out there. For us, it was naturally a great opportunity to get our message out because weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re in our 100th year. What better way to kind of celebrate that? We donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have a huge marketing budget, but we started a marketing committee and connected the committee with our various troops. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re taking a different approach in having relationships with the media by being proactive about putting more positive stories out there. Also, when you have alumni out there telling stories about how Girl Scouts impacted their lives, it helps. RSVP: What are some of the biggest issues that girls involved in Girls Scouts are facing in todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s society, and how is the organization helping them deal with these issues? Woods: I think keeping girls focused on whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s important for their development and not allowing this organization or any other organization to be caught up unnecessarily in the cultural war thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s happening in the political system. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s very divisive. Girl Scouts I think has been pulled into that some for a variety of reasons. I will tell you though that our responsibility is to keep girls focused on being confident, courageous and making the world a better place. Whether itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s in a church, a mosque or a community center, we want every girl to have access to our leadership programs, have fun and experience new things. Sometimes it can be difficult if the organization gets pulled by things not in our mission. For us, it takes us off mission because at the end of the day all we really care about is whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best for the girls. Also, people might not know that Girl Scouts has always been an organization that supports girls in whatever faith journey they have. RSVP: What has been one of your most rewarding experiences so far with the organization? Woods: I think the most rewarding thing has been seeing members of my staff come into their own. I gave you the example of what happened to us last year, so when we turned the corner this year and were told we had the number one product sales increase in the country, I was glad to see members of my staff, who literally lived here around the clock to make this happen, be proud of what theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d done. It put a pep in their step, and they were able to hold their heads high.

RSVP

M AY 2 012

ONSITE

Onsite I Anna’s Closet Preview Party A dress sale that benefits the Emmanuel Episcopal Center, Anna’s Closet recently celebrated its fifth year of donating dresses to help young women in need in the community enjoy their graduations and proms. The Friday night before the sale opened to the public at St. Agnes Academy, the nonprofit hosted the Anna’s Closet Preview Party, during which a celebrity dress as well as donated items from local businesses were auctioned off. Money raised from the party is a major part of the donation given to the Emmanuel Center to help fund its after school programs and provide academic incentives. Story by Maggie Giffin Photos by Chris Pugh

Kathy Menkel and Betty Hays

Felicia Terrell and Dee Anne Tedford

Patrick Sala with Carolyn and Richard Powell

Farmer Mixer

M AY 2 012

The Farmer Mixer, held at the Memphis Brooks Museum of Art, brought out farmers, foodies and locavores for a delectable celebration. The event, co-sponsored by the Cooper Young Community Farmers Market and the Chubby Vegetarian, offered guests art-making activities, live music by Bryan Hartley Industries and good food, of course, which was prepared by the Chubby Vegetarian, Wally Joe and Andrew Adams. And while guests enjoyed their vegetarian small plates, they also sipped on specialty drinks like cucumber-lemonade spiked with vodka and Tennessee whiskey horchata (a Mexican-inspired sweet rice drink).

RSVP

50 Suzanne Allen and Patsy Courtright

Lee and Joe Seidl

Denny and Jo Ann Moss

Story by Maggie Giffin Photos by Libby Huff

Caring Café Grand Opening Though not open to the public, there’s a new type of eatery in town that’s catering to a special group of women and children who reside at The Purdue Center of Hope, affiliated with The Salvation Army. The Caring Café Grand Opening showed off the center’s revamped cafeteria, and Bradford Williams of Curbside Casseroles even got in on the fun by serving Curbside’s signature chicken spaghetti to the 100-plus honored families. The center plans on hosting a different celebrity chef each month to share nutritious recipes with clients, and the easier the recipe the better, according to Williams, who said, “I’m trying to show them they can do this!” Story and Photos by Leah Fitzpatrick

Tamiyah Ball, Major Mark Woodcock and Kamiya Tallison

Bradford Williams, Barbara Tillery and Libby Rabun

Campaign for Literacy Luncheon Readers of all levels united at the U of M Holiday Inn for Literacy MidSouth’s debut of its Campaign for Literacy Luncheon. Volunteer tutors and teachers at Literacy Mid-South had invited guests and even some Literacy Mid-South students to attend the affair to learn more about the organization’s volunteer opportunities and its need for donations to cover operating costs. Ironically, the occasion coincided with what would have been the beloved Dr. Seuss’ birthday, as the nonprofit’s executive director, Kevin Dean, pointed out. After moving speeches by students Beverly Fletcher and Loretta Rais, many in the crowd were moved to help take a stand against illiteracy, which currently affects an estimated 120,000 Memphians. Jack Leavitt, Maggie Giffin and Hilda Mullen

Story and Photo by Leah Fitzpatrick

Locally owned, serZMRK 1IQTLMW Erea for 38 years. ß %PP QENSV Gredit carHW EGGITXIH

51 RSVP

Monda] Saturda] EQ TQ Sunda] TQ TQ

M AY 2 012

2755 Bartlett Boulevard (Sycamore View) Bartlett, 82

RSVP ROOM VIEW M AY 2 012 RSVP

RSVP ROOM VIEW

Interview by Kelly Cox | Photos by Steve Roberts wen Driscoll, principal and creative director of Driscoll Design Group, leads the way through her airy East Memphis home to the sunroom, which has floor-to-ceiling French windows on three sides and is suffused with afternoon light filtered through Japanese maple leaves. The house itself dates back to 1948, when local architect and artist Nowland Van Powell designed it as his family home. Driscoll especially admires the bricked courtyard, which connects to the sunroom on its north side. “You see that in New Orleans or Charleston,” she says, “but it’s very unique in Memphis.” Having grown up in both Kentucky and Memphis, Driscoll feels her design aesthetic reflects the mix of rural and urban environments, as seen in her design approach at the new East Memphis restaurant Acre. Driscoll describes Acre, located in a renovated house, as a “Southern, sophisticated, chic environment, not austere or pretentious.” Her thoughts about design and more continue on her blog, Ragland Hill Social, which is named after a spot on her family’s Kentucky farm.

Top: Three walls of the sunroom boast floor-to-ceiling French windows framed with woven linen draperies. Driscoll painted the brick walls white and darkened the heart pine ceiling. Above: Family finds from the Driscolls’ Kentucky farm and beyond fill a rustic, wooden dough bowl.

RSVP ROOM VIEW M AY 2 012

Seen behind a burled walnut veneer desk from Linda Frankum, the only wall of the sunroom without windows was painted by architect and artist Nowland Van Powell with a passage from The Odyssey.

RSVP: How long have you lived in this house?

53 RSVP

Driscoll: We’ve been here nine years. It’s a very, very special house, really a jewel. The home has an amazing feel that I can’t take credit for. It was really strange; the things that I already had just really felt at home here. That doesn’t happen a lot. When most people buy a house, none of their stuff works. RSVP: Looking around your sunroom, I feel like I’m experiencing the visual equivalent of world music. These Indian figures on the coffee table, the zebra-print rugs, the batik pillows... Driscoll: It wasn’t really all planned. My dad passed away three years ago. When I inherited his things, and I already had this kind of kooky stuff of my own, I had to edit down to the best of both. This sunroom functions as our family room from this time of year through the fall. As pretty as this room is, it’s really comfortable. And because we have a child and dogs, it had to be durable. For the most part, looking through these French windows, you just see green here, and I love that. It’s really inspiring to me. When I designed this room, it was important to me to have a neutral palette with spikes of color. I painted the brick walls white and stained the original heart pine ceiling a little bit darker, and waxed it to richen it up, and replaced the tile floor with hardwood. And you can see back there on the east wall, Van Powell hand-painted a long passage from The Odyssey there, and it was really important to me that that remain intact. I didn’t want anything in here that competed with it, only things that complemented it. RSVP: I’ve been dying to touch these little pebbly-textured leather objects on the coffee table. What are they? Driscoll: Those are called shagreens. That one is for business cards, and this one was a cigarette holder. They’re a kind of rawhide. I just love them. I saw them in New York in a shop, and I bought

them for this room. The way I design is very acquired and organic in the sense that things don’t match, but they mix. RSVP: I’ve noticed two opposite-seeming touches that I love: a very linear painting that seems to be of a bridge, and then this collection of antlers, starfish and seashells. Where did these come from? Driscoll: Most all the natural things we collected on our farm or at the beach—the wooden dough bowl is a great way to have the objects stand out and not just have little pieces everywhere. The painting is by Shawn Mathews, a local artist. We hung it upside down, to make it more abstract. It’s my husband’s favorite painting.

EVENT

Zodiac Ball

ZODIAC BALL

Raising Funds to Fight Cancer

M AY 2 012

Sandeep Samant and Maanasi Samant

Dave and Ashley McCrary

RSVP

ire dancers performed in front of Ridgeway Country Club as guests arrived at the sold-out Zodiac Ball, benefiting the American Cancer Society. However, the performers weren’t the only ones lighting up the night as organizers spotlighted a noted otolaryngologist later in the program, all made possible by sponsorship from Methodist Healthcare, The West Clinic and the University of Tennessee Health Science Center, partners against cancer. A cocktail hour, complete with bistro tables decorated with Gerbera daisies, kicked off the affair, while recess lighting of different colors added to the elegant atmosphere. Servers wove through the crowd offering bacon-wrapped shrimp, bruschetta and miniature crab cakes and spinach and cheese quiches. After enjoying the hors d’oeuvres, patrons moved into the next room to peruse silent auction items and eventually made their way to the dining room, where tables were covered with gray silk tablecloths and towering centerpieces of hydrangeas in tall crystal vases. Dinner began with a salad of mixed greens with Mandarin oranges and cherry tomatoes, and the main course consisted of filet mignon and creamed potatoes topped with asparagus spears. For dessert, guests were treated to a plate of three miniature sweets, including key lime tartlets, chocolate cake rounds topped with chocolate icing and cheesecakes. Event chair Michael Nolen made the opening remarks, followed by brief speeches given by Dr. Jeff Lesur and Dr. Furhan Yunus, both of whom heralded the accomplishments of this year’s honoree, Dr. Sandeep Samant. Dr. Thomas M. Chesney, honorary chair of the Zodiac Ball, presented the award to Dr. Samant, who accepted the honor with the modesty about which all of his colleagues spoke. “I just wish I knew the fellow they were all talking about,” he quipped. Actually, Dr. Samant could easily boast, given his impressive array of credentials and accomplishments. Two videos were played after Dr. Samant’s brief acceptance speech, one which mainly contained testimonials from his patients. These grateful survivors of throat cancer talked about the treatment Dr. Samant gave them using a new robotic procedure that provided them with short recovery periods, instead of the standard painful and intrusive treatment. The second video highlighted residents of Harrah’s Hope Lodge, which provides adults battling cancer a place to stay during their treatment. Afterward, Terri Walker, a past Grand Champion Tennessee Auctioneer, held the live auction, which included items such as a trip accompanying the Grizzlies on their jet to an away game, with courtside seats, and a set of pearl earrings and an opera-length pearl necklace. Then, the floor was handed over to partygoers, who happily got to their feet to dance to the music of FreeWorld. See all the party photos at rsvpmagazine.com Password: RSVP

Monica Sonnier and Tom Bucciarelli

Story by Suzanne Thompson Photos by Baxter Buck

Michael Arndt and Michael Nolen

Lori and John Touliatos

Jennifer and Christopher Jenkins

Dr. Lily Herbert and Dr. Furhan Yunus

Meredith McDonald, Nizar Issa and Tricia Peacock

Dr. Steve and Sylvia Richey

EVENT ZODIAC BALL Kelly and Michael Codega

Lindsay and Jon Stengel

S I N C E 1995

Advertising in RSVP Magazine places your message before an active, affluent market of Mid-Southerners who desire the best in quality and service.

the Affluent Shopping Areas of Greater Memphis From Harbor Town to Collierville.

Mysti Dennis and Ric Ransom

Loverd Peacock and Sonya Hohm

Alex and Tatyana Jankov

Laura and Larry Potts

For Information on How to put RSVP to Work for You Call 276-7787

55 RSVP

Keandra Johnson, Alexa Jenga and Rachel Scheib

Average Household Income. . . . . . . . . . .$174,000 per year. Average Net Worth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$1,250,000 per year. Female Readers . . . 59.2% Male Readers . . 40.8% Marital Status . . . . . . . . . 62.2% married Home Owners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .81.3% Education: Attended/Graduated College plus . . . . . .83.0% Have Post graduate degree . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21.6% 88.6% . . . . Purchased a Product or Visited a Store due to Advertising in RSVP. 42.6% . . . .Traveled Abroad during the past year. 52.% . . . .Eat out at least 3 times per week. 30,000 copies delivered monthly throughout

M AY 2 012

More Than 120,000 Readers

EVENT ZODIAC BALL

Shiven Samant and Kavita Samant

Rob and Angela Goetz

M AY 2 012

Victoria and Ben Watkins

Travis and Genia Nipp

Kelly Field and Jim Deraney

RSVP

Neal and Joey Beckford

Drs. Dharmesh and Purvisha Patel

Kim and David Spencer

Erica and Eric Callan

Stephanie and Tanner Goodrich

Pam and Andy Cobb

EVENT Judith McGee and LeeAnna Hungerford

Judy and Kevin Spiegel

Joe and Kathy King

M AY 2 012

ZODIAC BALL Drs. Victoria and Phillip Zeni

RSVP

FRIDAY. JUNE 22 MUD ISLAND AMPHITHEATRE

GREAT GIFT FOR MOTHER'S DAY!

TICKETS ON SALE NOW AT • TICKETMASTER.COM • PHONE 1.800.745.3000 : A BEAVER PRODUCTION :

Erich and Marla Mounce

Kim Lovett and Terri Walker

Christie Michael and Amanda Farmer

Aenya Littlefire and Mogli Nova

EVENT BRIDGES’ SCREEN ON THE GREEN

M AY 2 012

BRIDGES’ Screen on the Green “The Great Gatsby Affair”

Elizabeth and Bobby Rouse

Pamela and Nichole Haynes

RSVP

ne would be hard-pressed to find a soiree more Jay Gatsby-worthy than the inaugural BRIDGES’ Screen on the Green. Held in honor of the nonprofit’s 90th anniversary, Screen on the Green actually took the fun inside for “The Great Gatsby Affair,” which would have been anything but legal during the Prohibition era. Some 200 guests, mostly clad in Roaring Twenties attire, stepped back in time when they arrived at the BRIDGES Center. Outside, four vintage cars, including an exquisite burgundy RollsRoyce, were parked at the entrance, and inside, the entire space had been transformed into the “East Egg Speakeasy.” Around the room, cigarette girls in red flapper-style dresses and feather headbands scurried about not selling tobacco products, but raffle tickets instead. The tickets were attached to long strands of pearls that guests wore throughout the night in hopes their ticket number would be called to win a women’s watch from Las Savell or a Great Gatsbythemed basket with Season 1 of “Boardwalk Empire,” some jazz CDs, pearls, candy of the ‘20s and other goodies. In the background, the jazz band Swingtime, with vocals from Tom Prestigiacomo, lent that big band sound, while off to the right of the stage, a giant screen featured The Great Gatsby movie. In lieu of a silent auction, organizers opted to only have a live auction, which proved to be a good choice considering the spirited nature bidders displayed. Prestigiacomo served as the auctioneer for two pieces of artwork, beginning with an N.J. Woods painting entitled “For the Love of Apple Dumplings,” sold at $500. Next on the auction block was an untitled work from Sarah Hascher made exclusively to commemorate BRIDGES’ anniversary. Using bright colors, Hascher showed a modern take on the Memphis skyline and created the work on a brown bag, of which she has been known to do. Through clever framing, Hascher’s piece appeared to be floating as it was held in place between the frame with only glass, no matting. The unusual piece caught the attention of several attendees, who engaged in a bidding war and drove the piece up to its sale price of $1,500. Prestigiacomo smiled after the sale and said, “That was almost enough to pay for the liquor tonight!” Imbibing ensued, and so did late-night noshing. From stromboli with marinara from Ferraro’s to Just for Lunch’s curry chicken salad, the cocktail buffet had something for all and even offered Champagne chocolate corks from Chocistry. All good things have to come to a close though, and soon enough, guests were ordered off the premises by faux policemen carrying toy machine guns, who reminded patrons that Prohibition was in effect. Fortunately, $25,500 had been raised before the “Daisy and Tom Buchanans” exited the building.

See all the party photos at rsvpmagazine.com Password: RSVP

Sharon and Von Goodloe

Story by Leah Fitzpatrick Photos by Don Perry

Linda McNeil and Cynthia Ham

Pam and Andy Cobb

Ginger and Tony Graves

Kelley and Matt Morice

Ashley Mercer with Jim and Martha Boyd

Princess Galloway and Mallory Binkley

2UGHU 0RXWKZDWHULQJ *LIWV IRU 0RWKHUÂśV 'D\ 6$7,6)$&7,21 *8$5$17(('

HANDBE DIPPED

RRIES

from $

Save 20%

19 99 +s/h

To redeem this offer visit

www.berries.com/dream or call 888-792-0633 *Minimum product purchase of $29.00. Discounts do not apply to gift cards or certificates, same-day delivery, shipping and handling, taxes or third-party hosted products (e.g. wine). Discounts will appear upon checkout and cannot be combined with other offers or discounts. Discounts not valid on bulk or corporate purchases of 10 units or more. Prices valid while supplies last. Offer expires 5/13/2012.

59 RSVP

Treat any Mom in your life for less!

M AY 2 012

JLDQW VWUDZEHUULHV _ VHOOHU _ RYHU PLOOLRQ EHUULHV GLSSHG

EVENT BRIDGESâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; SCREEN ON THE GREEN M AY 2 012

Bill and Jessica Fredrick

Mohan and Shaila Karkera

Bob and Sue Rogalski

Claire Frisby and Michael Whaley

Jerry Spore and Lisa Rumsey

RSVP

Rachel Sumner and Shannon Little

Fred and Dorothy Johnson

Marianne Dieter and Lisa Ansley

Jason Bowles and Tom Prestigiacomo

Mikki and Darrell Cobbins

Sarah Cooley and Lauren Massengill

EVENT

i t ’ s j a zz!

Seamus Loftus and Shawna Engel

Gary and Diane Clowers

cl a ssy

For underwriting information, call 901-678-2560 Visit us online at wumr wumr.memphis.edu .memphis.edu

Arreon Parks and Jasmine Fairbee

Jennifer and Shannon French

BRIDGES’ SCREEN ON THE GREEN

Vess and Georgia Hobbs

M AY 2 012

Tracy Willits, Steve Anhouse and Marina Levitanus

61 RSVP

Frances and Shanta Townes

EVENT MED NIGHT, A SOUL CELEBRATION

M AY 2 012

MED Night, A Soul Celebration “Soul -ed Out”

John Pellicciotti and Mary Catherine Tagg

Debbie and David Drewery

RSVP

he Regional Medical Center at Memphis is known for its work in fixing bodies, but The MED devoted an evening at the end of March to soul music. MED Night, A Soul Celebration united some of the top names in American soul under the roof of The Peabody hotel for a fund-raising gala with more stars than a clear night sky. And it was a clear night in late Downtown Memphis, perhaps the first truly balmy night of the year, and The Four Tops, The Temptations Review, Thelma Houston, Marilyn McCoo and Billy Davis Jr. were slated to lure about 800 partygoers out of their seats and onto the dance floor. The evening began with a cocktail reception in the Continental Ballroom, where gents in business suits and tuxes joined ladies in cocktail dress, many wearing white for the first time this year. Because of the unexpected heat, female guests left their wraps at home. Overhead, a screen projected images of items to be auctioned off later in a live auction that featured a trip to Napa Valley, a men’s Equinox watch, a tour of Parisian wine country, a duck hunting trip to Beaver Dam and a chance to learn to become a chef in Tuscany, to name a few items. Then, attendees moved on to dinner in the Grand Ballroom, which had giant musical notes standing sentry outside the doors. Inside, gold drapery blazing with red lights and dozens of roses created a beautiful backdrop for attendees to enjoy a scrumptious dinner of an iceberg wedge salad with bleu cheese dressing and tomatoes, filet mignon, chicken breast with sun-dried tomato sauce, a sun-dried tomato risotto cake and asparagus. Flourless chocolate cake, crème brûlée and banana cheesecake were offered for dessert. Proceeds from the event will go to purchase new equipment for The MED and to fund special training for its staff. Last year’s event raised a quarter of a million dollars.

See all the party photos at rsvpmagazine.com Password: RSVP

Buddy and Gail Richey

Story by Jonathan Devin Photos by Baxter Buck

Dr. Reginald and Erica Coopwood

Kim and Carol Halladay

Rusty and Janice Chambers

Charles and Deborah Wells

Stanley and Barbara Reives, Lavelle Fitch and Velvet and Everett Bass

Leigh Shockey and Susan Arney

EVENT Albert and Tiffany Jones

MED NIGHT, A SOUL CELEBRATION

Stephanie Crowe and Jeff Wilegus

ALL TICKETS ON SALE NOW!

Robert Kusserow and Michelle Hagen

Bob and Dianne Laster

M AY 2 012

TO PURCHASE TICKETS, VISIT TICKETMASTER.COM. FOR MORE INFORMATION, CALL 901-636-4107.

RSVP

Keith Norman, Angela Robinson and Aubrey Howard

Lee and Cassie Henson

Kezney Perkins and Greg Wilson

EVENT MED NIGHT, A SOUL CELEBRATION M AY 2 012

John and Kim Brewer

Dottie and Mike Barlow

Tim and Minnie Mills

Sonya Dunn and Dena Thompson

Jessica and Scott Corbitt

RSVP

Dr. Saryn and Erik Doucette

Metcalf and Madeleine Crump

Ashley Hodges and Melissa Thompson

Felicia Haynes and Raymond Vallier

Ham Smythe and Bruce Harrison

Terry Robertson and Martha Campbell

EVENT Peggy and Dr. Charles Larkin

Nancy Imre and Al Owings

M AY 2 012

Julia and Tim Finnell

MED NIGHT, A SOUL CELEBRATION

Gordon Cameron and Susan Sudman

RSVP

Stacie Winkler, Bill and Claudia Haltom and Markus Winkler

Bertha Means and Dr. Michael Jacewicz

Bob and Trudy Ligon

EVENT MED NIGHT, A SOUL CELEBRATION M AY 2 012

Thor and Corie Harland with Todd and Patti Demers

Chuck and Mercedes Treadway

Sarah Worden and Peter Heckt

Mona Lee and Dr. Charles Barton

Brent and Heather Long with Gary Churchill

RSVP

Rachel and Doug Smith

Steve Harris and Caroline Freeman with Chris and Linda Mathis

Andrea Lester and Ronnie Sellers

Bonnie and David Thornton

Dan Kim and Hyunsook Lee

Renna and Mary Richardson

Imogene C. Jones, Raymond Vallier and Bessie Slaton-Mosley

ONSITE

Onsite II Memphis Wine Opener More than 300 people popped a cork at the Memphis Wine Opener to support the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Returning to Playhouse on the Square and again chaired by Kathryn and Max Painter, this popular event added several twists, including a wine pull, a photo booth and a floral challenge inspired by the story of “65 Roses,” a nickname for cystic fibrosis first coined by Richard Weiss, a child with the disease. As always, gourmet tasting stations, featuring nibbles by area restaurants like Interim, Acre and Erling Jensen, were paired with wines supplied by Athens Distributing Company. Following the silent and live auctions, the party continued late into the night, powered by Papa Top’s West Coast Turnaround. Story and Photos by Kelly Cox

Elvis (Blake Bergeron) with Kathryn and Max Painter

Raiford and Joe Birch

Ashley Warren and Jill Coleman

The Peabody ballroom overflowed with a spirit of community as Memphis’ own culinary professionals gathered in support of each other and the Memphis Restaurant Association. The occasion was the MRA Banquet, which boasted a “Getting Back to Our Roots Y’all” theme, showcasing Southern cuisine and hospitality at its finest. A few favorites included a fried green tomato bar and a chicory salad with sherry molasses and shrimp and grits roulade, as well as fried chicken stuffed with a sweet corn soufflé. The fundraiser helps cover operating expenses for the MRA to continue its educational programming and governmental services for members and the Memphis restaurant community as a whole.

M AY 2 012

MRA Banquet

67 Story and Photos by Maggie Giffin

Jenay Gipson and Wight Boggs

RSVP

David and April Stowman

Collierville Chapter of Ducks Unlimited Banquet Upon entering the Church of the Incarnation gymnasium at which the 16th annual Collierville Chapter of Ducks Unlimited Banquet was held, there was no mistaking the organization’s cause. Tables purchased by sponsors were marked with name cards positioned on the muzzle of a shotgun, and many attendees were clad in camo, as they checked out silent auction items reflecting their love of the outdoors. Some items up for bidding included a 64-ounce flask imprinted with the Ducks Unlimited logo, a set of golf clubs and paintings of turkeys, ducks and geese. After a buffet dinner, catered by Gus’s Fried Chicken, the crowd settled in for a spirited live auction. A chess set which featured ducks versus geese game pieces brought a handsome sum, and bidders had 27 other hunt-themed items from which to choose. Story and Photos by Suzanne Thompson

Candace Lemond, Jim Flood, David Ivy and David Haas

Dee Flood with Kathleen and Jim Boyd

Tiara Tea Society Book Signing

George Hamilton

Jackie Shawkey, Suzi Lonergan and Dr. Nancy Chase

Regina Walker and Polli Kenney

It was a grand affair at Chez Philippe’s tea-time lunch hour, as Memphis native and actor George Hamilton visited with guests and signed copies of his book, Don’t Mind if I Do, in support of the Tiara Tea Society. Hamilton opened with a story from his childhood and days spent at The Peabody and shared with attendees his love for Memphis and the people of the South. After an enthusiastic round of applause for the actor’s captivating speech, Hamilton graciously mingled with attendees at each table while others looked on in anticipation of a visit with the actor. Founded in 2006 by Eva Lynn Bishop and Marie Pizano, the Tiara Tea Society works with various relief organizations to improve the lives of children around the world, and tea parties like this one help do just that. Currently, the society’s 2012 honoree is a 9-year-old girl from the Mid-South with a rare skin disease that causes UV light to be fatal. Story and Photos by Maggie Giffin

ONSITE

Onsite III BGCM Board Dinner The annual Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Memphis’ Board Dinner showcased those who truly contribute to the organization and the kids who are benefiting from the nonprofit’s programming. “Setting the Stage for 2012” was the theme for this year’s affair, during which guests enjoyed cocktails and a dinner served on the stage of the Orpheum Theatre. The program and awards ceremony recognized Youth of the Year, volunteers, board members and Alumni of the Year. Story by Maggie Giffin Photos by Tracy Clinton/Memphis Flash Photography

Vinnie Borello, Paulo Teixeira and Tony McWhorter

Betsy Olim and Megan Klein

M AY 2 012

YWCA Benefit Luncheon

RSVP

Victor Rivas Rivers, Audrey Gonzalez and Patrick Carodine

Elena Williams, Della Adams, Karen Clawson and Beverly Mullikin

Victor Rivas Rivers might be best known for playing bad guys in films, but he took on a different role when he served as the keynote speaker for the YWCA Benefit Luncheon, held at Memphis Marriott East. Sponsored by Verizon Wireless, the luncheon brought awareness to domestic violence victims, which Rivers himself was a victim of as a child. Board member Beverly Mullikin said, “Our development director found Rivas because she wanted to show that domestic violence affects children, not just adults.” Also a board member, Della Adams added, “Sixty percent of residents at our shelter are children.” Shirley Godwin, a local domestic violence survivor, rounded out the program by sharing her touching story of getting help at the YWCA of Greater Memphis. Story and Photos by Leah Fitzpatrick

Grand Krewe of Ptolemy Coronation The Grand Krewe of Ptolemy requested the honor of members and their guests’ presence at the coronation of Queen Cleo XII, Natalie Barnes, and King Soter XII, John Thatcher, in late March. Guests celebrated the newly appointed royalty, which also includes duchesses Kelly Acree, Tiffany Brimhall, Holly Cooper, Kim Cribb and Karen Sands, as well as flagbearer Clay Anderson, in the beautiful surroundings of the University Club of Memphis. Lots of visiting Carnival Memphis krewes also attended and joined in the revelry by dancing the night away to Super 5, a group that delighted all with classics like “Me and Bobby McGee” and “Give Me One Reason.” Micah and Ruthie Layman

Story and Photos by Leah Fitzpatrick

King John Thatcher and Queen Natalie Brown

Tiffany Brimhall and Karen Sands

Flavors of Memphis

Theresa White, Deri Whittaker, Amy Pollan, Amy Baker and Lynn Berretta

Winn Stephenson and Cynthia Gardner

Flavors of Memphis continues to deliver an increasingly popular culinary experience to patrons during the American Liver Foundation’s signature event. Once again held at the Memphis Botanic Garden, participating chefs included Robbie Cirillo of Bleu Restaurant and Lounge; Jason Dallas, formerly Chef de Cuisine at Chez Philippe; Scott DeLarme of Simply Delicious Caterings; Jackson Kramer of Interim Restaurant and Bar; Jody Moyt of Owen Brennan’s; Ed Nowakowski of Medallion at U of M Holiday Inn; Josh Perkins of Grove Grill; Nick Scott of Bluefin Edge Cuisine and Sushi Lounge; and Ryan Trimm of Sweet Grass. Judges Leah Fitzpatrick, Cynthia Gardner and Tina Sandoval voted on their favorites, with Deri Whittaker announcing that Simply Delicious Caterings scored Best Presentation and Bluefin won Best Menu. With loud cheers from those seated at its table, Bleu took home Best Showmanship honors. By the time the last bite was savored from each of the chef’s five-course menus, $40,000 had been raised to combat liver disease, referred to as the “silent killer” by transplant survivors in an informational video that aired. Story and Photos by Leah Fitzpatrick

ONSITE

Onsite IV Mardi Gras Madness FUNdraiser The FedEx Pilots’ Wives Association’s Mardi Gras Madness FUNdraiser lived up to its name with an emphasis on fun. The party room at Memphis National Golf Club in Collierville was literally dripping with purple, green and gold decorations, as two giant Mardi Gras masks hung from the ceiling and nearly every surface was draped in Mardi Gras’ signature colors. Guests sipped cocktails and browsed silent auction items that lined the room before partaking of the buffet dinner donated by Carrabba’s Italian Grill. Following a live auction conducted by Ron Childers of WMC-TV 5, the Aims Gang provided entertainment for the remainder of the festivities, which benefited the Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Memphis and the FedExFamily House. Jim and Beth Williams

Story and Photos by Suzanne Thompson

Tim and Cassie O'Connell

Mary West with Donna and Mike Scearce

Beni and Mike Dragutsky

Myra, Anthony and Anna Clark

Story and Photos by Suzanne Thompson

AAPI FORUM The Asian American and Pacific Islanders community, which accounts for 1.6 percent of the Greater Memphis population, grabbed the attention of the White House at a recent two-day AAPI Forum. Miya Saika Chen, Senior Advisor on White House AAPI Initiative, and Amardeep Singh, Advisory Commissioner to President Obama, met with local Asian American and Pacific Island leaders first at a reception at Esplanade Memphis and the next day at a town-hall style forum at the Benjamin J. Hooks Central Library. During the forum, AAPI leaders discussed their achievements, shared any concerns and developed a course of action through community-centered projects with groups like Diversity Memphis and the Women’s Foundation for a Greater Memphis, to name a few. Tran Bui emceed the affair. Story by Maggie Giffin Photo by Tran Bui

Amardeep Singh, Nika Jackson, Ron Wong, Sandeep Pednekar, Miya Saika Chen, Nadeem Zafar and Manoj Jain

Luminaire Event The Luminaire Event, held at the Memphis Hunt and Polo Club, honored two individuals with the highest award given by Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital, the Luminaire Award. This year’s award recipients, David Stevens and Mary Shainberg, are both long-time advocates and supporters of Le Bonheur. The Luminaire Award pays tribute to a select few individuals who, by example, inspire others to follow their lead. Story by Maggie Giffin Photos by Larry Kuzniewski

Meri Armour, David Stevens and Mary Shainberg

Dianne and Larry Papasan

69 RSVP

Suzana and Michael Lightman

Those lucky enough to hold a ticket to the Fleming’s Wine Dinner, benefiting the Memphis Brooks Museum of Art, enjoyed a night of fine wine and food. During the meet and greet, Champagne glasses were kept full, as attendees enjoyed jumbo shrimp, along with tenderloin crostini and seared ahi tuna with cucumber. The program started with remarks from representatives of the presenting sponsors, and wine was provided by Chateau Montelena. Wines were paired with each of the three courses prepared by Chef William Kloos, and began with mixed greens with chilled butter poached lobster. Museum supporters then enjoyed beef tenderoin on a goat cheese potato galette, French green beans and roasted garlic demi-glace. Warm Mississippi mud pie finished off the gourmet dinner. Jeff Morris conducted the live auction, and many of the offerings were...what else? Wine.

M AY 2 012

Fleming’s Wine Dinner

AFTER HOURS

After Hours A photo collage of the latest business happenings

Art & Architecture by Pesce Trunk Show at South House Fine Jewelry

Trunk Show at More Than Words

Dr. Phyliss Carter, Cheryl Pesce and Marge Snipes

Margaret Jambord and Rhonda Baltier

Spring Fling Benefit for Sunny Meadows at Chickasaw Oaks Village

Tri Delta Lilly Pulitzer Shopping Benefit for St. Jude at The Pink Door

M AY 2 012

Elizabeth Cates and Dorothy Kirsch

70 RSVP

Caroline Faquin, Malissa Shilling, Denise Crawford and Gary Kimberling

Mimi Taylor, Megan Ververis and Semmes Humphreys

Shelby County Republican Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Club Fashion Show with Coming Attractions

Christy Muller, Jamie Stacks and Mary Jo McCarver

Laura Brown and Sam Anscher

Jeanette Watkins, George Flynn and Judge Kay Robilio

Nicole Mackey, Taylor Bass, Mollie Newbern and Caroline Sikes

Heidi and Carl Shafer

Rebekah McCallie, Jeremy McNutt and Amy Goad

AFTER HOURS

After Hours A photo collage of the latest business happenings

Spring Trunk Show at James Davis

Linda White, Sonja Dowdy and Jenny White

Jennifer Adams, Sherry Brooks and Amy Merva

Becky Rivalto and Laura Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Mell

Channing Shaw, Grace Leatherman Jones and Ava Shumake

Autumn Leaf Goerke, Glenn Goerke and Lauren Rower

M AY 2 012

Joe Jackson and Van Weinberg

RSVP

Le Bonheur Appreciation Night at James Davis

Mayor A C Wharton, Meri Armour and Josh Pastner

Tiffany Brimhall, Vincent Housley and Heather Grisanti

Vince Perryman and Amy Wood

Carmen Bond, Hardin Powell and Leslie Hodges

Van Weinberg and Rob Joyner

Augusta and Greg Campbell

RSV PHILLIPPI

By Dennis Phillippi

ambitious, driven, caring people like this become my friends? Most people, the majority by far, wanted to travel. Australia, with its insane number of poisonous animals was big. I’ll pass. They have poisonous mammals in Australia. That’s evolution gone all hinky. Someone else wanted to go to Disney Tokyo. Seriously? When we have perfectly serviceable Disneys right here in the States where almost all of the employees speak English? One that came without explanation said his required the following: “a mime, a midget, an adult film actress dressed as a flapper, a Tommy gun filled with blanks, a bear on a unicycle and a lion tamer. Oh, and an old 1920s style video camera.” Again, I wonder how did this person become my friend again? I

Now, again, these are my friends we’re talking about, so the conversation quickly degenerated into the hazards of naked skydiving, a popular topic. have no idea what he had in mind, but I’m not sure I want to spend time alone with him. One person wanted to go to the Olympics, which seemed like a perfectly reasonable request, but it was followed by “Oh, and walk on the moon.” I grant that I said “with the wherewithal,” but the federal government hasn’t been able to get us back to the moon in four decades or so, so I don’t think a lottery winner can cover that one. Plus, I know her, and she has no business walking on the moon. She’s clumsy. Skydiving was a frequent choice, and unlike my drinking buddies, not one of them wanted to do so naked. One did, on the other hand, want to skydive while playing his saxophone. It’s an interesting idea, but it seems like plummeting to the Earth at terminal velocity would be distraction enough without trying to remember the chorus to a Billy Joel song.

One thing I loved was that exactly one person detailed how they would like to help his family. Just so you don’t think any of my friends are actually altruistic, this person wanted to “help out” his family by taking them to Disneyworld. That’s beautiful. Sure, someone could’ve said that he wanted to pay off everyone’s houses or start a college fund for all his nieces and nephews, but no, the one person who wanted to include his family at all wanted to take them to Orlando to ride Space Mountain. I’m starting to think this isn’t about the people who choose to be my friends so much as it is about those with whom I choose to be friends. It was nice to see that the dissolute gang of miscreants I consider my extended family do have dreams. Considering we spend most of our time arguing about sports and talking endlessly about food, inside they secretly want to go into space or visit Machu Picchu. These same folks who have perfected inertia as a way of life would, given the chance, walk on the Great Wall or at least eat at a restaurant named the Great Wall. My wife and I talk about winning the lottery all the time, and we always spend most of that time parsing out amounts to various friends and relatives. That is, before we start shopping for real estate in Manhattan. Now, when this bucket list topic came up, we were just like everyone else, stone cold selfish. We want to have a villa in Tuscany just like everyone else. I want to ride shotgun with Richard Branson into near zero gravity, mainly so I can do somersaults in midair and eat freeze-dried ice cream without having to go to a mall. I’d like to believe I could make myself step out of an airplane. She wants to get massages every day while drinking frozen rum drinks. Okay, that one was mine, too. My point is that if you win the lottery and we’re even passing acquaintances, my hand will be out with all the rest. Take us all to Disney. Your family can go some other time.

Dennis, want to chip in and buy a group lottery ticket? Before you can even answer, just know that a “maybe” won’t cut it. Also remember that Gordon Gekko did put in some jail time…just sayin’!

73 RSVP

uring one of the huge jackpot lottery frenzies, some friends and I were talking at the local watering hole about what we would do with all that money. One thing I learned quickly is that most of my friends are just as nakedly greedy and selfish as I am, which was a relief. Eventually, we wound our way to what would happen if someone we knew won the big bonanza. It was universally agreed that if we knew the winner, he or she would be required by decency to give us a sizeable chunk of change. This, despite the fact that minutes before we had all made it clear we had no intention of being so generous if one of us was the lucky winner. What can I say? We’re a shallow lot. Even if said newly-minted gazillionaire weren’t to give us a big check, we all agreed that he or she should at least underwrite one item from our bucket list. If you’re unfamiliar with the term, a bucket list is a compilation of things you want to accomplish before you kick said bucket. Now, again, these are my friends we’re talking about, so the conversation quickly degenerated into the hazards of naked skydiving, a popular topic. It degenerated to that because we’re degenerates. Nonetheless, throughout the next few days, the running topic went something like this: If someone with the wherewithal to do so offered to foot the bill for one of your life dreams, what would it be? A surprising number of us said we would like to go into space, which is a ridiculously ambitious undertaking for a bunch of people who won’t even muster the energy to scare up a remote so we don’t have to watch an episode of “Pawn Stars.” Just out of curiosity, and laziness, I asked the question of people on Facebook. The responses were surprising, mainly because it made me wonder how some of these people became my friends on Facebook. One guy wants to hike the Appalachian Trail. Another wanted to fund an animal rescue center. Someone else wanted to go to medical school. How did

M AY 2 012

GORDON GEKKO WOULD BE PROUD

RSVPAST

Fire Truck Birthdays

M AY 2 012

1993

RSVP

he two pictures above were taken at a 1993 birthday party with a fire truck owned by Sheldon Rosengarten and Henry Brenner. Sarah-Catherine Ryan, then around 3 and a half years old, can be seen sitting on the squirrel tail hose in the left photo. Brenner says he charged $200 a birthday party for use of the truck to raise funds for the Fire Museum of Memphis, which opened in October 1998. Bought at a city auction in 1991, the truck is a 1961 Peter Pirsch Pumper that Brennerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s father, Lester H. Brenner, had previously sold to the City of Memphis. The truck has been a part of the Fire Museum of Memphis since 2001, when the younger Brenner donated it. PHOTO COURTESY OF HENRY BRENNER 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.