November 2010
Blues Ball Paw Prints Auction Gala Taste of the Town Garage Band Reunion MIFA “Feed the Soul” Party Q&A with Helen Darling
CONTENTS
Contents November 2010
From the Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 Signature Memphis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 Fashion guru Babbie Lovett keeps abreast of this season’s fashions at Joseph.
RSVP Watch List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 Bundle up in one of these six styles of neckwear.
Blues Ball . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
14 BLUES BALL Eric Luther Ingram Jr. and Yvette Toran
The sounds of The Delta were alive and well during Memphis’ premiere music benefit at the Gibson Guitar Factory.
Onsites . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22, 36, 42 & 54
44 TASTE OF THE TOWN Andrew Butler and Lauren Crabtree
Gatherings that have earned an honorable mention.
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StreetSeens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24, 26 & 28 The South Memphis neighborhood this man grew up in has never been the same since he upstarted Knowledge Quest. Veterans aren’t a forgotten population thanks to the work this executive director’s taken on at Alpha Omega Veterans Services. She’s helping stage the best two-day event the Broad Avenue Arts District has ever seen. StreetSeens highlight Marlon Foster, Cordell Walker and Pat Brown.
Vox Popular . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30
4 RSVP
Q&A with WNBA star and literacy advocate Helen Darling.
Paw Prints Auction Gala . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38
26 STREETSEEN Cordell Walker
Protecting furry friends was at the forefront of guests’ minds at the Humane Society of Memphis & Shelby County’s charitable event inside Central Station.
Taste of the Town . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44
50 GARAGE BAND REUNION Henrietta Fisher and Fenton Moore
The term “taste test” brought on a whole new meaning at the Germantown Chamber of Commerce’s fund-raiser for the Make-A-Wish Foundation® of the Mid-South.
Garage Band Reunion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50 Alzheimer’s Day Services of Memphis threw a bash at The Warehouse for those who can’t get enough of tunes that are oldies but goodies.
MIFA “Feed the Soul” Party . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .56 The Metropolitan Inter-Faith Association returned to The Warehouse for an evening that demonstrated what charitable giving is all about.
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When You’re 15… Dennis Phillippi shares his musings behind RSVP ’s success.
PAW PRINTS AUCTION GALA Betty and Billy Wallace
56 MIFA “FEED THE SOUL” PARTY Grizz Girls Cassie, Jennifer and Lauren
Cover Photo Crucy and John Strawn at Blues Ball Photo by Baxter Buck
Volume XVI
Number II
November 2010 PUBLISHER
Roy Haithcock EDITOR
Leah Fitzpatrick CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Ruth Cassin 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 ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE
6 RSVP
Chris Pugh ACCOUNTING
Ruth Cassin 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
alloween hasn’t even reared its head as I write this column, but shops carrying holiday décor have somehow bypassed All Hallow’s Eve in favor of putting out everything Christmas. Though I’m not sure why consumers must be sped through all the joyous fall celebrations, I am certain that we can’t be robbed of the sentiments associated with special occasions. So, feel free to unleash your inner Halloween, Thanksgiving or Christmas whenever you want. Speaking of holidays, there’s one fast approaching on November 11 that doesn’t get as much attention as it probably deserves. That would be Veterans Day, which other countries refer to as Armistice Day or Remembrance Day since it coincides with the anniversary of the signing of the armistice ending World War I. While several groups will hold events locally in conjunction with this day, one particular organization, known as Alpha Omega Veterans Services, wants Memphis to know it’s here to serve those military veterans most affected by war throughout the year. Cordell Walker serves as Alpha Omega’s executive director and was more than willing to sit down for an interview about the forgotten veterans. Turn to the StreetSeen on page 26 to find out more. Reflecting back on my other StreetSeen and Vox Popular interviews, I realize that uplifting others seems to be an underlying theme throughout the issue, beginning with the story of Knowledge Quest’s founder and executive director Marlon Foster (featured on page 24), who keeps plugging away at providing educational opportunities for his South Memphis neighborhood. On the other side of town, Pat Brown (featured on page 28) is lifting up her neighborhood through a massive revitalization project, which Memphians can preview during the “New Face for an Old Broad” event this month. Last but not least, you’ll come across the Vox Popular of Helen Darling on page 30. Best known for her career in the WNBA, Darling’s taking on a new position as a proponent of childhood literacy at the Helen Darling Foundation. Maybe you know someone who’s warmed your spirit in the past, so don’t be afraid to offer them a “thank you,” and remember that Thanksgiving means more than eating a good turkey.
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Leah Fitzpatrick editor@rsvpmagazine.com
Model/Fashion Show Producer & Emcee/Philanthropist/Advocate for The Ken Theatre in McCrory, Arkansas
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SIGNATURE MEMPHIS
Babbie Lovett
Hobby: Theater. Your mantra: Smile. Stress outlet: Dancing. Favorite author: Joseph Campbell. Favorite Memphis musician: Jim Johnson. First concert: David Bowie at Ellis Auditorium. Words or phrases you overuse: I told a friend. Last book you’ve read: Little Bee by Chris Cleave. Your greatest achievement: My daughter, Deborah. Historical figure you most identify with: Isadora Duncan. Personal hero: My grandfather, Dr. J.W. Morris, who taught me “you can only keep what you give away.” Where you take out-of-town guests: Graceland, The Peabody (ducks), the Center for Southern Folklore, the Memphis Brooks Museum of Art and Joseph. One thing most people don’t know about you: I believe in magic (and still think I’m young).
Photo by Steve Roberts
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RSVP WATCH LIST
All Tied Up
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THE WEATHER OUTSIDE IS FRIGHTFUL. THIS SEASON’S NECKWEAR IS ANYTHING BUT.
Front row, from left to right: Animal Print Scarf in Green by Belford-$325 at James Davis (901-767-4640); Rabbit Fur and Suede Scarf in Beige by Mitchie’s- $289 at Seriously FUN! Apparel (901-754-0018); Shoes Scarf in Ivory by Yarnz-$110 at Oak Hall (901-761-3580); Back row, from left to right: Floral Scarf in Brown by Collection Eighteen-$38 at Dillard’s Oak Court (901-685-0382); Dot Scarf in Cream and Gray by Crea Concept-$135 at Kittie Kyle (901-452-2323); Silk Scarf in Green and Yellow by Teresa Hays-$188 at the Memphis Brooks Museum of Art Museum Store (901-544-6205)
P h o t o b y Na t h a n B e r ry
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EVENT
Blues Ball
BLUES BALL
Honoring “The King” and “The Killer”
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Jon Hornyak and Henry Gross
George and Dora Klein
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combination of perfect weather and fantastic homegrown music made the 2010 Blues Ball one for the records. Organized by Pat Kerr Tigrett, with the help of many volunteers and sponsors, the larger-than-life festivities recognized 75 years of Elvis, “The King,” and Jerry Lee, “The Killer.” The beginning of the night started as a party on the street, Lt. George W. Lee Avenue to be exact, with cocktails served on a giant bar carved out of ice and dancing by Elvis dancers decked in sequined blue outfits and beads, which were bestowed upon unassuming guests. Outfitted in the party’s signature black tie and rock ‘n’ roll chic attire, hundreds of guests soon made their way inside the Gibson Guitar Factory for appetizers courtesy of area restaurants and to scope out the silent auction finds. With 92 items up for grabs, there was something for everyone, from a wine tasting for eight at Flight Restaurant and Wine Bar to Minglewood Hall concert tickets and a “Music City Package” in Nashville. The popular guitar art was also back in the auction lineup and appeared in the form of guitars named “Apollo Aldrin,” “Hunka Hunka Burning Love,” “Black Velvet” and “Neon Angel,” to name a few. Dining under the stars came next, as partygoers moved to the Gibson’s rooftop for a Southern supper of fried catfish, barbecue drumsticks, broccoli and cheese casserole, corn pudding and mini cornbread muffins. The view of downtown, namely Beale Street, the Westin Hotel and FedExForum, couldn’t be beat, as guests dined and listened to musicians like Jason D. Williams, Ronnie McDowell, Matt Morris, Gary Morris, The Bar-Kays and Mark James, who wrote “Suspicious Minds.” Mini cupcakes were served for dessert in the Gold Room Piano Bar, where Ruby Wilson and Di Anne Price kept the music going. George Klein fulfilled the evening’s emcee duties, which included announcing Price as the Memphis Sound Award recipient and Knox Phillips as the Pyramid Award winner. Klein himself won the 2010 Lifetime Achievement Award, and special honors were extended to Chips Moman and James. Afterward, many put on their 3D party favor glasses to witness fireworks that were shot off in the night sky, signaling to all this was the place to be in Memphis. The fun factor aside, the event raises money for the Memphis Charitable Foundation, which gives funding to organizations like the Memphis Rock n Soul Museum, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Porter-Leath Children’s Center and the Madonna Learning Center.
See all the party photos at rsvpmagazine.com Password: RSVP
Jennifer Cheshier and Dr. Richard Starr Cheshier
Story by Leah Fitzpatrick Photos by Baxter Buck and Roy Haithcock
Cindy and Jerry Schilling
Pryor Lott and Karen Lott
Mona and Bill Sappenfield
Patrick and Deni Reilly
Pat Kerr Tigrett with Sam and Ann Samudio
Terry and Glynn Weakes
EVENT BLUES BALL
Donna and Dave Nelson
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Isabelle and Wei Chen
George and Nayla Nassar with Jerry Phillips RSVP
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Phillip and Gina Lauck
John and Katie D’Agostino
Dr. Barney and Amy Phillips with Honey and Rudi Scheidt
EVENT BLUES BALL Chris and Katie Devine
Zoe Miller and Anastasia Domashova
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Paulo Benedeti, Marie Pizano and Nicholas Celozzi
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Dr. Irfan Ali, Tim Tanner and Dr. Chris Cooper
Gilbert and Daphne Battle
Shara Levy and David Yassky
EVENT BLUES BALL
Today, she’ll discover that learning is fun.
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Kelly and David Lindsey with April Myers
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Bob Bell and Jamie Patterson
St. Mary’s empowers girls to become dreamers and thinkers, artists and storytellers, math whizzes and science sleuths by immersing them in an enriched curriculum designed specifically for the way girls learn. In our nurturing environment, St. Mary’s girls blossom into confident, curious and creative young women who look forward to the challenges of life.
Fred, Julie and Lauren Cannon with Chris Durham
To find out how St. Mary’s can help your daughter reach her full potential, join us at one of our Parent Preview or Visitor Days.
Call 901.537.1405 to register for Parent Preview and Visitor Days Early Childhood Parent Previews Oct. 26, 5:30 PM Nov. 10, 9:30 AM Lower School (grades 1 – 4) Parent Preview Day Dec. 2, 9:00 AM
Middle School (grades 5- 8) Visitor Day Nov. 3, 8:15 AM – 1:00 PM Upper School (grades 9 – 12) Visitor Day Nov. 16, 8:15 AM – 1:30 PM
Betsie Brown and Charley Burch
Jerry and Lori Harvey
Cody and Marcella Jones
Connie and Les Biggert
St. Mary’s Episcopal School. For Girls. For Life. For a bright future. WWW.STMARYSSCHOOL.ORG
60 PERKINS EXTENDED, MEMPHIS, TN 38117 | 901.537.1405 FAX: 901.685.1098 | ADMISSION@STMARYSSCHOOL.ORG
EVENT Andrea and Jay Harvey
Libby Murphy and John Cossette
Kirk and Tedrah Smothers
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BLUES BALL Maggie Bragg and Emily Bragg
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Mark Adcock, Will Mosby, Garner Williams and Jack Harris
Laura Freeze and Alisha Scoggin
Carrie Burke and Jim O’Brien
EVENT BLUES BALL
Jeanette Hollowell and Melinda Aldison
Donna Peer and Jim Wooldridge
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Rhonda and David Porter
Bill Brewer and C.C. Myers-Brewer
Dr. Carol Crown Ranta and Dr. Richard Ranta
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Raza and Hiral Beg
Ashley Armour and Abby Uithoven
Ed and Connie Kjellin
Lee Secrest and Paula Wyatt
Jennifer and Chad Cunningham
Kristin and Troy Norwood
JELLY BEAN RINGS EXCLUSIVELY AT PETER POOLE. FROM $1295.
ONSITE
Onsite
The Great Wine Performances I-Give $25 Tip-Off Party Adapt-A-Door Auction Art of Caring
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Angela Horton, Shelley Brown and Kevin O’Brien at Adapt-A-Door Auction
Tom and Thaler Beasley with Will and Gigi McGown at Adapt-A-Door Auction
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Dan and Susan Oppenheimer at Art of Caring
nlike popular trivia nights at many area brew pubs, the rules at Playhouse on the Square’s third annual The Great Wine Performances were loosened for patrons, who were encouraged to cheat. Fans of shows and chardonnays alike made the rounds from table to table, guessing which plays the characters pouring wine came from by using their iPhones, each other and their wallets (handing over tip money for clues). Each person who guessed correctly entered drawings for various prizes, and all of the evening’s proceeds, which came close to $17,000, went toward the theater. Area Tiger fans recruited friends and family to support their cause-of-choice, the Church Health Center, at the I Give $25 Tip-Off Party, held at Oaksedge. While munching on barbecue sandwiches from local favorite Germantown Commissary, blue and silver supporters were all ears as University of Memphis Men’s Basketball Coach Josh Pastner addressed the crowd as the guest of honor. Throughout the night, checks were busily signed as attendees enrolled in the I Give $25 campaign, which allows supporters of the center to donate $25 per month automatically from their bank accounts. The Church Health Center offers healthcare to the working uninsured and their families on a sliding scale basis. Electric guitars, lighted diorama headboards, floor lamps and a painting of Wonder Woman were a few of the many items bidders hovered over at Memphis Heritage’s second Adapt-A-Door Auction at the foundation’s Howard Hall. Artists, architects and artisans picked up old doors gathered from sites around the city by Memphis Heritage volunteers in April, and during the course of the spring and summer, converted 70 percent of each door into a new project. Mark Sehnert, Liz Engel and Kenneth Parks from the Askew Nixon Ferguson team took home first prize for the adapted guitar and case, with Samuel Tune and Bradley Hill winning second and third respectively. Baptist Hospital’s 11th annual art fund-raiser, Music for the aptly named Art of Caring, was indeed “M Eyes.” Gallery owner David Perry Smith sponsored the symphony of colors and contours, carvings and canvases created by local artists specifically for the event held at the Clark Opera Memphis Center. While browsing and bidding, guests also enjoyed fare from Heart and Soul Catering. Event proceeds go toward the hospital’s new Trinity Hospice House and Kemmons Wilson Family Center for Good Grief to be located on the hospital’s Collierville campus.
Wes Phillips, Andre Gibson and Dudley Langston at I Give $25 Tip-Off Party
Brad Martin, Mary Morris, Robert Gardner and Andrew Akins at I Give $25 Tip-Off Party
Kacie Flinn and Erin Phillips at The Great Wine Performances
Story and photos by Lesley Young
Amy and Jim Howell at Art of Caring
Susan Huffman and Lona Sharpe at The Great Wine Performances
Lisa Harsch and Jason Roth at The Great Wine Performances
STREETSEEN
Marlon Foster The Neighborhood Giveback
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hen struggles in Marlon Foster’s neighborhood got personal (His best friend, Pierre Ramond Henderson, died at age 18 as a result of street violence.), Foster didn’t sit around hoping his community would rise above causing similar tragedies. Instead, he set out to improve his surroundings, starting with its foundation—children. In this vein, Foster founded Knowledge Quest, a nonprofit that has become an agent for social change for those residing in the 38126 and 38106 zip codes. In the beginning, the endeavor left Foster envious of his friends with high-paying jobs and nice cars, but he trudged on knowing the eventual payoff would mean more than any paycheck ever could. He was right. Fifteen years later, he couldn’t have a bigger sense of satisfaction knowing he and his staff, which now includes his wife, have transformed the lives of more than 3,000 children by equipping them with skills for high academic achievement. However, children aren’t the only ones benefiting. “About 80 percent of parents are always at our meetings, and they are considered leaders within our organization,” Foster extols. “Many have even gone back to school to get a GED or college degree.” Foster says the organization is also seeing the fruits of its labor thanks to its first-generation of students, who are now bringing their kids to Knowledge Quest’s School-Age Academy. Students attending kindergarten through the fifth grade can attend this after-school program that focuses on what Foster calls “adventure education.” This method involves taking learning concepts of math, science and the language arts and developing hands-on educational activities. The next phase at Knowledge Quest is the Teen-Age Academy, a membership group for sixth through eighth graders. This phase emphasizes the importance of intellectual and character development, while also engaging participants in artistic and sports activities. Students in both groups are monitored for improved school attendance and academic performance, as well as positive social behavior. At the core of Knowledge Quest are passionate employees, who attend faculty and school board meetings to ensure the curriculum complements what participants are learning in school. They have even donated more than $25,000 in a 10-year period to an emergency assistance fund that makes a clothes closet, uniform exchange and food pantry possible. Another reason Knowledge Quest’s founder and executive director feels thankful stems from the formation of Christ Quest Community Church next door. This has been the other outlet Foster, an ordained minister since 2002, needed to feel fully expressed. “I now live, work and worship in the same neighborhood,” he says. “What else could I want?” Story by Leah Fitzpatrick Photo by Steve Roberts
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STREETSEEN
Cordell Walker Venerating Veterans
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ur nation’s military veterans are honored each year on November 11, Veterans Day, however this group of citizens often gets overlooked the other 364 days of the year. That’s when Cordell Walker, executive director of Alpha Omega Veterans Services, steps in because he knows all too well how easily many veterans can end up living on the streets. Walker points out, “Veterans make up roughly 33 percent of Memphis’ homeless population. The biggest misconception the public has is that these people want to be homeless.” As the nation’s first nonprofit specializing in assisting homeless and displaced veterans, Alpha Omega has helped men and women get back on their feet since 1987. The motto? “Helping Veterans Help Themselves.” While fulfilling this mission is easier said than done, Alpha Omega doesn’t ever give up on its clients, which average around 350 annually and have primarily served in wars from the Vietnam era to Afghanistan and Iraq. In fact, there’s always a waiting list for each of its six programs: the Permanent/Supportive Housing Program, the 90-day Transitional Housing Program, the 30-day to two-year Supportive Transitional Housing and Drop-In Center, the Home Ownership Program, Mobile Outreach and the Veterans Life House-Hospice and Palliative Care Program. Support services also include things like food, instilling educational and job placement goals and peer counseling, to name a few. When questioned about expanding Alpha Omega’s operations, Walker says, “We refuse to diminish the quality of service to veterans in order to increase numbers.” An agency of United Way, Alpha Omega receives funding from this support organization, as well as from the City of Memphis, to provide quality care for each of its unique clients. Surprisingly, it only takes $35 a day to sustain a veteran with food, clothing and shelter at Alpha Omega’s facilities. No one is turned away for the inability to pay, but Walker says veterans are given the tools to help obtain some type of income. “Being able to change is a condition of being at Alpha Omega, but the inability to pay isn’t,” he explains. “We only require someone to work a program, be sober and be the best he or she can be.” While Walker won’t limit himself to a favorite story considering the thousands of veterans who have come through the doors, he does offer, “The best success story is that of a veteran who comes to us homeless and is able to be totally reintegrated into society and reunited with family.” Story by Leah Fitzpatrick Photo by Steve Roberts
STREETSEEN
Pat Brown Unveiling the New Broad Avenue
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at Brown left a career in banking for one in art management, and more and more she’s realizing why, thanks to projects that have come about from the creatives she keeps company with. One such vision that’s gaining light is an urban renewal effort along Broad Avenue, the very street where Brown spends her days working as T Clifton Art Gallery’s business manager. Dubbed “A New Face for an Old Broad,” the event scheduled for November 1920 has everything to do with attracting new businesses and increasing the area’s livability and family appeal. Brown, who also serves as the Historic Broad Business Association’s vice president, laughs, “‘A New Face for an Old Broad’ doesn’t mean I’m getting a facelift, but it does mean that Broad will be getting a makeover that is aimed to show what the street’s future could look like.” Partnering with Livable Memphis and the Memphis Regional Design Center was the business association’s first step toward accomplishing a foreseeable blueprint for an area best known for its art galleries and artist studios. The resulting proposal incorporates elements currently lacking in the neighborhood like bike lanes and greenscapes, in addition to increased retail spaces and restaurants. “This is really about creating a healthier Memphis,” Brown says. “We also hope this facelift becomes a prototype for other neighborhoods so that they can do similar things.” Commercial sponsors and various businesses have added fuel to the fire by agreeing to be a part of the “A New Face for an Old Broad” festivities that will shut down Broad between Hollywood and Collins for two days. The participating vendors will set up shop in currently unoccupied buildings, which will have temporary facades on the outside for aesthetic purposes, and sell their wares as if these were normal days of business on Broad. So far, Muddy’s Bake Shop, Republic Coffee, Deja Vu, Fratelli’s, The CrêpeMaker, Outdoors Inc., Revolutions Community Bicycle Shop and several artisans have signed on. The streets will also be repainted for bike lanes, and there will be a kids’ zone, performances by the Hooper Troopers and different exercise classes. Existing businesses will keep their doors open as well, and many artists will open their studios for demonstrations and exhibits. Brown estimates a crowd of 5,000 will stop by during the affair, and she wants to reassure visitors that the street is a safe one in part because of its concerned inhabitants, who are more than eager for Memphians to stop by for a piece of what can be. Story by Leah Fitzpatrick Photo by Steve Roberts
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VOX POPULAR
Vox Popular Q&A with Helen Darling
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elen Darling may be a guard for the WNBA’s San Antonio Silver Stars, but off court, she’s working hard on getting children hooked on reading. A mother of triplets, Darling has first-hand experience when it comes to creating innovative ways for sharing the joy of reading with children and is now ready to enlighten those struggling with literacy. In July, she officially formed the Helen Darling Foundation to bring reading programs to schools, advocacy groups and literacy centers nationwide at no costs. The foundation has taken root out of her Memphis home and will launch here early next year. RSVP editor Leah Fitzpatrick met with Darling at the Bert Ferguson Community Center to get schooled about her mission, and thankfully not in basketball.
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Darling: It started at Penn State. We always had to do community service, and that was one of the things my coach [Rene Portland] instilled in us. Then, in the WNBA, they have the WNBA Cares Read to Achieve initiative. It was during a lot of Read to Achieve events that I realized that half of the kids in the program couldn’t read and didn’t have books, so that started my interest in literacy. After having my own kids, I went into being a full-blown advocate of literacy.
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RSVP: Was there any particular organization you worked with before starting your own foundation to combat childhood illiteracy? Darling: I began with Read to Achieve. Then, I was on the advisory board for Jumpstart, and I was involved with First Book. I try to be involved with as many literacy organizations as I can because only 22-26 percent of students score at the proficiency level when it comes to reading. It’s actually funny that I’m talking about this because I’m working on getting my master’s in children’s literature through Penn State’s online program, and I am doing research for my thesis paper to find out at what age we lose our children in reading. Do we lose them at birth? Do we lose them in third grade? Do we lose them when they stop reading non-illustrated books? It’s an interesting research topic. RSVP: When did you come up with the idea to start the Helen Darling Foundation? Darling: Well, I originally started a for-profit with my books, which are a seven-book series called the Days of the Week book series. It’s
basically formulated for my kids and how I taught them the days of the week, so the characters are actually my children and their real names. Growing up teaching my kids the days of the week, we did assimilation, so maybe on Mondays we did hide ‘n seek, and every Tuesday, we might do another activity, and so on. Eventually, they associated certain activities with the days of the week, and it was a fun way to learn. Back to the foundation…I was doing appearances, and it was hard to ask schools and organizations for a certain amount of money to come out and do an hour or two-hour visit. That included airfare, hotel and any kind of travel expense. I realized I had a hard time charging people, so I decided to do a nonprofit that provides different programs and serves the same purpose, which is to promote literacy in a fun, creative way. RSVP: How much time elapsed from the idea for the foundation until its inception? Darling: My assistant and I first talked about it in 2007, but I went back to school and she moved, got married and had a child, so we didn’t really do it for a while. We’d formed a board though, and she asked me this year if I was serious about getting it done. We talked about this before the season in April, and by July, we had our nonprofit status. Our first launch event will be November 11 at the Hotel Contessa in San Antonio. We’re looking to do a launch in Memphis in February, and we’re going to try and do one in March at Penn State, my alma mater. The cool thing about the foundation is that the money raised in a particular city stays in that city, so I don’t raise money in Memphis to use in San Antonio. If Memphis raises $100,000, then that $100,000 will be invested into promoting literacy in Memphis. After we get through this year, I’ll start planning launches for Charlotte, North Carolina since I played basketball there and then in Columbus, Ohio because that’s where I’m originally from. Photos by Don Perry
RSVP: One of your big focuses has been about giving back, so I was wondering if there is a person who inspired you to do charity work?
Darling: My main focus is inner-city, Title 1 schools, but I’m not opposed to any school. With the foundation, sometimes I may just provide money for a school, so they can buy books for children. Although I want to have the foundation’s programs in these schools, I still think it’s important to get books in kids’ hands. You can do all these programs, but if kids don’t have any books, how can they improve?
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RSVP: What is your foundation’s target demographic?
Strong. Caring. Compassionate. Funny how describing Baptist is a lot like describing Martha.
RSVP: What are the different programs offered by the Helen Darling Foundation?
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Martha Perine-Beard Immediate Past Chair, Baptist College of Health Sciences Member, Baptist Memorial Health Care Community Advisory Board
31 Martha Perine-Beard could talk about movies for hours. Her creative and collaborative leadership might have made her the next Spielberg, if she wasn’t changing lives here in Memphis. As an executive committee member and immediate past board chair at the Baptist College of Health Sciences, Martha’s exceptional leadership served as a model of excellence for more than 1,200 graduates who have chosen a health care career. As a volunteer, Martha inspires other women to take more active roles in their community everyday. We’re just glad she’s making a difference here at Baptist instead of Hollywood.
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Darling: We have four different programs that target different age groups and different people. The first one we have is the Parenting Program. Because my passion is family literacy, I think it’s important to show parents how to get involved in their child’s life and how simple it can be by creating your own games that don’t cost any money. The only cost is a parent’s time. I know a lot of single parents don’t have the time, but speaking as someone who travels, is in school, is a mom and still has to train, I know parents can find the time. Really trying to create a stronger parent/child bond and family togetherness is at the root of this program. I also want to get parents to realize that reading to their child from birth is important. The Writer’s Club is also a bunch of fun, and I actually did a pilot program for this with third graders in San Antonio at an elementary school. I got approached for this because they wanted to do something with kids to get them excited and prepared for the fourth grade TAKS Test. I went in and began talking about adjectives by getting kids to come up with adjectives before their names, like “KindHearted Carly.� Then, I explained the five steps of the writing process, but in a fun way. The kids ended up partici-
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RSVP: Were you intimidated to publish your first children’s book, Hide ‘n Seek Mondays? Darling: I was just so excited. For some reason, I always decide to start on projects during my WNBA season, and mainly because my kids aren’t there, so I have more time. Sometimes I just need to stay busy too, so I don’t miss them so much. My teammates were just as excited as me. The hard part was making sure everything was legit, like getting the International Standard Book Number, getting my Library of Congress number and finding an illustrator. It took a good year to finish the whole series. RSVP: Do you have another book series in the works? Darling: My initial goal was to write books as my kids progress through school, but I’m stuck on children’s books. I do have one book that I want to write, but it’s taking a little longer because I’m working on it with my kids since I want it to be told from their perspective. My goal is really to get my kids writing and publishing their own books.
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RSVP: What comes next for you in the world of basketball?
starting this foundation because I felt like it would hopefully give kids an alternative to being out on the streets by teaching them how to make an honest living. The reason I didn’t want parents involved in this program is because I didn’t want parents selling books then taking the money for themselves. I don’t want this to be a scam. I
Darling: I’ve been in the league for 10 years, but I would love to sign another two years max, then be done. If I sign a two-year contract, and we win a championship in one, I’ll probably retire. I’m that competitor, so to fall short of getting a championship ring is depressing. You know, there are a lot of people who never make a championship, so we’ll see.
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want this to be an honest job for kids, and I want people to know kids aren’t only writing a story, but they’re writing the dedication page and the synopsis and learning the ins and outs of the publishing business. There are so many stories out there that kids want to tell, but they just don’t know how to tell them. Storytelling can be therapeutic for them as well.
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pating in two contests, one local and one national. The local contest was for books written by individuals, and the national one required books written by groups. One girl, who wanted to be a journalist, ended up placing third! The point of the Writer’s Club is to teach kids fun, creative writing and help them enter contests, and so forth. The third program is the Helen Darling Book Club, and that’s the one that we want to become national. We just really want to get kids, probably kindergarten and first grade kids, to read books or have their parents read them, and then go online and answer questions. As an incentive to read books, we’re trying to create a Helen Darling Book Club card, which will provide a discount at participating sponsors’ stores if a kid comes in with this card. The last program is Stories Told from Our Perspective [STOP], and this is the main reason I started this foundation. This is a multi-stage program, where the first part is teaching kids how to write. The second part is teaching kids how to be entrepreneurs, which helps kids learn how to get their books published. For instance, a child has to write five books, and then we’re going to publish these books for them. If they sell the books for $10 a piece, we’ll teach them that $5 should go toward their college fund and the rest to them. Essentially, we’re teaching them about savings and how money accumulates over time if saved. That was the sole purpose of
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Dottie N. Jones Survivor Luncheon Stomp in the Swamp “Gallery of Hope” Unveiling Delta Waterfowl Banquet
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undreds of cancer survivors packed the large ballroom at the U of M Holiday Inn for the Dottie N. Jones Survivor Luncheon, an event sponsored by John Paul “Jack” Jones, whose belated wife was a cancer survivor. Pink balloons and gift bags filled the room, and a lively tropical theme set the stage as survivors shared in their success with their battles over breast cancer; Lillie Pryor was announced as a 48-year survivor, and Felippa Russo as a 41-year survivor. Lunch was followed by a panel discussion in which experts in oncology, Lauren Byrd, Scott May Jr., Kelly Rash, Al Owings and Natalie Smith plastic surgery and psychology answered questions at Delta Waterfowl Banquet turned in by attendees. Proceeds benefit the Memphis Mid-South affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure. Mary Helen and Mark Butler Friends of the Pink Palace and their guests at Stomp in the Swamp gathered in September at Lichterman Nature Center for the annual Stomp in the Swamp. The three-hour event featured a silent auction with lots of handcrafted jewelry, artwork, pottery and even a birdhouse, and a buffet dinner came courtesy of Germantown Commissary. Guests were also treated to music by Josh Threlkeld and grounds decorated with 45 scarecrows, each made by a different local group, including schools, nursing homes and gardening groups. Parents, grandparents and other guests gathered with “graduates” of the Neo-Natal Intensive Care Unit at Baptist Women’s Hospital for the unveiling of Gallery of Hope.” The installation, donated by the “G John Gatti, Tom Bulleit and Bigelow Robinson award-winning photographer Allison Rodgers, includes at Delta Waterfowl Banquet 36 32 canvases of former patients ages 1 to 19 years. The canvases each have a story of the child photographed. Tripp Carter and Wanda Hunsucker with Marvin and June Carter The Memphis/Mid-South Chapter of Delta at Stomp in the Swamp Waterfowl held its annual Delta Waterfowl Banquet at the U of M Holiday Inn. The benefit netted more than $80,000 last year to help conserve waterfowl, making the local chapter one of the top fund-raising chapters in the country. Proceeds go to support the conservation research studies of 30-40 graduate students and also to predator management efforts to help combat the harmful effects of invasive species on the waterfowl population in their breeding grounds in the North. This year, the group is also supporting an amendment to the Tennessee constitution protecting the right to hunt. Story and photos by Don Perry and Suzanne Thompson Jessica Maxwell and Ashley Fox at Delta Waterfowl Banquet
Vicki Campbell and Katie Garino at Dottie N. Jones Survivor Luncheon
Joni Poynter, Chad Graddy and Melissa Lewis at Dottie N. Jones Survivor Luncheon
Pamela and Dr. Esmond Arrindell with Allison and Jeff Rodgers at “Gallery of Hope” Unveiling
Caylee, Amanda and Casey Cunningham at “Gallery of Hope” Unveiling
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PAW PRINTS AUCTION GALA
EVENT
Paw Prints Auction Gala The Pet Party
T Debra and David Aquadro
Sam Fargotstein and Rebecca Belz
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he Humane Society of Memphis and Shelby County always pulls out the stops in its mission to provide refuge, medical care, nourishment and a second chance for injured, neglected and abused animals. This is precisely the reason the organization presents Paw Prints Auction Gala, its biggest fund-raising effort of the year. The annual event, which this year honored Joe and Christine Mroz Baier, was held at Central Station in downtown Memphis, once again bringing together local animal lovers to enjoy an evening of great company, live music and tasty fare for a cause close to their hearts. The station was “dressed to the nines” with brightly draped tables accented by centerpieces of pet treats (which were to be donated to the society’s charges) and huge white light paw prints projected on the walls. Guests savored an array of goodies and libations generously provided by commercial supporters including Star Distributors, Silly Goose, Flight, The Arcade, The Inn at Hunt Phelan, Itta Bena, Catering for U, First Choice Catering, BB King’s, Blues Cafe and Hard Rock Café while checking out the many silent auction items up for bid. Among these were gift certificates from Coaba Cigars, Hal Jaffe Portraits, Vineyard Vines, Dazzle and art from Painted Planet, Sissa’s and Cherie Perez. WMC-TV’s Ron Childers presided over the live auction, which brought on a flurry of excitement as bidders sought to go home with big-ticket items like a University of Memphis Basketball Experience with Josh Pastner. The experience featured attendance at a Tigers’ practice, a pre-game team dinner and the designation of the honorary coach. Mednikow Jewelers donated a beautiful ladies’ watch, while Al and Carol LaRocca gave a wheelbarrow of premium wines and spirits. A dinner for eight prepared in the high bidders’ home by Café Society Chefs Cullen Kent and Michel Leny and two half-court front row seats for the Grizz vs. LeBron James and the Miami Heat game also elicited high interest. Following the auction, The Living Daylights’ popular covers of classic rock, country and rhythm and blues had partygoers on their feet ‘til the wee hours. The highlight of the evening, to everyone’s delight, was the announcement that the proceeds raised by the gala and auction will be used to launch the new HSMSC ambulance service. See all the party photos at rsvpmagazine.com Password: RSVP
Aaron Kerr and James Hutto
Story by Ruth Cassin Photos by Don Perry
Debbie Glenn and Marian Huddleston
Lori Turner and Mike Wilson
Carl and Jill Kennon
Liz McKee and Bonny Kinney
Debbie and Darold Russell with Mike Towles and Angela Bisceglia
Chris Kelly and Robin Reviere
EVENT
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Dennis Givens, Mary Heim and Michael Hancock
PAW PRINTS AUCTION GALA
Yael Julian, Jason Yasinsky and Bridget and Mat Warner
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Shelley Robbins, Amy Egerman and Audrey Siskind
Shea and Dr. Travis Oliver with Anne Davis
EVENT PAW PRINTS AUCTION GALA
Mitch and Kelly Jo Graves
Lana and Chris Kehayias
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Ann Hogue and Kim Proctor
Kayla and Jason Salomon
Dr. Christine Mroz and Joseph L. Baier Jr.
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Tiffany Brimhall and Joe Wilson
Pearl and David Pollow
Jack Phillips and Ashlee Omar
Leah Roen and Liz Simonian
Tracee Gentry and Pat Matthews
John and Kerry Sneed
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Hats Off to Joy Wiener Bracket Bash Rock for Love 4 BBQ Art with Heart
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Linda Hill and Dianne Papasan at Art with Heart
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42 Jim and Missy Rainer at Art with Heart
Joy Wiener and Mabel McNeill at Hats Off to Joy Wiener
Dolores Engelberg and Lyda Parker at Hats Off to Joy Wiener
emphis Symphony League members band together for the love of music, but they also support people making the music—take the Hats Off to Joy Wiener event, for example. Members held a luncheon at the Memphis Country Club to honor Wiener for 40 years of service (1952-1992) to the Memphis Symphony Orchestra as concertmaster. Martha Horton presented her mother with an award on this occasion, and Paul Turnbow gave a speech on behalf of the musicians for Wiener. The celebration included a fashion show by hat designer Barbara Perkins of Gallerie Des Chapeaux and a performance by violinist Aubrey Mills, Wiener’s former student. The 12th annual Bracket Bash got people off the tennis courts and to Lexus of Memphis to raise funds for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Memphis. SunTrust was back as title sponsor for the event that kicked off with a cocktail party and auction co-chaired by Amy and Jim Whittington and Alicia and Richard Dunlap. Tennis ball arrangements with limes livened up the décor surrounding the silent auction items, and Mike McLaren, the live auctioneer, expressed great enthusiasm as he auctioned off several getaways and a dinner and wine tasting party. Rockin’ out has never been hard for Memphians, and even less so when it’s for a good cause. That’s just what happened at the Rock for Love 4 BBQ, which jumpstarted the Church Health Center’s annual benefit concert that raised $39,200 by the last show. Ardent Studios, a partner since the event’s debut, hosted the kick-off that offered plenty of tasty fare, guided studio tours and a sneak peek at the Rock for Love concert film, which later screened at the Indie Memphis Film Festival. Linda Hill and Dianne Papasan led the effort behind the new Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital art collection, on display for the first time at Art with Heart. The affair drew a crowd of hundreds to the hospital, where guests viewed works by more than 50 professional artists and 200 pieces by area students. Pieces were created with courage, compassion, hope and love in mind and were available for underwriting. Additions to the collection are available for underwriting at lebonheur.org/art. Story and photos by Leah Fitzpatrick
Buzzy Hussey, Mei-Ann Chen and Ryan Fleur at Hats Off to Joy Wiener
Paulo and Priscilla Teixeira, Jane and David Sorsby and Lisa and Martin Thompson at Bracket Bash
Donna and Jon Van Hoozer at Bracket Bash
Amanda Taylor, Laurie Holt and Sarah Lorenz at Rock for Love 4 BBQ
J.D. Reager and Marvin Stockwell at Rock for Love 4 BBQ
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Furniture, art, antiques and much more. Something for every room of your home
EVENT
Taste of the Town
TASTE OF THE TOWN
Benefiting the Make-A-Wish Foundation®
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Heather Roberts and Stacey Richards
Phyllis and Reginald Jones
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hy stay in when you can indulge in samplings from more than 40 hospitality vendors under one roof? Hundreds of Memphians have embraced the idea for 10 years running by coming out for the Germantown Chamber of Commerce’s Taste of the Town, held this past September at Hilton Memphis. Dining delights enticed guests immediately upon arrival, as many area chefs cooked up and served their specialties onsite. Food offerings were broken up into categories consisting of appetizers/ soups/salads, entrées and desserts, while drinks included wine, beer, tea, soft drinks and water. Some of the standout dishes featured were smoked salmon with cream cheese and salmon caviar by Automatic Slim’s, shrimp and crab salad served on lettuce leaves with crispy wontons from Eclectic Catering, sashimi tuna prepared by Sharky’s Gulf Grill, barbecue nachos courtesy of Central BBQ and Grove Grill’s crostinis with goat cheese and mushrooms, which the chef pointed out were straight from Hernando, Mississippi. Sweet tooths found their fix in the form of chai tea latte whip served with pretzels by Dove Chocolate Discoveries, bread pudding from Owen Brennan’s and Triple Threat Crepes by CrêpeMaker. VIP ticket holders got a special treat thanks to a cooking demo by Chef John Bragg of Circa and a wine tasting by Angela Moon of Kirby Wines and Liquors. Celebrity judges also offered their palates for charity to decide the Connoisseur Award victors. These lucky few, or unlucky if you count the number of calories they had to consume, were Ron Childers of WMC-TV 5, Jennifer Biggs of The Commercial Appeal, Steve Conley and Karen Perrin of Classic Hits 94.1 KQK, Hannah Sayle of the Memphis Flyer and Dr. Carol Silkes, a chef and assistant professor at The Kemmons Wilson School of Hospitality. Each remained good humored to the last bite and arrived at the following winners: Fine Dining Distinction Awards-Chez Philippe (appetizers/ soups/salads category), Ziparo’s Catering (entrées category) and Classique Epicurious (desserts category); Casual Dining Distinction Awards-Automatic Slim’s (appetizers/soups/salads category), Paula Deen Buffet (entrées category) and Jason’s Deli (desserts category). The live and silent auctions even catered to foodies’ tastes with items like a private chef’s dinner with Coach Melissa McFerrin, gift certificates from numerous restaurants and a gourmet fudge basket from Big Boy Confections. Once again, Morris Auction Group sponsored the live auction and Pat Register supplied the tunes while guests perused the delectable items before them. By evening’s end, forks and bids had been raised to the tune of $45,000—the amount needed to grant three wishes for Make-A-Wish beneficiaries. See all the party photos at rsvpmagazine.com Password: RSVP
Angelo Lucchesi and Jeff Morris
Story by Leah Fitzpatrick Photos by Don Perry
Ken and Karen Isaacman
Carole Hinely and Jim Fegley
Kendra Dansberry and Tarrik Moore
Kristin and Tim Ogburn
Jeff Bronze, Melissa McFerrin and Barbara Bronze
Steve Conley and Karen Perrin
EVENT TASTE OF THE TOWN N O V E M B E R 2 010
Kim Hall, Brooke Ehrhart and Kim Terrell
Allen and Emily Underwood
Stephen and Denise Meachem
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Sheryl Hibbs, Davene Mitchell and Donna Powers
Dave and Arleen Klevan
Tammy and Steve Chism
EVENT TASTE OF THE TOWN Kasey Knight and Ben Adams
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Kim and Tim Ware
Jessica Wilson, Megan Sadler and Nikki Jimenez RSVP
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Elizabeth Schillace and Eric Montesi
Kristi and Kevin Bush
Porter Allison and Stephanie Hom with William and Sarah Kitchens
EVENT TASTE OF THE TOWN N O V E M B E R 2 010
Wendy Wesolowski and Annie Taylor
Ken and Barbara Clenin
Jess and Mary Lee Wesberry
Kemp and Anita Stone
Annette and Alexis Liles
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Becky Siano and Janie Day
Conrad Gibson and Whitney Jacks
Barron and Sonia Erby
Debbie and David Snipes
Pam and Rick Leet
Jennifer Scroggs and Jana King
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Don’t miss the rest of our exciting 2010-2011 season!
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music by Giaochino Rossini a collaboration with Mississippi Opera
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EVENT
Garage Band Reunion
GARAGE BAND REUNION
Rockin’ Good Times
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N O V E M B E R 2 010
Lisa and Bill Emmerling
Megan and Dr. Graham Warr
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he popular garage bands of the 1960s and ‘70s hold a beloved place in the hearts of local music lovers, who recently went into fanmode for the Garage Band Reunion. Now in its seventh year, the benefit concert for Alzheimer’s Day Services of Memphis keeps growing in popularity, nearly doubling its attendance and proceeds from last year. A change of venue was in order this go-around, and that’s where The Warehouse came into play. Located behind late-night hangout Earnestine & Hazel’s, the expansive space opened up by Kris Kourdouvelis and Sharon Gray has had everyone from rappers to soul singers grace its stage, but for one-night-only, the concert bill belonged to Interstate 55, Reflections, Eddie Harrison & the ShortKuts, Down to Five and The Breaks. Emcee Larry Raspberry, an original member of The Gentrys, and David “Flash” Fleischman performed with some of these groups as well, and Keith Sykes, who cowrote “Volcano” with Jimmy Buffett, treated guests to a surprise performance. Before hitting the dance floor, concertgoers checked out the silent auction, which fittingly included a set of six signed Larry Raspberry CDs and a Garage Band Pack of books and CDS, and munched on goodies from Rendezvous’ signature barbecue cheese plate to appetizers from Coletta’s and a dessert tower of Hostess Cakes’ products. In the live auction, Raspberry opened up the bidding for a guitar donated by St. Blues Guitars that boasted signatures from each of the participating performers. Other activities included browsing through garage band memorabilia and checking out the latest models from Dobbs Ford Lincoln Mercury. A special touch came in the evening when the late Willie Mitchell of Royal Studios fame was honored for his involvement in the Memphis music scene. Mitchell’s son, Boo Mitchell, accepted the award on his father’s behalf and is continuing his father’s legacy at Royal. Organizers are happy to report that proceeds of $25,000 will go toward the Ricky Huddleston Memorial Scholarship Fund at Alzheimer’s Day Services and want to thank the Kirby Pines Retirement Community for presenting the night that was music to many ears.
Nancy Nichols and Cal Milliner
Cathy Weaver and Terry Lynch
Story by Leah Fitzpatrick Photos by Nathan Berry See all the party photos at rsvpmagazine.com Password: RSVP Niki and Nick Burchett
Whit and Connie Sutton
Rachel Scott Woodall and Toni Bridgeforth
Stewart and Carol Richardson with Gay and Hall Prewitt
Brad Burt and Stephanie Minor
EVENT GARAGE BAND REUNION
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WRCS The First and Last Name in Quality Services Provision WR Community Services provides Homemaker, In-Home Respite, Personal Care Attendant and Assistance Services.
Providing Quality Care for the Elderly and Disabled throughout Tennessee. Phil Muth, Jerry Billmeier, Linda Siegfried and Paul Presley
WR Community Services LLC. 2600 Poplar Avenue, Suite #405, Memphis, TN 38112 Founded in 2007
Melanie and Kent Pafford
Carolyn Nagel and Mary Canale
Email: quality@wrcommunity.com Office: 901-325-7997 Fax: 901-325-7998 or 877-322-7998
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EVENT GARAGE BAND REUNION N O V E M B E R 2 010
Cindy Metcalf, Larry Raspberry and Paul Averwater
Jeff Bailey, Carol Sherrod and Mark White
Kim Harwood and Sherry Henson
Emily and Jim Peckham
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Hank and Ruth Ann Shelton
Bobby and Rhonda East with Cindy and Jon Griese
Ginny and John Webb
Susan and Bill Andrews
Dennis and Jan Dean with Jeanie Gundlach and Steve Conley
EVENT Sherry and Matt Shackelford
Mark Skinner and Lisa Huddleston Skinner
John and April Henderson
N O V E M B E R 2 010
GARAGE BAND REUNION Jacob and Melissa Totty
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Bob Nelson, Donna Angle and David Pierce
Bruce Bowles and Ron Hall
Chad Shurley and Heidi Shaffer
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Onsite
Croquet Lawn and Garden Party Living Awards Big Scoop Ice Cream Festival Art on Tap
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N O V E M B E R 2 010
Andrew Ray and Merry Beth Camurati at Art on Tap
Kristin Oswalt, Thomas Whitehead and Jessica Toliuszis at Art on Tap
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hough it wasn’t quite October, the Dixon Gallery and Gardens happily turned its grounds into a beer garden for the 15th annual Art on Tap. The Dixon’s young membership arm, Young at Art, hosted the sudtastic affair that featured brews from Boscos Brewery, Ghost River Brewing and Bluff City Brewers & Connoisseurs. Mean Green Music Machine supplied the party tunes, and Jim ‘N Nick’s Bar-B-Q, L’Ecole Culinaire, Pa Pa Pia’s, Aldo’s Pizza and McAlister’s Deli served up nibbles to accompany the drinks. Proceeds benefit the Dixon’s education outreach programs. Over at AutoZone Park, treats also came in the cold variety thanks to the 16th annual Big Scoop Ice Cream Festival. Some 2,300 people gave into sweets for the fund-raiser that brought in more than $61,000 for the Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Memphis. Between sampling a variety of ice cream flavors, guests also enjoyed music from the Memphis & Shelby County Music Commission’s Generation Next artists, magic by Magic Mr. Nick and a performance by Memphis Dance Alliance. Dana and Kent Farmer welcomed guests to their house for a Croquet Lawn and Garden Party benefiting Mid-South Spay & Neuter Services. Joey Hagan, tournament judge, officiated the games and presented awards to the winning croquet players and the bestdressed participants at the end of the event, which was sponsored by Star Distributors, Whole Foods and Lauren Mills Photography. When mallets weren’t in hand, guests could be found bidding on an array of items including a billiards table, an antique garden bike and artisan crafted jewelry in a silent auction, or taking in the musical stylings of violinist Jessica Munson, who was accompanied by Aron Shiers on guitar. Methodist Healthcare Foundation announced this year’s Living Awards honorees during a ceremony held in The Peabody’s Grand Ballroom. Award recipient were the following: Dr. S. Douglas Hixson (Physician Inspiration in Faith and Health), Dr. Jon H. Robertson (Physician Inspiration in Faith and Health), Barbara H. Hamilton (Inspiration in Faith and Health), Dr. Gordon J. Kraus (Community Inspiration in Faith and Health) and the CEO of Maua Methodist Hospital in Maua, Kenya, Jeremiah Mialutha (National/International Inspiration in Faith and Health).
Sarah Lacy and Michelle Lamansky at Art on Tap
Story Submitted and by Leah Fitzpatrick Photos Submitted and by Libby Huff and Joseph Martin
Dr. Poorna Subramaniam, Dr. Connie Cancio-Babu and Christina Babu at Living Awards
Dr. S. Douglas Hixson, Dr. Jon H. Robertson, Barbara H. Hamilton, Dr. Gordon J. Kraus and Jeremiah Mialutha at Living Awards
Jeb and Chad Anterburn at Big Scoop Ice Cream Festival
Angela, Sofia and Mariel Haney at Big Scoop Ice Cream Festival
Liz Simonian and Dana Farmer at Croquet Lawn and Garden Party
Mike and Anita McCarty at Croquet Lawn and Garden Party
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MIFA “FEED THE SOUL” PARTY
EVENT
MIFA “Feed the Soul” Party Celebrating Memphis
T Todd and Patricia Walker
Laurie Stark and Steve Cohen
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he Warehouse in the South Main Historic District was packed to the gills with a turnout of about 900 guests to celebrate the Metropolitan Inter-Faith Association’s continued dedication to 60,000 Memphis and Shelby County residents, including senior citizens and families in crisis. Presented by SunTrust, the benefit is indeed one of the most anticipated parties of the year, and this year delivered as promised. On a picture perfect autumn evening, everything was about “green” as folks entered the grounds on a green carpet and took advantage of photo ops with DJ Raiford, who also spun some great tunes that definitely set the mood for a stellar evening. Outside, beautifully draped green tables with centerpieces of green hydrangeas provided a place for folks to enjoy an abundance of tasty appetizers, Memphis soul food and tantalizing desserts contributed by the Brushmark Restaurant, Catering For U, Charles Vergos’ Rendezvous, Chattanooga Bakery, Inc., The Inn at Hunt Phelan, Lickety Split Ice Cream, Zest Special Events, Chow Time and Hog Wild BBQ. Many vied for the chance to win dozens of raffle prizes donated by area merchants such as Amro Music Stores, Inc., The Blue Monkey, Breakaway Running, Dabbles Hair Co., Davis-Kidd Booksellers, Mango Street Baby, Memphis Brooks Museum of Art, Memphis Grizzlies, Midtown Yoga, Muddy’s Bake Shop and Playhouse on the Square. MoonPies and big red wax lips were among fun party favors. A return favorite from years past was the oxygen bar, where partygoers bellied up to experience a 10-minute hit of a variety of flavored air to help relieve those fall allergies. New this time was a bourbon cave where an array of fine bourbons was presented for tasting. Buster’s Liquors & Wines, Coors Light, The Corkscrew, The Patrón Spirits Company, Athens Distributing and PepsiAmericas, Inc. provided beverages. The party was also one of the last opportunities for bargain shoppers to hit the MIFA Store, as it was to be closed at the end of the month. Rounding out the festivities was a rousing appearance by Memphis drummer Ryan Peel and his band. Charlie Nelson, MIFA’s director of volunteers and special events, enthused, “Feed the Soul was bigger and better than ever—a success on all fronts. We always try to offer new entertainment for our guests. We had more guests than last year and raised more money (grossing more than $100,000) to benefit MIFA’s programs in the community. Thanks, Memphis!” See all the party photos at rsvpmagazine.com Password: RSVP
Bunny Hill-Thomas and Stanton Thomas
Story by Ruth Cassin Photos by Don Perry
Charlie Nelson and Major Currie
Melissa Corzine and Brenta Medley
Kristi and Brad Crawford
Robert Gargiull and Amy Beth Dudley
Joyce Bamman, Jenny Koltnow, Andy Cates, Tran Bui and Val Mercado
Nicki and Rip Haney
EVENT
Inn at Hunt Phelan
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Mary Ashley Churchwell and Scott Dorland
MIFA “FEED THE SOUL” PARTY
Amanda Voss, Conrad Gibson and Whitney Jacks
Frances, Robert and Paula Raiford
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DINING LODGING SPECIAL EVENTS Megan Arthur and Jana Lamana
Laura Freeze and Aaron Kerr
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Drs. Lance and Carol Silkes, Ellen Whitten and Natalie Aldridge
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Tuesday to Saturday • Dinner 5 pm – 10 pm Sunday Brunch • 11 am – 3 pm Sunday Night Jazz • 5 pm – 9 pm
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533 Beale at Lauderdale Memphis • 901-525-8225
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EVENT MIFA “FEED THE SOUL” PARTY
Tim Antignane and Kate Pera
Connie and Whit Sutton
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Lee and Tom Carpenter
Mac McDaniel and Liz Daulton
Billy and Tracee Comfort
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Alan and Brooke Balducci
Toni Boland and Adrienne Bailey
Debbie Demirörz and Kembree Darakshani Brown
Megan and Tony Federico
David and Penney Williams
Tim Peerson and Giselle Rouson
EVENT EVENT
Thursday, November 4th 11a-7p Dermatology Realm’s most popular event of the year is coming soon! Come have fun and help support LeBonheur Children’s Hospital. ~ FREE MicroLaserPeels on hands with a $20 donation ~ FREE BOTOX® & Dysport® drawings every half-hour ~ MC1 VASER Shape demo and $100 off for attending ~ VASER Liposuction hourly drawing for $1000 off coupon ~ FREE $25 Gift Cards towards any cosmetic procedure!
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~ Food from Ziparo’s - Jazz from Pat Register. ~ Live demonstrations of our most popular procedures: Non-Surgical Facelift, Fillers, MC1 VASER Shape ~ Come help make a difference! 2120 Merchants Row, Suite 2 | Germantown, TN | 901.362.7170 | www.dermatologyrealm.com Terry Reeves, Denice Gore and Carter Beard
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CROWN & SCEPTER MIFA “FEED THE SOUL” PARTY
Clifford and Dionne Jones with Derek Henson
Holiday Open House
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Chris and Gwen Beard with Leslie and Andy Taylor
Peria Gober, Charley Foster, Kat Gordon and Hannah Newsom
RSV PHILLIPPI
By Dennis Phillippi
WHEN YOU’RE 15…
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I
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t’s hard to believe RSVP is 15 years old. It seems like just yesterday the magazine was just a sweet, harmless little thing that everyone thought was the cutest thing ever. Maybe it was too loud at times, or was a little silly, but it was really very adorable. Now, it’s 15, and it thinks it knows everything. It talks back. It spends all of its time texting with other magazines, some of which, like Seventeen for instance, are too old for RSVP to be running around with. We all know RSVP will mature out of this phase and be a normal magazine again, but most of the time, we just want to lock it in a closet until it grows up. All kidding aside, it is hard to believe the magazine has been around for 15 years, mainly because it seems like RSVP has been around for a lot longer than that. Most Memphians can barely remember a time when they didn’t rush to a drop spot at the very beginning of the month to grab a copy before they all disappeared. There was a time when there wasn’t a big, glossy magazine filled with pictures of big, glossy people in fancy duds, but it’s a long forgotten era, like when the Fords ran everything, or when we all thought building a silver pyramid with terrible acoustics was a great idea. Back in 1995, when a couple of scruffy Harvard students decided to revolutionize the social fabric of Memphis by creating a free publication showcasing the good life and its charitable events, the world was a different place. Microsoft finally unveiled the long-delayed Windows 95. The Dow Jones topped the dizzying number 4,000 for the first time. Yahoo came into existence, setting the stage for the Google guys to make it better and become billionaires. Letterman hosted the Oscars, cementing his reputation as the guy who should never, ever host the Oscars. Best Picture that year, by the way, was Forrest Gump, a great movie that is loved by everyone not from Mississippi. The phenomenon that is RSVP often amazes me. Occasionally, I’ll meet someone for lunch at a restaurant that gets the magazine right before the beginning of the month and nearly everyone in the joint will be leafing through RSVP to see if they recognize anyone, or if their picture from the Fall Festival to Defeat
Dandruff made the cut, or just to see the pretty girls in party dresses. On one or two occasions, I’ve even seen people reading this column. When I point out that I wrote the column they’re reading, they are always very polite and rarely point out that this is a very weird place to have a satire column. Mind you, we are all very happy to have jobs at this magazine. In this climate,
How many times have you thumbed through a copy of RSVP in a waiting room only to realize at some point that it is years old? we’re all very happy to have jobs at any magazine. Honestly, some of us are lucky to have jobs of any kind. RSVP is a nifty place to be. Some people read the paper. Some people read the Memphis Flyer. But everyone flips through RSVP. It doesn’t hurt that it’s almost entirely comprised of pictures. Magazines are vanishing by the day, and yet RSVP perseveres. It’s a good, old-fashioned magazine that you can read any time and anywhere. While it does finally have a presence on the Internet, the physical magazine is something special. It’s over-sized, it’s luxurious and it’s free. RSVP also never ages. How many times have you thumbed through a copy of RSVP in a waiting room only to realize at some point that it is years old? My doctor’s office is notorious for having the worst collection of ancient magazines in the western world. On a recent visit, I found myself reading a copy of a hunting magazine from 1998. What was I doing reading a hunting magazine from 1998? It was the best option. The others were a 2-
year-old copy of a golfing magazine and a 4-year-old copy of WebMD. I don’t hunt, but I golf even less, and the idea of reading a magazine filled with helpful suggestions of other things that might be wrong with me while sitting on a paper sheet in a doctor’s office was not a pleasant option. At the time I thought, as I often have, that it would’ve been great to stumble onto an old copy of RSVP. What difference does it make if it’s from 11 years ago? The people are still going to be attractive, and they’re still going to look happy, because they were happy. Maybe that’s the real secret of RSVP. Maybe everyone in this city enjoys this society magazine even if they themselves aren’t going to be attending fancy meals or huge parties under lighted tents and end up in these pages because they get to see people who do, and those people are happy. Any other publication, with almost no exceptions, is going to balance their content with grim stories, depressing statistics or worst of all: news. Those are going to be filled with people in anguish. Have you ever seen a person in anguish in RSVP? Of course not. This is our happy place, even if we’re not the happy people in it. This is a refuge, a place that says it’s perfectly okay to get dolled up and dance. In RSVP, the world is filled with joy and taffeta. Men wear tuxedos. Where else are you going to see that? I mean, other than a Men’s Wearhouse catalogue. There are pictures of people drinking Champagne. Personally, I don’t care for Champagne, but I love the thought of a world where people do. Here’s hoping RSVP lasts for at least another 15 years, and not just because I hope sooner or later someone from The New Yorker will stumble onto an old copy and hire me. No, let’s hope it lasts for another 15 years because no matter how you look at it, this is a happy place.
You have us in stitches this month Dennis Phillippi with your oh-so-true perspective of RSVP’s appeal. And you definitely hit the nail on the head with the remarks about taffeta and Champagne, which our staff happens to be sipping right now in tuxes and gigantic debutante-worthy ball gowns.
AFTER HOURS
After Hours A photo collage of the latest business happenings
Chickasaw Oaks Village Night Out at Kittie Kyle
Girls Night Out at Oak Hall
Marcia Bryan, Betty Hays and Jane Ezzell at Seriously FUN! Apparel
Lisa Mallory and Cindy Gambrell at Kittie Kyle
Cindy Ledger with Brooke and Will Levy at Oak Hall
Gina and Jim Wiertelak with Janet Burkett at Seriously FUN! Apparel
Sandi Truman and Myrna Halpern at Kittie Kyle
Elizabeth Turner with Barbara and Rachel McAter at Oak Hall
Grand Opening Party at Hoot and Louise
Style for the Cure at Belle Ame Hair Salon
Monaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Ladies Night/Client Appreciation at Mona Spa and Laser Center
Ben and Anna Avant at Hoot and Louise
Angie Buse and Kathie Stage at Belle Ame Hair Salon
Alla Olswanger and Mona Sappenfield at Mona Spa and Laser Center
Louise Williamson and Linda Swider at Hoot and Louise
Justin and Helen Williams with Mayor A C Wharton at Belle Ame Hair Salon
Emily Dickerson, Jessica Sappenfield and Jennifer Harris at Mona Spa and Laser Center
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Fall Trunk Show at Seriously FUN! Apparel
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RSVPAST
Holiday Inn Hits Africa
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1969
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L
ocal photographer Bob Williams captured this image of Moulay Ahmed Alaoui, who was the Moroccan Minister of Promotions and Handicrafts at the time, speaking to a crowd at the opening of the first Holiday Inn in Africa on October 25, 1969. The late Holiday Inn founder, Kemmons Wilson (pictured on the far left in the front row) of Memphis, was in attendance at the event in Marrakech, Morocco. Holiday Inns were later built in Tangier, Fez and Casablanca, however the Moroccan government eventually nationalized all four properties. PHOTO COURTESY OF BOB WILLIAMS 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.
Half-Off Mondays Half-Off all Pizzas and Bottles of Wine Live Music Every Thursday Night Music starts at 8:00pm Sunday Night is Family Night Family Style Portions with Family Style Service Happy Hour Monday - Friday from 5:00pm to 7:00pm
Holiday Parties Our Private Dining Room can accommodate up to 80 people Catering Extensive Catering and Bulk Menu Wine Dinner Join us Tuesday November 23 at 6:30pm for a five course wine dinner featuring the wines of Lionello Marchesi & Jermann. Call for reservations.
2855 Poplar Avenue • Memphis, TN 38111 • 901.552.3050 • www.juddgrisanti.com