Walt Imhoff, left, with Gail and George Johnson. Photo by Joanne Davidson, The Denver Post
Last time I stayed in New York, the hotel room alone cost something like $400 a night, and some said that was a bargain.
On April 16, at Kempe Takes Manhattan, $250 might not get you overnight lodging, but it will cover admission to a party filled with sights, sounds and tastes sure to conjur images of the Big Apple. And the only travel involved is a drive to the Marriott City Center.
Those with a major hand in the gala were treated to a preview when Dick and Jeanne Saunders opened their Cherry Hills Village home for cocktails and a buffet supper.
Co-chairs Gail and George Johnson said guests will walk through a subway-like setting, to emerge on the “streets of New York” where a variety of foods — from street-corner delights to penthouse fare — will be there for the tasting. Later, students from Denver School of the Arts will perform Broadway tunes and more in a choreographed-for-the-occasion show.
Following a salute to the late Georgia Imhoff, one of Kempe’s greatest supporters, the scene will shift to “Studio 54,” where a DJ will spin the vinyl late into the night.
“New York is the city that never sleeps, so we don’t want anyone leaving early,” Gail Johnson warned.
Gov. Bill Ritter and his wife, Jeannie, are the honorary chairs, along with Walt Imhoff and Jamie Angelich. Steering committee members are Ryta Sondergard, president of the Kempe Alliance; Lisa Taussig; and Kareina Westlund. Ren Cannon and Ellen Robinson Schwartz are the corporate chairmen.
Among those enjoying the Saunders’ hospitality were Jesse Wolff, president and CEO of the Kempe Children’s Foundation; Ron and Miriam Abreu; Sharon Magness Blake and Ernie Blake; John Faught and Toni Anker; Rollie Jordan and Michael Dunahay; Marsha Temple; Jay and Kristina Davidson; Salye Stein; Angela DellaSalle; Mark Schwartz; and Michele Falvene.
Tickets can be purchased by visiting kempe.org
PICTURES: denverpost.com/seengallery