Embed Size (px)
DESCRIPTION
RSVP magazine is like no other publication in the city of Memphis. What began as simply “The Society Pages” more than a decade ago has evolved into a monthly review with stunning photography and entertaining, informative stories. See for yourself!
Citation preview
Art on Fire
Chefs’ Celebrity Gala
Merry Marketplace Gala
Hockadoo Hullabaloo Gala
MIFA “Feed the Soul” Party
Q&A with Benny Lendermon
D e c e m b e r 2 0 1 1
RSVP
4
DECEMBER 2011
CONT
ENTS
10SIGNATURE MEMPHIS
Joe Birch
26 ART ON FIRE
Damon and Susan Arney
14HOCKADOO HULLABALOO GALA
Cyndy and Roy Shepherd
42 MERRY MARKETPLACE GALAMonica Skipper and April Britt
52MIFA “FEED THE SOUL” PARTYLee Clarke and Lucy Barnhart
50CHEFS’ CELEBRITY GALA
Brian Miles and Gina Capizzani
Cover PhotoMelanie and Kerr Tigrett
atArt on Fire
Photo by Don Perry
ContentsDecember 2011
From the Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
Signature Memphis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10Joe Birch invites RSVP to the Action News 5 set.
RSVP Watch List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12Brighten someone’s holiday with an item from our annual gift guide.
Hockadoo Hullabaloo Gala . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14The Orpheum Theatre kicked off the arrival of “Memphis” with a grand affair atThe Peabody.
StreetSeens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20, 22 & 24He’s turning on new audiences to Shakespeare. She’s been keeping up with some ofthis city’s most talented musicians for half a century. A skilled archer himself, thisregional coach for Junior Olympic Archery Development is sharing his skills with ayounger set. StreetSeens highlight Dan McCleary, Jean de Frank and Ty Davis.
Art on Fire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26The giant bonfire was back at the Dixon Gallery and Gardens for a second year.
Vox Popular . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34Q&A with Benny Lendermon.
Onsites . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38, 40, 48 & 49Gatherings that have earned an honorable mention.
Merry Marketplace Gala . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42Shoppers descended on Agricenter International for the Junior League of Memphis’largest annual fund-raiser.
Chefs’ Celebrity Gala . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50Supporters of the Memphis Child Advocacy Center dined in style for a special din-ner at the U of M Holiday Inn.
MIFA “Feed the Soul” Party . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .52The Metropolitan Inter-Faith Association celebrated “giving back” in a big way atThe Warehouse.
RSVPhillippi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .56Baby, You Can Buy My CarDennis Phillippi might be dragging his feet about helping his wife buy a new car,but his reasoning about the slow purchase has made it worth the wait.
RSVP
6
DECEMBER 2011
Volume XVII Number III
December 2011
P U B L I S H E RRoy Haithcock
E D I T O RLeah Fitzpatrick
C O N T R I B U T I N G W R I T E R SRuth CassinKelly Cox
Jonathan DevinJeannie MandelkerDennis PhillippiSuzanne Thompson
Lesley Young
A R T D I R E C T O RPatrick Akers
P H O T O G R A P H E R SNathan BerryBaxter BuckDon Perry
Steve Roberts
S E N I O R A C C O U N T E X E C U T I V ELibby Huff
A C C O U N T E X E C U T I V EChris Pugh
A C C O U N T I N GRuth Cassin
RSVP Memphis is published monthly byHaithcock 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 AvenueMemphis, TN 38104
For advertising information contactRoy Haithcock
Phone (901) 276-7787, ext. 101Fax (901) 276-7785
e-mail [email protected]
W E B
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 [email protected] us on
&
RSVP Memphis Magazine
Copyright 2011 Haithcock Communications, Inc.
RSVP
8
DECEMBER 2011
We’ve reached year’s enddear readers, whichbegs the question,
“What have you accom-plished in the last 365 daysthat you’re proud of?”Whether you stuck to yourplan of traveling abroad,landed your dream job,organized your closets, lostweight, ran a marathon orsimply carved out more timein your schedule for relax-ation, no one can take theseexperiences and/or mile-stones away from you, sosavor each and every one ofthem however big or small they may seem.
Personally, I have almost overcome one of my fears(though I’ll keep specifics to myself, thank you), finishedsome home upgrades, finally vacationed in the Caribbean forthe first time, attended a music festival, learned to fish, madenew friends and started a club, to name a few things on my2011 agenda. And with 2012 around the corner, I feel likeequally exciting goals should be in mind, but past readers willknow that I don’t commit to New Year’s resolutions because Ifeel they only set one up for failure. There’s no harm howeverin predicting that I’ll be happy doing whatever comes my wayas I have come to realize more and more that situations arewhat you make of them. So, glass half full it will be.
Until the clock strikes midnight on December 31, mystaff and I will be enjoying the remainder of the party seasonhere at RSVP. From the Toy Bash on December 2 at the PinkPalace to the Liberty Bowl Presidents’ Gala on December 30 atThe Peabody, we have one more month full of festivities sureto be attended by friendly faces getting in the holiday spirit. Ifthose parties don’t help lift your spirits, then maybe volunteer-ing your time for one of the nonprofits hosting an event will,so keep that in mind for 2012.
Enjoy all the December issue has to offer, from eye-catching gifts featured in the Watch List section on page 12 toreading about the arrival of “Memphis” the musical in theHockadoo Hullabaloo Gala spread on page 14. My personalfavorite though would have to be our new and improvedcover—I’ll toast to that!
Leah [email protected]
From the Editor
Photo by
Steve
Rob
erts
RSVP
10
DECEMBER 2011
Joe BirchNews Anchor, Action News 5/Host, Smart Medicine, WKNO Channel 10/
Co-Founder and Race Director, Gibson Guitar 5K for St. Patrick Learning Center
Personal hero: Danny Thomas.Favorite Memphis musician: Van Duren.Words or phrases you overuse: “Hey now.”Ideal vacation spot: The Arkansas River in Colorado.First concert: Carole King in Central Park, NYC 1973.Last book you’ve read: Saints for Sinners by AlbanGoodier.
Historical figure you most identify with:Augustine of Hippo.
Your mantra: “Do justice, love mercy, walk humblywith God.”
Movie you could watch over and over again:It’s a Wonderful Life.
Favorite album: “The Rising” by Bruce Springsteenand the E Street Band.
Childhood ambition: To be the next Mickey Mantle. Ialso dreamt of serving a ministry that has meaning and
makes a difference in this world.
One thing most people don’t know aboutyou: I can wiggle my ears without touching them.Your greatest achievement: Thanks to my incredi-ble wife, raising two amazing sons, surviving 33 years on
one great TV news outlet and running in all the St. Jude
Memphis Marathon weekends (Full Marathon: 2002, ’04,
’06, ’08, ’10; Half Marathon: ’03, ’05, ’07, ’09 and hope-
fully 2011!). Visit www.Mystjudeheroes.org/joebirch to
help the cause!
SIGN
ATUR
E ME
MPHI
S
Photo by Steve Roberts
RSVP
12
DECEMBER 2011
Ph
oto
by
Na
tha
n B
err
y
MERRY AND BRIGHTGIFT-GIVING THIS SEASONIS ALL ABOUT LOTS OF COLOR.
RSVP
WAT
CH L
IST
Aperture Sidewinder Complete Longboard by Sector 9-
$189 at Outdoors Inc. Cordova Store (901-755-2271)
iPad Coverby Jonathan Adler-
$29 at Mrs. Post (901-433-9013)
Interchangeable Watch Set by Lilly Pulitzer-
$20 at The Pink Door (901-682-2107)
Cutlery Pattern Recipe Journal by Rag & Bone Bindery-
$44 at Ménage Fine Stationery & Gifts (901-683-6809)
Blue Opaline Decanter and Four Wine Glasses by Portieux Vallerysthal-
$395 for the set at POSH (901-730-1086)Echo Touch Gloves by Echo Design-
$32 at Indigo (901-755-6909)
Hand-crafted Wood Pepper Mill and Salt Shakerby Robert Wilhelm-
$110 and $79, respectively, at T Clifton Art (901-323-2787)
Beer Cans and Wine Glasses Needlepoint Beltsby Smathers & Branson-
$165 each at James Davis (901-767-4640)
14 by 16-inch Polished AgateTriangle with Stand-
$499 at Market Central (901-276-3809)
RSVP
14
DECEMBER 2011
Hockadoo Hullabaloo GalaCelebrating the Arrival of “Memphis” the MusicalE
V E N
T
Winston Wolfe and Tammy Moss Dr. Nancy Chase and Mike Maness
Pat and Anne Halloran Cynthia Ham and Jeff Sanford
Amber and Bill Weaver Carl and Rachel Curbo
HOCK
ADOO
HUL
LABA
LOO GA
LA
Elizabeth Blaylock, Gina Wiertelak, Sabrina Cline, Alexandria Young and Kathy PileggiPam and Benjamin Clements Linda Holmfeldt and Michelle Churchman
See all the party photos atrsvpmagazine.com Password: RSVP
There’s no gala like a one-of-a-kind, never-been-done-before gala, sountil Memphis launches another national tour of a Broadway showthemed after this city, Memphians who missed the Orpheum
Theatre’s Hockadoo Hullabaloo Gala are out of luck. Cockatoo?Huckleberry? It turns out that the whimsical name for the event wasinspired by a line from “Memphis,” the Tony Award-winning musicalabout the breakthrough of African-American rock ‘n’ roll music intowhite radio stations in the 1950s.
About 1,000 guests arrived in business attire and cocktaildresses, a few with flashes of sequins, at The Peabody’s GrandBallroom, decked in black drapery with alternating accents of silverand royal blue. White calla lilies cascaded down from palm trees andsoared high over the tables from towering centerpieces. Even moreimpressive than the decor was the event’s host committee, which readlike a who’s who of Memphis entertainment figures, including JustinTimberlake, B.B. King, Cybill Shepherd, Kallen Esperian, CarlaThomas and Leigh Anne and Sean Tuohy.
After cocktails and a jazz set by the Stax Academy Ensemble,guests made their way to their seats to enjoy a welcome by eventchairs Gina and Jim Wiertelak, and from the man of the evening,executive producer Pat Halloran, who co-produced “Memphis” onBroadway as well as the tour. Next came a lavish dinner of salad withprawns, steak and sea bass with sweet potato puree and chocolatemousse followed by the first stage performance of the evening, a musi-cal medley titled “All Shook Up,” by the Orpheum’s High SchoolMusical Theatre Awards students, many of whom will benefit from thegala proceeds through the Orpheum Performing Arts and LeadershipAcademy. The proceeds will in effect double the number of studentsinvolved in academy programs from 52,000 to about 100,000 by thethird year.
Then, for the first time in a public performance in Memphis,the cast of “Memphis” took the stage singing several of the favoredsongs, like “Memphis Lives in Me,” to a rapt crowd. Local party bandThe Bouffants finished off the evening with an irresistible dance setallowing the excited, theater-loving crowd a chance to shake out theenergy created by their anticipation of “Memphis,” which opened thatweek.
Story by Jonathan DevinPhotos by Baxter Buck
RSVP
16
DECEMBER 2011
E V E N
THO
CKAD
OO HUL
LABA
LOO GA
LA
Kevin and Haden Kane
Leland and Judy Gupton Blake Hazlerig and Kayla Wolfe Ray and Gina Lucas
Nina and Jerry Patton Julie Hill and Catherine Johnson Jed and Leanne McQuown
Sean Healy and Mara Healy
Carla Cutsinger and David Douglas
Karen and Ken Isaacman
Michael Ingalsbe and Amy Reeves
RSVP
18
DECEMBER 2011
HOCK
ADOO
HUL
LABA
LOO GA
LAE V E N
T
Mark and Bobbi Blankenship Joe and Jeannie Sellers
Randy and Melissa Brock Lisa Sulipeck and Michelle Williams
Freda Mukes and Paula Crockett Rick and Gina Hall
Tom and Cynthia Mullady Steve and Susan Vescovo
RSVP
19
DECEMBER 2011
HOCK
ADOO
HUL
LABA
LOO GA
LAE V E N
T
Zack and Aimee McMillin Kelley Morice and Wendy McNamara
Elisabeth Silverman and Ted Martin Erik Henneghan and Amanda Morris
Mike and Barbara Pera Jim Fegley and Carole Hinely
Steve and Terri Benskin Madelyn Gray and Stephanie Simpson
RSVP
20
DECEMBER 2011
Dan McClearySustaining Shakespeare
Three years ago, the Tennessee Shakespeare Company’sfounder and producing artistic director, Dan McCleary,adapted the role of “a salesman” to promote the then-
infant professional classical theater company, and whilethe role hasn’t garnered him a Tony Award, it has helpedearn the company something more prestigious: fans. Nowapproaching the second play (Truman Capote’s “AChristmas Memory”) of TSC’s fourth season, McClearycan enjoy the director realm a bit more due to a growingnumber of patrons and a large demographic of youngShakespeare admirers.
McCleary reminisces, “In the beginning, mostschools didn’t see us as a legitimate field trip—that’s shift-ed quite a bit. One of our largest constituencies today is13-18 year olds, and not every theater company can saythat.”
The reason McCleary thinks so many adolescentsidentify with Shakespeare is because they discover throughthe playwright’s works how to articulate their feelings. Headds that this age group often doesn’t have a safe environ-ment for sharing emotions, but for those schools that haveseen TSC’s productions, he’s noticed teachers creatingconversations with students about what they felt during aShakespeare play. McCleary goes on to mention thatnational studies have drawn a factual connection betweenarts learning in secondary schools and increased gradua-tion rates, attendance and proficiency on standardizedtests in the language arts.
“TSC’s mission with our education program,which is substantial, is to move the arts closer to the cen-ter of the learning experience for all children, regardlessof school system or financial background,” he emphasizes.
An actor at heart who forayed into theater atGermantown High School with the prodding of E. FrankBluestein, the GHS Fine Arts Department chairman andcurrent TSC executive director, McCleary admits he didn’tfirst take to Shakespeare and once made a fool of himselfat age 23 auditioning for “The Winter’s Tale” at theAmerican Repertory Theatre at Harvard. Ashamed, hewent home and read Shakespeare’s plays and sonnets, stillnot getting them. He then asked other actors in playswhere they studied, and their response was “Shakespeare& Company.” Off McCleary went to the company tobecome a better actor and later a playwright, producerand director. But, he admits the experience of beingembarrassed motivated him to read Shakespeare how heshould have 10 years prior.
Today, he shares with TSC actors and those in theeducation program, “Shakespeare was a man creating vis-ceral language, so when you remove the idea of memoriza-tion and just get into playing the parts, your perspectivechanges.” Memphis audiences’ perspective of TSC has alsochanged since its humble beginnings from holding playsin churches and backyards to this season’s four produc-tions spread among indoor and outdoor stages at theDixon and the Shelby Farms Park amphitheater, whichTSC put $20,000 into recently.
“I hear pretty regularly that seeing one of ourshows can be a life-changer,” McCleary grins.
Story by Leah FitzpatrickPhoto by Steve Roberts
STRE
ETSE
EN
RSVP
22
DECEMBER 2011
Jean de FrankMaking Her Own Music
Jean de Frank might be the widow of Vincent deFrank, founder and long-time musical director forthe Memphis Symphony Orchestra, but she’s also
been a musical force in her own right, both as a teacherand performer. Skilled in the oboe, English horn andpiano, she has shared her passion with one group inparticular—the Camerata Music Club—for 50 years.
“I got married in 1960, and in ’61, I joined theclub,” de Frank tells.
Founded in Memphis in 1931 by MildredStrickland, the club’s name stems from the Italian wordcamera, meaning chamber or salon; Camerata alsorefers to a group of distinguished literary men, artistsand musicians who shortly before 1600 met inFlorence, Italy to discuss the possibilities of a newmusical style in imitation of the music of the ancientGreek drama, according to the Harvard Dictionary ofMusic. Though the Camerata Music Club has had amajority female membership through the years(Currently, there’s one male member.), the club’s mis-sion “to foster better music and to study the interpreta-tions of the masters” somewhat parallels that of itsancient namesake. As the club historian, de Frankpoints out that another probable purpose for the origi-nal membership was to provide a place for women toperform.
“Back in 1931, I bet a lot of women weren’tallowed to be or given the opportunity to be profession-al musicians,” says de Frank, who experienced a simi-lar lack of opportunity after college when she sought tobecome a school band director in an era when femalesdidn’t really hold that job (At the time, she settled formusic teacher at Bellevue Junior High School and oboeinstructor at Southwestern).
Looking back through old hand-written min-utes, de Frank knows that Camerata’s early membersperformed for one another and presented a lot ofpapers, many on composers they studied. She pulls onemulti-page essay out from the archives entitled“Geographical Influence on Music” to stress how seri-ously these members treated their craft, but de Frankquickly notes that original minutes from the 1930sprove that they kept their humor as well. In fact, dur-ing each meeting, de Frank contributes by readingfunny remarks from the archives since she doesn’t per-form anymore.
Present-day membership is comprised of bothprofessional and nonprofessional musicians and vocal-ists and remains limited to 30 members, 25 of whommust be active performers. The group, which includesthe likes of Lily Afshar, Martha Pipkin, Sara Savell,Ann Spurbeck, Jeanne Simmons and Ethel Maxwell,meets eight times a year in people’s homes, with mem-bers required to perform at two of the gatherings.While meetings are closed to outsiders, those interestedare welcome to attend Camerata’s April 20, 2012 meet-ing at the Beethoven Club to enjoy the rich sound pro-duced by talented, like-minded peers part of a groupwith character that continues to impress de Frank.
Story by Leah FitzpatrickPhoto by Steve Roberts
STRE
ETSE
EN
RSVP
24
DECEMBER 2011
Ty DavisPropelling Young Archers
When one thinks of a sport in the summer OlympicGames, usually swimming, track and field andgymnastics come to mind, but archery, not such
much. Well, Ty Davis has set out to change that over-sight, at least in Memphians’ minds, since helpinglaunch the Junior Olympic Archery Development pro-gram in Memphis two years ago at his EverythingArchery shop.
“JOAD is the beginning stage and reinforce-ment for everything we teach in the Olympics,” Davissays.
Administered by USA Archery, the sport’snational governing body, this JOAD clubs ranks no dif-ferent from any other found across the country in thatit offers beginners and world championship contendersalike guidance and instruction based on the NationalTraining System. However, since Davis also doubles asan archery instructor for homeschoolers needing a PEcredit, his recruiting method for JOAD participantsmight have varied from other clubs a bit in the begin-ning, as one of Davis’ homeschoolers became his firstJOAD student. An ad on the Everything Archery siteand another in a newspaper soon increased that firstyear’s numbers to 12 participants.
More than two years into the program now,Davis says the numbers are down to two guys and fourgirls due to some people aging out (JOAD is availableto ages 9-18.), and that it isn’t uncommon for JOAD tohave more girls than boys. He explains that boys oftenwill drop archery after becoming involved with schoolteam sports, but that girls thrive in the individualsport and become quite competitive. Those who docommit to the once-a-week practices seem to be theones who focus on the long-term aspect of archery,however less than one-tenth of one percent of archersin the program worldwide strive to be in the Olympics,according to Davis. No matter the participant’s intentto compete or not, Davis and his fellow regional coach,Steve Upshaw, as well as his seven instructors, dostress that fun should be maintained at all times.
JOAD instructor Karen Gunterman adds,“Smile and have fun—that’s a saying we tell students.”
In any given practice, JOAD students willshoot five to six arrows consecutively to constitute around, and total, they each shoot about 60 arrows dur-ing the course of an hour and a half to an hour and 45minutes. A good mindset and perfect practice areencouraged, but the hardest part for many is maintain-ing their form. Scores are recorded on a giant sheet ofpaper on the wall.
Asked if there are any Olympic contenders inthe midst, Davis says, “I do think we’ll have two girls,Elizabeth Gunterman and Morgan Griffin, eligible totry out for the 2020 Olympics.”
Put it this way, Davis trusted these youngwomen enough to stand in between their line of fireduring a recent practice because he knew it would helpmake them focus more than ever…and that’s the wayto get a bullseye.
Story by Leah FitzpatrickPhoto by Steve Roberts
STRE
ETSE
EN
RSVP
26
DECEMBER 2011
ART ON
FIR
EE V E N
T Art on Fire Bonfire Fun
Kevin Sharp and Erin Riordan with Cristina and Paul Guibao
Tom Love and Emily Capadalis
Dave and Ashley Houpt
Ryan and China Jenkins
Kori and Chace Hamner
Dr. Jason and Elisabeth Collier
Barrett Summerlin and Scott Cohen
Lawson and Cynthia Baker
Eric and Mae Swartz
Game seven of the World Series might have been going strong inSt. Louis, but here in Memphis, Art on Fire was heating up thenight on the South Lawn of the Dixon Gallery and Gardens. Local
baseball fanatics didn’t miss out on the action though by attendingthe Dixon’s premier fall fund-raiser since they could catch the gameon a giant screen set up on the grounds.
For its second year, Art on Fire drew a noticeably largercrowd thanks to the host committee’s efforts to spread the wordabout how hot this event really is for a city filled with formal affairs.In fact, Art on Fire has become the antithesis of formal, as partygo-ers are requested to don boots, jeans, scarves and gloves for anautumn evening outdoors. In keeping with the relaxed dress code,Dixon staffers positioned an oversized cauldron in the middle of thelawn to function as a bonfire for guests to gather around, campfirestyle, with area firemen on hand to keep the situation under control.While some sat in lawn chairs to gaze into the flames over conversa-tion, others opted to congregate around tables that were really giantcable spools from MLGW.
No one stayed in one place for long due to all the activitytaking place around the lawn’s perimeter. On the far end, there wasthe final World Series game playing on TV, and to the right of thescreen, a stage stayed abuzz with musicians, including Jon Clearyand the Philthy Phew out of New Orleans and Visible Music Collegestudents from Memphis. Outside the silent auction tent, fire dancersshowed off their impressive skills and soon had a crowd circlingthem, as did Eli Gold, a local metal artist who choreographed a lightshow of sorts by creating sparks with his tools to the beat of technomusic. And still yet, other local artists worked with patrons to createone-of-a-kind fire-inspired artwork that was auctioned off at the endof the evening.
In addition to entertainment, food and drinks were an inte-gral part of the festivities, with 14 restaurants and five beverage sup-pliers participating. There was Ghost River Brewing beer, JavaCabana coffee, Rex Goliath wines and libations from Buster’sLiquors and Wines and Victor L. Robilio Co., Inc. for those whowanted to wash down the plethora of heavy appetizers. Some of thefeatured fare came from the kitchens of Rendezvous, Grove Grill,Itta Bena, Owen Brennan’s and Sweet Grass.
Argent Trust served as the Art on Fire presenting sponsorand helped make this party one offering unparalleled fun and chari-table giving, specifically to the Dixon’s educational programs. Howhot is that?
Story by Leah FitzpatrickPhotos by Don PerrySee all the party photos at rsvpmagazine.com
Password: RSVP
RSVP
28
DECEMBER 2011
ART ON
FIR
EE V E N
T
Rick Raffanti and Dana Trotter
Mike and Annie Christoff
John and Stephanie Koshak
John Vernetti and Renee AdamBen and Amy Mrva
May and Patrick Walker with Helene and Watson Harris Carmen Cox, Stefanie Smith Fisher, Natalie Rauscher and Courtney Clift
Jessica Puckett with Frank and Tina Newman Jim Taylor, Weetie Whittemore and Mimi Taylor
RSVP
32
DECEMBER 2011
E V E N
TAR
T ON
FIR
E
Zak and Krystina McQueen with Ben Banti
Jim and Debbie Bell with Mary and Dave Witzman
Tracey Yarbro and Nora TuckerTran Bui and Scott Smith
Kelly Penwell and Jane BrooksTom Tolen and Cindy Spencer
RSVP
33
DECEMBER 2011
E V E N
TAR
T ON
FIR
E
Robert Hollingsworth, Katie Shotts and Ronnie Gilmer
Ricky and Catherine Harris with Vickie Moffett and Stephen Cruzen
Floy and Jeff ColeLindsey French and Cullen Creasy
Dennis and Sarah NortonLinley Schmidt and Jonathan McCarver
RSVP
34
DECEMBER 2011
Vox PopularQ&A with Benny LendermonVO
X PO
PULA
R
RSVP: What are some projects the RDC has done that have helpedrevitalize Memphis?
Lendermon: Our first project was the walkway along the top of thecobblestones. That walking portion has been great, and we need tocontinue that on to the Harahan Bridge and to the Wolf RiverGreenway when that’s built downtown. We’re working with theHarahan Bridge people now on how to best connect everything tothe Bluff Walk and the walkway in Tom Lee Park. Memphis is mak-ing a lot of progress there.
RSVP: Beale Street Landingseems to be the RDC’s cur-rent focus, so where does thatproject stand as far as comple-tion?
Lendermon: It was built inphases for a lot of reasons,but it turned out somewhatgood in the fact that thephase that includes the build-ing and the docking facilitywill be completed shortly afterthe first of next year. The rea-son that part is important andwas done earlier is that itallows the American Queen[part of the Great AmericanSteamboat Company], which is moving its headquarters toMemphis, to be served here in time for its maiden voyage in Aprilof next year. We hope the second park piece will be under construc-tion by spring of next year, and it will probably take about a year tocomplete. The park will include three islands to give people incredi-ble views and a terrace area that carries people down to the water.
RSVP: What will be some highlights of Beale Street Landing?
Lendermon: For one, its design was selected through a unique inter-national design competition that I don’t think Memphis has hadbefore or since, and the panel of judges was from all over the coun-try. Actually, the design was totally different from anything anyonein Memphis had ever talked about. The judges called it a simplisticsolution to solving the complex problems of getting people to thewater, and it does that and doesn’t block the view. I think what waschanged on the project after it was selected was that a green roofwas added because the judges told the designers that the building
with restaurants and such separatedthis project from Tom Lee Park, and it needed to be the same. Agreen roof then becomes a continuation of the park. I think that therestaurant facility there is also going to be incredibly successful,and it’s going to have incredible views and atmosphere and fill a bigvacuum that exists there. And everything we’re doing is handicapaccessible, so you can get a person in a wheelchair or a person witha cane down to the edge of the water to get on the floating deck andget on these islands. The islands are going to be really neat placesperched out there in the water. You’ll have one that will be sort of a
conventional park with trees,bushes, shade and sittingareas, and then another one ismore of a kids’ play islandwith rubberized misting areas,climbing rocks and places foradults to sit and help super-vise their young ones.
RSVP: I know that there havebeen some challenges alongthe way with Beale StreetLanding, so can you touch onany?
Lendermon: Sometimes there’sa challenge to communicate tothe public what’s happening,why change isn’t always bad
and why change is needed. In some cases, we have failed in properlygiving them enough information to understand why change is bene-ficial, and in some cases, absolutely necessary. I think because ofthat you have a great number of Memphians that just look at any-thing government does as being negative, and there has to be some-thing wrong. Anyway, you deal with that constantly, but I think theRDC tries to make itself as transparent as possible. Anybody whoactually has ever called and wanted to know what’s going on, I’d sithere and talk to them. The issue is that some things get greatlyexaggerated.
RSVP: Have rising costs of materials been another challenge withBeale Street Landing?
Lendermon: Oh yeah. In fact, it starts with the MemphisPromenade [which runs along Front Street from Union Avenue onthe south to Auction on the north]. Because of the Promenade, weattracted the attention of a group of individuals which was created
Speculation about completion of the Beale Street Landing project remains rampant due to challenges like soilissues and exceeding budget costs, however the sole purpose of the project, intended to offer locals andtourists alike unparalleled opportunities to literally connect with our water’s edge, oft goes unmentioned. To
hear all facets of the project, as well as its current status, RSVP editor Leah Fitzpatrick visited the responsibleparty, The Riverfront Development Corporation, specifically its founding president Benny Lendermon. A non-profit contracted with the City of Memphis to manage Mud Island River Park and 90 acres of green spacealong the river, the RDC has taken on several projects in addition to Beale Street Landing through the yearsthat have helped bring Memphians closer to one of its greatest resources: the mighty Mississippi. Lendermonsays, “I think when you look back over the last 10 years, you’ll see a number of great projects we’ve done, andI think that the major accomplishment has been a great re-shifting of people’s opinion of the river and theirdesire to connect to the river. Even though that’s taken for granted now, that didn’t exist back in the 1990s,and now everyone’s coming down here for lots of things.”
Photos
by Do
n Pe
rry
RSVP
36
DECEMBER 2011
VOX
POPU
LAR
for the sole purpose of stopping things we wanted to do, so wespent a million dollars in two years dealing with historic issuesassociated with Beale Street Landing when Beale Street Landingdidn’t touch a historic property. We also did a number of stud-ies. At the end of the day, all the historic approval agencieswere very much satisfied. The only thing they did was changethe color of the paint from a bright red to a burnt red. Frankly,if someone asked us to use a burnt red, we would have donethat in the very beginning. Also, they wanted us to move the tipof the biggest island back 18 feet, which changed everythingthat had been drawn. In the meantime, a lot of things hap-pened. Steel prices went up $3 million. Actually, the pure priceof steel on the project costs $3 million more today than it didwhen we did it, so that hurt things a lot. It’s one of the com-plexities of the project which we’re trying to simplify now actu-ally. Also, one of the reasons the soil is causing such a problemis these walkways…if we were pouring them as pure sidewalks ina street, it would be fine, but being part of a public project thathas to be ADA [Americans with Disabilities Act] compliant, wecan’t have any settling at all. We have a problem with thingsmoving enough just to be out of compliance with ADA, so now,we’re taking a step back and saying we need to simplify this. Weneed to make the project a little bit greener. We did take hard-scape out of the project because we can’t build all these rampslike interstate expressways perched 40 feet in the air—that’s notwhat we ought to be doing. That’s why I told someone last weekthat design competitions are kind of tough because you getincredible ideas, but then when you get into looking at the actu-al site and construction of the building, there’s a fine linebetween staying true to what you selected versus building some-thing that’s reasonable. We tried to maybe stay a little too closeto the original concept, and we need to back off that just a littlebit. I think the total project will be just as good or maybe evenbetter now.
RSVP: So, did any of the competing architecture firms for theproject do soil tests?
Lendermon: Yes, they did soil tests from forever ago. One of thethings is that this is one of the last phases to be built, so thedetailed soil testing didn’t occur until like two years ago. Theother thing about this soil is they did punch a number of holes,and then a little over a year ago, when they were building thephase that’s under construction now, they saw some settlingoccurring that shouldn’t have been happening based on whatthe lab results show. So, they punched twice as many holes asthey did the first time and came back with some different infor-mation because there were pockets of material in there. Thingsat that point were getting so utterly expensive with big pilesholding everything up, and everything was based on worst casescenarios, so I said let’s punch holes just where the islands are,and they did that, and the material didn’t come out any better.We decided then we needed to change something and make itwhere it’s simpler and not be so reliant on this undergroundstructural steel that no one will see, so that’s what we’re tryingto do. We’re probably three or four weeks away from totally fig-uring that out.
RSVP: Does the RDC have to secure more funding to accountfor any of the project’s unforeseen costs? [The original budgetfor Beale Street Landing was $20 million, but is nearing $42million.]
Lendermon: Well, if we wanted to, that would be the answer. Ifthat were the case, we’d say, “Hey, let’s come up with moremoney to pay for this steel underground,” but we’re taking adifferent position and saying that we ought to be able to build
RSVP
37
DECEMBER 2011
VOX
POPU
LAR
this project with themoney we have. Wedon’t want to ask any-one for more money.
RSVP: What do youthink the positive out-come of the BealeStreet Landing projectwill be for Memphiansand the economy onceit’s completed?
Lendermon: I think itwill be incredible. I don’t think Memphians understand yetwhat an incredible deal the American Queen moving its head-quarters here will be. Memphis is loaning them money they aregiving back with interest. That doesn’t happen when you talk toa corporate headquarters about moving to your city. Their eco-nomic impact annually is $90 million on this community andthey’re hiring 250 people a year. I also think that if this projectwasn’t built, it was only a matter of time before we were losingour total connection to the river. The local excursion boats arehanging on by a thread because the cobblestone society haschanged. When I first started working downtown, there used tobe tour buses lined up and down Riverside Drive dropping offpeople, but tour buses won’t utilize that service anymorebecause they don’t want their patrons walking on the cobble-stones due to insurance liabilities. So, all of a sudden, the bigmoneymaker is gone for the operator of the excursionboats…his business will double or triple the day Beale StreetLanding opens just because he has a way to get people on andoff the boat in a nice convenient way, and that tourist trafficwill come back. Everybody that comes to Memphis wants to getout on the river because it’s really different and unique. I alsodon’t think people know how neat it’s going to be to be able togo down and gather there at the river.
RSVP: How will the Beale Street Landing project tie into MudIsland River Park?
Lendermon: Of course, we operate Mud Island River Park, andit’s a great place. We’ve done a lot to revitalize it and bring con-certs back and make it free and open to the public, but it’s aunique thing. What Beale Street Landing does is it gives us theopportunity for the first time to have good access to the park byputting in a water taxi system. We envision it connecting toMud Island in several places, as well as to Harbor Town andBass Pro Shop.
RSVP: What is the RDC’s main goal after Beale Street Landingis completed?
Lendermon: There are endless opportunities. One of our long-term goals is provide access to the water’s edge and connectivi-ty, and because of that, we think a walking path along the WolfRiver Harbor would be good and would like it to eventually con-nect to the Wolf River Greenway. We think Mud Island RiverPark has huge opportunities. We had a very public planningprocess done probably 18 months ago now and came up with alot of good ideas for things to do. Of course, funding is alwaysan issue, but we do think now we have a good firm base with alot of public buy-in of things that are occurring with MudIsland River Park, and when the economy changes and fundsare available, I think there will be opportunities to make thosehappen. Also, we’ll continue doing 75 percent of what we al-ready do, which is to maintain everything that’s already here.
RSVP
38
DECEMBER 2011
Blanchard Tual, Grady Garrison and Tom Gettelfingerat Levitt Shell 75th Anniversary “Sunset Soiree”
Lynne McAlexander and John McAlexanderat Harwood Center Food and Beer Tasting
ONSITE Onsite
Michael Stockburger, Matthew Wages and Will McDonaldat Harwood Center Food and Beer Tasting
Maysey Craddock, Meriwether McLean, Louise Stilwell and Margaret Craddockat Memphis Heritage Architectural Auction
Lura Turner, Buzzy Hussey and Dr. Hal Bruntat Breakfast at Tiffany’s 50th Anniversary Party
Barry Yoakum and Ashley Mercerat Memphis Heritage Architectural Auction
Levitt Shell 75th Anniversary “Sunset Soiree” Harwood Center Food and Beer TastingBreakfast at Tiffany’s 50th Anniversary Party Memphis Heritage Architectural Auction
After Sid Selvidge sang “I’ve Got You Under My Skin”from the Levitt Shell stage, he mused, “Usually,
when I’m up here, I see little kids dancing, buttonight, big kids are dancing.” The occasion where somany adults rose to their feet was the Levitt Shell 75thAnniversary “Sunset Soiree,” emceed by TomPrestigiacomo. And Selvidge wasn’t the only performerwho resonated with the crowd, as The SeafoodOrchestra backed vocalists Kelley Hurt, Reid McCoyand Lisa Shoup for some tunes dating back to 1936—theyear the Levitt Shell was built. During intermission, aslide show highlighting former entertainment acts atthe Shell aired, and a beautiful fireworks display illumi-nated the night sky.
Chickasaw Oaks Village transformed into a beergarden for thirsty and hungry supporters of the Har-wood Center, a nonprofit offering early interventionservices for children and families with special needs.Dubbed the Harwood Center Food and Beer Tasting,the benefit presented by Southwestern BeverageDistributing featured live music and nibbles from eater-ies such as Rendezvous, Bangkok Alley, Ciao Bella,Swanky’s Taco Shop and Gigi’s Cupcakes, as well asbeers from around the world. Though hard-pressed tochoose a favorite brew, guest John McAlexander said,“I’m particularly fond of the Harpoon UFO; I likebananas, and it tastes like them.” Other suds optionsincluded Moretti (Italy), Warsteiner Pilsner (Germany)and North Coast Red Seal Ale (California), to name afew.
Audrey Hepburn fans united for the MemphisSymphony League’s Breakfast at Tiffany’s 50thAnniversary Party, which transpired in the MemphisCountry Club. The fund-raiser for the MemphisSymphony’s Music in the Schools program was a smashhit with Memphians, who came to meet Sam Wasson,the New York Times best-selling author of FifthAvenue, 5 A.M.: Audrey Hepburn, Breakfast atTiffany’s, and the Dawn of the Modern Woman. Duringthe event, Buzzy Hussey also received the 2011 HEBEAward, Daniel Spiotta belted out Broadway hits andmodels donned Audrey-worthy dresses supplied byKittie Kyle.
Old architectural elements received new life bybidders at the Memphis Heritage Architectural Auction,held at the historic Sears Tower (opened for the firsttime since it closed in the early ’90s). From an antiquemarble hearth with fireplace surround from the EllenDavies residence in Lakeland to letters from theAnderton’s Restaurant sign, the live auction had it all,and the silent auction also offered unique finds, like avintage door decorated with various colors of duct tapeby Meriwether McLean. To satiate the crowd of 400,Ciao Bella and YoLo provided appetizers, and beerswere cleverly kept chilled in a vintage clawfoot tub.Proceeds of more than $38,000 will help MemphisHeritage continue preserving the city’s most historical-ly significant areas, buildings, streets, parks and arti-facts.
Story and photos by Leah Fitzpatrick
Sam Wasson and Billie Jean Grahamat Breakfast at Tiffany’s 50th Anniversary Party
Cathy O’Neal, Woody Wilson, Patti Diou and Richard Treatat Levitt Shell 75th Anniversary “Sunset Soiree”
Marcia Hughes and Cathy Farrellat Breakfast at Tiffany’s 50th Anniversary Party
RSVP
40
DECEMBER 2011
Nancy Masterson and Peggy Hughes at Salvation Army Fall Fund-raiser
Stephanie Hollon, Stefanie Plunk and Karen Murchison at Rockin’ the Palace
ONSITE Onsite
Kelly and Nate McElhaney at Rockin’ the Palace
Carlene Leaper and Loretta Claiborne at Arc of the Mid-South’s Benefit Gala
TJ Malic, Leighanne Lunsford, Brittany Montgomery and Amber Loweryat Zoomelièr
Debra Taylor and Faye Townsend at Arc of the Mid-South’s Benefit Gala
Zoomelièr Salvation Army Fall Fund-raiserRockin’ the Palace Arc of the Mid-South’s Benefit Gala
Not until Zoomelièr came along have Memphis Zoosupporters been able to enrich animals’ lives by expe-
riencing wine, and let’s just say, everyone happily toast-ed to the cause. The sip-worthy benefit unfolded at theTeton Trek exhibit, which guests strolled throughout tosample vino from 36 tasting stations and to talk withwinery representatives, retailers and distributors abouttop picks. Marcela Pinnila heightened the ambiancewith her sultry Latin-inspired musical stylings, and sodid a lone grizzly bear, amusing onlookers who rarelysee animals out during a nighttime event. Perhaps evenmore appealing was the opportunity attendees had toorder select wines for a discounted price!
Well-known local chef and cookbook authorJennifer Chandler teamed up with the Salvation ArmyWomen’s Auxiliary for a fresh take on the group’s FallFund-raiser: a cooking demonstration. The change inlocation to the Salvation Army Adult RehabilitationCenter on Kirby Whitten Road also provided a welcomealternative to usual venues and a chance for the ARCcooks to create the lunch of margarita salad, chickentortilla soup and lemon pound cake that Chandler pre-pared in her demo. Joe Carter and Wanda Jones, bothin the ARC’s residential treatment program, lent ahelping hand to Chandler and touched many attendees’hearts when they spoke openly about their recoveryprocess. Major Rhea Dawn Woodcock thanked the audi-ence for listening by saying, “You being here helpsrestore lives of thousands of families.”
The Pink Palace was hoppin’ during theRockin’ the Palace event benefiting Le BonheurChildren’s Hospital and Tennessee Emergency MedicalServices for Children. An interesting Southern-style buf-fet with offerings such as black-eyed pea caviar, minitomato pie tartlets, buffalo chicken dip and a mac andcheese bar with a wide variety of additions pleasedguests’ palates after they bid on silent auction items.Then, attendees savored a dessert of bread puddingwhile enjoying award-winning singer/songwriter RiversRutherford’s performance, which was followed by a liveauction.
Arc of the Mid-South’s 16th annual Benefit Galarecently took place at Hilton Memphis. The programfor the 61-year-old organization that provides servicesfor individuals with physical and mental challengesreflected the theme “Achieve Beyond Expectation.” Asilent auction kicked off the festivities and was soonfollowed by a seated dinner, during which SpecialOlympics gold medalist Loretta Claiborne shared herstory. The agenda concluded with a live auction andpost-dinner dancing to the music of Will Graves andSoul.
Story and photos by Leah Fitzpatrickand Suzanne Thompson
Barbara and Kevin Davis with Laura Beth and Joseph Davisat Zoomelièr
Patricia Myers, Hilda Mullen, Beth Ploch and Gerry Thomas at Salvation Army Fall Fund-raiser
Joe Carter, Jennifer Chandler and Wanda Jones at Salvation Army Fall Fund-raiser
RSVP
42
DECEMBER 2011
MER
RY M
ARKE
TPLA
CE GAL
AE V E N
T Merry Marketplace Gala“Shopping for a Cause”
Charlotte Bray, Tia Osmet, Michael Quinn and Robin Reviere
Corey and Michelle Epps
Thomas Robinson and Kat Gordon
Valerie Smith and Heather Fortune
Fred and Tanya Ellrich
Rachael Renken and Angie Wallick
Warwick and Cathy Garner
Chuck and Lauren Utterback
Clay Chapman and Margot Holland
The Junior League of Memphis took over Agricenter Internationalfor three days to put on its massive charitable shopping extrava-ganza known as Merry Marketplace. To kick the event off in style,
JLM members hosted the Merry Marketplace Gala on opening nightfor hundreds of attendees who came outfitted in their cocktail bestand ready to shop for a worthwhile cause.
Beth Pope took on the responsibility of chairing the gala,which came off beautifully thanks to help from Laura Finley andAllison Frazier, both of whom lent their decorating talents, and auc-tion chair Meghan Shanklin; Valentina Cochran chaired the actualMerry Marketplace with assistance from co-chair Corey Morgan. Justprior to the gala, those instrumental in the affair held a specialChampagne toast but soon joined partygoers as they walked pastuniquely decorated trees at the entrance. The first stop for many wasthe three-section silent auction, inclusive of a YMCA of Memphisfamily membership, a Fox and Hound party starter package andserving trays ideal for at-home holiday gatherings, to mention sever-al of the offerings. Meanwhile, many male (and some female)patrons stopped at the Men’s Zone, which offered a big screen TVfor World Series fans.
Serious shoppers continued on throughout the facility’s dif-ferent wings to peruse nearly 150 merchants’ wares for more giftideas. Though the vendors hailed from cities and towns throughoutthe country, some of the more popular booths had owners that did-n’t come from too far away. E. Leigh’s out of Little Rock, Arkansasfeatured current jewelry, purse and women’s clothing trends and feltlike an exclusive shopping experience considering that the companyis based online until a brick and mortar boutique opens next April.Further down, Avanti Skin Center of Collierville had a booth pro-moting the latest in skin care, and then there was ZoftigDoll VintageBijoux, which had a Midtown Memphis jewelry maker selling neck-laces, rings, bracelets and earrings adorned with vintage hotel keys,eyeglass lenses and other quirky trinkets.
Between booths, various food vendors, such as Café Society,Memphis Pizza Café, Just for Lunch, Grove Grill and Newk’s, pro-vided mini bites of their specialties to add to guests’ private shop-ping adventure. Pianist Lex Bonner and the Jack Cooper Jazz Trioalso delighted all as the event performers. By night’s end, thesounds, the smells and the over-stuffed shopping bags meant it wasbeginning to look a lot like the holidays had arrived in Memphis notonly for gala-goers, but for JLM’s numerous community partners.
Story by Leah FitzpatrickPhotos by Nathan Berry and Leah Fitzpatrick
See all the party photos at rsvpmagazine.comPassword: RSVP
RSVP
44
DECEMBER 2011
MER
RY M
ARKE
TPLA
CE GAL
AE V E N
T
Stacia Weir and Sherry Hawkins
Martha Hess and Courtenay McAllister
Catherine Adams and Katherine Benson
Caroline and Fred SmithwickStephanie Simpson and Amy Stack
John Thatcher and Sara Brock
Anne Gamble and Ellen Fortas
Gina and Chad Boyd
Nicole Jones and Sophie Anthony
Elizabeth Clifton and Courtney Murrah
Sally Fienup and Holly Cousar
RSVP
46
DECEMBER 2011
E V E N
TMER
RY M
ARKE
TPLA
CE GAL
A
Elizabeth Martin, Frank Peyton and Emily McEvoy
Heather Lettow, Nikki Tidmore, Rose Jones and Kim Shamblin
Cathy and Jeremy AinsworthDiane Presley and Freda Sullivan
Monica Skipper and April BrittLauren Schorr and Katie Jenkins
RSVP
47
DECEMBER 2011
E V E N
TMER
RY M
ARKE
TPLA
CE GAL
A
Jen Larkin, Tonya Wells, Rebecca Bush and Kathryn Perry
Amy Feehan, Tina Niclosi and Louisa Munn
Wes and Rita KerseyMisti Doose and Kristi Pool
Susan Kyles and Susan LeeChristy Sharp and Carolyn Gwatney
Original Art creates treasured gifts
Custom Framing showcases what you treasure
H o m e | O f f i c e | G i f t s 2571 Broad Avenue | 901.323.ARTS
Argus with red lacquer moulding
jewelry by aakoffi
rAlanigirOgd erusea trestarec
trtsifg
ffO|emoHunveAadorB1 725
stfiG|eciRTSA3.321.90 |eu
marFmotsuCe truyot ahwessacwohs
gnimreusae
RSVP
48
DECEMBER 2011
Liz and Keith Thomas at Partners in Preservation Party
Elizabeth Trotter and Emily Newton at Literacy Mid-South Super Gala
ONSITE Onsite
Shelley Thomas and Kevin Dean at Literacy Mid-South Super Gala
Carmen Holmes, Bianca Phillips, Kembree Darakshani,Courtney Richardson and Kim McQueeney
at 6x6 Wining and Dining Event
Brad McCormick, Lee Woodruff and Jamie Carter at An Evening with Lee WoodruffMichelle and Austin Byrd
at 6x6 Wining and Dining Event
Partners in Preservation Party 6x6 Wining and Dining EventAn Evening with Lee Woodruff Literacy Mid-South Super Gala
Main Street Collierville adopted “The RoaringTwenties” theme for its whopping 19th annual
Partners in Preservation Party and Taste of the Town.Scooted down one-and-a-half blocks from the Colliervillesquare into the Washington Gates subdivision, theswingin’ good time transpired with flapper and gang-ster-attired guests doing some silent and live auctionbidding and food sampling from restaurants like FinoVilla, Cajun Catfish, The Butcher Shop and Stix. VanGogh’s Ear supplied live music at the fund-raiser whichassists Main Street Collierville in hosting events on thetown square each year.
Mid-South Spay & Neuter Services hosted thefirst 6X6 Wining & Dining Event at Askew NixonFerguson Architects. Fredric Koeppel, long-time wineenthusiast and author, selected wines for each table,while The Elegant Farmer, Sweet Grass, The Slider Inn,Khan’s Desserts, Imagine Vegan Cafe and Wade andCompany provided vegetarian and vegan cuisine. Aspart of the Memphis College of Art’s 75th anniversaryinitiative, students added to the event with their cre-ative flair: “Garden Fashionistas” served six small-plateofferings while garbed by fine-art student Chloe York;Andrew Edwards photographed; and Evan Leggoe didartistic makeup. WKNO’s Justin Willingham emceed,and “Nora & Rico” also performed. All proceeds bene-fit Mid-South Spay & Neuter Services’ spay/neuter sur-gical clinic.
Lee Woodruff has inspired many family care-givers by writing and speaking about the recovery ofher ABC-TV anchor husband, Bob Woodruff, who sus-tained traumatic brain injury while on assignment inIraq. Locally, she was the honored guest at “TheUnsung Hero: The CareGiver—An Evening with LeeWoodruff,” sponsored by Crittenden Regional Hospitalat The Peabody. Crittenden, which will soon celebrateits 60th anniversary, once hosted dinners at the “HotelPeabody” in the 1950s, when the price of a dinner tick-et was $10.
Like Clark Kent entering a phone booth, theLiteracy Mid-South offices quick-changed into a super-heroes’ hideout for the inaugural Super Gala, whichraised funds for the nonprofit’s literacy and learningprograms. As executive director Kevin Dean (TheRiddler) explained, comic books have hooked a lot ofyoung minds on reading, so what better way to cele-brate them than with a costume party during Hallo-ween season? Green Hornets, Green Lanterns, HawkGirls, Black Canaries, Hulks and She-Hulks fueled upfor DJ Lil Egg Roll’s dance floor with fish and chipsand other Celtic Crossing fare. Avengers and villains ofevery stripe partied past the close of the silent auction,late into the night.
Story and photos Submitted and by Kelly Cox and Jeannie Mandelker
Jami Leverton, Richard Green and Walter Wills at An Evening with Lee Woodruff
Jeff Elsworth, Laura Todd, Abby Reed, Joyce McKenzie, Karen Perrin,Joy Leerskov, Michellle Kelly, Kevin Perkins and Jennie Smith
at Partners in Preservation Party
Boone and Jacque Nance, Diane Ayres and Andy Luttrell at An Evening with Lee Woodruff
RSVP
49
DECEMBER 2011
Jon Weems and Laura Cunningham at Haunted Happenings
ONSITEOnsite
Marion Folk and Kathy Loeb at Bone Bash Masquerade
Allison Howard, Alicia Howard, “Marcian Brady” and Jeff Hale at Friends for Life Halloween Party
Greg Wolf and Julie Drewry at Architects’ Halloween Party
Emily Dickerson and Danny Mincey at Friends for Life Halloween Party
Architects’ Halloween Party Friends for Life Halloween PartyBone Bash Masquerade Haunted Happenings
Despite the brisk temperatures, supporters of Mid-South Spay & Neuter Services decked out in costumes
for the 25th Architects’ Party at Askew Nixon FergusonArchitects. The Halloween bash featured music by PattyHarper & Faultline on the main stage, and SnakeDoctors performed in the courtyard. Guests dressed likethe Bride of Frankenstein, Michael Jackson and othercolorful characters boogied down until midnight whileshowing support for our furry four-legged friends.
Dressed as “Angels, Aliens and Outlaws!”and everything in-between, Friends for Life HalloweenParty attendees showed off their creative costumes atBRIDGES. The nonprofit’s largest yearly benefit, theevent not only raised funds to help those affected byHIV/AIDS in the community, but offered a fun atmos-phere for Friends for Life advocates to mingle. Fromdancing to tunes by DJ Justin Hand and DJ SteveAnne to having pictures “taken in outer space,” party-goers had a ghoulishly good time.
Scarlett O’Hara, Elvis and the Tin Man, amongother luminaries, were sighted amidst a sea of maskedand formally fitted partygoers at The Peabody duringthe seventh annual Arthritis Foundation Bone BashMasquerade. More than 250 costumed guests made anappearance for dancing during the Plaintiffs set, bid-ding on auction items, tasting wine (handpicked byChez Philippe’s sommelier) and dining. Pat Halloranserved as honorary chair, and event chair was PamelaHauber, who said, “Arthritis is the leading cause of dis-ability in America. We must raise funds to supportresearch to find better ways to treat this disease andperhaps to one day find a cure.”
Imagine a dark night in October and a 140-year-old Victorian mansion looming in the moonlight.You cross the deeply-shadowed lawn and enter tofind...a coffin in the parlor, mannequins in mourningdress in the bedrooms, strange sounds emanatingfrom the carriage house and laughter from some sub-terranean spot! That was the setting for the thirdannual Haunted Happenings at the Woodruff-FontaineHouse. Two friendly local ghost-hunting groups,Paranormal Inc. and Paranormal Research andInvestigation Authority, presented hair-raising find-ings from recent nocturnal explorations, and authorLaura Cunningham was on hand signing copies of herbooks Haunted Memphis and Lost Memphis. Eventhose who failed to spot an apparition were given aglimpse of the city’s past. Proceeds from HauntedHappenings support the Woodruff-Fontaine HouseMuseum.
Story by Kelly Cox, Leah Fitzpatrick,Suzanne Thompson and Lesley Young
Photos by Kelly Cox, Chris Pugh, Suzanne Thompson and Lesley Young
Kim Brukardt and Susan Davis at Architects’ Halloween Party
Meghan Beasy, Hope Owens, Karen Watson and Kayla Pharrat Bone Bash Masquerade
A.J. Northrop and Peggy Lovell at Haunted Happenings
Tim Krahn and Mike Neelat Bone Bash Masquerade
RSVP
50
DECEMBER 2011
Chefs’ Celebrity GalaBenefiting the Memphis Child Advocacy CenterE
V E N
T
Lori and Darrin Ballew Rena and Henry Booth
Kevin and Kriste Cullum Kaci Murley and Burton Bridges
Jonathan and Angie Hackmeyer Mickie and Steve Nabers
CHEF
S’ CEL
EBRI
TY GAL
A
Billy Pickens, Carol Prentiss and Matt RobinsonGina and Mike Warr Darrell and LaTina Thomas
See all the party photos atrsvpmagazine.com Password: RSVP
The restaurant in the U of M Holiday Inn was abuzz as 100 celebri-ty servers, each wearing a starched white apron, all dined prior tothe 22nd annual Chefs’ Celebrity Gala benefiting the Memphis
Child Advocacy Center. Simultaneously, a cocktail hour was heldupstairs outside the ballroom. Hors d’oeuvres of chicken jalapenopoppers and salmon Boursin lollipops were enjoyed as guests perusedsilent auction items, mingled and sipped cocktails. When the doors tothe ballroom were opened, a vision of grandeur awaited. White linentablecloths were covered with embroidered organza overlays. Toweringcenterpieces five feet high adorned some tables, while others wereaccented with orchid-filled crystal vases of varying heights.
Notable Memphians such as Penny and Pete Aviotti, RayPohlman, Steve Ehrhart, Michael Uiberall and Jim Prentiss Jr. partici-pated as celebrity servers, whose job it was to stand ready for the 500diners who purchased tickets to the sold-out event. The tables were setwith gold chargers, which did not stay empty long, as the eagerservers presented the first course, a salad of assorted spring greenswrapped in prosciutto, tomato concassé with grilled squash d’parma,whole wheat pasta, shrimp and melba toast. After salad plates werewhisked away, an intermezzo course of blood orange sorbet, presentedon a miniature ice carving, was served as a palate cleanser beforeguests received the main course, an array of delectable offerings. Theplate was anchored by a chargrilled Black Angus filet and classicchicken Florentine served with a demi cassis. Savory lobster orzorisotto and a delicate bundle of lemon-scented asparagus, along with aslice of flash-fried Vidalia onion, complemented the meat. Individualminiature almond chocolate cakes topped with Chantilly cream andItalian meringue finished the meal.
The servers also took orders for teddy bears. Called “TeddyBear Surprises,” each adorable stuffed animal had an envelopeattached that described the gifts the purchaser had won. Sold at threelevels of $250, $500 and $1,000, the teddy bears were considered asurprise because no one knew what gifts each bear’s accompanyingenvelope contained. Some of the surprise gifts included certificates forjewelry, catered dinners, original artwork and travel vouchers. Like thedinner, the bears sold out fast.
Jim Johnson provided entertainment throughout the dinner,and thanks to the expert planning of Carol Prentiss, who has chairedthe event each and every year, this extraordinary function raisedabout $265,000 and could be considered one of the most memorableof the year.
Story by Suzanne ThompsonPhotos by Baxter Buck
RSVP
51
DECEMBER 2011
CHEF
S’ CEL
EBRI
TY GAL
AE V E N
T
Robin Schieber and Cherry Floyd
Teresa Barnes with Dana and Debbie Newport
Lori Locke and Diane Chick
Ann Winegardner and Kathy Appleton Laura and Colin Campbell
Florence and Ricky Busey Joy Karel and Holly Shotsberger
SINCE 1995
Advertising in RSVP Magazine places your message before an active, affluent market of Mid-Southerners who desire the best in quality and service.
More Than 120,000 Readers
How to put RSVP to Work for You Call 276-7787
Average Household Income. . . . . . . . . . . .$147,000 per year.58.16% have HH incomes greater than . . . $75,000 per year.Female Readers . . . 59.2% Male Readers . . .40.8%Marital Status . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .62.2% marriedHome 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 dueto Advertising in RSVP.
42.6% . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Traveled Abroad during the past year.52.% . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Eat out at least 3 times per week.
3300,,000000 ccooppiieess ddeelliivveerreedd mmoonntthhllyy tthhrroouugghhoouutttthhee AAfffflluueenntt SShhooppppiinngg AArreeaass ooff GGrreeaatteerr MMeemmpphhiiss
FFrroomm HHaarrbboorr TToowwnn ttoo CCoolllliieerrvviillllee..
Phentermine, Adipex, Ambien,and Other PrescriptionMedications Available
Cordova MedicalClinic
(1 block east of Corky's)
Fastest Weight LossClinic In Town!
Lose Weight
Now OfferingLipotropic Shot $25Helps with weightloss!
Walk-Ins WelcomeNo Appointment NecessaryMonday-Saturdaywww.cordovamedical.com
30-day supply of phentermineavailable in clinic for only $25
RSVP
52
DECEMBER 2011
MIF
A “F
EED TH
E SO
UL” PA
RTY
E V E N
T MIFA “Feed the Soul” PartyCelebrating MIFA in Memphis
Missy Boyd, Holly Burrif, Ashley Hardin and Keri Bryson
Tran Bui and Jenny Koltnow
Richard and Toni Baer
Amber Palazolo and Jennifer Acchiardo
Tracy and Doug Christofferson
Jeff and Rebecca McGoff
Ward and Jane Mayer
Carsolina Walton and Patrick Hendricks
Charlie Nelson and Ellen Whitten
There is little doubt that among the quintessential charity eventsin Memphis, the Metropolitan Inter-Faith Association’s annual“Feed the Soul” Party ranks right up there at the top. Since
1968, MIFA has strived to meet and overcome the challenges pre-sented by the poverty in our city, and the Memphis community hasgiven generously to help the organization accomplish its goals.Accordingly, more than 900 folks came together at The Warehousein the South Main Arts District to support MIFA’s cause.
The fun began as soon as guests entered the grounds, wherethey were greeted by the lovely Memphis “Grizz Girls” and givenglow necklaces to help get in the party mood. Many opted to havephotos taken with “Elvis” on the paparazzi walk and enter the raffleto win one of a huge assortment of prizes donated by Bangkok Alley,the Memphis Brooks Museum of Art, Dabbles Hair Company, LeChardonnay, Gould’s and Buster’s Liquors and Wines, to name justa few. Back by popular demand, two oxygen bars did a brisk businessright up until closing time. Outside, the MIFA Cave featured tast-ings of Bacardi Rum, Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey, suds fromGhost River Brewing and a Havana Mix Cigar Emporium.
V101’s DJ supreme, Stan “The Bellringer” Bell, spun the hitsin The Rhythm and Blues Pavilion as guests sampled appetizersfrom Rendezvous, L’Ecole Culinaire and Miss Polly’s Soul City Caféand helped themselves to potables donated by Victor L. Robilio Co.,Inc., PepsiAmericas, Inc., Coors Beer and Coca-Cola BottlingCompany of Memphis. The long lines moved quickly as plates werefilled with terrific soul food from Aramark, Gus’s World FamousFried Chicken, Memphis Pizza Café and Hog Wild BBQ, as well as aan array of tempting side items and desserts by Muddy’s Bake Shop.And the entertainment kept on coming with Michael Jackson tributeartist Pam Caudle performing on the Soul Stage, followed by one ofMemphis’ premiere rock bands, WALRUS.
Charlie Nelson, MIFA’s director of volunteers and fund-raisingevents, was excited by the large turnout and enthusiastic spirit ofthe event, saying, “Thanks to presenting sponsor SunTrust, theMemphis community and our lovely volunteers, it was a perfectlyfun night; we raised over $100,000!”
Story by Ruth CassinPhotos by Don Perry
See all the party photos at rsvpmagazine.comPassword: RSVP
RSVP
53
DECEMBER 2011
E V E N
TMIF
A “F
EED TH
E SO
UL” PA
RTY
Babs Feibelman, Mark Finestone, Jeff Feibelman, Sally Heinz and Steve Montgomery
Beverly Williams, Major Currie, Debbie Desrochers and Amy Doville
Kembree Darakshani Brown and Tony BrownDiane and Stuart Polly
Clayton Gray and Kris KourdouvelisChristina Cupples and Kip Gordon
RSVP
54
DECEMBER 2011
MIF
A “F
EED TH
E SO
UL” PA
RTY
E V E N
T
Becky and Chris Suhoza
Frank Howell and Laura Sandoval
Alan and Brooke Balducci
Bonnie Heringer and Judge Kay RobilioTiffany Evans and Justin Bailey
Brooke Helsley with Courtney and Dana Richardson Mary Bean, Wynn Sorsby and Chris Bean
Tod Holtzclaw, Cindy Moore and Anna Holtzclaw Dustin and Becky James with Josh Heigel
RSVP
55
DECEMBER 2011
AFTE
R HO
URS After Hours
A photo collage of the latestbusiness happenings
Baccarat Trunk Show at Babcock Gifts
Customer Appreciation Party at Dogs Rule
Girls Night Out Holiday Party at James Davis
Estate Sale at Post 31
Open House at Laser Aesthetics
Taylor Waring, Buzzy Hussey and Lee Henry at Babcock Gifts
Joy Metcalf and Gina Bartz at Babcock Gifts
Debbie Eissler and Teresa Davis at Post 31
Sharon Aicholls and Sherry Clothier at Post 31
Michael Belz and Sally Hughes at Dogs Rule
Nigel and Tiffany Smith with “Presley” at Dogs Rule
Martina Ashmore, Jessica Rippe and Stephanie Tompkins at Laser Aesthetics
Jeanette Gipson and Lori Reeves at Laser Aesthetics
Laura O’Mell and Betty Haysat James Davis
Chris Pugh and Brandee Loving at James Davis
Rob Joiner and Josh Pastner at James Davis
RSVP
56
DECEMBER 2011
By Dennis PhillippiRSVP
HILL
IPPI
BABY, YOU CAN BUY MY CARHere are a few
things I will dovirtually any-
thing to avoiddoing: getting thiscolumn in on time,babysitting, huggingstrangers, arguingabout politics, and,maybe at the top ofthe list, buying cars.I hate buying cars.
Yes, part of it is the palpable desperationof the middle-aged guys standing an appar-ently prescribed distance from one anoth-er, waiting for you to park closest to them.I’m certain that, by and large, car sales-men are very nice people and good citizenswho support the troops, but they’re atwork, and their work is to get you to spendtens of thousands of dollars. That’s notthe most important reason however. Thefact that I know next to nothing about carsand I don’t really want to learn anymorewould be the most important.
There are car guys and not carguys, and I fall into the latter category.Can I appreciate a cool car and how cool Iwould look driving it? Of course, but thatdoesn’t mean I want to drive 15 of them tofind out which one fits me the best. It def-initely doesn’t mean that I want to learnabout the engine of each and why this oneor that one is better because the guy’s jobis to tell me that the one he’s showing meis the best one, even if that means tellingme it’s better than the one he told me fiveminutes ago was the best one.
But, the time has come. Myapproach to vehicle maintenance is to getthe oil changed every three to 12,000miles, and that’s about it. I don’t thinkabout getting my tires rotated, largelybecause I’m not exactly sure what thatmeans other than the obvious, and I don’tknow what else might be expected on aregular basis. As a sports fan, I can tellyou that a NASCAR pit stop that lastsmore than 14 seconds is probably too long,but as a not car guy, I can’t tell you whatpsi my tires should be. Also, I don’t care.This, as you can imagine, inevitably leadsto me having a vehicle that ages before itstime, like a ‘60s British rock star, andneeds to be replaced well before moreresponsible people would need theirs
replaced. But, here’s the thing, I don’treplace it then, because I hate buying cars,so the thing just deteriorates until my wifefinally hates the sight of it so much ourSaturdays suddenly fill up with visitingparts of town we, as Midtowners, rarelysee. That time has arrived.
Don’t get me wrong, for a guy whodrags his feet on big-ticket purchases likeactresses putting off playing mom roles, Ihave had a lot of cars. My first was abeast: a 1976 Chevy Malibu Classic, silverwith black interior and bench seats madefor making out with hippie girls. It had amassive engine. At the time, brace your-selves youngsters, gas cost a dollar a gal-lon, and the Malibu got 10 miles to thegallon, so it cost me a dime a mile to drivethat thing. This was when I was a junior
in high school, and I had to scramble up alot of dimes. After that I had an Audi, aVolkswagen Sirocco, another Malibu and acanary yellow 1972 Chrysler New Yorkerthat had to have been 20 feet long andturned like the Queen Mary driven byJoseph Hazelwood. This was all before Imet my wife, who has always been meticu-lous about maintaining her vehicles,because she’s, you know, responsible andsmart.
When we met she was on her sec-ond car, a 1984 Corolla, that we finallygrew weary of when we had to push it overthe Smokies in second gear at 15 miles anhour with people literally screaming outtheir windows at us. And we could makeout what they were saying.
As a young couple trying to begrown up, we went searching for a nice,reliable sedan. We ended up buying one ofthe first Miatas to come to Memphis. Asyou can imagine, this was pretty much on
me, because I’m a guy. You have to imag-ine this slick, cool, little red convertiblewithout a fingerprint on it that shined onthe showroom floor. We’d never seen any-thing like it. No one had ever seen any-thing like it. Then we made the mistake ofdriving it “just for fun.” This was probablythe only moment my wife ever truly regret-ted teaching me to drive a stick. Yes, youread that right. Here, for the first timeever, I admit it, my wife taught me how todrive a 5-speed. I told her at the time thatI had known how, but had sort of forgot-ten. The truth is I had driven a stick, theSirocco, briefly and very poorly, and yearslater, my wife taught me how to do itright. She may be learning this for the firsttime reading this column, so nobody showit to her.
Through the years we had muchmore responsible cars, except for the one Ihave now, which I bought used because,and I’m not proud of this, it looked cool,and I looked cool driving it. Now it lookslike something that has no business beingon the road, and I look like an idiot driv-ing it. Oh, I also almost never wash mycar. Is that bad?
So, we’re car shopping and wedon’t know what we’re doing. We justlearned that hybrids don’t have to beplugged in. Who knew? They get greatmileage and seem pretty zippy. An electriccar would be good for me, but she wants alittle more range for her new car. Oh,that’s right, we’re shopping for her. Mybad habits have caught up with me. She’sgetting a new car. I’m getting her old car.Her old car, which is a little newer thanmine, but has about the same mileage andbecause she took care of it, should run formany years to come. Or so she thinks.Wait til I get my neglectful hands on it.
Dennis Phillippi, your car shopping sagamust come to an end soon because we’dhate for your wife to actually have to keepher car and for you to resort to renting asleigh to deliver all of your holiday pres-ents to the RSVP staff. Actually, thatmight be kind of humorous, and oddly fit-ting for Midtown, to see you turning thecorner of Cooper onto Central in a brightred sleigh, which would definitely belonger than your 1972 Chrysler NewYorker.
Don’t get me wrong, for a guywho drags his feet on big-tick-et purchases like actresses
putting off playing mom roles,I have had a lot of cars.
RSVP
57
DECEMBER 2011
AFTE
R HO
URS After Hours
A photo collage of the latestbusiness happenings
Sister Schubert Book Signing at Palladio
Holiday Open House at Hampton Designs
Holiday Open House at Mrs. Post
Designer Open House at Stash
Open House at Amy Howard
Holiday Open House at More Therapy
Girls Night Out at East Memphis Aesthetics
Jennifer McCullough, Patricia “Sister” Schubert Barnes and Lee Jonesat Palladio
Joann Duncan, Irma Roberts and Ruth Williams at Palladio
Kevin Coble, Amy and Gene Howard and Ann Conrad at Amy Howard
Leslie Carter, Neely Carter and Morgan Armstrong at Amy Howard
Lisa Marcom, Daphne Cantu, Rosemary Burns and Kathy Burns at Hampton Designs
Lindsey Cross, Chappell Paden, Sarah Spinosa and Kelly Smith at Mrs. Post
Jamie Stacks, Mary Jo McCarver and Christy Muller at More Therapy
Jenny Ezzell, Courtney Smith and Janie Lowery at More Therapy
Demetrica Jones, Sharon Jett and Karey Fleming at Stash
Eric Watts, Brooke Davis, Jeff Edgeworth, Pat Coughlin and Larry Hedrickat Stash
Melanie Saunders, Dr. Kris Leventhal and Mollie Curlin Smith at East Memphis Aesthetics
Emily Oliva, Andrea Hall and Erica Bookout at East Memphis Aesthetics
RSVP
58
DECEMBER 2011
Caroling in the Music RoomRSVP
AST
1961
Christmastime brings out family traditions, which for the Cobb household included singing carols at theirhome. In the photograph above, Ruth Moore Cobb plays the harp, while her daughter, Elizabeth Toff
Cobb, age 8, assists at the piano. Singing bass are Charles Pittman Cobb Sr., Thomas Oliver Cobb, age 10,Charles Pittman Cobb Jr., age 5, and Oliver Perry Cobb, age 7. Charles Sr. was an attorney with Evans,Petree, Cobb and Edwards Law Firm, and Ruth was a principal harpist for the Memphis SymphonyOrchestra.
PHOTO COURTESY OF AN ANONYMOUS READER
If you have a past photo you would like to share with RSVP readers, please contact Leah Fitzpatrick at 276-7787 ext. 105or e-mail the photo and caption to [email protected]
All photos will be returned promptly.
Kimberly Falls LentzA T T O R N E Y A T L A W
Call Me Directly(901)729-9807
A R E A S O F P R A C T I C E
