April 16, 2011 - Epilepsy Foundation of Colorado 2011 Gala
What: An elegant French-style soiree to benefit the Epilepsy Foundation.
Where: Four Seasons Hotel Denver
When: Saturday, April 16, 2011
Time: 6:00 p.m.
Ticket Prices: $150
Beneficiary: Epilepsy Foundation of Colorado
Mistress of Ceremonies: Diane Van Deren
Gala Chairperson(s): Candy Palazzo
President(s): Kathryn Ashenfelter
Introductions: Gail Pundsack
Auctioneer: Paul Borrillo
Quote of the evening: "Run your life with epilepsy, don't let epilepsy run your life." -Diane Van Deren
Menu: Forever braised boneless beef shortribs, pan seared salmon with almond and caper butter, braised chicken with olives tomatoes and tarragon, and ratatouille provencal
Attire: Cocktail and evening wear
Hors D'Oeuvres:: Foie gras pate tarte, smoked salmon blini, and black fig and blue cheese tartlet
Florist: Sceneographics
Board of Directors: Kathy Ashenfelter - President; Steve Franzen - Vice President; Ann Speer - Treasurer; Tracy Bray - Secretary; John Burstein; Rick Campbell; Ed Maa, MD; Tim Murray; Gina Navarrete; Bob Pinkerton
Blacktie Photos by: Chad Chisholm
Craig Fleishman, left, with Gavin and Layne Fleishman
Guests were transported to Paris for this year’s “La Vie en Rose” inspired Epilepsy Foundation of Colorado gala. From entertaining mime to charming accordion music, patrons of the night felt as if the Seine was steps from the door.
The Epilepsy Foundation of Colorado threw the “finest event on record,” according to Candy Palazzo, event chairwoman. From the sparkling chandeliers of the Four Seasons Hotel Denver to the fragrant rose arrangements by Scenographics and Eiffel Tower to boot, the evening was a stunning success.
Mistress of Ceremonies, celebrated athlete Diane Van Deren, reminded guests that there is not such word as “impossible” and to “Run your life with epilepsy, don’t let epilepsy run your life.” As an accomplished athlete, Diane recounted touching stories and her public announcement that she was an athlete running her life with epilepsy.
Kathy Ashenfelter, CEO of Health One, and Candy Palazzo thanked Congressman Perlmutter for supporting the foundation, as his daughter has epilepsy. Noting that every single board member on the foundation was touched by epilepsy, an emotion-filled and celebratory evening commenced in the grand ballroom.
Craig Fleishman, EFCO board member and founder of the Jason Fleishman Summer Camp, began the camp as a tribute to his son, whose life was suddenly taken from him a few years ago at the tender age of 24. With 50 campers last year, kids living with epilepsy enjoying a camp environment where they felt welcomed and understood, Fleishman reminded the audience that 60% of the kids had been able to attended due to scholarships.
A sparkling evening as bright as the crystal chandeliers in Denver’s newest luxury hotel, the Epilepsy Foundation of Colorado Gala was a night to remember. Visit http://www.epilepsycolorado.org/ to learn more about the foundation and to make a donation to the efforts of EFCO.