Thursday Night Social Diary
Thursday night was a double header, and it was a blast!
First up: Women Rock IV: Rockin’ On, the homegrown salute to female artists and nonprofit organizations that transformed the S.C. Aquarium into a bustling bazaar early Thursday evening.
Vendor tables on both floors of the venue overflowed with colorful wares while the aroma of assorted nibbles, like Carolina Catering’s King Fu Kim Chee with local shrimp, wafted through the air. Artists and their mediums ran the gamut from Shannon Brown’s multidimensional collages to Adrienne Antonson’s Spinster clothing line.
Event organizers Kristin Hettermann and Jennifer Waggoner wore custom hot pink tank tops that featured the block style Women Rock logo on the back, and they looked super fly– I want one! Fashionistas Ayoka Lucas, Charleston magazine style editor, and Seth Cooke, Post and Courier fashion scribe, were dishing from a prime people watching spot next to the escalator when I bumped into them. Fortunately, they didn’t skewer my attire even though I was overdressed for the occasion.
From the aquarium, I headed over to the Gaillard, where Julie Medich was celebrating a milestone birthday with 400 of her closest friends. Actually, Charleston Stage was hosting its 11th Annual Wine Auction and Dinner, and Julie, a trustee of the stage company, was ready to party.
Black is definitely back I discovered as I surveyed the silent auction scene. Both Celeste Patrick and Melinda Nicholson, chairwomen of the event, were clad in long, formfitting black gowns. Even Charleston magazine’s own Misty Lister was in on the trend, and she shared a secret as we walked into the exhibition hall for supper: her chic black attire was once worn as a bridesmaid dress. What an urbane bride!
J.M.C. Charleston produced the event, and first glimpse of the warmly lit dining room was spectacularly pleasing to the eye. Mitchell Crosby, mastermind of the event, used a rich palate of verdant foliage, richly hued roses, and plum colored berries to wash the room in color. The tables themselves looked to be something from Versailles as gold gilt washed over everything in sight– the Chivari chairs, crystal goblets, flatware, and the china.
Fifteen outstanding chefs lent their talent to the dinner hour, each preparing a custom three course menu for a few dozen guests. I was seated at one of Cordavi’s tables and looked forward to the experience since I’ve not had the opportunity to visit the much-talked about newcomer to the culinary scene. Tastemaker Laura Hewitt was seated adjacent to me, at another restaurant, and she noted that Cordavi is one of her favorite restaurants. I knew then I was in for a treat.
Unbeknownst to me, Mitchell had alerted Chef David Szlam to certain dietary restrictions I have due to a lingering malaise contracted while trekking in Nepal this spring, and each course was made with that in mind. The extra and entirely unexpected effort won my admiration; I’ll be a patron of the restaurant in no time.
The highlight of the live auction came at lot 13, which was purchased by the spirited Meredith and John Dunnan. In case anyone is interested in the whereabouts of the Dunnans come late April of 2007, they will arrive at a lovely cabin in north Alabama on Friday, April 27. On Saturday, they will enjoy an afternoon cruise aboard “Miss Kitty,” a 28-foot pontoon party boat that will be outfitted with snacks and cocktails. On Sunday morning, a limo will arrive to whisk them away to the fabled Talladega racetrack where their pit passes and tickets will give them full access to the NASCAR scene. In their picnic hamper will be a 1991 Clos Du Vois Merlot signed by Richard Petty.
After the auction, Melinda Nicholson, who helped put the package together, made sure John was aware of the world class bass fishing holes found near the cabin. Now that is a fundraiser in the making– who will pay $100 to see a photo of John Dunnan bass fishing?
Caritas.
Ida
Fête Set Pick:
Saturday, September 30
Charleston Symphony Orchestra League Gala
Celebrate opening night of the Masterworks Concert series as David Stahl leads the CSO in Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9, followed by a party themed “Gala by the Sea.” Enjoy cocktails, dinner, a silent auction, and dancing to benefit the CSO.
$150.
Gaillard Auditorium, 77 Calhoun Street.
To purchase tickets, call (843)723-0020.
Other events of note happening in the city this week:
Saturday, September 30
Children’s Museum of the Lowcountry celebrates A Night in Bombay
Travel halfway across the world at the Children’s Museum of the Lowcountry as they transform the museum into the ancient city of Bombay. Whisk yourself away for a night of sensational cuisine, festive drinks, and breathtaking entertainment while supporting the museum.
$125 per person.
Children’s Museum of the Lowcountry, 25 Ann Street.
To purchase tickets, call (843)853-8962.
September 30
American Lung Association’s Blow the Whistle on Asthma Walk
Begin at Brittlebank Park, loop through Hampton Park, and stroll through the Citadel during this short but beautiful walk by the Ashley River to support the more than 24 million Americans who suffer from asthma. You can help the American Lung Association reach their goal of $50,000.
9 a.m.
Brittlebank Park, Lockwood Ave.
For information, call (843)556-8451.
October 1
Down Syndrome Association of the Lowcountry’s Lowcountry Buddy Walk
Lace up your walking shoes for this one-mile stride that celebrates the many achievements of Lowcountry residents with Down Syndrome. After the walk, spend some time at the block party with food, drinks, music, jump castles, and carnival games.
$40 per person.
Registration 2 p.m.
Etiwan Park, Daniel Island.
For information, call (843)209-0496.
