Fur Ball, Through the Kaleidoscope, Salute the Sun for Kids Health, and Rein and Shine’s Barn Raiser Party
Guests at Thursday night’s Fur Ball, an annual gala that raises money for Pet Helpers Rescue and Adoption Shelter, were treated to a lively carnival-theme party complete with cotton candy, popcorn, and ring toss games, which were manned by tutu and tiara wearing volunteers from the College of Charleston. Colorful streamers adorned the ceilings of multiple tents that were clustered together on the western lawn of Lowndes Grove Plantation, lending a bedouin air to the carnival atmosphere. Wandering balloon artist Chris Teerman fashioned flowers and sundry items for eager guests; the grey motorcycle made for Matt Owen was a dazzling illustration of balloon dexterity. Waiters carried trays of pigs-in-a-blanket during the cocktail hour, and the dessert table was laden with an array of kiddie treats like cupcakes, taffy, and MoonPies.
In contrast to the lively theme, many guests opted for dark colored clothing, except for fashionista Ellen Berlin, whose gold halter dress inspired Karen Siegel to remark that it looked like an Oscar statue come to life.
Despite the tempest that blew through the Lowcountry on Friday night, scores of dedicated folks turned out in support of the inaugural Through the Kaleidoscope benefit to raise funds for the Hollings Cancer Center’s pursuit of the National Cancer Institute designation. The event was staged across the entire first floor of the Charleston Harbor Hilton, which sounded strange when I first read the invitation but turned out to be an innovative use of space. I do wonder, though, where were the hotel guests? Auction items, food stations, and bars were spread amongst conference rooms, hallways, the tented terrace, and the Reel Bar. Guests were offered a variety of colored ribbons, each color signifying a different form of cancer, for lapel adornment, and the sight of a gentleman with a collar full of ribbons inspired hope that the Hollings Cancer Center will continue the fight to eradicate the 29 types of cancers represented by the ribbons.
“Om Shanti,” a mantra of peace, was heard across Marion Square on Saturday as dedicated yogis convened for Salute the Sun for Kids Health, a yoga marathon to benefit Louie’s Kids. Instructors from local studios practiced sun salutations alongside students of every skill level, and one participant’s dog performed its own version of downward facing dog. Mary Zapatka from the Square Onion served her amazing edamame salad to participants who worked up an appetite, and Whole Foods supplied other tasty nibbles.
I ran into Whole Foods’ wonderfully supportive community liaison Pam Fischette on Saturday afternoon at the fifth annual Barn Raiser Party for Rein and Shine, a nonprofit organization that offers equine facilitated therapy for children and adults with physical, mental, social or emotional limitations. Held at the organization’s farm in Awendaw, the crowd mingled between the barn, the paddock, and the bbq tent. The relaxed atmosphere was super family-friendly, and most guests sported boots and blue jeans.
Although the parties have come and gone, you can still support these great causes. Visit their respective websites to learn more:
http://www.pethelpers.org/
http://www.muschealth.com/cancer/
http://www.louieskids.org/
http://reinandshine.org/
Caritas.
Ida
