2006 Haven Award for Selfless Community Giving, American College of the Building Arts’ second annual Backyard Bar-B-Que, and Gibbes Museum of Art’s gala
The fragrant scent of steamed oysters- tis the season!- permeated the crisp night air on Thursday at the Coastal Community Foundation’s oyster roast in honor of the 2006 Haven Award for Selfless Community Giving, held at Alhambra Hall. CCF board members and donors toasted George W. Miller (posthumously) and John G. Davis and celebrated the kickoff of Charleston Philanthropy Week, a series of events intended to celebrate the exceptional benevolent work of local individuals and corporate entities. A calendar of events will appear at the end of this post.
Across town at McLeod Plantation, a similar scene unfolded at the American College of the Building Arts’ second annual Backyard Bar-B-Que, although the fare included barbecue and green beans rather than the popular bivalves. Strands of white lights were strewn amongst the stately oaks, and errant stumps provided make-shift cocktail tables. The Marsh Grass Mamas played live bluegrass much to the delight of a few impish children who happily romped across the lawn, while guests, faculty, and students mingled beneath the stars.
Glittering gold gilt—a cue taken from the frames of the artwork on the auction block— lit up the Gibbes Museum of Art’s gala at the Hibernian on Friday night. A harpist greeted guests in the main foyer, where decorative frames hung from the ceiling, and the second floor was a veritable sea of Fortuny chairs and gold-colored table linens. Even the first course soup was a golden hue! Many women opted for rich autumnal colored attire including gala chairwoman Beth Geiss who wore a spectacular floor-length chocolate brown gown.
A handful of trips and museum-quality works of art, selected by the curatorial staff, were offered in the auction, which took place during dinner. One lot offered an eight-day, seven-night voyage for two aboard The World, the first resort community at sea that continuously circumnavigates the globe. Its popularity yielded one of the evening’s top bids, which prompted the owners to offer a second trip to the #2 bidder if he/she was willing to match the winning bid of $11,000. The second bidder agreed, and $22,000 was raised on that lot alone. Good show.
The bidding was also fierce on Saturday night at the Habitat for Humanity Hard Hat Ball, held at the Daniel Island Country Club. The party dresses were out in full swing as guests kicked up their heels to dance both before and after the seated dinner. The venue was recently renovated and the two large projector screens, one on both ends of the room, helped capture and sustain guests’ attention throughout the auction. Cookies fashioned in the shape of a house were the take-home treat, and everyone seemed to be in extraordinarily high spirits throughout the night.
Ahead this week:
Fête Set Pick:
Wednesday, November 15
AFP Philanthropy Day Luncheon
Keynote speaker Hugh McColl, former Bank of America Chairman, will speak about Philanthropy in the Corporate sector.
12:00-2:00 p.m.
Charleston Riverview Hotel
$50 individual
For reservations, contact Anna Richardson at: (843) 720-8525.
Fête Set Pick:
Wednesday, November 15
Women Making a Difference Grants Celebration
A cocktail reception at Lowndes Grove Plantation hosted by Women Making a Difference to present more than $50,000 in grants to Charleston-based charities that help improve the quality of life for local women and children.
7 - 9 p.m.
Lowndes Grove Plantation
Open to the public. No charge.
Guests must RSVP to kristen@laneandsmythe.com.
Fête Set Pick:
Thursday, November 16
Women in Philanthropy Panel
Then Center for Women Event hosts a light lunch at the offices of Spoleto Festival USA and a panel discussion on How and Why Women Give.
Panelists include:
Priscilla Robinson - Social Activist
Weesie Newton - Co-Founder of Women making a Difference
Leah Greenberg - Civic leader
Emily Abedon - Co-Founder of Operation HOME
Nina Sossamon - Anchor, WCIV TV
12:00-1:30 p.m.
Open to the public. No charge.
Seating is limited. Reserve your seat today by contacting the Center For Women: (843) 763-7333 or by e-mail: info@c4women.org.
Fête Set Pick:
Thursday, November 16
Circle of Light Gala
A black-tie evening of music, entertainment, and gourmet food and wine under the stars— all to prevent the pain of child sexual abuse.
6:30 p.m.
Marion Square.
$300 per ticket.
For tickets, call (843)965-5444.
Caritas.
Ida
