February 2013 Flash Talk: Social Scenes

>> On November 14, guests gathered for the One-Ring Fling Benefit Gala & Auction under Teatro ZinZanni’s Belgian speigeltent (“mirror tent”) for an evening of madcap performances and fundraising and to celebrate Teatro while helping to preserve the legacy of the circus arts in Seattle. Teatro performers took to the stage to express their love for their circus “home,” and more than 70 prized auction items—including a flying trapeze party for 10 at SANCA (Seattle School of Acrobatics and New Circus Arts)—helped raise $70,000-plus for the organization.

>> The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation held its 29th annual Breath of Life Gala dinner and auction at the Sheraton Seattle on November 17. More than 800 attendees filled the grand ballroom and—through the encouragement of auction reader Brad Goode of KOMO-TV and auctioneer Larry Flynn—raised $1,845,000 to support the foundation.

>> Apparently, the Seattle Sheraton was the place to be on November 17, as the Greater Seattle Business Association (GSBA) was also in attendance that night for its annual fundraiser, Taste of the GSBA. During the evening’s sold-out event, the association celebrated 31 years and raised a record-breaking  $460,000 to benefit GSBA’s student scholarship fund for LGBTQA students. Local celebrity chefs, musicians, actors and other notables in Seattle’s gay community took part in this rousing evening, which included a rendition of songs from Seattle Theatre Group’s Flashdance—The Musical by Balagan Theatre players.

>> On November 18, Cornish College of the Arts students, faculty and alumni blended music, dance, theater and visual arts for their annual fundraising gala at the Seattle Sheraton, starting with a VIP reception with Cornish president Nancy J. Uscher and special guest, Tony Award winning actor Bill Irwin (who is also beloved by preschoolers everywhere as Mr. Noodle, a character he played from 1994 to 2009). The evening rang with performances, and ultimately brought in more than $500,000 for the Cornish Scholarship Fund.

>> On November 30 at the Seattle Design Center, Rise n’ Shine’s first Annual World AIDS Day Happy Hour raised a glass in hopes of an AIDS-free generation. In attendance was actress Amanda Bearse, known for her role as Marcy D’Arcy on television’s Married with Children. The evening’s proceeds will benefit children affected by HIV and AIDS and also helped purchase gifts for children during the holidays.

>> Women continued their takeover of the Seattle Art Museum on December 4 with Lunafest, a traveling film festival for women by women, sponsored by Luna Bar. Proceeds from ticket sales benefitted Reel Grrls and the Breast Cancer Fund. The event, decked out in royal blue, was produced by Girl Power Hour, Seattle’s women-focused networking organization, and raised more than $3,000. After a cocktail party with astrology readings, henna body painting and appetizers from Taste, the 250 attendees screened nine short films that celebrate the female spirit.

>> The 11th annual Rivkin Center Family & Friends Auction took place at the Hyatt Regency Bellevue on November 9, with more than 500 guests supporting the Marsha Rivkin Center for Ovarian Cancer Research. The Courage for Life Award went to Dr. Karla Mooers, an ovarian cancer survivor whose passion for life has touched many other people dealing with this form of cancer. The Babs Fisher Valor Award, a new award established by her sons and husband, recognizes leaders who increase awareness of ovarian cancer. The inaugural honor went to Gloria and Eric Bensussen. Proceeds totaled more than $1 million to support the center’s goal of advancing the prevention, early detection and treatment of ovarian cancer.

UPCOMING CHARITABLE EVENTS

February 8, 2013
On Wings of Hope Benefit
Hey now, you’re an all-star. Get your game on, go play. That’s right, ‘90s sensation Smash Mouth is playing at the On Wings of Hope benefit for the Hope Heart Institute on February 8. Billed as “the rock and roll event of the year,” proceeds from this bodacious evening—which also includes cocktails, dinner from Lisa Dupar and a live auction with John Curley—benefit the research and education programs at this lifesaving institute. Showbox Sodo, 1700 1st Ave. S; 206.652.0444; hopeheart.org

February 23, 2013
Artist Trust Benefit Art Auction
An integral part of Washington state’s thriving artistic community, Artist Trust supports artists across all creative disciplines by way of financial grants, career training and a wealth of resources. The organization’s annual art auction, which benefits these services, includes live and silent auctions, a Golden Ticket raffle and inspired performances by Artist Trust Grant Recipients. Fisher Pavilion at Seattle Center, 305 Harrison St.; 206.684.7200; artisttrust.org

March 2, 2013
Seattle Dances!
Our very own Ernie Pino is participating in the fourth annual Seattle Dances!, a dinner, auction and dance competition that pairs notable Seattleites with professional dancers from Century Ballroom in a rousing competition. Dancers devote 15 weeks to preparing a 2- to 3-minute routine. Proceeds from the event benefit Plymouth Housing Group, which provides programs and services to formerly homeless people living in Plymouth apartments. $250/$350. Fremont Studios, 115 N 35th St.; 206.838.9080; seattledances.org