MARTINI PARTY, YOU DON'T SAY? ...

This was a fundraiser of divine providence. Our graphic designer prepared our giraffe advertising poster absolutely beautifully. None of us could believe it. Celeste and Dan Coulston graciously donated their Chaps venue, a fabulous shabby chic food and dessert "destination." Jane Joseph and Lauren Gilbert did a fabulous job organizing all of the following people - Abby and Ralph Oscarson and their crew (including their nephews in the Music Corner) worked tirelessly decorating Chaps with our African decor; April Williams planned for the Silent Auction ahead of time, knowing full well she would be on a beach in Mexico during the party; so Pam Miller and Larry Keyser displayed our irresistible Silent Auction items; Sandi Kessler and her crew (including some encouragement from her "Costco" friends) chopped and prepped and prepared scrumptious appetizers; Ralph, Lisa Chapman and Jennifer Day were more than happy to take your money at the registration table; Elisa and Naomi eloquently served up our appetizers; and as usual, Sandy Goldberg was the undercurrent keeping it all moving in the right direction.

None of this would be possible without several people behind the scenes: we thank our personal bartenders for donating their time, their martini making instructions and their refreshing pours for us; we thank Roast House Coffee for their special roast and serving of a nice strong cup-a-joe; we thank Dan Coulston for tirelessly cleaning up after us, even on his Birthday; and last but not least - Andy and Lorri (Albin) Turner for donating an outing for  "Jeffery the Giraffe." Here is the scoop (straight from the Giraffe's mouth): I have known Lorri for 35 years and I happened to run into her in Seattle the weekend before our Martini Party (hadn't seen her for 10 yrs). We got to chit chatting about HHNW and Africa and how her husband goes Big Game Hunting (ears perking up) ... how he collects all these big animals (you don't say). I asked her if he had a giraffe (dreaming). She said yes (jaw dropping) and agreed that we could use him at our Martini Party (Hallelujah!). The best part was, he was already in Spokane. Voila! We just rented a U-Haul and he was able to have a sleepover with us. This was a great asset to an even greater party.

Thank you to all of the attendees for buying our Silent Auction items and for buying all those drinks! We appreciate all of your support and we had just as much fun as you mixing and mingling. The best part ... we may do it all again in July! Save our blog to your Favorites and we will keep you posted.