Move over, James Bond.
You’ve had your share of grand entrances, thanks to action-packed movies like “Goldfinger” and “You Only Live Twice.” But a Denver weatherman has done you one better.
CBS4’s Ed Greene, master of ceremonies for the 15th ICON Awards Gala, “Martinis Are Forever,” entered the Imperial Ballroom at the Grand Hyatt Denver surrounded by Bond Girls in a lights-flashing, music-thumping spectacle that also included a smack-’em, whack-’em video of Greene fighting off the bad guys before jumping into an Aston Martin Vanquish from Sill-TerHar Motors and gingerly piloting the pricey set of wheels to the Hyatt.
When Greene reached the stage, one of the Bond Girls handed him what he thought was going to be a martini glass filled with ice water.
“Uh-oh, that was supposed to be a fake drink,” he said after downing in one gulp what turned out to be the real deal.
No matter. He did just fine when it came to announcing the Judges’ Choice and People’s Choice winners in 14 categories.
Terry Vitale, publisher of Colorado Expression and Confetti magazines, started the ICON Awards to honor the creativity of those who make up Denver-area’s special-events industry.
The gala at which the awards are presented doubles as a showcase for those talents. This year’s James Bond theme was carried out by Affair with Flairand Design Works by Dave and Mike.
Crews from both companies had worked since 1 a.m. the day of the gala to install lighting, a different centerpiece for each of the 37 tables and special linens. Other special elements included a carved-ice bar from which shaken, not stirred, martinis were dispensed; a three-course dinner; nonstop entertainment and casino-style games.
Affair With Flair and Design Works also were among the evening’s big winners. Affair With Flair won the Judges’ Award for Best Overall Event over $75,000 and Best Event Produced for an Individual, both for Kayla’s Underwater Adventure, while Design Works collected the Judges’ Award for Best Wedding Over $75,000 (Wintry Bliss) and Best Decorating Design (Out of the Box). Design Works also received the Peoples’ Choice Award for Best Event Produced for a Corporation or Association (Contemporary Hollywood).
Joanne Katz and Peggy Beck, founders of Three Tomatoes Catering, were given the Lifetime Achievement Award.
The capacity crowd is the result of hard work by ticket committee chairs Ginnie Eldredge, who earlier in the day had trimmed her long locks and donated them to Pantene Beautiful Lengths, and David McReynolds, who brought in such friends as Elaine and Dr. Richard Asarch; Diane Huttner; Jordon and Essie Perlmutter; Nancy Sagar; Karen and Pat Lee; Rollie Jordan; Francine and Steve Porter; Jamie Angelich; Denise and Brent Snyder; Paula Newberry; Penny and Jack TerHar; Ingrid and Cade Nagy; Walli Richardson; Jody and Zach Zorn; Jerry Barnett; Ellen Robinson and her mother, Marcia; Larryand Carolyn Alexander; Jolinda Cohavi; and Carylyn and Michael Dooley.
Luncheon funds scholarship, sickle cell research
Denver first lady Mary Louise Lee and Nita Mosby Henry, who on March 28 becomes vice president of human resources for Children’s Hospital Colorado, were honorary chairs for the 30th Leadership Luncheon put on by Denver chapter of the International Association of Ministers’ Wives & Ministers’ Widows. Proceeds went to sickle cell anemia research and a scholarship honoring retired educator Ollie Barefield. Joanne Davidson has details in the Mile High Style blog: blogs.denverpost.com/style
Joanne Davidson: 303-809-1314, jdavidson@ denverpost.com or twitter.com/joannedavidson
