Bologna and cheese sandwiches as a menu choice at a big, fancy fundraiser?
Uh, yeah — so long as we’re talking about the yummy ones created for those attending the sold-out 100,000 Rays of Hope Gala, a benefit for Invest In Kids.
These creations from the Vesta Dipping Grill kitchen bore little resemblance to the perennial lunchbox staple. Each bite-sized sammy was made from rounds of house-made mortadella placed atop a square of Wonder bread that had been spread with “school bus” mustard and finished with a dollop of American cheese bechamel.
But that’s not all there was to eat at this event chaired by Holiday Goodreau and Stephanie Harrington and held at Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum.
During the silent auction social, folks such as U.S. Attorney John Walsh, state Sen. Pat Steadman, Dr. Dean Prina, Ken and Rebecca Gart and Jennifer Atler Fischer could sample childhood-inspired dishes that ranged from kielbasa pretzel dogs to S.O.S. (ribeye slices in mushroom cream on toast) served by chefs from Sarto’s, MiJo, Barolo Grill, Edible Beats, DiFranco’s, The Kitchen, Ace Eat Serve and Lola.
And when it came time for the program to begin, the 500 guests were escorted to tables where more food awaited. New World Cheese had plates of charcuterie and cheese to go with sourdough baguettes from Hinman’s Bakery, while Rioja furnished the desserts: chocolate-dipped Rice Crispy treats, balsamic strawberry shortcake and Almond Joy tarts.
IIK’s executive director, Lisa Hill, introduced the 2016 Impact Award recipient, Catherine Goodwillie, by noting that her “infectious enthusiasm, ready smile and giving heart draw her close to all who know her. Catherine is a tireless community leader with great empathy, candor and an unwavering desire to improve the lives of all.”
In addition to her work on behalf of IIK, Goodwillie is the founder of SAFE (Sexual Abuse Forever Ending) and the wife of Andrew Goodwillie, co-owner of Bee Line Bikes and founder of Trips for Kids Denver. They have three sons: Kelly, Rhys and Beckett.
Since its start 16 years ago, Invest In Kids has worked in partnership with teachers, nurses, parent-group leaders and community members to improve the health and well-being of 100,000 children and first-time mothers from vulnerable populations throughout Colorado.
Two IIK initiatives, the Nurse-Family Partnership and The Incredible Years, are “Proven prevention programs,” Hill said. “They’re wise investments” that “create better outcomes for everyone.”
Joanne Davidson: 303-809-1314, partiwriter@hotmail.com and @joannedavidson on Twitter
