By Lisa: This past
Saturday evening, Kansas City’s Sheraton Crown Center hosted an annual
signature event, a “Fabulous 40’s” themed, House Party 2012 for the Newhouse
domestic violence shelter.
As each guest entered the ballroom, we were welcomed to a
beautifully staged silent auction. There
were gifts to bid on from signed sports memorabilia, wine tasting parties, bath
& beauty products, to children’s gifts they would welcome come Christmas
morning.
At 7:15, the guest entered the adjoining room where we
stepped back in time to the 1940’s nightclub décor. The guests were welcomed by three-year house
party emcee, Curtis Jay, co-anchor of 41-Action news today and midday. Chairwoman, Vicki Kraft welcomed everyone and
introduced Pastor Laura Murphy who gave the dinner’s invocation.
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| Emcee Curtis Jay(left) with Lisa Salley Jones |
We were treated to a fabulous plated chopped salad, assorted
breads and a creamy cheesecake topped with diced apples drizzled with a buttery
sweetness sauce. The entrée was a
spinach feta stuffed chicken breast complimented with oven-roasted potatoes and
garnished with assorted vegetables.
The program continued with an award showdown trophy
presented to the alums of the University of Missouri who bested their Kansas
and Kansas State rivals for most funds raised.
Emcee Curtis Jay then introduced this year’s event chair Renee Grisson,
who welcomed and thanked each major contributor and sponsor to the Newhouse
House Party 2012. This year’s honorary
co-chair Brad Manson was welcomed to podium to speak about his mother’s and family’s
involvement with and passion for the women and children’s shelter. Newhouse President/CEO Jim Bogle then spoke
on the improvements and expectations for Newhouse going forward.
It was then on to the “live” auction which was emceed by
Kansas City’s own Missy Koonce, actress, director, producer and singer. In a matter of minutes over $80, 000 was
raised from the generous patrons and their guests. The guests then danced into the night to
tunes from the 40’s by Missy Koonce and Friends.
As we approach the seasons of Thanksgiving and Christmas,
may you find it in your hearts to be as generous as the patrons and friends of
the Newhouse were this wonderful fun-filled evening!
