16 • Thursday, April 18, 2013
social
An Evening of Magic
OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal
From left: Martha Pezrow and Betty Healey. Photos special to The Journal
Event Supports Opera Birmingham Production
T
he Birmingham Botanical Gardens were aglow March 3 for Opera Birmingham’s largest fundraiser of the season, An Evening of Magic, presented by the Thomas E. Jernigan Foundation. The gala event was held in support of Opera Birmingham’s production of Mozart’s “The Magic Flute.” Sponsors were Cadence Bank, Bridgeworth Financial and Regions Bank. The event was coordinated by longtime Opera Birmingham volunteers Kathy Emison, chairman, and Amy Johnstone, co-chairman. Designer Robert Logan of Backstage Florist created a forest-like ambiance. Floral arrangements by Dorothy McDaniel’s Flower Market accented the tabletops. Many guests were dressed in purple, silver and black evening attire to help set the magical theme. Among them were Marsha and John Markus, Julius E. Linn, Jr., Jeff Tombrello, Sue Watkins, Donna and Jim Reddinger, Dot Mullins, Carleen Morin, Lida Hill, Patty McDonald and Jeffery Kliner, Peter Walsh, Andrea and Goodloe White, Diane and Scott Selman, Jean Shanks, Janis Zeanah, Fay Hart and Ann Hillhouse. A magician entertained guests as they arrived and mingled over wine and champagne courtesy of UnitedJohnson Brothers of Alabama. During a silent auction, guests placed bids on items such as fine jewelry, tickets for local entertainment and spa packages, all donated by local businesses and opera supporters. Those who mingled around the tables included Jan and Jim Briley, Mimi Jackson, Zane Rhoades and Robert Raiford, Cameron and Judge Scott Vowell, Antoinette and John Cipriano, Tallulah Hargrove, John Johnstone, Jim Emison, Joyce Jacobson, Jane Morris, Allan Stephens, Betty Loeb, Pat Scofield, Amy Carr, Mike and MaryAnne Freeman, Jane and Bob Hinds and Christian Cámara. John D. Jones, Opera Birmingham general director welcomed guests. Guests seated at the table sponsored by the Thomas E. Jernigan Foundation included Dorothy McDaniel, Rosemary Snead, Betty Healey, Joan Parker and Gerry Dunham. Guests seated with Cadence Bank included Lisa Mead, Libby Cochrane, Kim and Jim Harper, Lea
Sanders, and Anna Kittinger. Guests of Bridgeworth Financial included Cinda and Larry Goldberg, Stephen Iaconis, Sarah and Zach Ivey, Brandi and Jeff McCormack, David LeCompte and Atticus Rominger. Guests at the table of Dorinda and John Smith were Kim Jemison, Corbin Day, Virginia and John Hornsby and Frances and Claude Bennett. Erica Miller, Kori Jennings, Jennifer Bryant, Aaron Blake, Israel Gursky and Marc Astafan. Seated at the table of Kathy G & Co. were more photos at Kathy and Louis Mezrano, Susan and Lee Reeves, Ginger and Lane Milam and Kay and Jim Wooten. Baritone Corey McKern serenaded guests with “The Way You Look Tonight.” As dinner was served by Imperial Catering, a live auction featured items such as a golf outing at Shoal Creek donated by Patrick Cather; an exclusive “Dinner with the Diva” with soprano Jan Cornelius, star of “The Magic Flute,” donated and hosted by Nanci and Steve Chazen; several sculptures by artist Frank Fleming; and a diamond pendant donated by Levy’s Fine Jewelry. Live auction winners present included Karyn and Brent Uptain, Jane Paris and Chandler Smith, Leisel and Will French, Diane and Herb Rossmeisl and Martha Pezrow. Frances Bennett, Claude Bennett and Cameron Vowell. Cast members of “The Magic Flute” performed for guests during dessert. ❖
OTMJ.COM
Friends of Library Celebrates Successful Sale From left: Nicky Barnes, Gabrielle Hamilton, chef and New York Times bestselling author of “Blood, Bones and Butter,” and Leigh Fullington. Photo special to The Journal
A
n annual book sale in Mountain Brook raised more than $25,000 for the Emmet O’Neal Library. The Friends of the Library held the sale in February. “I am so happy to announce that we were able to raise more than $25,000 for our local library,” said Susan Elliot, Friends of the Library president. “We had wonderful support from many of our Friends, such as Missy Scott who provided beautiful flowers, Shaun Gray, who decorated the stage, Carmen Morrow and Kaci Chesebro, who chaired the Preview Party, and Leigh Fullington and Nicky Barnes, who chaired the book sale.” The sale kicked off Feb. 21 with the Friends of the Library Preview Party, open to Friends members as well as those willing to make a $25 donation at the door. Patrons were given access to rare and first edition publications.
The official book sale was open to the public Feb. 22-24. Items available during the weekend book sale included first editions, collectors’ books and hardbacks and paperbacks from a wide range of genres. Patrons were also able to participate in the Friends of the Emmet O’Neal Library meet and greet with New York Times bestselling chef Gabrielle Hamilton, author of “Blood, Bones and Butter: The Inadvertent Education of a Reluctant Chef.” The group took donations throughout the year in preparation for the annual sale. Those who want to donate can drop off gently-used books at the back door of the library and ask for a receipt. For more information on Friends of the Emmet O’Neal Library, visit http://www. eolib.org/ or contact Katie Moellering at info@eolib.org or 445-1118. ❖