14 • THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2011
A GOOD FIRST IMPRESSION SOCIAL
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
First Look Party Kicks off to BBG’s Antiques in The Gardens Event
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irmingham Botanical Gardens held its annual Sterne Agee First Look Party Oct. 6. More than 400 people attended the exclusive black-tie affair, which featured an Asian-inspired menu by Kathy G. Will and Sarah Mason. The John Williams Band provided the evening’s soundtrack at the private Men’s The Birmingham Committee party and in Botanical Gardens Rushton Garden. recently wrapped up theGuests could shop its final installment of from more than 20 dealthe 2011 Cocktails in ers from around the The Gardens with “A country who participated in the weekend’s Haunted Affair.” To sixth annual Antiques at see who was spotted and more on the The Gardens. Among those at event, see page 29. the event were Bill and Shannon Blount, David Blount, Joe Blount, Kay Blount, Philippe Lathrop, Bo and Kay Grisham, Henry Lynn, Wendy and Brian Barze, Mile and Sue Ellen Lucas, Stewart Dansby and Richard Keith Langham. ❖
IN THIS SECTION:
Above: World-renowned interior decorator Charlotte Moss was the speaker at this year’s Antiques in The Gardens and famous book collector Kinsey Marable was a featured guest. Below: Guests to the First Look Party included Mallie Ireland and Glenn Ireland.
At the Birmingham Botanical Garden’s First Look Party were, from left: Barbara Burton, Frances Blount and Elizabeth Broughton.
Photos special to the Journal
FROGGY FUN
Annual FROG Affair Raises Funds for Autism Research
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Above: With the ASA’s mascot at the FROG Affair were from left: Austin and Haleigh Blackwell, Ashley and Alex Seligson and Debbie and Jim Stidham. Below: Also among those attending were from left: Jennifer Robertson, Caroline Gomez, Gary Gomez, Melanie Jones and Bama and Jeff Hager. Photos special to the Journal
he annual FROG Monteleone, gift cards for local Affair was held Oct. 7 restaurants and two tour accomat Workplay. The event modations. raised more than $70,000 to Special guests Caroline benefit the mission and projGomez, former state autism ects of the Autism Society coordinator, received the ASA of Alabama, according to President’s Award along with Jennifer Robertson, the Vestavia Hills High School group’s fundraising manager. teacher and cheer coach One of the entertainers was Melissa Caffey, who volunteers 11-year-old Mary Catherine as the FROG mascot. Collins. Her performance of the ASA board members song “If I Die Young,” by the include: Bill Pearson, presiAt the annual FROG Affair were Julie dent; Ryan Thomas, immediate Band Perry, touched the more and Sen. Cam Ward. than 200 guests at the event. past president; Peggy Stephens, vice president; Jonathan Mary Catherine has been the recipient of a Camp FROG scholarship for the past Nelson, treasurer; Nancy Barnes; Tracy Camp; Ben Carlisle; Christy Chambers; Suzanne Dowling; three years. A weekend at Camp FROG sponsored by the ASA is one of the many programs supported by the Rod Harbin; Mathew Maini; Matt Moore; Jenny Morris; Andrea Plante; Lisa Riley; Hanes Swingle 14th annual FROG affair. M.D.; and Jodie Smith, general counsel. At the event, bids started hopping at 6 p.m. with The FROG Affair fundraising committee included the start of the silent auction, which featured items such as an Italian painted lingerie chest from Pickwick Jonathan Nelson, Peggy Stevens, Matt Moore, Antiques and a weekend beach stay provided by Lance and Bethenie Taylor, Nancy Barnes and Rod SunDestin. Harbin. Guests included Caroline and Gary Gomez, Sen. Participants refueled with signature cocktails from Cam and Julie Ward, Bama and Jeff Hager, Tracy Lea Beverage and entree choices such as shrimp and and Randy Cron, Austin and Haleigh Blackwell, grits from Imperial Catering while they enjoyed music Debbie and Jim Stidham, Ashley and Alex by Blind Dawg. Seligson, Ryan Thomas, Cathy and Rod Harbin, Auctioneer Jack Granger led participants in a Bill and Paulette Pearson, Beverly and Ron bidding war over the Alabama Crimson Tide Game Carroway, Nathan and Carolyn Smith, Pat Levine, Package that featured two skybox seats on the 50-yard Allison and Matt Moore, Nadine Hamilton, Jenny line, Iron Bowl tickets, transportation in a 370 Z convertible and a Dreamland BBQ tailgating package for Folsom, Will and Georgia Pearson, Courtney eight. and Matthew King, Suzanne Dowling, Sandy Other auction items were a New Orleans travel Naramore, Andrea and Dan Plante, Jonathan package, which included a hotel stay at Hotel Nelson and Jodie Smith. ❖