12 • THURSDAY, AUGUST 26, 2010
SOCIAL
Painters, Pets Lend Hand, Paw in Picasso Pets Party
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
Hand-In-Paw’s Picasso Pets ...
Debut & Auction was Aug. 14 at Cahaba Grand Conference Center. Animal and human artists’ paintings were auctioned off to benefit Hand-In-Paw, Birmingham’s nationally-recognized animalassisted therapy organization. Honorary Chairs of this year’s Picasso Pets were Katie and Jim Lasker. Rob and Jeannine from the new Magic 96.5 Morning Show returned as emcees for the event. Ken Jackson more photos at was once again the event’s auctioneer. Presenting their pets this year were: Randy Averett, Tom and Sheree Acheson, Aimee Burgess, Rosemary and Greg Greaves, Holli Hargrove, Debbie Holden, Jay and Denise Hoyle, Mallie Ireland and daughter Frances Nichols, Martin and Angie Jones, Katie and Jim Lasker, John and Preston Moore, Joy and Emmet O’Neal, Betsy and John Saxon, Lora and Mark Spencer, Carter Hughes and Paget Pizitz and Joe O’Donnell. Aiding the presenters’ animals in the creation of their paintings were artists: Mary Margaret Binkley, Beth Bradley, Arthur Price, Patrice Brunet, David Stellers, Bob McKenna, Lila
OTMJ.COM
Will Holden pets Prince with owner Tina Currie at Picasso Pets. Below, Hand-In-Paw handler Nancy Kuik brought her cat, Laser, to the party at Journal photos by Laura McAlister the Cahaba Grand Conference Center. Graves, Linda Ellen Price, She She, Sue Ellen Brown, Leah Dodd, Ann Phillips, Connie Crow, Bo Berry, and Dustin Stridiron. Special guests of the evening included: Jim and Katie Lasker, Wayne and Tina Willard, founder of Hand-In-Paw Beth Franklin, Lisa Thompson Smith, Paget Pizitz, Emmet and Joy O’Neal, sculptor Frank Fleming, YWCA representatives, sponsorship chair Mallie Ireland and Jill Beninato, creator of the promotional pieces for this year’s event. ❖
Among those attending the 10th Annual Picasso Pets were, above, from left: Ashley Whitright, Courtney Lucas and Cassie Moore; and below, from left: Joan Norred and Preston and Julie Elliott.
BBG Goes Green with Cocktails
Nearly 500 guests filled the Hill ...
Christina Vickery, left, and Carolyn Meese grab a seat in the shade at the Birmingham Botanical Garden’s Hill Garden. Below, attending the season’s first Cocktails in the Gardens are from left: Olivia Alison, Photo (below) special to the Journal Shane Boatright and Erin Reardon.
Garden at Birmingham Botanical Gardens Aug. 12 for the launch of the 2011 season of Cocktails in The Gardens. FisherGreen, a new band started by local musicians Chad Fisher more photos at and Heath Green, entertained the audience with originals and classic rock covers. Occasions by Wynfrey catered the event, themed “It’s All About The Green,” with complementary hors d’oeuvres as well as a cash bar with signature cocktails, wine and beer. Décor by Kirsti provided decorations to match the green vibe. The events are designed to raise awareness of The Gardens’ programs and opportunities among young professionals, students and the young at heart. The next Cocktails in The Gardens is Sept. 9 from 5:30-8:30 p.m. in the Hill Garden. The theme that night is
OTMJ.COM
Attending the Birmingham Botanical Garden’s Cocktails in the Gardens were from left: Sherry Godfrey, Vanessa Jackson and Mattye Grier.
Journal photos by Laura McAlister
“Down Home Delights,” with Southern rocker Hunter Lawley entertaining the crowd and Spiked Lemonade as the signature cocktail. The final event is slated for Oct. 14 with Bonus Round performing at the “Autumn Harvest Feastival.” Tickets are $15, but members of The Gardens get in free.
To purchase tickets or for more information, visit at www.bbgardens.org/cocktails. Proceeds from the events support Birmingham Botanical Gardens’ education programs and its mission to promote public knowledge and appreciation of plants, gardens and the environment. ❖