No auction, no speeches = best fundraiser ever!

 

Annie and David Colquitt cutting a rug at one of the most relaxed and enjoyable fundraisers of the season!

I know folks at our local and beloved nonprofits work really hard to put together great silent and live auctions for their events. And I know they work really hard on the remarks they want to make. I appreciate all that. I really do.

But, sometimes, it’s nice to go to a fundraiser that is just fun. Know what I mean? The Knoxville Museum of Art has one like that. It’s called “Kickoff to Summer” and here’s the schedule: arrive, enjoy drinks and passed hors d’oeuvres, buffet opens, get dinner, band starts, dance! And that’s it! Oh, and they give you some chocolate truffles to take home!

This event occurred this past Friday. On a Friday, you want something laid-back, right? Tickets were $125, which I considered a bargain, since we weren’t going to be hit up to bid on auction items. It was so relaxed and fun and low-key. I just want to say thank you to our Museum friends for having an event like this. And to Lexus of Knoxville for being the main sponsor.

These folks like a good party! Seated, Susan and Kent Farris. Standing, Barbara Apking and Bruce Foster.

The servers passing these pimento cheese and tomato hors d’oeuvres were nearly tackled! They were that good!

Food, including this charcuterie platter, was by Holly Hambright.

From left, Betty Winton, Wokie Massaquoi-Wicks and Stephen Wicks. He’s the curator of the Knoxville Museum of Art.

Milton and Mimi Turner. (You should see the funny hat he wore to this event a few years ago: click here!)

Bill Lyons, Knoxville’s deputy mayor, left, with Rebecca and Nick Cazana, who just returned to Knoxville for the summer from their winter home in Florida.

Kim Henry, left, and Angela Masini.

A new slant on bacon and eggs!

Suzan Murphy, left, and Laura Cole getting ready for a good time.

Steve Bailey and Barbara Bernstein. (He’s bringing one of those beers to his wife!)

From left, Jay McBride and Joe and Sharon Pryse. Don’t they look to be in a good mood? (You don’t see folks this happy standing in the silent auction line!)

A variety of sliders attracted attention.

Larry and Kay Leibowitz.

Caterer Holly Hambright and my husband, Alan Carmichael. (Hope she doesn’t try to steal him away with her cooking!)

Barbara Miracle from Atlanta and the always stylish Dino Cartwright.

Nancy and Charlie Wagner. Speaking of stylish, he’s an exec at Jewelry Television.

The ahi tuna got raves.

Notice the hourglasses and the clocks on the buffet table? They were a nod to the newest exhibit at the museum. Called “Design by Time,” it is described as “expressing the passage of time through the design of objects.” Runs through Aug. 4.

Moxley Carmichael’s creative director, Charley Sexton, and his wife, Linnie.

Moxley Carmichael’s CFO Shaun Fulco and her boyfriend, Dave Ballance.

I thought this little scene was stunning.

Annelle Neel, left, and Ann Goldstine having some girl time on a Friday night.

Bob and Marie Alcorn. Is it my imagination, or do they look like they are up to something?

Ann and Steve Bailey (She finally got that beer!)

Connor Coffey and Allison Page looking adorable.

My favorite item on the buffet: marinated shrimp.

Lobster rolls looked good, too. A very summery selection.

On a beautiful night, you can’t go wrong by selecting to sit in one of the museum’s garden areas.

The museum is constructed of Tennessee’s unique pink marble, thanks to Jim Clayton, who increased his already generous support to pay for the marble. Had it not been for him, the museum, which opened in 1990, would have been made of brick.

From left, Ted Smith, David Butler, William Powell and Michael Smith. David is executive director of the museum.

David and Annie Colquitt, left, with Meg and Kevin Counts.

Some Moxley Carmichael folks enjoying the evening. From left, Scott Bird, Michael Higdon and Kevin and Maria McHale. Scott and Maria are with Moxley Carmichael.

Liz Lyons and Justin Lawson. Liz was helping her mother, Gay Lyons, cover the event for VIP Knoxville magazine.

Michael and Judith Foltz. I’m sure that Judith, who is the city’s director of special events, was enjoying attending a party that she didn’t have to plan!

Father and son. Bob, left, and Reid Lederer.

Carrie Savage, left, with Bill and Gay Lyons. Carrie was the official photographer for the Knoxville Museum of Art that night.

From left, Annie Colquitt, Joey Creswell, Alan Carmichael, David Colquitt and Janet Testerman.

People adored the band: The Atlanta Showstoppers.

As you can see.

Janet and Joey making it look easy.

 

 

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8 Responses to No auction, no speeches = best fundraiser ever!

  1. Shaun Fulco, on May 16th, 2019 at 2:06 pm said:

    What a fun, fun night! Thanks for the invite. Great event.

  2. Alan Carmichael, on May 16th, 2019 at 2:22 pm said:

    This event keeps getting better every year. David Butler looked very happy.

  3. Cynthia Moxley, on May 16th, 2019 at 2:29 pm said:

    Shaun: Loved being with you all! Thanks for coming.

    Alan: I think David WAS happy! He said it is the easiest of all fundraisers!

  4. Melinda Meador, on May 16th, 2019 at 3:29 pm said:

    So fun to see so many of my old friends enjoying themselves at the KMA! And Holly’s food (as well as Holly) looked fantastic, as always!

  5. Cynthia Moxley, on May 16th, 2019 at 11:45 pm said:

    Melinda: We miss you so much! Thanks for reading and keeping in touch!

  6. Mimi Turner, on May 17th, 2019 at 9:22 pm said:

    Great evening of wonderful friends & fabulous food topped off with a very cool dance band. Perfect way to kick off the summer season at our beloved Knoxville Museum of Art.

  7. Gay Lyons, on May 17th, 2019 at 9:23 pm said:

    Fun, fun, fun! One of the best parties of the year. Great job capturing how much fun it is.

  8. Cynthia Moxley, on May 17th, 2019 at 11:06 pm said:

    Mimi and Gay: Thanks! Agree about it being fun, fun party.

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