Even the ridiculous traffic jam at Shepherd and Inwood could not thwart the enthusiasm of partygoers headed for the ever-popular, annual Holiday Schmooze benefitting Legacy Community Health Services.
For the few who lived in the neighborhood and just couldn't take the hassle, it was a beautiful night for walking and a number did, still in the holiday spirit when arriving at the Christmas-dressed home of Kathryn and Jeff Smith. As is tradition, this fundraiser is held in a spectacular home with Jackson Hicks and his Jackson and Co. providing the party fare and libation merriment.
As Legacy executive director Katy Caldwell said in her brief remarks to the gathering, "Since the beginning of Schmooze in 1996, generous donors like you have contributed well over $1 million dollars to support HIV/AIDS programs and services. For that we are thankful and this could not have happened without Jackson Hicks and Jackson and Co.'s generous support."
After visiting the buffet table laden with cheeses, roasted asparagus, olives, apples and steaming cups of shrimp bisque, the 200 guests spilled over onto the patio and around the swimming pool on this night that was perfect for al fresco fundraising.
"The Holiday Schmooze is one of our most important events toward support of our HIV programs," Caldwell said. "It fills in the gaps that are not funded. So it really does meet a critical need."
Among supporters were Legacy's Chree Boydston, plus June Christensen, Pat Breen, Christie and Mike Sullivan, Melanie Gray, Bryan Hlavinka and David Theisen, Courtney and Bo Hopson, Sid Moorhead, Jennifer Roosth, Nick Espinosa, C. C Conner and David Groover and, our personal fave, Milton Townsend.
Party hosts Jeff and Kathryn Smith, from left, with John Evatz and Brian Williams.
