2008 "Denim and Diamonds" Gala
Benefiting The Lovejoy ISD Foundation
Plano Event Center
Saturday, May 3rd
Just like last year, the event was another smashing success! We should know within a week or so how much money was raised, but it was substantial. I will post the final results when they are released by the Lovejoy Foundation.
I want to apologize for the quality of some of the pictures on this year's site. There was definitely some operator error. If I took your picture and you don't see it, it was just too out of focus to use.
For comparison's sake, I went back and took a look at last year's event pictures. It was very impressive, but I have to say, this year's setting was even more elegant.
The table centerpieces were slender, glass vases filled with water and a single rose. They were also accent lighted. Way cool!
Before the crush of people!
There were so many nice items to bid on, large and small. From vacation packages, to dinners, to gift baskets. There was even a flight in a vintage aircraft.
There was even some Bret Favre, Tony Romo, and Dirk Nowitzki signed memorabilia
and beautiful artwork.
I noticed several neat items made by some of the Lovejoy Students. Two little puppies seemed to be the biggest hit. Those two lucky dogs also brought in quite a bit of money for the foundation.
You could even sift for a one carat diamond
Just lots and lots of fun stuff
The food and service was excellent!
Some of the attendees (again,your eyes are not out of focus)
Lonnie and Toinette Tillinghast are pictured below . I made sure to include this photo even as blurred as it is for a good reason. Toinette attended the event while still taking rabies shots. She was trying to take care of a wounded raccoon when it turned on her. It bit her on both arms and hand. She did a masterful job of hiding her bandages. She certainly deserves the "Trooper Award" for making it this year anyway.
As you can see, the place was absolutely packed!
I don't know the name of the band, but I also thought they were terrific. Very polished and great vocals.
They had a little fun on the song they were singing when I snapped the shot below. They were using regular, old, plastic buckets for the drums. Very unique, and it still sounded great!
Long time Allen Mayor Steve Terrell and wife are on the right.
The auction is always lots of fun, especially when egos get involved during the bidding. Of course, the bidders were egged on and encouraged by those around them. But we all know it's for a great cause ... to support one of the best little public school systems in the state of Texas!
The event was run like clockwork, which is a testament to all the planning that went into it. From the valet service to the band, it was first class all the way. The nice thing is we get to just walk in and enjoy it, but
I cannot even begin to imagine all the work that went into a production like this. And it all comes down to the volunteers. I will see if I can get the Lovejoy Foundation to send a list to me of all of those who helped.
And of course, the sponsors deserve a huge amount of credit for the success. Their monetary support allows the Foundation to spend funds on other things that make it such a special event! Rhonda and I always try to do business with Lovejoy ISD supporters and we hope you do too!
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