Ladies Hospital Aid Society fundraiser is a sweet event

Tribune-Review
Sunday, Sept. 23, 2012 9:20 p.m. | Sunday, Sept. 23, 2012 9:20 p.m.

Honorees Athena Sarris (center) and family. Bottom row: Steve & Sophia Sarris Heon, Jamie and Bill Sarris. Top row: Granddaughters Candace Sarris and Athena Sarris Simms with Mac Simms. Rooted in Compassion Gala, Ladies Hospital Aid Society at the Fairmont on Saturday, September 22, 1012. Mike Mancini | For the Tribune Review

Claude and LHAS president Laura Penrod Kronk during Rooted in Compassion Gala, Ladies Hospital Aid Society at the Fairmont on Saturday, September 22, 1012. Mike Mancini | For the Tribune Review

Gala co-chairwomen Mary Ellen Wampler, Ruby Kang and Beverly Wukich during Rooted in Compassion Gala, Ladies Hospital Aid Society at the Fairmont on Saturday, September 22, 1012. Mike Mancini | For the Tribune Review

Judge Robert and Violet Gallo during Rooted in Compassion Gala â?? Ladies Hospital Aid Society at the Fairmont on Saturday, September 22, 1012. Mike Mancini | For the Tribune Review

Dee Dee Troutman, Carrie Conboy, awardee Dr. Gary Cuccia and Jodi Amos during Rooted in Compassion Gala, Ladies Hospital Aid Society at the Fairmont on Saturday, September 22, 1012. Mike Mancini | For the Tribune Review

Lisa and Joe Gaydos during Rooted in Compassion Gala â?? Ladies Hospital Aid Society at the Fairmont on Saturday, September 22, 1012. Mike Mancini | For the Tribune Review

Catherine and Mark Loevner during Rooted in Compassion Gala, Ladies Hospital Aid Society at the Fairmont on Saturday, September 22, 1012. Mike Mancini | For the Tribune Review

Nikol and Dr. Stanley Marks during Rooted in Compassion Gala – Ladies Hospital Aid Society at the Fairmont on Saturday, September 22, 1012. Mike Mancini | For the Tribune Review

Joe and Jennifer Salandra during Rooted in Compassion Gala, Ladies Hospital Aid Society at the Fairmont on Saturday, September 22, 1012. Mike Mancini | For the Tribune Review

Oh what a night! With smashing philanthropist Athena Sarris (bedecked in enough bling-bling to light up the Cultural District) and her family as top honorees, it was a sure bet that the Ladies Hospital Aid Society's luscious soiree would be dipped in chocolate! The bash was also Rooted in Compassion for 330 black-ties who gathered at the Fairmont, Downtown.

Since 1898, LHAS's first ladies have answered the health care needs of our community with a healthy $15 million. Saturday's bottom line of $85,000 will fund their new Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Program.

Think glitter, glam, chocolate and slink, and you have an idea of those blowing their diets on Sarris Candies' 600 pounds of R-rated richness arrayed at cocktails. Hors d'oeuvres or death by chocolate?

A-list pied pipers, Gary Racan and his sizzling studio e band, blew open the ballroom doors and had the crowd dancing their slippers off all night long. For wining and dining, flower power Bill Chisnell created a divine fall landscape of bouquets and tables covered long and luxe in coral, crimson, moss green and gold.

At the top of the guest list where they belong were knockout co-chairs Ruby Kang, Mary Ellen Wampler and Beverly Wukich (with Dr. Jim, Allan and Dr. Dane); stunning LHAS prexy Laura Penrod Kronk with Claude; Nikol and Dr. Stan Marks; Violetand Judge Robert Gallo; Judge Max Baer withBeth; Dr. Jacques Chelly with Lorelee; Dr. Gary Cuccia with Johanna; emcees Christine and Jack Tumpson; Catherine and Mark Loevner; Mary Novick; Barbara and Dr.David Adelson; Jennifer and Joe Salandra; Bonnie Walker; Barbara Barry; Pam and Ken McCrory; Dolly andJack Warwick; Marsetta and Rich Schweiger; andRose Kutsenkow.

— Jean Horne

Kate Benz had a day off, but for more Fanfare, see Page D3 .

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