The Wichita Eagle, Kan., Bonnie Bing column: Perfect weather for outdoor events

Sep 28, 2008 (The Wichita Eagle - McClatchy-Tribune Information Services via COMTEX) -- SPR | Quote | Chart | News | PowerRating -- The organizers of outdoor events are a happy group of people as they've thanked Mother Nature for the perfect weather we've had.

Guests at fundraisers and dinner parties have spilled out onto patios.

As the leaves start to change, club officers are welcoming new members and honoring special guests, and Wichitans are raising money as part of the countless events going on in our city.

A special open house took place in Derby on Sept. 22, when KSN's Dream House for the Cure brought 200 people to a celebration. Guests toured the house, to which more than 80 companies donated goods and talents. Among those celebrating the completion were Teresa Carter, Mid-Kansas affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure; Al Buch, KSN; Cherie Nies-Cowgil, Nies Homes; Jim Wood, New Home Marketing; and Patrick Goebel, Star Lumber. Guests had dinner under a tent with music by Harry and the Cats.

On Sept. 13, more than 150 members and guests of Wichita State University's Ulrich Museum of Art welcomed New York photographer Jeffrey Milstein to the museum to celebrate his opening of "Aircraft: The Jet as Art." Among those attending were Brian Black of Spirit AeroSystems, Patricia McDonnell of the Ulrich, Alan Hermanson of Spirit AeroSystems and Trish Higgins of the Ulrich advisory board.

Members of the Wichita State University Women's Association celebrated the organization's 80th anniversary during their recent annual fall brunch at the home of Shirley Beggs, first lady of the WSU campus. The organization was formerly the WSU Dames. Among those attending were Emily Miller, president Mary Ellen Taggart, Charlotte Kleffner and Thelma Borresen.

Nearly every guest at this year's Hat & Glove Luncheon donned a chapeau for the event. The 40th anniversary celebration of the Wichita Chapter of the Links Inc., Sept. 20 at the Hyatt Regency Wichita, started with seminars in the morning. Attendees included seminar chairwoman Bev White; luncheon chairwoman Kim Bufford; guest speakers Gayle Porter and Marilyn Gaston; Links president AthaBriley; and luncheon co-chairwoman Carla Breckenridge.

Members of Designing Women were at the Wichita Center for the Arts on Sept. 18 for their annual fall membership brunch. Cheri Hoover and Suzanne Brito are co-chairwomen of the Holiday Tables this year. They told the group their plans for the annual event. Also attending were Brenda Schwab, Jackie Smith and Mary Serrill.

Former Wichitan Michelle DeAngelis of Santa Monica, Calif., recently had a book signing at Watermark Books, where she signed many copies of "Get a Life That Doesn't Suck" before going to Yia Yia's for dinner and reminiscing with family and friends. Fans included her brothers Brad and Marc White and her aunt Bonnie Fechner.

Doris Mayhew opened her newly landscaped backyard recently for an evening barbecue for members of the Farm and Ranch Club. Among those attending were Betty Lygrisse, Ellamae and Paul Thiessen, Art Allen and Kevin Pearce, who transformed Doris' backyard.

The annual Wichita Beta Sigma Phi Preferential Tea was Sept. 20 at Rolling Hills Country Club. Among the members attending from chapters citywide were city council president Delynn Nelson, Woman of the Year Debbie Miller, 50-year member Jeanne Estep, event chairwoman Alice Smith and co-chairwoman Debbie Kite.

Wichita Country Club was full of guests and performers at the recent 2008 HopeArt Art in Action, a fundraiser for HopeNet, a nonprofit organization that helps individuals and families in personal crisis. Living statues, dancers, jugglers, mimes and a wide assortment of music filled the evening. Among the more than 400 guests taking part were supporters Dick and Ginny DeVore and Arlo Casper; Sheri Martin, executive director of HopeNet; and board president Rodger Thompson.

Reach Bonnie Bing at 316-268-6246 or bbing@wichitaeagle.com.

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