More Fancy Philanthropic Fun

I've said it before, and I'll say it again (and again). I love going to fun events. I recently went to the "High Rollers for Hope" charity event benefiting Comfort the Children (CTC) International, and I must say, I think it was one of the BEST charity events I've ever attended!  My dear friend Lorrin volunteers for this very worthy organization that works to address problems and create sustainable change in Kenya by focusing on 5 holistic areas: education, environment, economy, health, and community.

All aspects of this casino-themed night just worked together and made this greater-than-the-average-charity-event:

• The location was interesting and perfectly sized.
• There was a great crowd while not being too crowded.
• The food (delicious sushi) and drinks (wine, beer, and lots of hot sake) were divine.
• The entertainment (casino games and 500 chips to play with!) was engaging and fun.
• There was a great presentation of the organization and its purpose--enough to be well-informed but not shoving it down our throats. 
• The celebrity host, Aaron Paul (of "Breaking Bad"), was actually there and involved (unlike other events I've attend recently when "hosts" aren't even in attendance). 
• I had a hot date (my dear friend Kate). ;-)

Here are some photos snapped by the photog at the event.

Host Aaron Paul & CTC Founder & Executive Director Zane Wilemon

Jimmy Kimmel and other guests chatting with Zane.

Live auction with a legit (read: hilarious) auctioneer.

Silent auction with lots of legit (read: out of my price range) items.

Cheers to a poker tournament (which I did not partake in.)

Blackjack! (Kate and I got a thorough tutorial on this casino classic.  Not sure if I'm ready for Vegas just yet... but I'm feeling more knowledgeable, for sure). 

 

  It tasted as good as it looked. Yummm

Aaron Paul introducing Zane Wilemon to give his (great) schpill (sp?) about CTC. 

I was obviously thoroughly enjoying myself. ;-) 

Kate and I making new buddies. 

As you can see, it was a lovely event.  Not only did I have a blast, but I also really enjoyed learning about and donating to this very admirable organization.  If you'd like to learn more yourself, go here. :-) 

Currently listening to: The Sounds, "Something To Die For"

Why: The real reason that I'm listening to the newest album from the awesome Swedish dance rock band (who I have boldly proclaimed to be my second favorite band and who Mary and I saw during her recent visit)?  I'm trying to make myself like it. :-/  But I sadly must admit, it is disappointing me.  There are a few good songs ("Yeah Yeah Yeah" and "The No No Song"), but I definitely like it less than their second album ("Dying To Say This To You") which I like less than their first album ("Living In America").  I fell in love with their first album when I saw them in concert in 2003, and 8 years later I can STILL listen to it all the way through and love every song. That is very much not the case with this new business.  That said, they're still a great band and Maja, the lead singer, is the hottest badass rocker girl in the world.  I highly recommend them as a band, but download songs from their first album for a good intro.  My favorites: "Like a Lady", "Seven Days a Week", "Dance With Me"and "Living In America." :-)

Philanthropically yours, 

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