First Dinner in White could launch annual series of cancer fundraisers

Shana Mader and Krista Gilbertson led a group of young professionals in producing the first Dinner in White fundraiser for the AMC Cancer Fund.

On Saturday, Aug. 14, the first Dinner in White raised more than $24,000 for the AMC Cancer Fund to benefit the University of Colorado Cancer Center. Organizers hope the event will return annually.

More than 150 guests dressed in white converged on the Chase Bank building patio at 18th and Lawrence, with picnic dinners in tow, after eagerly awaiting the disclosure of the surprise venue just one hour prior. Upon arriving, they found the patio adorned in white lights and decorations, and enjoyed an evening under the stars and city lights.

As Meniskus violinist-lead singer Eric Ostberg played tableside for diners, guests had their caricatures drawn by local artist Brooke Howell, visited vendors in a Parisian market and bid on items at a silent auction.

Committed to establishing it as the next "must-attend" event on the Denver social scene," Shana Mader, Krista Gilbertson and the rest of the steering committee organized a group of young professionals in the yearlong planning of the event.

At dusk, Mader shared her story as a young cancer survivor, reminding the guests of the importance of early detection and healthy living in the battle against the disease. In an intimate gesture of honor and remembrance to those who have survived and those who have been lost to cancer, Mader invited guests to release white balloons into the sky.

Among the guests: Gary and Kathy Kortz, Mark and Melissa Osborn, Todd and Lina Olinger, Anamaria Osborne, and Laurie Gaspar and her husband, David.

Sponsors that supported the event: Novus Biologicals, ACE Cash Express, Walter and Laura Dear, McDonald Audi, FirstBank Transwestern and Village Homes. In-kind sponsors were Barefoot Wine, Jamba Juice, Love Hope Strength, Sir Chocolate, Coors Distributing and Samantha Hamilton.

For updates on plans for the next Dinner in White, to be held in August 2011 at a new undisclosed location, follow it on Facebook or visit the website, www.dinnerinwhite.com