Marc Gasol, Works of Heart, Peabody’s 150th and more

I’m going to miss Marc Gasol.

I’ve photographed the former Memphis Grizzlies player, who recently was traded, and I’ve been photographed with him several times over the past 12 years. It’s always a pleasure to see Gasol at parties, which have included the old Grizz Gala in Tunica, the opening of The Gray Canary restaurant, and the Memphis Food & Wine Festival.

Gasol always was gracious, but if he didn’t want his photo taken at that moment because the program was about to start or whatever, he’d say so. And when he was ready, he let me know. I never argued with him.

When you knew Gasol was going to be at a party, it was a big deal. He is the epitome of star power.

Here are a few photos of Gasol from parties I covered. Frank Chin took the ones of me and Gasol at Art on Fire, which was held last October at Dixon Gallery and Gardens. I took the other ones.

Michael Donahue

Marc Gasol with Alan and Susan Graf at the Memphis Food and Wine Festival in 2017.

Instead of “Be my valentine,” guests were thinking, “I want that heart,” at Works of Heart, which was held February 9th at Memphis College of Art.

More than 100 artists created works with a “heart” as the inspiration for the annual Memphis Child Advocacy Center fund-raiser.

About 350 people attended, says Beryl Wight, the center’s communications and grants manager.

“Net proceeds are $75,000,” Beryl says.

Michael Donahue

Works of Heart

Michael Donahue

Works of Heart

Michael Donahue

Works of Heart

Michael Donahue

Works of Heart

Michael Donahue

Works of Heart

…………..

Michael Donahue

Doug Browne, Marty Belz, and Scott Boucher at The Peabody 150th anniversary reception.

The Peabody kicked off its 150th celebration with a reception to announce upcoming events.

On September 5th, the hotel will host its 150th Anniversary Party and Grand Dinner. The party will begin in the lobby and will include a special guest, who will be induc(DUCK)ted into the Duck Walk Hall of Fame. Dinner will be held in the Continental Ballroom.

The Jack Daniels Tasting and Dinner will be November 7th. The dinner will be a Jack Daniels-inspired dinner.

A Skyway Sunset Serenade, a throwback big band dance party to the old Skyway and rooftop events of the past, will be held at a date to be announced.

And — if you’d like something extra fancy — try the Royal Wagyu Truffle Burger at Chez Philippe. It includes butter poached lobster, caramelized onion, St. Andre cheese, huckleberry aioli, parmesan black truffle fries on a brioche bun. It comes with a half bottle of Rombauer cabernet sauvignon. California, 2015. And it’s only $150.

Michael Donahue

Jim Holt, Kevin Kane, and Craig Unger were at The Peabody’s 150th anniversary kickoff reception.

………..

Michael Donahue

JJ Keras, Kristina McMorris, Anne Bogel, Brad Taylor, and Janie Lowery at Literacy is Key.

Anne Bogel, Kristina McMorris, and Brad Taylor were the featured authors at the Literacy is Key: A Book & Author Event, which was held February 7th at Holiday Inn at the University of Memphis.

Bogel, who hosts a weekly podcast, “What Should I Read Next,” is the author of two books, including her recent, I’d Rather be Reading: The Delights and Dilemmas of the Reading Life.

McMorris is author of Letters from Home, Bridge of Scarlet Leaves, and other best-selling novels.

Taylor is author of the “Pike Logan” series, which now includes 12 installments. His books draw from his experiences in the United States Army Infantry.

The annual event is presented by the Memphis Alumnae Association of Kappa Kappa Gamma Fraternity.

Its primary beneficiary is First Book Mid-South, a non-profit with a mission of providing the first books to children of low income families.

…………

Michael Donahue

Christine and Page Robbins Adult Day Center board president Paul Woods at the Page Robbins Winter Gala.

…………………….

This year’s Page Robbins Winter Gala, the largest fund-raiser for the Page Robbins Adult Day Center, was a record breaker. The event netted more than $195,000, which is more than the event ever raised. About 420 people attended the event, which was held February 2nd at The Guest House at Graceland.

The event included a cocktail hour, silent and live auctions, and dancing to the Soul Shockers.

Herbie Krisle is executive director of the center.

The Page Robbins Adult Day Center is a non-profit organization in Collierville that provides daytime care for adults with memory loss.

Michael Donahue

Board member Carole Williams was chair of the Page Robbins Winter Gala. With her is her husband, Dodd.