Thursday night TACA’s Party on the Green (POG) co-chairs Lisa and Bill Ogle hit on their next door neighbor Gail and Dan Cook to help out with the kick-off party for the May 4 party at the Mansion. Instead of borrowing a cup of sugar, they just wondered if perhaps the Cooks would open their home for the party. The contemporary home designed by James Nagle is a true standout among the neighborhood’s traditional residences. Even the valet parkers were remarking, “Wow! What a house!”
Once inside it was even more so. From the life-sized equine sculpture on the upper level by the glassed-in elevator to Gail’s unforgettable museum of hundreds of vintage dolls frozen in time within temperature-controlled display cases, oldtimers and newcomers wandered the ultra-modern home with eyes wide open.
While Dan chatted with guests like Linda Gibbons on his favorite white couch in the back of the great room, the TACA set gathered around to hear about the TACA fundraiser that will co-chaired by both the Ogles and Kristi and Ron Hoyl.
While Bill reported plans from the stairway and Ron stood nearby at the base of the stairs, Kristi and Lisa were on the sidelines whispering and smiling about Bill’s announcement including the sponsorship of chefs, which was going according to plan, and the raffle of a Lexus IS 250 C.
Thanking the Cooks for their hospitality, Bill shouted out, “Dan, just because we’re neighbors, you didn’t have to say yes!”
The ever-wise Bill then told the group, “Ron and I wanted to say, Lisa and Kristi are really the chairs! We just lift things and put ‘em where the girls tell us to!”
Ron raised his glass to that one.
Later TACA Chair Andy Teller described a recent retreat at Carlson Capital offices, where they spent half a day, “throwing spaghetti against the wall.” One idea that surfaced was boosting the annual fundraising goal to $2M after hitting $1M for several years.
When might this idea be implemented? According to TACA Executive Director Becky Young, “Tout de suite! We need to strike while the iron is hot!”
Another question dealing with the POG was, “What about the weather?” After all this rain, what would the back-up plan look like? Last year’s event forced the traditional indoor/outdoor event totally indoors. TACA Executive Director Becky Young had the answer before the first guest walked in the door. The Monday before (Don’t bother looking on your calendar; it’s April 30) the decision will be made if there is any question regarding rain, snow, tsunami or whatever.