Penny Parker’s On The Town: Sense of Security throws sensational event

October 22, 2012

I’m honored to be honored.

Sense of Security, a Colorado-based breast cancer charity that helps patients with non-medical expenses, has been a favorite charity of mine since I was diagnosed seven years ago.

In my own small way – with a ton of help from my friends – I have raised money for this unsung charity that lost some of its funding last year – a casualty of budget cuts.

On Saturday night, I was humbled by being given an award for my efforts during the annual Champagne and Diamonds fundraiser. The award reads: “With gratitude, Penny Parker. Thank you for your continued support and commitment to improve the quality of life for breast cancer patients.”

Yes, I’m a survivor, but there are so many of us in this sorority that we never wanted to join. As I write this, tears are running down my face. It seems that October – Breast Cancer Awareness Month – is the one time a year that my journey comes flooding back.

I was truly blessed to have such supportive people in my corner during that time – my darling husband, Greg Henry, and my BFF, Devany McNeill, who also accompanied me to the event.

I want to thank Rita McCoy, executive director of Sense of Security, Vicki Tosher, founder of the charity, and Regional Emmy Award winning doll face Chris Parente, co-host of FOX-31’s Everyday, who emceed.

I also want to give a shout out to the Embassy Suites in downtown Denver, which blew me away with their banquet service of perfectly cooked beef tenderloin (like buttah), crisp asparagus and a potato dish. Amazing.

Thanks to all who deemed me worth of such an honor. If you’d like to contribute to such a deserving organization, go to www.senseofsecurity.org. Since its inception in 2000, Sense of Security has provided more than $1.4 million in financial assistance to more than 860 breast cancer patients in Colorado.

Coohills restaurant turns one

Venerable restaurant couple Diane and Tom Coohill celebrate their namesake restaurant’s first anniversary on Nov. 3.  Join them at the restaurant at 1400 Wewatta between 5 and 9 p.m.. and enjoy a complimentary toast of Chandon Blanc de Noirs, an amuse bouche and bottles of the Jordan Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon for half price.

Make a reservation for dinner at www.coohills.com or take a seat in their beautiful bar for a more casual dining experience.  In addition to Coohills hosting my pet charity, Sense of Security, “Evening of Decadent Delights” chefs dinner, the owners are active givers in the Denver community.

Diane is the hostess with the mostest and Chef Tom prepares French-inspired food that is at once refined and comforting. Tip: Order the housemade country pate and chicken liver pate, major yum!

Macallan food, drink and cigar pairing at The Celtic Tavern

The Celtic Tavern and Delany’s Cigar Bar team up with Macallan scotch for a popular food and drink pairing dinner beginning at 6 p.m. Wednesday at 1801 Blake St.

The evening is a steal of a deal at $40 per person for Macallan tastings, a cigar and choice of steak, fish or chicken dinner. I’ve had friends who have attended some of these Celtic dinners and they talk about them with hedonistic pleasure.

Space is limited and reservations highly encouraged. Give the pub a call at 303-308-1795. For more information, go to www.theceltictavern.com.

Light the night

The Civic Center Conservancy and Arts & Venues Denver presents Light, an illuminated celebration of the McNichols Building in Civic Center Park from 6 to 10 p.m. Wednesday.

Featuring light-based art installations on the interior and exterior of the building, music and food and drink stations from several of Denver’s favorite restaurants, Light will re-introduce the historic Carnegie Library to the Denver community as a vibrant cultural center and unique venue for special event rentals, temporary exhibitions and community gatherings.

Tickets are $75 each with a special $50 young professionals rate for people ages 21-35. For tickets, go to www.civiccenterconservancy.org.

Super chef Asher at Cafe 180

Sensational Chef Daniel Asher (Linger, Root Down) is taking his talents “on the road” to the South Broadway home of Cafe 180 in Englewood to help the eatery’s efforts to end hunger.
 
The Oct. 30 benefit will feature his food, along with wine and beer. Plus: he’ll talk about his work in the kitchen. Attendees will sample a variety of Chef Asher’s dishes as well as wine and microbrew beer. Chef Asher will also speak about his approach in the kitchen. 7 p.m., $75. Cafe 180, 3315 S. Broadway (at Floyd). Tickets at www.cafe-180.org/ or 303-761-4510.
 
Eavesdropping on a husband to his wife on Saturday: “Look at that! Four channels in a row with college football. Is this a great country or what?”

Did you hear that I have a new column, “Mile High Life,” in Colorado Community Media’s 17 weekly newspapers circling Denver? Be sure to like my Facebook page! Also, here’s where you go to get my column emailed to you Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. I’m now the social-media liaison for the Mile High Chapter of the Colorado Restaurant Association, so read my latest restaurant news there. My email: penny@blacktie-llc.com.