Center Stage 2012, a black tie gala to benefit the Goody’s Pediatric Intensive Care Unit at East Tennessee Children’s Hospital, was held recently at Knoxville Convention Center with special guest Chicago. Center Stage was created in 1993 by event chairs Bob and Wendy Goodfriend after their son was hospitalized due to a diving accident. More than $2 million in net proceeds has been raised from the annual charity event, which always features live music by popular musicians.
The decorations for Center Stage 2012 reflected the theme “Color My World,” one of Chicago’s most popular songs. The focal scenes in the halls leading to the ballroom displayed original children’s art and bright colors.
The table decorations consisted of four-sided glass frames with a candle in the center that illuminated pictures of former patients and notes of thanks from the children. The chairs were draped with black chair covers, and the backs were tied with multi-color tulle holding a large oversized paint brush. Following dinner, guests enjoyed listening and dancing to Chicago.
Guests included presenting sponsors Bob and Wendy Goodfriend and Jeff and Kaye Goodfriend; Mitch and Debbie Steenrod, who represented presenting sponsor Pilot; sponsors Scott and Nikki Niswonger, representing Landair, Steve and Becky South, representing South College; Mike and Jama Campbell and Dick and Nancy Westerling, representing Regal; Doug and Diane Haaland and Tim and Kimberly Moorehead, representing Team Health; Dr. Joseph Childs and wife Sabrina, representing Children’s Pediatric Group; Dr. James Craig and wife LaVerne, representing Innovative Pathology. Also there were Center Stage committee members Kelly and Dana Headden and Ron and Holly Lawson; and Chrissy and James Harrill and Misty and Brian Barger, representing the Butterfly Fund.
Also present were Dr. Youhanna Al-Tawil and Dr. Salwa Alkhoury, Dr. David Birdwell and wife Judy, Dr. Glaze Vaughan, Dr. Randy Pardue and wife Jeanann, Dr. Lise Christensen and Dr. Jesse Doers, Dr. Oliver Hoig and wife Robin, Dr. Robert Lembersky and wife Susan, Dr. Joel Sanner and wife Cinda, Dr. Heather Edgley and Dr. Calvin Bard, Dr. Amit Patel and wife Nilam, Dr. Lewis Harris and wife Susie, Dr. Frankie Crain and husband Thomas
This article originally appeared on: http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2012/apr/28/gay-lyons-people-parties-chicago-colors-center/