We started our night driving to a very wonderful steakhouse situated on the southwest corner of Scottsdale Fashion Square. If you're unfamiliar with the reputation of Scottsdale, just know that having the term "Scottsdale" in one's mailing address raises one's house value 100k just based on status. Being near the fabled Fashion Square only made this location that much more posh. We do not live near Scottsdale.
We avoided the Valet and walked in. We needed access to our car in case of Sadie melt down and waiting for Jeeves to return with our 10 year old 175,000 mile car is not an option. We entered the main area complete with giant ice carvings, ladies in black dresses wishing us to "enjoy yourselves!" and a troika of dazzle. We entered a courtyard that was jam packed with Tolstoy's with a smattering of Dostoevsky's parading blind children around.
The event was geared towards the wealthy. These people put up a certain amount of money to show up and eat. They were then allowed to bid on various items that have been put up for charity. There was a day at Bondurant Driving School, various weekends at Pine Top, and trip to Italy where you can be toured around with a zany tall Italian with poffy hair, a regal accent and sense of Charity. Or these guests could simply donate to the cause.
Our purpose there, along with the rest of the Dostoevsky's, was to show who the foundation helps and allow them to actually interact with beneficiaries. In a way I felt as though my family was paraded around where these Tolstoy's could dote and fawn and pump money into a cause to make them feel good about themselves. Then again, I'm grateful that they are generous enough to donate money to the foundation which gives us so much great assistance and support.
We entered the throng of tightly packed people following a small trail hoping to find someone we knew. We were immediately cornered by what we assumed was the owner of Barrett-Jackson and his group of lovely ladies. The women were so nice. They asked about Sadie and why she was a part of FBC. They marveled at her blue eyes and red hair. Commented on her calm disposition, and eventually asked to hold her.
This lady was currently (well not just at that moment but you get the idea) attempting to become pregnant herself and loved Sadie. The red sparkly dress was something Sadie found mesmerising.
Sadie was then passed to Muffy. (real name: Audra. Her grandma called her Muffin and apparently throughout her life it was reduced to Muffy. She went out of her way to clarify that she had never been on the pole. Well, okay then. I did not respond: having to clarify one's name makes me think that one's name may not be fitting. We spent an exorbitant amount of time discussing them name throughout the night. I digress.) Muffy enjoyed Sadie time too.
This continued for a while as we wound throughout the crowd. We met some people with special needs children of their own, and others who I assume where there solely as this happened to be the fun socialite event of the weekend. At one point, Christie asked if there was anyone famous there. I suppose, depending on interest, one could say the Barrett-Jackson gentleman, however that paled in comparison to the below gentleman.
Dan Haren is a very good pitcher. He is nearly a 5 WAR player the last few years - which for the uninitiated, is very, very, very good number (Three verys should help convey the importance of the 5). I saw him immediately and made eye contact, smiled and he walked on quickly, I imagine in his mind thinking, "Don't ask me for an autograph." A moment later he passed us again, we asked for a quick picture, thanked him, and away he went. I hope to make large contributions.
Shortly thereafter Sadie melted down into a hungry, sweaty, hot, overstimulated, mess. We left the Tolstoy's and drove home to a nice scream concert from Sadie. We hope that in some small way we helped to inspire some people to donate a little bit more to the foundation. Even though the entire situation was awkward (the wine people were drinking was of the 4 dollar bottle variety) it was for a cause we care about.
You can donate to a great cause here: http://www.firstgiving.com/sadiebeck
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