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?Welcome to the Kids of Summer Foundation Gala, Journey through the Jungle. The foundation board and I are so very grateful for your support of our mission: to aide the children of our community who have lost everything and who seek but do not have recourse to shelter, medical care, education, and love.

Enjoy the dinner, the music, and the performance of the West Egg band. Do not forget the silent auction going on for some fabulous gifts donated so generously by local businesses and artists.?

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The RhyDin Imperial Hotel Ballroom is transformed into a peaceful jungle through a blend of glamour and physical craft. Magical blossoms open near paper flowers cut and colored by little hands. A small waterfall in the corner has paper cranes gathered at the edge looking at the live koi in the pond.
https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/564x/87/84/eb/8784eb685173eed36bebf8a7d12d1d0a.jpg via feedly.com
Between the songs of the live band, sounds of chittering monkeys, songs of birds, and sometimes the purring growl of a predatory feline can be heard. The highly attuned will know the sounds to be fiction, to enhance the atmosphere.
https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/564x/92/f1/fe/92f1fe2066fed3f1ca97128ce011f3d9.jpg via imgkid.com
Round tables left a half circle open space in front of the stage for dancing and the performance. Two long tables set near the back wall, one on each side of the manned bar, carried many delectable dishes and sweet treats.
http://i2.wp.com/culinaryginger.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/Warm-figs-with-goat-cheese-pistachios-and-balsamic-glaze-26.jpg via Culinary Ginger
https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/564x/19/13/99/191399fc0d5d6a1a8ba38084b29604a9.jpg via About.com
http://www.kimshealthyeats.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/Guacamole-Shrimp-Wonton-Cups-01.jpg via Kim?s Healthy Eats
https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/564x/1c/fa/bb/1cfabbf280b547d1340ce1400a4d817d.jpg via Food Network
https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/564x/20/43/7b/20437b70be1776f583024fa325c0e2c6.jpg via Allie Baking a Moment
https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/564x/23/e7/ff/23e7ff249ec4a4abf718d342d9d14515.jpg via Brit Moran

Items for auction are on display shelves behind the bar. Those pieces that need closer views will be brought up by one of the staff and returned to the display.

The following items are donated for auction:
One case of Rumors Mill reserved wine with thanks to Jolyon Gardiner -- Winner: G'nort Dragoon-Talanador
One custom crafted ring with thanks to Phen Ilnaren -- Winner: Terry King
One 5 day cruise to the southern isles from anonymous donor -- Winner: Amthyst Oak
One three day excursion aboard the pleasure cruiser Dionysus with thanks to the Dionysus Corporation -- Winner: Zack Alcar
One week holiday on a tropical island from anonymous donor -- Winner: Nayun
Sterling Silver 'Deer' Birthstone Ring courtesy of The White Stag Pub -- Winner: Elizabeth "Peaches" Haggarty
Swirl-cut Crystal Flower Vase (8.5" high) courtesy of Aslakssons -- Winner: Addie Alcar
Weekend Stay at a quality Bed & Breakfast courtesy of Anchors Aweigh Inn -- Winner: G'nort Dragoon-Talanador


((This is a vapored/board event. Tickets do not require actual transfer of silver to any account. Auctions will open on June 8 and be open for 3 days. Per auction rules, payment needs to be made within three days of the completed auction or the item reverts back to the auctioneer. A list of winners will be made here once payments are made. Feel free to post polyvores, interactions, and enjoyments of the event! Tokens for board participation will be given out. Those who win auctions will get the auction item icons per the site?s auction setup.))

Edited to update auction items and auction timeline.
Edited again to update known auction winners. Also, to note that I am waiting for more icons to give out for attendance. As soon as I get them, I'll give them. Thank you!

Jewell was present to play co-host for the event. She had secured her favorite arm candy.. err escort in Kalamere with the assurance that no actual children were to be present at the event (which was her own preference).

Despite whatever troubles she had been dealing with in the last few weeks, The Empress was at her brightest and most charming during the gala. She certainly knew how to rub elbows with the social elite in RhyDin, nimbly encouraging them to empty their pockets for the Foundation.

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First chore of the night had been the task of scoping out the establishment from the inside for proper exits. Once that was finished, Nayun would be as she always is in these situations. Not at all talkative at the beginning of the night, unless someone (most likely Lisa) spoke to her first. She'd be declining any drink that wasn't water and looking over the food with a scrutinizing eye. Her attention split between the sound of animals, the paper creations, and - of course - the koi fish. She might have even spoken up with an interest of feeding them.

Oh, and Lisa's hair should be on point (or as on point as it was at the beginning of the party), or else she'd find Nayun reaching out and fixing it throughout the night.

When hearing of the `One week holiday on a tropical island from anonymous donor`, her interest shifted to finding out if hunting would be allowed on the island.

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How Amthy loved a party; the olivine-haired Nymphy-pix was something of a social butterfly. Or a moth as the case may be, since she was drawn to the event like one to a flame. She ran a gold lacquered nail over her lower lip. Were there such things as social moths? Amthy wasn't certain. The idea was filed away to ask about later.

As far as she was concerned, there was everything to love about a party. There was selecting the most perfect dress (which she had in a fashionable pink shade that complimented both her complexion and her green hair.), finding just the right accessories and make-up, and of course there was the spa day. A dreamy sigh slipped from her as she remembered the heat of the water soaking into her skin and the texture of the cool mud when it was caked and drying on her face.

Glancing up as she drifted around a table, she wondered if the staff would make her a cucumber and lemon water. Nothing else, Amthy decided, would do. But before she could make that desire a reality the Nymph was distracted by the paper flowers and she spent some time examining them.

Colleen had requested a table for 8 and paid in advance. Six of the seats were already spoken for, but she wasn't certain about the last two. Rhiannon and Dennis Harker had already claimed their places. Rhiannon Brock and Eregor would be along later.

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Colleen took her seat alongside alongside Maggie, who was her date for the celebration.

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Sabine would attend with Josiah as her date for the event. There were a few well timed photo-ops that took place and when she wasn't posing per her manager's instructions, she spent time near the koi pond and paper cranes.

Bids were made on the auction items, a sampling of all the available foods was eaten, and of course there were a few drinks over the course of the event.

Despite some of the topics that arose which stirred painful memories, she managed to keep smiling through the night and even danced a few times with her date.

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Liv and Johnny weren't the sort to pass up a date night for a good cause, not these days. With all their children under trusted, watchful eyes following a Granger wedding earlier in the day, they slipped away from the Grove to lend their support to the Kids of Summer Foundation Gala. And a good time was had by all, no doubt.

Lirssa was nervous, which meant she was moving. It was the best way to handle pretty much any and all emotions she was feeling. Unless she was actively avoided (and could not really blame some for that), she greeted and thanked everyone for coming to the gala, for their support of the foundation, and to wish them a wonderful time.

She spoke to people as individuals, asking after family when she knew they lived nearby, how new business ventures were going, or, in some cases, how they were holding up. It was good to see friends, family, acquaintances.

No less than five times did she thank Aric for accompanying her, and going through whatever Jewell and Amthy had put him through. Aric helped Lir pace herself by drawing her into a dance or two and letting her catch her breath at times with easy conversation. When he was not mobbed by others. Lirssa told him it was the beard, just to tease him.

At the close, she watched as members of the board announced the auction winners and thanked everyone for their support. It was time to take off the shoes.

((Please keep posting attendance. I will keep this open for another week, and will try to get icons out as soon as I can. Thank you!!))

Once Amthy had admired each and every paper flower, and there were quite a few, she took her attention to the wait staff. After explaining her desire?cucumber, lime, and lemon rounds accompanied with bruised (not crushed) mint leaves afloat in icy water?the Nymph drifted around sipping on her spa-inspired water. While in the process of making her way around the ball room she became aware of the silent auction.

Delighted, Amthy made sure to leave her mark under a few desirable items. Just thinking that she could win was exciting! It brought a pleasing mix of lemongrass, orange blossom, and cherry scents to the air around her. Satisfied that there was nothing more she could do except wait (and waiting wasn't always her strong suit) Amthy turned her attention back to the meet-and-greet aspect of the affair. A special effort was made to exchange words with Jewel, Lirssa, and Aric; all of which she requested dances with had they space left on their cards.

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As usual, Phen kept very close to Ebon through much of the function so people would not think she was being rude in not speaking. It was a pleasure to speak with Collie, Maggie, and family with Maggie's interpreting aide. Ebon, as ever, took time to speak with everyone who desired or required his attention.

It was a wonderful time for a cause that the Ilnarens were keenly attuned to, sharing it's goals, and more than happy to support the foundation.

Jewell was attached to the arm of her handsome date for most of the event. Kal's company made the necessary niceties a little less painful (so did the drinks she sent him off to get now and then). She was also convinced that they looked to the utmost advantage when together.

With the half-elf at her side, she made a point of greeting every guest she possibly could. Far from appearing to run out of steam at any point, The Empress seemed to be in her element. Her perfectly charming smile, with just a hint of glamour at the corner, was there as she made new friends, greeted old ones, and introduced herself to their unfamiliar dates.

Eventually, she found a reprieve from the constant socializing by pulling Kal onto the dance floor with her. Jewell had worn heels appropriate for having her much taller partner spin her about. The only time she left his side for any length of time during the evening was to dance with Amthy, Aric, and Fin. She found her way back to the half-elf in the end, though.

Duci didn't stay long, but she joined the heavy flow of well-doers supporting the foundation. Smiles and hellos were exchanged with those she knew while enjoying the tasty morsels and plentiful beverages, but she didn't leave without making a decent donation.

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The petite Empath had not been ready to attend the gala or any large function; however, that did not keep her from sending a donation quietly. She always had a soft spot for the youth in the city and helped whenever she could.

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Josette arrived in a flurry of a silk organza, Chantilly lace and petal appliqu?s that decorated the ballerina's winged collarbones. The tiny dancer made sure to bid on a few items, as well as leave an additional donation in Lirssa's capable hands, with a hand written letter enclosed in a small envelope produced from her clutch.

After congratulating Lirssa and Jewell on the success of the gorgeous Gala, she gravitated to Lucy and Fin to greet them, as well as any other familiar or friendly faces that she happened to pass between distracted looks of wide-eyed wonder of the surrounding jungle splendor.

Large crowds tended to overwhelm her, so with a gazelle's grace, she made her exit out of the jungle early on in the evening. However it was the particular frequency and reverberation of the shattering champagne glass that had heel clicks slowing when she neared the door, to cast a glance over her shoulder with a look that lingered.