John and Randi Zubin, Mary Capozzi, and Wes Johnston

Jennifer Windsor and Chris Kalfas

Go big or go home! Organizers of the Huntington’s Disease Society’s benefit “Bourbon, Bow Ties and Ballgowns” opted for the former for the in-person, glamour-filled event held at Landerhaven in November.
What a treat it was to see 200 guests – women in stunning ball gowns and men in black tie filling the rooms – from the reception area to the bar, and the dining room to the annex. Here, alluring silent auction items were on display, and a free-flowing Bourbon tasting, courtesy of Western Reserve Distillers took place. The organization is known for its bourbon raffle, in which over $8,000 of internationally-renowned and rare bourbons are awarded. Ticket sales were brisk.

Janet Phillips and Marsha Phillips

The event was old-school enchantment, from the signature cocktails (Ballgown Blitz, Bow Tie Affair, and Hope Potion) to the MC/Auctioneer, TV celeb Chuck Dukas. Additionally, there was the romantic retro music provided live by the Big Band style of The Moonlight Serenaders. Cocktails, dinner, live auction, and dancing – what could be more classic? And all for a great cause.
Huntington’s is a devastating hereditary brain disorder that currently has no cure and only one medication for symptom relief. Musician/activist Woodie Guthrie died of the disease in 1967. Soon after, his widow, Marjorie, founded the Committee to Combat Huntington Disease in New York. The organization has since become the Huntington’s Disease Society of

Jesse Lis and Mickey LaRosa

America.
Funds from the benefit go to support local families dealing with the disease, as well as research. Organizers estimated the event helped to raise more than $150,000 to support local families dealing with the disease, and also to ongoing national research. STORY AND PHOTOGRAPHS BY RITA KUEBER