Our weekend was a busy and unique one. We had two charity events on the weekend agenda that made it fly by a little too fast. Saturday night was the annual Governor’s Ball, which we have attended for the last five years, and is usually the highlight of the Season’s events that we participate in. This year was no exception. Kevin and I look at the assortment of community events we attend as a unique opportunity to spice up our date nights. Not the usual dinner and a movie out, in jeans and sweatshirts, they provide us an opportunity to dress up, look our best and experience things a little differently than we would left to our own devices.

I did recycle the gown that I wore to the AIDS Benefit in February, so prep work was cut in half not having to hunt for a new dress. Kevin wore a taupe (or dark champagne) colored vest and ascot with his tux for this one. And I do believe it was the most striking additions to his tux he has ever made! The color brought out his eyes, and he was stunning! (I may be slightly partial, but I do know what is hot.)
The Governors Ball is the perfect backdrop to a special and romantic date night. Being a person who is practical (OK, maybe the right word is lazy) I like to kill two birds with one stone in almost all that I do. The Governors Ball kills several birds with one stone. Romance for date night, dressing up, aiding charities and Kevin’s career are tied to many of the community events. With the added bonus that the food for this charity event is usually some of the best we have enjoyed.

The Governors is a 201(c)3, non profit, volunteer organization that was originally established in 1984 by Tempe St. Luke’s Hospital. Initially named The Tempe St. Luke’s Governors in honor of Governor Howard Pyle, one of the founding members, it was renamed The Tempe Governors in 1997 when the Hospital became a for-profit institution. In early 2004, the membership reconfirmed its mission of supporting agencies that seek to improve community health through education, prevention, outreach and direct health care services. At the same time, it increased its service area to better accommodate the Valley’s expanding population. As a result, the organization was officially renamed The Governors.
This year was the 20th Annual Governors Ball and the theme was Crystal Ball, A Reflection of Caring. Held at Pointe South Mountain Resort Grande Ballroom, the evening began with a Champagne Reception at 7:00 PM. Dining and dancing started at 8:00 PM and the music continued through the night. When it quits I haven’t a clue, since I’m always yawning and heading for the exit by 10:30 or so. But we get an opportunity to dance to a quality band that plays music my children have never heard before. (Which means it’s quality music) From the Righteous Brothers, Frank Sinatra and various Motown Artists.

Another attraction of the evening is the extensive silent auction, which offers weekend getaways to various resorts, airline tickets, artwork and too-many-to-count gift baskets, golf packages, and jewelry. This years raffle was for a trip to Ireland for two. This year we walked away with a gourmet brunch, an overnight getaway to The Pointe South Mountain Resort, a gift basket of hair products, and hair style, (yay for me!) and another night at a resort that I can’t remember the name of. The proceeds go to the beneficiaries of the event, which include Banner Children’s Hospital at Banner Desert Medical Center, Mountain Park Health Center and the Tempe Fire Department.

I would put last night’s menu at the top of the four previous years. The first course was a mushroom strudel in sherry cream with roasted pepper compote. I could have easily made a full meal out of this dish, as tasty as it was. The salad was baby spinach with Pancetta lardoons, gorgonzola, candied walnuts, pear tomatoes and balsamic dressing. Then they served a delicate lemoncello ginger sorbet, with the perfect amount of tart to it. For the main course was a spiced fillet mignon and roasted sea bass that was mouth watering. Served on top of a creamy herb polenta that admittedly reminded me of cream of wheat without the ton of sugar I scoop into it. (I didn’t eat more than two bites of the polenta.) As well as only two bites of the carrot souffle. Served along side Madeira reduction and braised red cabbage with currants and yellow pepper drizzles, the dinner was presented like art work designed on the plate.(I wanted to take a picture of it, but then my redneck roots would have been obvious) The grand finale was the best dessert I have ever experienced anywhere. A chocolate marquise with an orange creme brulee filling and kumquat gelee. Truly orgasmic, I would have eaten Kevin’s if he hadn’t finished it as fast as he did! Dining at the Governors Ball is an experience in and of itself.

Sunday’s event was the annual Bon Vivant - A Celebration of Fine Food & Drink, presented for The Boys and Girls Club of the East Valley. This years Bon Vivant was held out at the new location of Rawhide in their Pavilion tent. With too many restaurants to remember participating, as well as some of the gourmet food stores, you enter with a wine glass and plate in hand, and wander from booth to booth experiencing some of each restaurant’s signature items, and a wine list that would make your head spin. Many exotic alcohols from scotch to flavored vodkas topped it off. I don’t think any one human could taste them all if they tried. With a couple of different stages and bands playing, and another silent auction, by the end of this evening we were exhausted! And luckily were outbid on all the items we bid on. We did our damage at The Governors Ball, it was someone else’s turn at Bon Vivant, although we certainly aided in driving the prices up.

Both events were unique, and ones I would highly recommend to anyone looking for an evening out that doesn’t include popcorn and dark theatres, but does benefit our communities on several different levels. If food is something you like to experience, these two particular events would appeal, as rubbery dry chicken is never on the menu!