CVCAF News Release – January 26, 2017
Written by: Robin Montgomery
Photo credits: Gregg Felson
This time of the year we all crave something unique and unusual. Renoir pour les Chats et Chiens, translation Renoir for the Cats and Dogs, benefitting Loving All Animals and the CVC Arts Foundation, both 501 (c) charities, was in a class by itself.
The venue, Venus De Fido – the world’s most unique up-scale spa for you and your animal companion.
As you entered the front door of the Italian Style Palazzo, champagne was offered. The receiving line included Lindi Biggi, President/ Founder of Loving All Animals, Linda Norman Thomas, Event Co -Chair, Elizabeth Wood Coldicutt, Event Co-Chair and Tom Coldicutt Founders of the CVC Arts Foundation and OMG …. Jean-Emmanuel Renoir, the great-grandson of Pierre-Auguste Renoir, one of geniuses of the impressionist movement. Jean-Emmanuel graciously said hello to the 125 plus guests in his French accent and autographed a sumptuous program for all clamoring to talk to him.
Linda Norman Thomas,Co- Chair, Jean-Emmanuel Renoir, Lindi Biggi, Elizabeth Wood Coldicutt, Co-Chair, President and Founder of CVC Arts Foundation
Elegantly clad hosts including Mike Russell, Executive Director, Lynne Lockwood Office Manager and Andy Bush, Controller, LAA Execs guided guests to the designer clothing which we could try on, or go up-stairs to a vast offering of art for sale from Renoir’s grandsons. Laurie Loftis, Venus de Fido Spa, CEO was busy as a bee as guests Gerry Bucci and Daughter Calli Bucci , Kandi Dean, Lisa Rheingold and Dottie Mulholland were buying up a storm. Everyone was delighted with the evening including, Artists Karen and Tony Barone, Suzy and author, Allan J. Hurst, Donna and Douglas Martin, Julie Carter, Director of CVC Arts & Victoria Volsky, Raphael McGrew, art instructor at Palm Valley School, Susan Rice, Head of Palm Valley School, note CVC’s portion of the proceeds will go to The Palm Valley School, and Mariam Torres-Brinkmanship and Peter Isler, the two-time America’s Cup winning navigator on Stars & Stripes with Dennis Connor.
This was no ordinary crowd. The guests were clamoring to purchase raffle tickets. Why? Because the prizes were four Rembrandt prints donated by Gary Douel. The 5th prize “The Boating Party” created by Pierre Renoir, painted by his great-grandson Alexandre Renoir. Who won the Renoir? Nicholas Eliopoulos – Emmy-award winning filmmaker, also known for his film “Mary Pickford – the Muse of the Movies”. Yes, everyone brought their dogs. There were, well-behaved Aussies, Border Collies, Maltese Terriers and a bevy of mixed breeds who mingled with the crowd in the indoor Italian Garden style dog park with 3-D puffy cotton clouds on the ceiling. This original creation also served as a perfect place for guest tables. Dogs and the companions eyed the Venus De Fido Restaurant Chef, Shannon Bush’s overflowing delectable food offerings. The event scheduled to run from 5-7, was at 8PM still going strong. For information on CVC’s next event, contact – www.cvcartsfoundation.org.
Jean-Emmanuel Renoir, Thomas Coldicutt, Board Chair of CVC Arts
Lindi Biggi President LAA,, Jean-Emmanuel Renoir, and Lorie Loftis CEO Venus de Fido
Christopher Greenwood, CPA , Jean- Emmanuel Renoir and a lucky Rembrandt Winner