Party Line: St. Jude Red Carpet Bash celebrates with 'British invasion'

Photo by Michael Donahue // Buy this photo

In their white wigs, they could be Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart or George Washington, but John Shea (from left) and his buddies John McArthur and Cannon Smith were supposed to be English in keeping with the "British Invasion" theme of the St. Jude Red Carpet Bash on Saturday night at Hollywood Casino. With them are their dates (from left): Annie Wesberry, April Tridente and Collins Tuohy.

When he learned "British Invasion" was the theme of the St. Jude Red Carpet Bash, John Shea found a shop where he could rent curly white wigs with little ponytails. John, Cannon Smith and John McArthur wore the wigs with their tuxedos at the party Saturday night at Hollywood Casino.

Guests weren't quite sure what they were supposed to be. Some thought they were members of Parliament because the hairpieces looked like powdered wigs. Others thought they were portraying English aristocrats. John Shea said they were just "barons of Britain."

Jennifer Jaudon went on eBay to search for her "British" costume. She Googled "sequined British flag dress" and wore her purchase -- a glittering white, blue and red dress -- Saturday night.

DJ Mark Anderson provided music for dancing at the party, which also featured live and silent auctions and a buffet dinner. Brad Carson of Classic Hits 94.1 was emcee, and Terri Walker was auctioneer during the live auction.

Crystal Ball 2012

The force was with more than 900 people Saturday night at Crystal Ball 2012 at the Arena at Southaven. More than 50 people from six states dressed as characters from the "Star Wars" movies and mingled with guests at the "May the Force Be with Us" benefit for the Community Foundation of Northwest Mississippi.

Don Enck, who dressed as Luke Skywalker, was a dead ringer for Mark Hamill, who played Skywalker in the movie. Don's wife, Raychel, was, of course, Princess Leia.

All the characters paraded in front of guests at one point during the evening.

The "Star Wars" characters were members of two costumed-characters groups: 501st Legion and Rebel Legion, said Scott Burnham Hollis, who, along with his wife, Natasha Ingram-Hollis, co-chaired the event for the second consecutive year. Special permission to use the "Star Wars" theme was given by Lucas Licensing, a subsidiary of Lucasfilm, he said.

The evening featured live and silent auctions and music by Memphis Knights Big Band and Kevin and Bethany Paige.

Dr. Mary Ellen Stribling Bouldin was this year's Crystal Ball Honoree. She attended with her husband, portrait artist Marshall Bouldin.

Hightailers anniversary gala

A few bicycle racks were spotted on vehicles Saturday night in the Hilton Memphis parking lot. Inside, the 50th anniversary gala for the Memphis Hightailers bicycle club took place.

Charles Finney, 89, said he founded the club because of "just a desire to promote bike riding."

It had "about five or six" members when it began, said Charles, who was the first club president. The group now has 940 members, said current president Steve Watson.

Charles said he still rides a bicycle on a mile track near his home.

Jacob Mabray, 16, was the youngest Memphis Hightailers member at the party. He rides a Specialized Allez bike. His dad, Hal Mabray, is the owner of Peddler Bike Shop.

The featured speaker was Dr. David Lavelle, author of "How Cycling Saved My Life." David, an orthopedic surgeon at Campbell Clinic, began riding a bike at age 53 after undergoing a heart procedure.

Bill Ramia and Paul Rubin were co-chairmen of the event.

Michael Donahue: (901) 529-2797. donahue@commercialappeal.com

© 2012 Go Memphis. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.