Brain Ball
Silver Screen to Red Carpet
Published On: December 28, 2011
Commemorating the 25th anniversary of the Brain Injury Alliance of Kentucky (BIAK), guests of the 9th Annual Silver Brain Ball celebrated in true Hollywood style at the Seelbach on November 18. BIAK works to provide survivors of brain injury, and their families, with education, finances, and emotional support. In support of this great organization, Brown-Forman’s Chief Entertaining Officer Tim Laird created a dazzling “Ruby Valentino” signature cocktail, especially for the Silver Brain Ball, combining Chambord Flavored Vodka, cranberry-apple juice, and Sweet Rose Korbel Champagne.
This silver screen themed event offered guests a delicious dinner, open bar, and a live auction emceed by Kevin Harned, followed by the presentation of the annual Mary Varga Award to Dennis Bessenecker, a brain tumor survivor. Bessenecker, who suffered from a large tumor in the frontal lobe of his brain, now creates drawings and paintings as a part of his rehabilitation. The Frazier Rehab Institute provided the help and support that played a pivotal role in his recovery. “The support group meets once a month. It’s so important because you are finally with a group of people who support you unconditionally and understand what you’re going through.
“Discovering art was a watershed moment for me. We always hear that when one door closes, another door opens,” said Bessenecker. “You just have to have the courage to go through the door.” His first painting sold at the St. James Art Fair in 2008 to President Clinton, who purchased the painting of the Church of St. Elizabeth because he is “partial to paintings of old buildings.”
Following the Silver Brain Ball, the Red Carpet Lounge, held in the Seelbach’s Rathskeller, enticed guests with its “speakeasy” feel. Kenneth Stringer III made his regular appearance and entertained the dancing crowd with his robotic dance moves while covered in silver from head to toe. Attendees slipped into the photo booth with masks, bid on silent auction items, sipped the signature “Ruby Valentino” cocktail, and delved into the delicious candy buffet as they continued to celebrate the past and future success of the Brain Injury Alliance of Kentucky. www.biak.us.
Photography by Frankie Steele
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