2020 KICK-OFF/donor appreciation party
“‘twas the night before”
This year’s ‘Twas the Night Before annual kick-off party was also held in a virtual format, and was an invite-only event for donors who contributed $600 or more to this year’s tour. Prior to the kick-off party, guests received Donor Appreciation Bags, full of goodies from local businesses.
The virtual event began with some of Central City Opera’s touring artists performing classic holiday carols. Following a brief introduction by co-chairs Karen Ritz and Katie Grassby, CBS4’s Lauren Whitney moderated a panel of professional home designers - Jeannie Kerr of Decor Innovations, Jennifer Jelinek of JJ Interiors, and Trish Bonney of TAB Interior Design- as they discussed decorating trends and ideas.
Following the design panel, attendees were the first to view the World Premiere of “Le Petit” L’Esprit de Noël, complete with performances by Central City Opera Touring Artists.
Our designer panel
CBS4’s Lauren Whitney
Lauren Whitney - Moderator
First Alert Chief Meteorologist Lauren Whitney loves the excitement of Colorado weather and the challenge of tracking its unique weather patterns and rapidly changing conditions. Lauren joined the CBS4 This Morning team in 2011 and moved to the night newscasts in 2016. Before her start in Denver, Lauren was the morning weather anchor in Grand Junction at KKCO-TV (NBC).
Jeannie Kerr - Decor Innovations
Jeannie is an interior designer specializing in color and decor for the home or home office. Bringing her clients’ personal style into their space is her mission! Years ago, she began redesigning her own personal and work spaces. She then began designing spaces for others. After educating herself and gaining real world experience, her referrals grew into a full-fledged company. She is proud of the designs she creates and is dedicated to improving the spaces she designs or redesigns, ensuring happy clients in their personal spaces!
Jennifer Jelinek - JJ Interiors
Once a chemistry major before devoting herself to her true passion as an Interior Designer, Jennifer approaches her designs in a methodical and purposeful way. She believes beauty can both be quantified and felt in an unexplainable way. With over 20 years of design experience, Jennifer has used her organizational skills and creative talents to design premium living spaces throughout Colorado, nationally and internationally. Her work has been recognized in many publications and with numerous awards.
Jennifer graduated with a bachelors degree in Interior Design from FIDER accredited Colorado State University. This education gave her many tools and a well-rounded knowledge of design history, principals and elements of design, as well as construction familiarity. Starting as Student Chapter President of ASID, Jennifer has been a long-standing professional member of ASID upholding high ethical and professional standards while promoting excellence in design.
Trish Bonney - TAB Interior Design, LLC
Trish, originally from a tiny town in Northern Vermont, is an Active Duty Air Force Veteran that has lived and traveled around the world and has a vast amount of experience in various fields. Formally educated in Interior Design, Instructional Technology, Education, and years of experience in Architecture, Trish thrives on innovative design challenges.
Trish started TAB with the desire to have a very collaborative environment where all involved are respected equally and to make sure all are aware of the talents each hold. Trish also realized by offering this type of firm, you get multiple eyes on each project with extreme enthusiasm which ultimately offers clients amazing outcomes. Trish is big on giving back and is frequently volunteering on projects, especially in ones that help up-keep and respect local architecture.
