Metamorphosis 2010!

So I've been so busy getting ready for this Friday that I haven't had a chance to tell you all about it!

Today, let's talk about the people who are making this event possible. This is the third year in a row that Studio 2131 has generously let us take over the place for this event. We love it because it's a beautiful urban venue with the hanging system in place to display art. No holes hammered into walls! Plus, they are just really good people. This is actually David Morris' photography studio, a great photographer were lucky to have here in the metro.

The space will be decked out courtesy of Ladybird Styling, a new local business created to help you restyle your life. Be it revamping what's already in your closet, rearranging your furniture, helping you shop for the right stuff or stylizing an event, Ladybird can be your fairy godmother. And ... they're donating a closet re-do, so win this and you could have a whole new look in 2011. ;)

Tuesday Spray has once again womaned our event logo and signage designs this year. I love being able to count on her for a) awesome promotion of the event and b) for getting others to take notice of the cause through her artistic talent. She, too, will have artwork there on Friday on which to bid. Lucky us. Lucky you.

Bendet Photography will once again be on hand to capture moments of Metamorphosis 2010. Chris has been a willing participant since day 1, three years ago. He has given us the means to share this event through what he photographs. He is an incredible donor who has been an advocate for this cause simply because he's a daddy. He knows what's at stake. For that, we thank him profoundly.

Karen Schotsch has handmade deliciously beautiful butterfly cookies for us each year, and this year is no exception. It's one of my most favorite things about Metamorphosis. She also volunteers her time along with our friend Michelle to spearhead the catering activities the night of the event. She and Michelle take great pride in making sure our guests have a yummy experience. Please say hi when you see 'em Friday night.

Sara Swenson has generously agreed to share her musical talent Friday night! We are thrilled to have her! This year, as Lilith Fair came to Kansas City, Sara was selected as one of the opening acts--can you believe it? We were introduced to her music through our friend Kelly, and the first time I heard her sing, I was a puddle. The song, her voice, the words--so beautiful and one song in particular had extra special meaning to us. Can't wait to spend Friday night with you, Sara!

Speaking of Kelly, Kelly Jackson of Kelly Jackson Photography, along with Dana Melton, Susan Jackson, Kristi Swob and our Chad did a bang-up job this year procuring donations. Seriously, 99% of the gift items offered this year is because of the work of this handful of people. This event wouldn't be happening without them.

And so what about the noshes and bevvies, you ask? Well, the generosity of Whole Foods Market on Metcalf continues to amaze us. Please, if you're in there checking out, please ask the cashier to extend thanks to the higher-ups for sponsoring this event. This year: a trifecta of gourmet, organic autumn soups will hand— Roasted Tomato Basil, Chicken Tortilla and Apple Butternut Squash.

Once again Sunset Grill supports this event in astounding ways. Their chopped salad will be yours for the tasting, and their philanthropy has also provided the red and white vino for Friday night. A toast to Sunset Grill in Overland Park! Hurrah!

One day a couple of weeks ago, we got an amazing call. From Cabot Creamery. Out of the blue. Based in Vermont, their regional rep called to offer us their delicious, top-of-the-line cheeses for our event. Seriously?!? I've watched enough America's Test Kitchen to know that Cabot consistently comes out on top in their taste tests. So, know that I will be buying Cabot cheese for the rest of my life. I hope you will, too.

Panera Bread and Clock Tower Bakery are all set to donate their fresh-baked goodness, too. For me, a good bread is hard to find, so when two of the best offer their wares, we consider ourselves very, very lucky. Enjoy it with me on Friday night!

On tap for local brewery will be Flying Monkey. Isn't the Wizard of Oz reference fun? ;) Fresh, local and good--all things we love. We thank them and Boulevard Brewery for providing quench to Friday night's thirst. A toast to them both! Hurrah!'

We've heard that some of you have seen Karli Ritter talk about the event on her weather reports for WDAF Fox-4! Yay! And 810 Sports Radio is also giving away tickets to the event! Yay! We love it when people help spread the word. Big thanks for making others aware of an easy way to do big good.

So that's the rundown. Can't wait to share some of the artist with you, too!