Big names hit Ameristar for Red Rocks CC soiree

Red Rocks Community College 40th anniversary gala attendees donned their vintage glad rags and rocked the house during a 1960s Las Vegas-themed fund-raiser at the Ameristar Casino Resort Spa in Black Hawk for RRCC student scholarships.

Roughly 250 guys and dolls sipped champagne, dined on fab food and were entertained during dinner by Frank Sinatra tribute artist Derek Evilsizor, who set toes a-tappin’.

The program opened with recognition of community partners who have been instrumental to RRCC’s success over the years: Jefferson County School District, Colorado School of Mines, City of Arvada, Suncor Energy and the 20-year state Sen. Al Meiklejohn, who passed away in March.

“They paid a wonderful tribute to him,” said Central City Mayor Ron Slinger. “Also, his family presented RRCC President, Dr. Michele Haney with a check for $25,000 from his estate. He was a former RRCC Foundation board member and was instrumental in getting a RRCC Arvada Campus built.”

Event organizers gave a huge thumb’s-up to the amount of money raised through a live auction, paddle pledges and the sale of mystery boxes, which, along with sponsorships, raised $101,600 – blowing the $40,000 goal out of the water.

“One of the most magical moments occurred during the live auction, when the owner of the Sleeper House, Michael Dunahay, allowed his home to be offered a second time for a private dinner for 10 hosted by Michael and provided by 240 Union Restaurant,” Slinger said. “These dinners went for $11,000 each.” The Sleeper House is the futuristic home visible from I-70 in Genesee used in the filming of Woody Allen’s “Sleeper.”

Other notable Rat Packers spotted at the soiree included congressman Ed Perlmutter; Arvada Mayor Bob Frie; Lakewood Mayor Bob Murphy; Golden Mayor Pro Tem Karen Oxman; Dr. Nancy McCallin; Gilpin County Commissioners Jeanne Nicholson and Buddy Schmalz; Jeffco School Board President Dave Thomas; Jeffco Superintendent Cynthia Stevenson; RRCC Foundation Board President Kristin Anderson; and RRCC Executive Director Paulann Doane.

Good eats. When it comes to “the host with the most” title, Golden Casino Group’s Bradlee Gereaux deserves a crown.

When he invited gal pal and I to the 3Prime Steakhouse in the Golden Mardi Gras Casino in Black Hawk, we didn’t expect the royal treatment as Gereaux had told the kitchen staff to “go big” and “keep it comin’”.

And we didn’t wear elastic waistbands why?

We nibbled and noshed our way through a feast of starters, entrees, sides and desserts. The extensive menu includes steaks (our cooked to medium-rare perfection), seafood such as twin lobster tails, a memorable double-cut pork chop, fajitas and pasta dishes.

Sides include a baked potato served tableside, mac and cheese, steak fries and more, and there’s an impressive list of creamed, grilled or sautéed veggies.

Desserts are evil if you’re counting calories. The Zookie is a giant warm cookie topped with ice cream, whipped cream, chocolate and caramel sauce. And the Kitchen Sink Sundae? Do you really want to know? (Ok, four scoops of ice cream with banana, cheesecake and brownie chunks topped with chocolate and caramel sauces, whipped cream, chopped nuts and cherries. Warning: Don’t try to eat this alone.

Restaurant hours: Wednesday, Thursday, Sunday 5 to 9 p.m.; Friday, Saturday 5 to 10. Closed Monday and Tuesday.

- Penny Parker is a columnist for The Denver Post. She’s always on the prowl for tidbits and tips from Colorado’s gaming communities. Call her at 303-619-5209 or e-mail pparker@denverpost.com.