The Council Circle Foundation fêted the "Year of the Dog," the new year and the community on Saturday, Feb. 11, at nexStage Theatre in Ketchum with a lively dinner dance and auction. It was the fourth year Circle Council has hosted the sumptuous and intimate affair.
The dinner, catered by chef Ric Lum, included authentic Chinese foods such as tea-smoked duck with steamed buns. Larry Flynn managed the emcee duties during the live auction and all the help was provided by volunteers, many of them Council Circle counselors.
Founded in the Wood River Valley in 1995, Council Circle now serves more than 250 children and adults in the community in educational and emotional support programs.
"We have grown into something we are so proud of," Council Circle president Lea Flocchini said. She was honored during the evening by her colleagues because she is stepping down as president of the board in March.
"Everyone in the Council Circle family are so blessed to have been led by her, taught by her," said Pricilla Pittiglio, incoming board president. "We hold her so high in our lives."
A short film of kids and community members talking about Council Circle was shown, prior to the live auction.
But Council Circle is not just for the youths of the valley. Among the donors and guests at the event were plenty of adults who also participate in Council Circle groups.
"I love Circle, we're devotees," Tom Smith said. "Circle teaches you how to listen and appreciate."
"It's a great experience," agreed Bob Fletcher.
Red lanterns, Chinese umbrellas and other festive decorations transformed the nexStage Theatre along with Chinese antiques and artifacts lent to the event by Wei Fen Zhou, owner of Shangri-La Antiques Gallery in Ketchum.
On Tuesday, an exhausted Flocchini said they'd sold out the event and "did over $10,000 from what we did last year, so we're feeling pretty good."
Pamela Mason Davey and Lea Flocchini embrace during the annual Chinese New Year celebration. Linda Gillison and John Flocchini, at right, watch. Express photos by Dana DuGan
