Parker: First lady's kin save some seats at gala dinner

By Penny Parker, Rocky Mountain News (Contact)

Published January 13, 2007 at midnight

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First brother-in-law Mick Lewis made his own "Reserved for the family of the First Lady" signs and brought them to the inaugural gala at the Colorado Convention Center Friday night.

Mick, Jeannie Ritter's baby brother who's in the printing business, said he wasn't sure the whole Lewis family would make it to the event and wanted to guarantee they would all sit together at the dinner honoring big sis and Gov. Bill Ritter.

"It's been a fabulous week," he said, choking back tears. "It's been humbling."

Because of the anticipated storm, Jeannie's dad, retired Navy Capt. Mardy Lewis, almost didn't make the trip from Pensacola, Fla.

"My son convinced me to come, and I'm delighted to be here," said Mardy, dressed in the formal uniform he hadn't tried on since he retired in 1987 after 39-plus years in the Navy. "Jeannie wanted me to wear it, but I had to make it still fit."

Jeannie's dad and stepmom, Carol Lewis, have been bunking in the Governor's Mansion during their stay, while the Ritters have been staying in their other home.

"It's a little embarrassing to think we slept in their bedroom before they do," Carol said.

As to how Jeannie will handle the duties as Colorado's first lady, Mick said, "She's going to rock the state. She will rise higher than the Rocky Mountains in her new role."

SHOE BIZ: The Ritter children demonstrated their flare for footwear during the soiree. The three boys - August, Abe and Sam - were dressed appropriately in tuxedoes they bought for the occasion. But the shoes they each chose to go with their ensembles were, well, different. August: black cowboy boots. "I have two pair," he said. Abe: sensible slip-ons. "But I'm wearing a weird shirt," he said about the white tux shirt with a silver sheen. Sam: white Puma tennis shoes. "I wanted to be comfortable," he said. "It's going to be a long night."

First daughter Tally took a page from her mother's book and wore a vintage cream-colored satin cocktail dress with a black lace overlay. The dress was originally worn by a neighbor's grandmother when she was a young girl. She completed her ensemble with gold high-heeled sandals and looked envious of her brothers' built-for-comfort shoes.

"My brothers told me I was walking like a penguin," she said. "I told them if they were wearing these shoes, they would, too."

DUFFY WITH DEMS: Sean Duffy, one-time deputy chief of staff for former Gov. Bill Owens, was one of several Republicans spotted in the decidedly Democratic crowd. Duffy, who led the failed charge to pass Referendum I, the domestic partnership initiative, joked he was there as "eye candy" for the ladies. "I'm being bipartisan," he said on a serious note. "We love Democrats."

DIAPERED DEM: Two-month-old Lee Huttner won the award for youngest attendee at the Ritter gala.

"The baby sitter didn't show, so they brought the littlest Democrat to the occasion," said proud-as-punch grandma Diane Huttner. Democrat daddy Mike Huttner dragged the baby carrier while mom, Debbie, carried the political pumpkin strapped to her chest.

STRICKLAND GOES STAG: Beth Strickland, wife of lawyer Tom Strickland, arrived at the party sans escort. Strickland, a former partner of Ritter's at the law firm Hogan & Hartson, had just landed at DIA at 6:40 p.m., 40 minutes after the time the dinner was supposed to start.

"I don't know if he'll make it," Beth said.

VIPS, PLEASE: The Ritters were 40 minutes late to their own dinner in part because the invite-only party for the gala sponsors ran overtime. Deep-pocket patrons who paid up to $20,000 to help throw the shindig got a pre-party party. They dined on the same tuna, chicken and brie canapes that were served to the $60 ticketholders downstairs, but the difference at the cocktail party was the free bar.

THE SEEN: Denver fire chief Larry Trujillo and his hottie wife, Michelle; KBNO radio clan Zee Ferrufino, son Fernando Sergio Ferrufino and Cynthia Macias; authors Rob Simon and his wife, Marisol ; acting consul general of Mexico Juan Carlos Mendoza; Molson Coors man Leo Kiely and wife, Susan; mover and shaker Larry Mizel with developer Rick Sapkin; do-gooder Jean Galloway with husband, Ben; Breckenridge Mayor Ernie Blake with wife, Sharon Magness Blake; Ritter Cabinet members Don Mares and Ari Zavaras; Attorney General John Suthers; lawyer and Denver mayoral candidate Penfield Tate; former CSU prez Al Yates and wife, Ann; sporting goods magnate Ken Gart; Democratic operative Mike Stratton and former Owens staffer Roy Palmer.

EAVESDROPPING on a woman at the inaugural ball: "OK, August Ritter is the hottest thing in America."

Penny Parker's column appears Tuesday through Saturday. Call her at 303-954-5224 or e-mail parkerp@RockyMountainNews.com.

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