Pharaohs and fun

This year's Swan Ball Auction party chairs had a brilliant idea—whether intentional or not. In contrast to the classic, clean elegance of the Ball's black and white theme, the Auction party went color-crazy. Walking into the Loews Vanderbilt Hotel, guests were greeted by a beautiful rainbow explosion. Magenta-hued lighting warmed the ballroom while a myriad of sherbet-colored lanterns added energy and sizzle to the room.

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More than one guest was heard saying,"This is the best auction party I've attended. It's different." The pops of color certainly served their purpose, creating an energetic buzz that led into the fabulous frenzy of the auction. Lights and lasers swirled about the ballroom, pumping up the crowd. The pulsating rhythm of the Black Eyed Peas' "Let's Get it Started in Here" amped up the excitement another notch. And then came the King.

King/Pharaoh Larry Trabue, that is. Most assuredly, in what was his first ride on a litter (in this lifetime, anyway), Larry was carried through the crowd by four scantily-clad fellows wearing shades and loincloths. The brave—and strong—men were Callaway Alexander, Leighton Liles, William Liles and Chad Blackburn.

The reason for Larry's new status? He's king of the Swan Ball Auction, having worked on it for years and being responsible for separating the Live Auction from the night of the Ball. He joined auctioneer extraordinaire Mac Hardcastle in what turned out to be something of a lesson in geography.

Whew! Talk about trips around the globe. Auction chairs Melanie Baker and Sandy Sangervasi certainly put in overtime securing the most exciting and diverse auction lots ever to grace a Nashville fundraiser. Note to Obama: If you're looking for some ladies who can get folks to deliver the goods for one of those Presidential Economic Advisory Councils, you might want to give these girls a ring.

The pair delivered an 11-day French Polynesian trip to Bora Bora, Moorea and Tahiti; a weeklong get-away to Moscow and St. Petersburg; six nights in Lake Como and Milan; 12 nights of fun at various stops in Argentina; and, a six-day Zambian safari. And that was just for starters.

How this crew managed to find so many amazing trips that were 100 percent donated in a difficult economy is mind-blowing. And the continued support of the venerable Cheekwood by the community? Also, just as impressive. Here's to great Nashville treasures.

—photographs by eric england