DaytonDailyNews.com

DAYTON — The most successful galas aren't simply about the money raised — though that's obviously quite important. But the best fund-raising parties also do a great job of reflecting the purpose of the organization, leaving gala-goers with a real sense of where their money is going and how it will be used.

Two that did the job perfectly – the Boonshoft Gala for the Museum of Discovery and the Shuffle Ball on behalf of the dance troupe Rhythm in Shoes — were held Saturday night, Sept. 6.

Hosting the Boonshoft party in the museum gives party people the freedom to explore and discover the museum's treasures for themselves while at the same time enjoying an entertaining and elegant evening.

"We've got kids who enjoy coming here and we feel if we're going to take something from the museum we ought to give something back," said Matt Davenport of Springboro, one of 350 who attended the event. Davenport, who serves on the museum's associate board, said he was excited about giving away a car at the evening raffle.

Giant bouquets of tropical-colored gladiolus provided a color scheme — many patrons dressed to match in strapless long gowns of teal or coral or magenta.

The food, prepared and served by Kohler Catering, began with a beautifully presented hors d'oeuvres buffet, continued with a beef tenderloin dinner, followed by dessert bars and late night snacking.

There was music and dancing in the dining rooms on both floors, beer tasting in the Green Zone, a piano and champagne bar.

This year's Boonshoft gala will benefit Exhibits-To-Go, the museum's educational outreach program that's taken to schools, senior citizen centers, camps.

Presenters were on hand before and after dinner to show exactly how it's done.

"If I can turn the light on for one child and get them excited about something, it's all worth it," said Sharon Gottschlich, explaining the table of treasures with colleague Kindra Schide. Both former teachers, they were sharing tidbits about everything from a human femur to Ohio's state fossil, the trilobite.

Meanwhile, at America's Packard Museum, the giant "APPLAUSE" sign wasn't necessary at all. Patrons were obviously delighted with the live "Radio Days" performances by Rhythm In Shoes. Most fun are always the radio commercials written especially for major sponsors — this year they included a peppy tribute to Coolidge Wall law firm and a appreciative and touching ballad to Paul and Carol Lamberger.

The era was the 1940's, many dressed to reflect it. Tables were cleverly decorated with sheet-music folded into fans and an assortment of shoes – from wingtips to pumps.

Food was donated by nine local restaurants and caterers.

At the live auction, Jim Holmes and Pam Wolosz of Beavercreek bid on – and won – five dance lessons with the pros.

"We did it mostly for our 8-year-old daughter," explained Wolosz. "She loves to dance."

Holmes said the coupled discovered Rhythm In Shoes at a Cityfolk festival when they moved here in 2001.

"Now we're fans," he said. "They are so clever, we feel they are really special."

Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2440 or mmoss@DaytonDailyNews.com.