Best of Columbia 2008
The best in Columbia thanked their loyal customers and showed their talents to new customers on April 3 at the Best of Columbia party at the Holiday Inn Select Expo Center. The event also included entertainment by the Best Band in Columbia, the Norm Ruebling Band, and the Best Chef of Columbia competition with star chefs Craig Cyr of the Wine Cellar & Bistro, Mike Odette of Sycamore, and Daniel Pliska of University Club facing off to create amazing beef dishes in front of the crowd. (Photos by Wally Pfeffer, mizzouwally@compuserve.com)

DKB Signature Series
Designer Kitchens & Baths kicked off the 2008 Signature Series in its live kitchen on April 1. Guests enjoyed live cooking demonstrations and sampled great food from Simma Down. Glazer's was also on hand to pair different wines with Simma Down's creations, including its signature dish: Chicken and Broccoli Tortellini. (Photos by L.G. Patterson)

Model Citizen Fashion Show
The ballroom of the Holiday Inn Select Executive Center was transformed into the annual Model Citizen Fashion Show on March 8 to benefit children and families being treated at the University of Missouri's Thompson Center for Autism and Neurodevelopmental Disorders. MU alumna and "Entertainment Tonight" anchor Jann Carl, along with MU alumna and KMOU-TV anchor Megan Murphy, emceed the gathering of approximately 700 people who donated more than $100,000 to the Thompson Center. (Photos by Wally Pfeffer, mizzouwally@compuserve.com)

Sweet Susie Soiree
The Stephens College Columbia Alumnae Club held the 2nd Annual Sweet Susie Soiree Feb. 22. The night began as more than 100 guests dined in intimate settings in 12 "host homes" around Columbia, while PS:Gallery hosted a reception at the same time. The groups joined in the Kimball Ballroom at Lela Raney Wood Hall for dancing, dessert and cocktails. Nearly 300 people danced the night away with the great sounds of Galaxy, and bid on fabulous auction packages. Funds raised by the Sweet Susie Soiree support the Stephens College Boone County Scholarship Endowment, which will be awarded to local Boone County students. (Photos provided by Kim Ritten)

Horse In Fine Art 2008 Opening Reception
Horse and art lovers attended a reception at the Columbia Art League on April 5 to celebrate the opening of the Horse in Fine Art 2008, a show of 65 equine paintings and sculptures curated by Kentucky's American Academy of Equine Art. (Photos by Dola Haessig)