A few weeks ago, I attended a gala fundraising dinner for a local chapter of a well-known, well-funded, national non-profit health care foundation.

We were invited guests of one of the event’s major corporate table sponsors.  Although I knew nothing of the organization previously, I was ready to learn more, anticipating some fun, silent-auction bidding — all while  visiting with old friends and eating delicious “master-chef-prepared dishes,” the event’s theme.

Little did I know I would have practically no time to visit with my friends, peruse the silent auction items, or discuss the food that was billed as the focus of the evening. [Read more…]