* The event: the Jefferson Foundation's Crystal Ball, held Oct. 25 at the Grand Hyatt

* Benefit: About 550 people raised more than $160,000 for the Jefferson Foundation, which supports Jeffco Public Schools in preparing all students for a successful future.

* The fun: electronic silent and live auctions, gourmet dining and dancing to Look Both Ways

* Awards: 2008 Crystal Globe for Distinguished Service: Colorado School of Mines. 2008 Community Service Award: Gold Crown Foundation. 2008 Distinguished Jeffco Alumni Award: Dr. Joe Romig, Lakewood High School, class of '58

* Seen: Lola and Rob Salazar, Ed Perlmutter, Luanne and Chuck Hazelrigg, Betty Boyd, Norma Anderson, Andy Kerr, Dr. John Defilippo, Ray and Fran Baker, Kent and Jane Oehm, Nancy and Bob Hoffmaster

* Auctioned off: 9News anchor-reporter Kim Christiansen, an Arvada West graduate and the master of ceremonies, led the action. Live auction featured tickets to The Ellen Degeneres Show, prime press-box tickets to next year's CU/CSU football rivalry and a diamond pendant donated by jeweler John Purvis.

* And the big winner was: Jennifer Carlson, a teacher at Carmody Middle School, won the raffle: a 128i titanium silver BMW donated by Lisa Schomp.