Tin Cup Tea a sip of history

Only a rare individual gives up a career as a successful dentist on the off-chance that he may get to work for the governor - a man he'd only met once.

"I decided this is what I wanted to do, sold my dental practice, and that was it," said Mike Fischer, 58, a 32-year Gardnerville resident and director of the Department of Cultural Affairs for the state. "It's great when a plan comes together."

Fischer, who said he's always been a Nevada history buff, decided he wanted to work for Gov. Jim Gibbons after meeting him once on the campaign trail.

Through "perseverance and a little bit of luck," he applied for the appointment shortly after the 2006 election.

"I got the job and have been working my tail off ever since," he said.

For Fischer, the marquee event to showcase the state's history as well as present-day political main stage is the Tin Cup Tea. The event, slated to take place 5-10 p.m. Saturday at the Governor's Mansion, features entertainment, food and live and silent auctions.

Proceeds benefit the Nevada State Museum in Carson City as well as the W.M. Keck Earth Science and Mineral Engineering Museum at the Mackay School of Earth Sciences and Engineering at University of Nevada, Reno.

"I've had the unusual experience of going to the Tin Cup Tea as a private citizen, as a portion of the entertainment and now being a part of the organization that puts it on," Fischer said. "Every time I've been involved, I've found it is one of the best parties Carson City puts on."

This year stands to be no exception, Fischer said.

Renowned cowboy poet Waddie Mitchell will emcee the event. Upon entrance to the Governor's Mansion, guests will be greeted by the sounds of the Silver Strings featuring Royce and Sue Kitts.

As attendees enter the mansion's Nevada room, local crooner Richard Elloyan will sing cowboy tunes and, after a barbecue dinner and silent and live auctions, guests dance to the sounds of David John and the Comstock Cowboys and watch a little vaudeville from Virginia City's Guns and Gals.

The live auction will feature two golf with dinner dates with the governor at South Lake Tahoe's Edgewood.

"Above all, it's a chance to meet the governor, see his house and backyard - it's pretty incredible," Fischer said.

• Andrew Pridgen can be reached at apridgen@nevadaappeal.com

If you go

What: The Tin Cup Tea, a fundraiser for the Nevada State Museum in Carson City and the W.M. Keck Earth Science and Mineral Engineering Museum at the Mackay School of Earth Sciences and Engineering, University of Nevada, Reno

When: 5-10 p.m. Saturday

Where: Governor's Mansion, 606 N. Mountain St.

Cost: $50 per person.

Tickets: Call Holly Austin of the Nevada State Museum at 687-4810 ext. 222.