Downton Abbey, one of the most popular television series ever, was the inspiration for the delightful and elegant Downton Affair Mayors’ Ball held on Saturday, Oct. 11, at the Santa Maria Country Club.
More than 200 people attended the United Way’s annual gala that raises money for literacy programs and honors the mayors of Buellton, Guadalupe, Lompoc, Santa Maria, and Solvang.
Guests were encouraged to dress for the theme, and they did. Oh, so many beautiful gowned and glamorous ladies and well-turned-out gents! Opera-length gloves, long pearls, feathered hairpieces, top hats, and eye-popping hairdos were everywhere.
The fashionably dependable Judy Hearn raided her extensive wardrobe and, in her 1920s-style bubble cape with feathers, won the prize for best dressed female for the theme.
Rick Beach, director of West Coast Operations for United Launch Alliance, in white tie and tails, took the prize for best dressed male. Truth be told, he looked oh-so-elegant and soooo World War I-era upper crust.
Marc Brogoitti appealed to our sense of history with his almost-hundred-year-old, perfectly preserved morning coat (essentially a long coat without tails) that was handed down from his great-grandfather, who wore it to the inauguration of Calvin Coolidge.
This United Way party was a feast for the eyes.
Regal in appearance, looking very much like a Downton duchess, Blanche Fugate held court in her stunning blue-green silk taffeta dress with a mini-train.
Jay Connor wore (a la the 1920s) golf knickers with argyle sweater and argyle long socks. Robin Hayhurst sported a vintage-looking chapeau, while her husband Bruno Bornino wore a top hat.
Former UW board president Sandra Dickerson chaired the event committee that departed from the usual. There was neither a silent nor live auction, but there was a plea for pledges to support United Way’s literacy programs. Pledge cards were provided to accommodate the guests.
The decorations were based on the premise that less is more. Lovely floral arrangements graced the foyer as they certainly would the hall of an English country estate.
The dining room presented a wallop of a visual impact. How baronial is this? Rectangular tables for eight or 10 with crisp white tablecloths, white chair covers, candles, and floral centerpieces that had the hint of an English garden. The visual impact was stunning and very much resembled dining arrangements for the relevant time period.
Details: Tickets were $125 with no-host cocktails. Ed Carcarey of Emerald Wave Media emceed. Eddie Taylor is executive director (aka CEO) of United Way. Complimentary Champagne spiked with Grand Marnier was served from a punch bowl in the bar.
Jim Enos played during cocktail hour. Roxanne Ventriglia sang. When Steppin’ Out played for dancing, the dance floor filled up immediately.
While Bonnie Royster checked people in for photographs, Heidi Gruetzemacher clicked away.
The Chumash Tribe’s chief counsel Sam Cohen and his wife Trini were among the guests, as were Mayor Alice and John Patino. Karen Cordary, Donna Polizzi, and Ron and Mary Nanning were among the guests.
Victor and Susan Tognazzini enjoyed the festivities, as did Mike and Jan Kirkwood and Peter and Jeannie Sterling.
After dinner, guests could retire to the bar area for poker. To the best of my knowledge, contrary to the rituals at Downton, cigars and port for the gentlemen were not available.
If you want to hobnob with Helen, you may contact her at [email protected].
