The minute I walked in the door of the Radisson Hotel, I knew I was in for a fun evening.
Dressed in Camelot-era costume, “Dame” Marianne Greenelsch (president of Coastal Voices) and “Lady” Margaret Nelson (Coastal Voices artistic director) were greeting guests.
While singing a lilting tune, the fair maidens took turns guiding guests to the registration desk. Talk about setting the stage for a pleasant experience!
The event was Community Partners in Caring’s (CPC) annual dinner/auction fundraiser held June 11.
In a fetching Lady Guinevere costume, event chairperson Dr. Lynda Gantt enjoyed seeing the fruits of her committee’s labors. “CPC has been working on this since January,” said board member Karen O’Neil, dressed as a medieval wench.
This was a well-planned, well-executed dinner/fundraiser. The $100 ticket included a nice-size photograph taken by a professional photographer, as well as a hosted bar and choice of filet, salmon, or ravioli. There was Fess Parker red and white wine on every table. Dessert was chocolate-covered cakes, molded as castles. Ever so adorable.
The entertainment was delightful. George Majoue, in costume, sang “C’est Moi,” from the Broadway musical Camelot. Dr. Lynda Gantt, joined by Margaret Nelson and Marianne Greenelsch, also sang.
Board president Jim Small (King Arthur) was clearly pleased with the turnout and the results.
At my table were two young women involved in local politics: Ashley Costa, youngest member of the Lompoc City Council, and Stephanie Langsdorf, district representative for the 3rd District county supervisor, Doreen Farr.
George and Danielle Wiswall, from Vandenberg Village, were also at my table, along with CPC volunteer Julia Zomer.
Dr. Michael and Georgia Shrager were among the happy bidders and auction winners.
It was a great tribute to the late Bill Shinn (potter and teacher) that a huge footed bowl he produced went for $800.
Joe Halsell reported that the Rotary Barn Party’s Bar Crew was soooo popular that they have been hired to be rowdy and serve drinks at other events, including weddings. Pat McDermott is the agent/manager for booking the bar crew, if you have need of a fun bunch of guys.
Santa Maria City Council members Alice Patino, Mike Cordero, and Jack Boysen were among the guests.
The Santa Maria Valley Humane Society had its usual strong representation in support of a fellow nonprofit. Executive Director Jill Tucker, board member Claire Sheehy, Geri Murphy and husband Pat, and outgoing board president Bo Cudd were in the crowd.
United Way’s Eddie Taylor and PCPA board president Nancy Johnson also came for the fun. The Philharmonic Society was represented by Judge Jed Beebe and Diane Borad-Merkin.
Thanks, Karen and John Ransome, for sharing the luscious Madonna Inn cake you won in the live auction bidding.
This event had some fun and different auction items. Dr. Ron and Sylvia Ng donated a lovely Villeroy and Boch bone china serving plate for the silent auction. The Ng’s Nipomo home will be the site of an afternoon champagne garden party for the lucky winner of a live auction item.
Lunch with the mayor (and six guests) at Trattoria Uliveto was also auctioned off.
Congratulations, Community Partners in Caring, for putting on a lovely and memorable event.
If you want to hobnob with Helen, you may contact her at helenthom232@yahoo.com.
This article appears in Jun 16-23, 2011.