Wow! Four hundred people—give or take 10 or 20—were at the Santa Maria Valley Humane Society’s Casino Night on Saturday, April 9, at the Elks Lodge.
That’s a very respectably sized crowd.
This event, with a Western theme, had a lot of oomph and a lot of action. It replaced the Humane Society’s longtime traditional fashion show (featuring shelter dogs).
Casino Night began at 4:30 p.m., which was really a smart move on the part of the Humane Society. Early, it turns out, is good on a Saturday. I arrived at 4:45 p.m., and already there was a sizeable line at the General Store, where you picked up your complimentary funny money.
Board member Tami McKnight said to me, “Can you believe it? Look at how many are already here.”
It was a rainy day, and what better thing is there to do on such a day than to play blackjack with funny money at the Elks Lodge, particularly when the dealer is someone like Laurie Tamura (who looked like she was loving the gig), Dale Johnson, or Dr. James Peterson.
Dinner, served at 6 p.m., was chicken with baked potato (or vegetarian lasagna), broccoli, beans, garlic bread, an ice cream cup, and delightful cream puffs.
Jim Glines did the auctioneering honors with his usual flair and finesse. Jim Enos and Liz Douglas played piano and guitar, respectively.
Dessert auctions have become a standard part of nonprofit events around town. The deal is this: Super special desserts are auctioned off and the winning bidder gets to share the bounty with the people at his or her table.
Someone at Caroline Woods’ table bought Jackie Brunello’s tiramisu. Caroline complimented Jackie on the Italian specialty.
Overhearing the conversation and having no shame whatsoever, I asked Caroline for a sample of what was left of the cake. She was right on—what a great dessert, Jackie!
Jody Venema is the Frank Gehry (distinguished architect) of the birdhouse world. He has crafted some awesome homes for our fine-feathered friends, but he outdid himself with this year’s contribution to the silent auction—a large trio of houses on one supporting pole. It looked like it belonged in a gated community (for birds, of course). Really, really nice, Jody. This item went for around $300.
Dan and Peggy Blough, Bruno and Gino Brunello, Tahir Masood, Geri Good Murphy, and Pam Goble were in the crowd, as were Barbara Wilson and Sandra Woo (from Sound on Sound), Laurie Elliott, and Liz Addamo (who always has to field questions about whether or not she is going to open a new restaurant).
Decorations included a set of large and cute pictures of cats and dogs in Western attire painted by Ethel “Tink” Landers. That was a lot of work, Tink!
Humane Society volunteers were in charge of several dogs that were on display for potential adopters. There were a couple of adorable small dogs, just looking for the right lap to cuddle in.
Members of the all-star event planning committee were Bunny Maxim, Wanda McDonald, Vonnie Stewart, Doug Rich, Claire Sheehy, Mary Oliver, Luanne Sandvik, Ruthi Wasylewski, and Michelle Mehlschau.
This event was such a success and so embraced by the attendees that we suspect there is another Humane Society Casino Night in Santa Maria’s future.
If you want to hobnob with Helen, you may contact her at helenthom232@yahoo.com.
This article appears in Apr 14-21, 2016.