Vive la fiesta! Ole! And all that …
Community Partners in Caring (CPC) held its annual fundraiser dinner and auction on May 2 at the Santa Maria Country Club.
The evening (titled Fiesta) was much enhanced by the presence of Ernest Righetti High School’s marimba band and ballet folklorico performers. Wow. What a talented, energetic group. I spied three changes of costume. That’s ambitious in a short program.
“Everybody loved them,” said Ashley Payne, executive director of Community Partners. “We were lucky to be able to book them.”
It was not my imagination—Ashley confirmed that this annual affair attracted more attendees this year than last. “And we were up a couple of grand in the live auction intake.”
Well, that’s good news for the organization, which caters to the elderly by providing transportation to medical appointments, light housekeeping assistance, paperwork assistance, respite care, and various other services.
CPC’s founder, Margie Halsell was there, of course, with her fellow Halsells: husband Chuck, parents Phyllis and Joe, and daughter Phyllis Anderson with husband Craig.
Board member Eilene Okerblom, clutching a fistful of raffle tickets, sat with husband Dr. Bob, and Dr. Donald and Wrenette Hole.
Board member Hilda Zacharias (long time no see Hilda!) handed out long-stemmed roses to ladies as they entered the country club foyer. She also introduced me to her fiancé, Jim Gonzales, and proudly displayed her engagement ring. Well, isn’t that special? Congratulations, Hilda and Jim.
Elks Club Rodeo Queen candidate Taylor Glines was on hand to help during the live auction. Richard and Barbara Giachetto took complimentary professional photographs of those inclined to pose.
I was glad to see former Fire Chief Frank Ortiz and wife Scottie (she has been hobnobbing with Jenny Craig). Kim Davis (executive director of CASA) showed support for CPC by attending with husband Mike. It is always fun to socialize with PR lady Donna Polizzi and to see Sharyn Pratt and board member Jim Thompson.
Karen O’Neil snagged some Madonna Inn German chocolate cake from board member Kathleen Sullivan (who bought it at auction) and shared it with her mother-in-law, Sharon O’Neil, and Joyce Ellen Lippman (and others), who were at my table.
Ed Murray emceed. Jim Glines was auctioneer, and Jay Turner was in charge of the sound system: Such a powerhouse (and charming) triumvirate.
Tickets for this fun night were $100 and included a hosted bar.
A CALMing Effect
Another recent fundraiser with a super attendance was CALM’s second annual Ladies Get Loud for CALM on April 23, also at the Country Club.
CALM stands for Child Abuse and Listening Mediation and obviously is dedicated to preventing and dealing with child abuse.
For entertainment, county Supervisor Steve Lavagnino did a great impression of Johnny Carson’s Karnak the Great. Steve, you look good in purple. A Breakfast Rotary committee apparently wrote the Karnak jokes. Really, you’ve gotta love Breakfast Rotary’s sense of humor. The Karnak routine was well worth the price of the $40 admission.
Part of the fun of this hors d’oeuvres-and-wine occasion was the crew of celebrity waiters. Among our heroes were Abel Maldonado, Keith Carls, Kevin Walthers, Pat McDermott, and Rick Haydon.
Arguably, it is difficult stay “calm” in the midst of these all-star males. They do so add zest to the occasion.
If you want to hobnob with Helen, you may contact her at helenthom232@yahoo.com.
This article appears in May 14-21, 2015.