Tango into the Night was the theme of the ninth annual Mayors’ Ball, United Way’s big annual wingding.
Held at the Santa Maria Country Club on Saturday, Oct. 10, the ball celebrated the mayors of Buellton, Grover Beach, Guadalupe, Lompoc, Santa Maria, and Solvang and attracted more than 175 guests.
Board member Sandra Dickerson chaired this event for the fourth and—sigh—last time. She has seen it sparkle and thrive. Sandra, the mayors will miss you!
The evening was marked by a ton of energy and positive vibes that resonated in the dining room and bar area. The ambience was buoyant and conducive to having a very good time.
There was, of course, lots of buzz at the bar before dinner. Everyone congregated for complimentary sparkling wine served with strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries, or something stronger from the no-host bar.
Tango into the Night was a dress-up affair. We all know how much Santa Marians like to put on their glitzy long dresses and black ties. The place was awash with stylish folks, some of them gussied up in the Argentine tango theme.
Retired educator Jack Garvin, oh-so-dapper in an English bowler hat, vest, and two-tone shoes, won the men’s prize for the best theme costume, while Miss Gabriele Patino, granddaughter of Santa Maria Mayor Alice Patino, took home the prize for the best ladies theme costume.
Tickets were $200 for a couple and $125 for individuals. The message was clear: Bring someone and save!
Within seconds of when the popular band Steppin’ Out began to play after dinner and the program, the dance floor filled to capacity—and stayed that way.
Floral designers Joe and Dawn Guggia basked in the glow of countless compliments for the dramatic, sophisticated, and modernistic centerpieces and decorations placed hither, thither, and yon. The Guggias outdid themselves this year.
There were no silent or live auctions. Money was raised for United Way’s literacy program via on-the-spot donations and pledges. The goal of the literacy program is to ensure that kids going into high school have more than a fourth grade reading level.
Among the crowd were Sheriff Bill and Donna Brown, Gina and the inimitable Bob Poole, and Glenn and Shana Morris.
At Sandra and Robert Dickerson’s table we spied Gillian Cole-Andrews, Jed and Diane Beebe, and Richard and Lynn Fernbaugh.
At my table were: 1st District Supervisor Salud Carbajal (who is running for Congress), Dan Silva and Lana Fleming, Priscilla Lee, Cary Gray, and Solvang Mayor Pro-Tem Neill Zimmerman with his wife, Nicole.
Nearby were Joe and Daisy Lazer along with board members Austin Petty and Marisol Cruz.
County Supervisor Steve Lavagnino was the relaxed and super funny emcee, who conducted the Heads and Tails Contest and the best theme costume contest, as well as the donation pledge part of the program. Steve’s wit moved things right along amid howls of nonpartisan laughter.
Santa Maria’s mayor’s two sons and their wives and children came to town for Grandma’s big night. What fun to be young and watch your grandmother be feted for being an elected official.
A post-party email from United Way’s head honcho Eddie Taylor proclaimed the following: “I love this event and already have ideas for next year’s 10th anniversary!”
We can’t wait, Eddie, to see what you have in store for us.
If you want to hobnob with Helen, you may contact her at helenthom232@yahoo.com.
This article appears in Oct 15-22, 2015.