Two organizations that provide support for cancer patients—in one way or another—enjoyed astounding success at their annual fundraisers.
I was dazzled by the sea of faces at the Teal Journey’s fourth annual fashion show and luncheon on Saturday afternoon, April 6, at the Radisson. My, how the Teal Journey has grown. About 250 people were there—perhaps twice the number at the first such event held at the Santa Maria Inn, and about 50 more than last year.
While pink is the color we associate with breast cancer, teal is the color for ovarian cancer, the focus of the Teal Journey, which raises money for the Mission Hope Cancer Center.
Part of the fun of this event is, of course, seeing our friends sashay down the runway in a variety of outfits. We loved Judy Hearn, first on the catwalk, in her jeans, cowboy shirt, and cowboy hat. She got a cascade of catcalls and approving hoots and hollers.
As her friend (and fellow model) Blanche Fugate said, “Judy is a great opener.”
Model and oncology nurse Michelle Lamarche let it all hang out in an impromptu dance. Girl, you still got it. Big time. We would like to see more of you in this mode next year.
Model Diane Beebe is not shy about being dramatic.
Former Sun General Manager Georgia Shore and her daughter, Leigh Shore Collier, were in the fashion parade as were Bo Prescott, Mary Hernandez, and Jill Yakowenko.
Part of the fun of the event is also showing up wearing something teal. There were teal dresses, teal scarves, and a teal shirt (worn by Jill Yakowenko’s husband).
The event attracted Jan Bartleson, Diane Balay, Kitty Balay, Sandra Dickerson, Cindy Hoskins, and Terri Zuniga. Among the gents were Dennis Prescott, Joe Alligretta, and Ed Hernandez.
Afterward, Scheryn Pratt remarked to me, “This was such a wonderful event. It was so personal.” She was referring to the onstage recognition of ovarian cancer survivors and the palpable feeling of communal bonding in the room.
Lunch was a grilled chicken breast over a bed of greens and flourless chocolate cake. There is nothing like complimentary sparkling wine (if it’s from the official region in France, it’s Champagne) to enhance enjoyment of the proceedings. We could toast each other (and we did) with wild abandon.
So, no wine in hand, I offer a mock toast: “Here’s to you, Cristina Martins Sinco, Gary McKinsey, and Jay Connor for founding this dynamite organization and raising thousands for the Mission Hope Cancer Center.”
Trilogy triumph
For the past 18 years, Hats for Hope has been helping cancer patients on the Central Coast—first by providing gift certificates for wigs and hats, and then by also giving $2,500 grants to patients with financial need.
Saturday evening, March 30, Hats for Hope held its annual benefit and auction at Trilogy in Nipomo. This was a new venue and a new time for the organization. In recent years, it has held the annual event as a brunch at the San Luis Obispo Country Club.
Jeannie Miranda, who played an important part in the beginning of this nonprofit, was on hand with jovial Jeff Johnson. Her son, Erik Smith, emceed. I had been to some of the memorable early fundraisers held at Rancho Miranda.
The sold-out crowd in the ballroom included supporters from San Luis Obispo and Arroyo Grande. Familiar faces from Santa Maria included Patrick and Jeri Ferrini and daughters Julie Epps and Joanie Sumner, Brooks Wise, Katherine Fischer, John and Karen Will (she is on the board), and Eileen Will.
I shared a table with a woman who had experienced especially bad cancer with multiple complications. Tears came to her eyes as she recounted how much the grant had meant to her at the height of her illness. Also at the table was Santa Maria’s Vicki Ward, who owns the wig shop on Broadway, across from the library. She has been fitting cancer patients for wigs for quite some time.
Trilogy is an upscale, lovely venue. It was a pleasure to enjoy the ambiance. Hats for Hope President Diane Martino was gratified by the response of the guests to the live and silent auctions. A progressive dinner in Orcutt’s Elk Horn Estates went for $7,000. Two tickets to a Lakers game in Los Angeles went for $600.
The buffet dinner included pork, chicken, wonderful mashed potatoes, salad, and grilled vegetables. The bar provided complimentary wine.
Like the Teal Journey experience, this, too, had emotional overtones.
If you want to hobnob with Helen, you may contact her at column151@gmail.com.
This article appears in Apr 25 – May 2, 2019.