The flapper-filled fete was most assuredly a high-octane occasion.
On a recent Saturday evening, as party-goers drove through the country club gates, they could see two vintage, classic vehicles that set the tone for a classy event: “The Great Catsby and the Barking ’20s.”
The pristine Pierce Arrow and Packard, both from the 1920s, belong to Dr. Thor Gjerdrum, who lent them to the Santa Maria Valley Humane Society for its annual fundraising “four-legged affair.”
The Humane Society went all out this year and produced a flawless, fun-filled, totally non-boring benefit. There was so much going on that the evening passed in a whirl.
From the moment guests entered the country club foyer, they were enveloped with energy and excitement. Pianist Jimmy Enos and singer/guitarist Liz Douglas entertained at the door with ’20s tunes like the peppy “Varsity Drag.”
The silent auction tables along the walls, awash with temptation, were stylishly embellished with stunning art deco-ish flower arrangements by Camfeldt Flowers’ Joe Guggia.
The big surprise of the night was that the men made such a huge fashion statement. They were really into the spirit of the ’20s. Many turned out in white fedoras, black fedoras, white suspenders, two-toned shoes, zoot suits, pinstripe suits (apparently a favorite of gangsters), straw boaters, white dinner jackets (very Gatsby-ish), white tails, black tails and tuxes, and another gangster fave: black shirts and white ties. Guys, you looked great!
On the female side, there were lots of feather boas, ropes of pearls, and opera-length gloves. Also, there were some impressive wigs. I asked one “redhead” if the mass of curls she sported was her own, and coyly she replied, “Well, sometimes, I keep it in a box.”
Dancing diva and vintage clothing collector Judy Hearn was a symphony in feathers—a black ostrich feather hat and a white marabou coat.
Among the crowd were Jim and Kelly White O’Neill, board member Judge Art and Carmen Garcia, board members Jim McGlothlin and Pam Goble, and Bill Thompson.
Richard and Vonnie Stewart (she’s a board member) added to the live auction excitement with their donated excursion in a World War II replica jeep, along with camouflage T-shirts and dog-tags.
[image-3] Someone born in 1920 was on hand for this gala. Lola Dority, who celebrates her 90th birthday this month, enjoyed the crowd serenading her with “Happy Birthday.” Library regulars will recognize Lola from her volunteer work—she used to monitor computer use on the second floor of the old library.
Guests, who paid $100 a ticket, had their choice of filet mignon, salmon en croute, or a vegetarian dish. Dessert was a mini-chocolate bundt cake.
Mike and Debi Lemos, Dale and Debi Johnson, John and Cindy Ross, and Peggy and Larry Greer were on hand to support the Humane Society.
The entertainment was stellar and nonstop. Before dinner, Bob Nations (there with wife Shere) sang. After dinner, Bob and Dawn Steuwer performed a couple of exhibition dances and then led a group of us in that ’20s classic, “The Charleston.”
Especially enjoyable was the after-dinner performance of songbird Bo Cudd and her group, Beaujolais (they perform on Sundays at Trattoria Uliveto). A saxophone and drums backed up Beaujolais for after dinner dancing.
If you want to hobnob with Helen, you can contact her at helenthom232@yahoo.com.
This article appears in May 5-12, 2010.