It was the night of “The Big Musical!”
Big musical sounds certainly came from the Maestro Brass, a group of five retired teachers, under the direction of Gary Thompson.
They entertained at Community Partners in Caring’s (CPC) 10th annual Clergy Waiters night at the Radisson Hotel on Saturday evening, June 26.
More big sounds came from singer Diane Borad-Mirkin, who belted out two numbers. Would that there had been more, Diane!
After dinner (salmon, filet mignon, or pasta), there were even more big sounds from auctioneer Jim Glines, who drew in big money for items like a Hawaiian vacation, two nights in Newport Beach, two nights in Solvang, and two nights in Cambria.
Up for auction was also a gorgeous sterling silver ring set with a deep purple stone from the workbench of jeweler Jerry Stinn.
Margie Halsell, who was instrumental in founding CPC, enjoyed the company of her husband Chuck, parents, children, and grandchildren at a Halsell table.
CPC, which serves older clients, has come a long way since its founding in one office on East Main Street. There are now offices in Lompoc and Buellton, and a San Luis Obispo site is in the offing.
At my table were Barbara Barker (from the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program) as well as Brenda Payne and emcee Doug Nelson.
After telling the crowd his congregation includes both CPC clients and volunteers, the very sociable pastor Carl Nielsen of Bethel Lutheran Church, a clergy waiter, popped over to pour coffee for us, with great élan, I might add.
CPC would love to hear from potential new volunteers. Call 925-8000 and find out how you can help.
Women’s Fund Reception
In a celebration of caring and giving, 85 members and supporters of the Women’s Fund of Northern Santa Barbara County came together for the fund’s annual presentation of grants.
This occurred on Wednesday afternoon, June 30, at the Santa Maria Inn. Representatives from six local nonprofits expressed sometimes-emotional gratitude for windfalls ranging from $10,000 to $40,000.
“Small things can make a big difference in people’s lives,” said Fran Forman, executive director of the Community Action Commission. “It can be the lack of simple things that sends people over the edge, into terrible sadness or destructive behavior.”
She accepted a $20,000 grant for her agency’s Front Porch program, which helps families at risk for child abuse and child neglect.
Angels Foster Care received $40,000 for its program, which deals with homeless foster infants and toddlers. Community Health Centers took home $30,000 for 300 free dental appointments for low-income children.
Meals on Wheels from Santa Ynez Valley, Lompoc, and Santa Maria were awarded $10,000 each.
Local businesswomen Judy Hearn, Blanche Hollingsead, and Lawnae Hunter underwrote the afternoon fete and the handsome spread of tea sandwiches, chicken satay, fruit, cheese and crackers, and dessert.
Santa Barbara Foundation staffers, including CEO Ron Gallo, drove north for the event.
The Women’s Fund started out with United Way as its fiscal agent (i.e., a “parent” organization with nonprofit status), but switched to the SB Foundation, because a community foundation is the more logical partner.
“The Santa Barbara Foundation has been very generous,” stated the fund’s co-chair, Judy Markline. “They work with us in every way that they can, providing administrative support and covering administrative costs.”
If you want to hobnob with Helen, you may contact her at helenthom232@yahoo.com.
This article appears in Jul 15-22, 2010.