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It was a very pleasant, pseudo-summery evening with celebratory vibes in the air. This was Friday, April 29—and, no, it had nothing to do with the royal wedding.
Everyone was on Cloud Nine at Dana Adobe Nipomo Amigos’ fundraising event. The 113 guests bought tickets ($50 each) to a performance of Pride and Prejudice, preceded by a cocktail hour buffet, dessert table, and program on PCPA’s patio.
The reason for the collective euphoria was a $2.98 million grant the state of California recently awarded to Nipomo’s Dana Adobe. The announcement was made early last month.
This enormous amount of money will be used for a nature education center and a visitor’s center.
In its wildest dreams, did Dana Adobe see itself as a strong contender for such a huge prize? Bursting with pride, Executive Director Marina Washburn smiled sweetly and said, “This organization is the little engine that could.”
While sipping Chardonnay or Pinot Noir from Kenneth Volk vineyards, elated attendees reveled in their success.
Among them were Gina Bernero (one of the Dana Adobe Nipomo Amigos volunteers who helped plan this event) and new board member/archeologist Donna Gillette (attending with husband Garry).
Rabobank’s Dan Snowden and Angelica Gutierrez were among the group.
Board co-president Alan Daurio said this was Dana Adobe’s second collaborative event with PCPA. Pleased with the turnout, he said, “People think we have this catered, but the food is all from docents, board members, and friends.”
The very attractive buffet included great dips, small sandwiches, nuts, and cheeses, accompanied by a full court press dessert table, the sweetest spread in town.
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Daurio’s wife, Helen (also co-president) offered, “The Danas were known for their hospitality. The Dana Adobe was the only stopping place between San Luis Obispo and Santa Ynez. Everyone was welcome.” She said the board wanted to convey that spirit in all of the Adobe’s events.
PCPA makes fundraising easy. The group provided 11 tables covered in blue tablecloths with floral centerpieces and cloth napkins with Pride and Prejudice napkin rings, as well as wine glasses.
I bumped elbows with PCPA Foundation’s board president Nancy Johnson. “Haven’t you seen this play already?” I asked.
“Yes,” she replied with her signature twinkle in the eye, “but I want to support the Adobe. Anything for education.”
Longtime Adobe supporter Herb Kandel was at Nancy’s table. He was on the grant-writing team for the mega-bucks award.
Susan Gray, research chair for Dana Adobe, and Colleen Beck provided pre-show edification with readings from the Pride and Prejudice book and letters written by members of the Goodwin and Davis families in early 19th century New England.
Cook said they wanted to show the similarity between life in New England and old England. These similarities had mostly to do with the position of women in society. Their ability to own and sell property, their ability to exist economically outside of marriage, their desire (and often necessity) for seeking a husband with means—these were all issues on both sides of “the Pond” in that time period.
If your organization wants to sip wine or tea on PCPA’s patio during a fundraiser, call Suzanne Rose at 928-7731, Ext. 4107, and ask about the blue table special.
If you want to hobnob with Helen, you may contact her at helenthom232@yahoo.com.
This article appears in May 5-12, 2011.