Luscious, local strawberries were the theme of Santa Maria Rotary Club South’s Seventh Annual Strawberry Ball on the night of June 14. The berries were everywhere—in the salads and centerpieces, on the desserts, and in baskets on the auction table.
This party was as sweet and yummy as the fruit. More than 200 Rotary supporters gathered at the Radisson to raise money for activities, such as providing recordings for the dyslexic and the blind.
Among the Rotarians who dressed in strawberry red for the occasion were Ann Green, Sun General Manager Georgia Shore, and Pat Haley.
Guests enjoyed filet mignon and salmon with rice, mixed vegetables, and wine during dinner. The $85 ticket also included two drinks.
At my table, Jim and Denise Valente, Kay and Greg Cain, Cindy Ransick (executive director of the Santa Maria Valley Discovery Museum), and Christine Gerber (outreach director at the Discovery Museum) were engaged in lively conservation.
Kay, owner of the Apple Tree store in the Santa Maria Town Center, had donated an elegant, floor-length black evening gown, glittering with rhinestones, for a live auction item: “Romantic Evening for Two in Valentino’s Haunted Hotel Room” (at the historic Santa Maria Inn!).
Christine, who’s active on Altrusa’s literacy committee, let me know that, over the summer, that organization will be giving away 1,000 children’s books at the Town Center.
Jim Coleman and Fairpark head honcho Dennis Pearson greeted each other and crossed their canes in mock combat. The walking sticks are for use only until the effects of recent surgery wear off of these two stalwart fellows. Denis, of course, is gearing up for the Fairpark’s Strawberry Festival.
Tricia McCall was on the floor as a bid spotter for her boss, auctioneer Jim Glines, of Community Bank of Santa Maria. She also wore red, so it was easy to spot her!
Jim let us know that attorney David Bixby (who gave the invocation) has a son who just returned from his second tour of duty in Afghanistan. The Three Caballeros (Jed Beebe, Kurt Genge, and Craig Scott), invited back from last year by popular demand, provided entertainment. These guys are good, as well as a lot of fun.
Up, up, and away seemed to be the theme of the live auction. One of the more exotic auction items was a helicopter ride for two. Flying a fighter jet (with a proper instructor, of course) was an unforgettable “experience of a lifetime” item on the auction roster.
Dr. Michael and Susan Moats are determined to do their share for the Santa Maria Beautiful program. They donated an evening of botoxing for six, with wine and cheese.
Realtor Donna Dart and Ted Eckert were two familiar faces in the crowd. I also spotted Ashley Payne of Community Partners in Caring, Kirk Spry of VTC, and Kelli White O’Neill of the Humane Society. Kelli commented, “It’s going to be wild and exciting,” when telling me about the Humane Society’s fashion show of “stars” (local celebs) under the stars, scheduled for the night of June 21 at the Addamo Estate.
Susan Rees was one of the first to flock to the dance floor. Quite a few ladies didn’t have to go the gym the next day; they got their exercise jumping and jiving to the music of the Tri-Tones.
If you want to hobnob with Helen, you may contact her at helenthom232@yahoo.com.
This article appears in Jun 19-26, 2008.