March 18 was an important date for the Orcutt Oasis Center. Everybody knows that the Oasis Center is a nonprofit membership organization that provides programs, services, classes, and socializing opportunities for seniors. On Friday, March 18, the Center held its seventh annual Spring Gala, a fundraising event, at the Radisson Hotel.
This was a particularly important gala, because the center is raising money for a new home to be located in the area of Clark Avenue and Foxenwood Drive in Orcutt.
We need to backtrack a bit to explain the location. Several years ago businessman Steve LeBard, eager to see Old Orcutt prosper and grow, generously donated more than 5 acres to the Oasis Center for a larger facility. Yes, they need more space!
The Oasis Center also serves as a community meeting place for groups like the Little League and the Boy Scouts.
The Spring Gala attracted more than 140 generous guests. Executive Director Doug Dougherty, Director of Development Kathy Hayes, and Chairman of the Capital Campaign Executive Committee Paul Klock were very pleased with the turnout.
The center’s delightful ukulele band played during cocktail hour.
Retired gossip columnist and TV personality (and Santa Ynez resident) Rona Barrett was the guest of honor at the VIP reception held at 5 p.m.
Dr. Dennis Shepard, Dr. Stanley Galas, Darrell Freeman, Marylinn Green, Linda Smith, and Tilden and Sue McGill were on board to hear her remarks about serving seniors.
After welcome remarks by Rick Velasco (chair of the board of directors), guests enjoyed a dinner of filet mignon, chicken piccata, or ravioli with salad and chocolate mousse dessert.
The event attracted the likes of Stu and Jan Bartleson, Hardy and Judy Hearn, and Bert and Blanche Fugate, as well as Dottie Lyons, Gene Martinez and Deborah Whitford-Martinez.
I was glad to see Francine Woods and John and the always-fun Prudence Noon, as well as Sue Sword.
Attendees bid with gusto on live auction items. Someone kicked off the action by paying $2,700 for the first auction item, a decadent dessert, Liz Addamo’s “Damn Fine Pie.” I believe I’m correct in reporting that a coconut cake went (to another bidder) for $1,400. Immediately thereafter, another bidder paid $1,000 for two small cakes.
And so it went. Who ever thought that a sweet tooth could be so expensive?
Dave and Jody Kennison, who were at my table, are on the Oasis Center’s Saturday breakfast crew. One Saturday a month, the Oasis Center serves an amazing all-you-can-eat-breakfast for $5: scrambled eggs, pancakes of course, sausage, juice, and coffee. Can’t beat that.
Jody told me that they used to serve 50 to 60 meals, but the word got out and now more than 100 people turn out for a morning of socializing and good food.
Instead of a silent auction, the center went with raffle baskets, a type of auction in which you buy tickets and then drop them in front of the basket that tugs at your heartstrings.
The center’s executive director, Dougherty, is enthusiastic about serving the aging population and appreciative of community backing. “We are blessed,” he said, “with the people who support us.”
For more information on the center’s activities and opportunities for giving, call 937-9750.
If you want to hobnob with Helen, you may contact her at helenthom232@yahoo.com.
This article appears in Mar 31 – Apr 7, 2016.