People are still talking about Martin Testa’s wonderful food served at St. Joseph High School’s 27th annual BASH fundraiser, “A Knight in Central Park,” held Saturday evening, March 10.
I am still thinking about the ooh-la-la, NYC-theme decorations in the girls’ locker room of the school’s gym, where this splendiferous party is held each year. The most amazing Julie Carr created charming faux storefronts of Cartier’s, Juicy Couture, and Henri Bendel’s.
This annual wing-ding is the creation of the rotating staffs of “BASH Girls.” This year’s crop includes co-directors Laurie Gonzalez and Elizabeth Vega, as well as Laura Badenall, Eleanor Byars, Jennifer Strickland, and Stacy Verbryke.
About 200 of St. Joe’s staunch supporters relished the dinner catered by the Testas: filet on a bed of mashed potatoes and a memorable shrimp cocktail—three colossal crustaceans on a mound of something delectable, laced with chunks of lump crabmeat. Dessert was a perfectly executed classic crème brulee.
At the VIP table (there is one such table, which is auctioned off before dinner), there were also a magnum of Moet, handmade chocolates, and an elegant dessert wine. These treats are reserved for the winners of the VIP-table auction (Dr. Norman and Mary Louise Hoffman) and their fortunate guests.
Notable at this event was the absence of long gowns usually worn by the BASH girls. “Wha’ hoppen,” ladies? I missed seeing all of you sashay around like ladies-in-waiting at Buckingham Palace!
Sister Regine, who sat at the VIP table, lucked out. The person who won the live auction bid on a vintage bottle of Scotch ($750?) gave it to Sister Regine as her personal gift to take home.
It must be said! The well-stocked, well-run, hosted bar that pours the “good stuff” (and lots of it) is a big factor in the evening’s success. This amenity puts a lot of people in the right mood for bidding.
Among the crowd I spotted Chef Rick and Cathy Manson, Judge Jim and Ann Rigali, former Bash Girl Karen Engel, Jim and Kelly O’Neill, and Courtney Arensdorf.
Silent auctions? Of course! Dancing after dinner? Yes, yes, yes.
Women’s Fund Membership Drive
Judy Markline has been a busy lady. She is membership chairperson for the Women’s Fund of Northern Santa Barbara County. This is an all-female philanthropic group organized sort of like Tupperware parties, where small groups of your friends meet in your home to buy household products—but instead of buying stuff, the circa 200 or so ladies in the Women’s Fund circles meet in each other’s homes to talk about local philanthropy on a very personal level and to decide to whom they want to give their philanthropy dollars.
Susan Moats (Santa Maria, March 21) and Ann Foxworthy Lewellen (Santa Ynez Valley, March 26) were host to new member receptions at their respective homes. The intrepid Markline organized these events in hopes of increasing membership. Which she did.
Lovely wines (Lucas & Lewellen vino in Santa Ynez!) and interesting appetizers kept the 15 to 20 ladies who showed up at each party nourished. The afternoons spilled over with bonhomie (good-natured friendliness).
If you don’t want to miss out on the fun (and the upcoming June annual awards reception), call Markline at 937-5415.
If you want to hobnob with Helen, you may contact her at helenthom232@yahoo.com.
This article appears in Apr 5-12, 2012.