Ah shucks, folks—it was just an old-fashioned, money-raising shindig, albeit attended by 800-plus people and raising really big bucks for COLAB, the Coalition for Labor, Agriculture, and Business.
Underneath those cowboy hats and dress-up denims were some of the most influential people in the county.
It was COLAB’s 21st anniversary dinner, held Saturday night, April 28, at the Chumash Casino’s huge Samala Showroom. And it was hog heaven for hobnobbers.
COLAB’s executive director, Andy Caldwell, orchestrated an event that kind of makes you want to go next year: great food, great entertainment (comedians), and after-dinner dancing, along with some exciting live auction items.
The first-rate prime rib and chicken buffet dinner was catered by Martin Testa. Mashed potatoes and gravy, two wonderful salads, and a choice of three cheesecakes rounded out the menu. There were hosted bars—never wanting for business—and Rancho Sisquoc wine at the tables.
Santa Maria’s inimitable funny guy, Ed Murray, had no trouble getting laughs as he announced the live auction items being bid on.
Among the crowd were congressional candidates Abel Maldonado and Chris Mitchum; state Senator Sam Blakelee; county supervisors Salud Carbajal, Joni Gray, and Steve Lavagnino; Sheriff Bill Brown; Santa Maria City Council member Alice Patino; and former county supe Mike Stoker; as well as county supervisor candidate Peter Adam.
Judge Royce Lewellen’s other half (from Lucas and Lewellen Vineyards), Louie Lucas, was there with wife Jill. The Santa Maria Inn’s general manager John Reinacher and Dawn were among the many breakfast club Rotarians scattered throughout the room.
Hardy Diagnostics president Jay Hardy stopped by my table to say hello to Derek Tinsley, a chemist at Hardy labs.
Breakfast Rotary Club Luau
Another event that attracts hundreds is the Breakfast Rotary Club’s annual Barn Party Luau, held at the Fairpark’s huge auction barn at the corner of Stowell and Depot in Santa Maria.
This year, the luau took place on Saturday, April 21.
Mike Larrabee, chairman of the Roast-the-Pig-in-the-Ground Committee, loves his job at this party, which involves burying the pig, roasting it, and baby-sitting it until show time.
Billed as “the funnest party in town,” the luau attracts big crowds.
Past president Kirk Spry told me that up until almost the party date, Rotary had sold about 200 tickets. The last week before the event, ticket sales swelled to 400. No one wants to miss this!
Jim Bray, Tony Gonzalez, and George Majoue were among the Rotarians serving meals and tending bar. Balancing a tray of food to be delivered to a table, Dale Johnson whisked by me and said, “I haven’t worked this hard since college.”
Judge Tim Staffel was there, as was Judge Art Garcia and wife Carmen Vadillo.
The hosted bar was a busy place. The luau barbecue team grilled tri-tip and sausage that served as appetizers before the sit-down dinner. Dinner included pork (of course), chicken, a salmon salad, rice and salad, and cake.
Chuck and Margie Halsell were at a table with family members. Humane Society board members were host to a table that included Wanda McDonald and Jim Hopkins; Geri Murphy; past president Bo Cudd and Dennis Prescott; and present president Clare Fox.
Jay Turner deejayed for dancing after dinner.
If you want to hobnob with Helen, you may contact her at helenthom232@yahoo.com.
This article appears in May 3-10, 2012.
