The vivacious, slender blonde has been one busy lady for quite some time. But not to worry. Donna France had an army of volunteers eager to help her get it together for the 32nd annual Dinner Auction of the Santa Maria Valley Boys and Girls Club.
France must have breathed one huge sigh of relief when the festivities commenced on Saturday evening, May 5, at the Veterans Memorial Cultural Center on West Tunnell. Everything looked festive and wonderful, a perfect setting for the bonhomie conjured up by supporters of the Boys and Girls Club.
The ambience—an Italian vineyard—delighted the more than 200 guests who paid $125 for tickets.
Murals of scenes in Italy graced the walls of the cavernous main hall. Opalescent organza stretched across the ceiling captured the light so as to suggest the colors of a setting sun. What better time to stroll through the vineyard, sipping vino and nibbling on pancetta-wrapped scallops with pesto drizzle or ceviche in a phyllo cup?
And all for a very good cause.
Before dinner, guest mingled outside in the tiled courtyard (truly one of the delights of Santa Maria), perusing the silent auction tables and taking advantage of the full-service hosted bar.
You can always tell when the marketing-savvy Jan Zilli has had a hand in the silent auction preparation. There are a few killer auction items, as well as handsome displays that bring out the best in a Lucite necklace, a Betsy Jones original oil, or a gaggle of fine wines.
This year’s noteworthy silent auction item was a dog bed fashioned from the bottom half of a wine barrel. Too cute! It was accompanied by the top half of a wine barrel with indentations for water and food bowls. This is called feeding your pet in style.
Jane Martinez was a member of the decorating team responsible for the eye-catching pergola set up on stage.
“This is a banana box,” she said, pointing to the support for a large, cylindrical colonnade that had been a packing tube in its former life.
“And this,” she said, “is an apple box.” The cardboard had been disguised with heavy brown paper painted to look like stonework. A latticework roof topped this charming edifice.
Here’s an example of the finesse and flair experienced at the gala: a huge sign that said “Evening in the Vineyard” was in lights, just like Broadway, and flung over the rail of the balcony.
“Everyone,” said Martinez, “was so creative.”
And she was so right.
City councilman Mike Cordero and wife Linda (a board member) were on hand, as were board member Ryan Fothergill and his mother-in-law Marjorie Gjerdrum. Other board members among the crowd were Mara Lillard, Alex Simas (with wife Kathy, head of the Santa Barbara Foundation’s North County office), and Tom Martinez.
Dinner—prepared by Testa Catering—did not disappoint. Top sirloin, duchess potatoes, and grilled asparagus preceded a flourless chocolate cake with port wine drizzle, fresh berries, and whipped cream.
The “I am everywhere guy” Jay Turner emceed, while another “I am everywhere guy,” Robin Ventura, did the honors as auctioneer.
If you want to hobnob with Helen, you can contact her at helenthom232@yahoo.com.
This article appears in May 17-24, 2012.