Such a swanky soiree!
The United Way Mayors’ Ball brought out all the swells on Saturday evening, Oct.1, at the Santa Maria Country Club.
About 200 well-dressed folks showed up to honor North County’s mayors at UW’s annual fundraiser. Tickets were $125.
Event chairperson Bo Cudd waved her magic wand and with the help of her crew transformed the venue into a nightclub.
The glamorous and fun Roxanne Ventriglia was one of a series of songbirds performing in the bar. You rock, Roxie!
Electric was the word for the atmosphere in the bar. And sophisticated. Have I ever seen so many men in black tie in one room in Santa Maria in all my days of hobnobbing? I think not!
As people checked in, they were given the option of buying a martini glass for $10. Owners of these glasses were entitled to as many gin or vodka martinis as they liked at a martini station.
A dapper-looking George Majoue clearly enjoyed belting out a few before dinner. (We are talking songs.)
It was Santa Maria Mayor Larry Lavagnino’s 76th birthday. Before Hizhonor cut quite a rug with Santa Maria’s first lady, Donna, the crowd sang “Happy Birthday” to our not-so-shy civic leader.
United Way board president Sandra Dickerson was clearly pleased with the enchanting ambience and the buzz of the crowd that spelled out “we are having a very good time!”
Diners enjoyed lobster bisque, filet mignon, vegetables, and the best mashed potatoes, followed by chocolate lava cake. Red and white wines were at each table.
Dr. Thor Gjerdrum generously loaned his eye-catching vintage cars for the evening. Parked outside the country club were his 1927 Pierce Arrow and 1936 MGTA.
Mike Stoker took some good-natured ribbing from the co-emcees, Steve Lavagnino and Tony Gonzalez. The Steve and Tony show is always worth seeing. How about doing a gig at the Radisson, you guys?
Former city councilwoman Hilda Zacarias was high bidder on a Vandenberg AFB fire truck party designed for children. Hilda is seriously considering inviting her galpals to enjoy the adventure. We are never too old for hotdogs and hamburgers cooked by firefighters!
Dr. Michael Moats was high bidder for the Joni Gray-George Wittenberg dinner. Joni and George will be host to a dinner for the mayors of Santa Maria and Guadalupe and their wives and four guests. Will Michael and Susan arrive at the party with Botox for all?
Engel & Gray sponsored the San Luis Jazz Band. It was worth the price of admission just to watch the King of Compost (that would be Bob Engel) dipping his fair maiden, Karen, on the dance floor.
Joyce Ellen Lippman looked sparkly as she made her way through the crowd. Former United Way honcho Karen Cordary schmoozed with City Councilwoman Alice Patino. Community Partners in Caring’s Ashley Payne (a new mom) shared stories with another new mom, Amy Corti.
All the hallmarks of a Bo Cudd production were in evidence: the stylish and dramatic hallway décor (created by Joe Guggia), the nonstop entertainment, the something different at dinner (lobster bisque), the something different in drinks (the non-stop martini fountains), and the first-rate music.
’Twas a feast for the eyes and the soul, as well as the palate. Nicely done, Bo.
If you want to hobnob with Helen, you may contact her at helenthom232@yahoo.com.
This article appears in Oct 6-13, 2011.
