It was impossible not to have a good time at the Boys & Girls Clubs' annual Celebrity Waiter's Night on Oct. 18 at the Santa Maria Country Club. This was a high-octane event, positively oozing with energy and excitement.
The fundraiser attracted 225 enthusiastic friends and supporters and included some in costume. You had to love Darth Vader as played by one of the club's primo cheerleaders, Brook Wise. I had to look twice at a leather-jacketed biker to make sure it was Jeremy Deming, executive director of the organization.
The true stars of the show were the awesome table decorations, traditionally decorated by table hosts. Cody Lillard put together a Day of the Dead theme that was anything but morbid. The Wizard of Oz table featured a clever chicken-wire-based tornado hovering over a farmhouse.
Folklore has it that Tom and Jane Martinez started the club's Celebrity Waiter's Night years ago. They are ever so active in the community and ever so generous with time and money, therefore it was cosmic karma of the most spectacular kind when Tom held the winning ticket for a $5,700 prize at CASA's recent annual gala.
At my table were Eric and Francesca Bartel, the Sun's General Manager Kim Rosa, and Jim Byrne. None of us, alas, were in costume.
Among the celebrity servers were Santa Maria Mayor Alice Patino and City Councilmember Dr. Michael Moats. Also, Mike Gibbs, who has to be the most experienced celebrity waiter at in town.
Tanya Garon, Sandy Buchanan, Natalyn Fast Huerth, and Barbara Blanchard (so cute in your Dodgers shirt)–always glad to see you ladies!
And how about this–on the way out, gala-goers were given a bottle of wine to take home. Was this a great evening or what?
The Mayor's Ball
Notable at the United Way of Northern Santa Barbara County's fundraiser event, held on Oct. 13 (also at the Country Club), were the dynamite, beautiful, elegantly set tables (all the same) that were worthy of endless oohs and aahs. Black tablecloths, napkins, and chair covers were the backdrop for gold accents and dramatic centerpieces (mounds of red roses and/or black ostrich feathers).
At my table were Robert and Sandra Dickerson, Judge Jed and Diane Beebe, and Phil Sinco and Cristine Martins Sinco–she was on the committee and one of those responsible for the table artistry.
United Way's CEO Eddie Taylor announced that the organization would again, this coming year, sponsor an Elks Rodeo Queen candidate. The signature moment of the Mayors Ball is the head and tails game. Tickets are $20. Last person standing gets a huge television set. This year's surprised (and delighted) winner was Vikki Conner.
The band Steppin' Out played and proved their popularity by the always-full dance floor. An expanded motto for United Way surely could be not only "Live United," but "Dance United," too.
Also notable at this event, and commented on by emcee Ed Carcarey, was the adherence to the formal attire code. No blue jeans in sight. Lots of black tie and dress-up clothes among the gents.
CASA at the Club
Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) held its annual North County fundraiser on Oct. 6 at the Santa Maria Country Club. The event attracted about 225, many of whom came up from Santa Barbara, where CASA also has an office.
CASA did something new with their silent auction–they held it before dinner, outside, on the stretch of green between the club and the tennis facility. Guests were able to sip wine from the wine tasting stations while perusing the silent auction items. This went well, despite the challenging gusts of wind.
A high-end, vintage Fendi handbag was one of the silent auction items (and it had no trouble finding a new home). The same is true of the 14-karat gold necklace and bracelet that were up for grabs.
Just before dinner, inside the club, Judge Art Garcia swore in several new CASA volunteers, who will represent their charges in court. Carmen Garcia preceded her husband with some reflections on the occasion.
At the event, CASA sold one hundred "golden" raffle tickets at $100 each. The winner (the aforementioned Tom Martinez) got to choose from any of the live auction items. This Golden Ticket generated a lot of interest. Bob Freitas was happy to advise Tom and Jane on how to choose their prize.
All in all, October was a socially satisfying month, wouldn't you say?
If you want to hobnob with Helen, you can reach her at [email protected].
