H.E.L.P.s fifteenth anniversary celebration, One Elegant Evening: 15 Years in the Making, on July 8th, 2011, was a huge success. Nearly 200 supporters attended the annual Celebrate Summer fundraiser at Trump National Golf Club, which was chaired by Sharon Ryan. The evening began with a cocktail reception held on the veranda overlooking the beautiful Pacific Ocean. The silent auction, with delicious hors d’oeuvres, was accompanied by music and commentary from Teddy Johnson. The reception was followed by an elegant dinner, with views of the sunset, and a live auction. The flower centerpieces found at each table were donated by local florists.
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| Frank and Marilyn Schaffer receive the Inspiration Award from The Honorable Bonnie Lowenthal and Executive Director Dr. Britt Huff. |
The event honored Alcoa Fastening Systems with the Vanguard Award, Frank and Marilyn Schaffer with the Inspiration Award, and Cathy Hendrickson with the Legacy Award. Assemblymember Bonnie Lowenthal, of the 34th District, presented the awards and served as emcee for the evening.
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| Cathy Hendrickson receives her Legacy Award from The Honorable Bonnie Lowenthal and Executive Director Dr. Britt Huff. |
The evenings live auction started off with a Palos Verdes Getaway, which included a stay at the Terranea Resort, golf and brunch at Trump National Golf Club, shopping certificates for the Promenade of the Peninsula, and a host of other Palos Verdes highlights. Another live auction item, the Incredible Palm Springs Getaway, included a five-night stay in a villa donated by Hilary Kane and Charlotte and Russ Lesser, along with a $200 Exxon Mobil gas card, and Spa Finder gift cards. The third live auction item was a trip to Ireland with a 2-day stay in a 4-Star Irish castle, followed by a weeks stay in an Irish cottage, donated by Lou Atha Marriott.
The evening ended with a raffle drawing for a two-week stay in the Hawaiian Islands, including airfare, donated by Van Castaneda, Ardis Shubin, and Sharon Ryan.
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| H.E.L.P. Board Chair Sibylle Grebe joins Board member Sharon Ryan, The Honorable Bonnie Lowenthal and Executive Director Dr. Britt Huff |
H.E.L.P. is grateful to the many event sponsors and auction item donors, as well as the many volunteers and supporters who contributed long hours to make this event a success. The event committee members included Van Castaneda, Michael Goguen, Tim Gray, Elizabeth Hoang, Laura Kauls, Steve Love, Lisa Martinez, Margo Meikle, Julia Parton, Sharon Ryan, Ardis Shubin, Stephanie Unguez, and Kay Yamada. In addition, many supporters gathered auction items and provided assistance on the night of the event. It was an extraordinary evening of entertainment, all to raise funds to support H.E.L.P.s mission.
