Steel Magnolias (from left) President Bobbie Fesler and Event Chair/President-Elect Michele Dobson. (Photo by Shirley Wild, Press-Telegram/SCNG)
“Let’s get Down and Derby – May the Horse Be with You” read the invitation to the Steel Magnolias fundraiser held at the Los Alamitos racetrack on Sunday, May 7.
Many of the nearly 200 attendees got into the spirit of the day by wearing regal finery with elaborate hats and seersucker suits, Marina and Rob Ascarate were standouts.
The theme began unfolding with the cheery greetings from the St. Anthony High School student-volunteer guides, who wore festive jockey-style hats as they guided guests to “The Finish Line Private Dining Room.” There, they were treated as celebrities when posing for photos, taken by Caught in the Moment photography.
The Kentucky Derby milieu was underscored in every detail of Southern traditions, including mint tuleps. Guests dined on tables decorated with an elaborate red-and-white rose centerpiece that showcased dramatic ironwork horse-head profiles above horse-head-shaped bottles of Cabell tequila.
Karen Cobb of Kacey’s Karaoke kept the atmosphere lively as guests participated in fun activities included a silent auction, whiskey and bourbon tastings, and a wine pull. Then there was a parade of elaborate hats worn by guests, with the winner going home with a horse-head-shaped bottle of tequila.
Great enthusiasm and audience participation was shown during the “Spouses Race to Win, Place or Show.” Handlers carrying authentic feedbags collected “ticket-bets” on the husband-and-wife teams: “Blazing Saddlers,” with handler Val Uyeda; “Ole Blu,” Cathy King; “Son of a Biscuit,” Angi Burkard; “Mighty Mark,” Claire Guillen; “Run Ron Run,” Marianne Gastelum; and “Dapper Don,” Bobbie Fesler.
Zack Krone, the lively and humorous auctioneer, had the audience bidding against themselves and their neighbors, and seemingly loving every minute of it. Laughter reigned with his innovative approach to separate the audience from their wallets.
It was an evening where everyone went home as winners — with more than $70,000 raised for the Stramski Children’s Development Center. Dr. Gary Feldman, director of the center, thanked guests for their participation and introduced a brief film depicting the care the children receive at the center, which helps with developmental delays, autism behavior and learning challenges, among other needs. MemorialCare Long Beach Medical Center was represented by Rob Gonsalus, Dr. Robert Nagourney and Iona Pal (who donated two of her paintings to the auction).
Since 1999 the Steel Magnolias, an all-volunteer organization, has raised more than $6 million for the Stramski Children’s Development Center.
Seen at the scene: President Roberta and Don Fesler, Event Chairman Michele Dobson, Gary Lee Wolf and Carl Lee, Liz and John Krummell, Anthony Gagliardi and Family, Tammy Newland Shishido and Ken Shishido, Mark and Claire Guillen, Josh Krantz, Richard Brown, Sherry Loos, Dana Buchanan, Hilda and Dave Sanchez, Pam Luckey, Judy McNulty Black and Don Black, Carmen and Dave Bubar, Stephanie Davis, Sue DeRosa, Bob and Anne Emigh, Barbara and Don Hall, Lorie and Paul Merrill, Jean Joseph, Joan Venditozzi, Loree Scarborough and Dennis McConkey, Jo and David Murray, Susan and Lee Hill, Judie Johnsen, Shari and Larry Nemirow, Kelly Ruggirello.
Musical Theatre West’s Footlighters Music in the Morning
Eiffel Tower centerpieces underscored the Parisian theme of Musical Theatre West’s Footlighters recent luncheon.
The “Music in the Morning” event on Saturday, April 1, at The Centre in Lakewood, was attended by 89 members and guests attending.
They gathered to preview and applaud the upcoming opening of MTW’s production of “An American in Paris.” Paul Garman, MTW executive director and producer, introduced the show’s musical director, David Lamoureux, who has been involved in a record-breaking 75 MTW productions.
After David shared the musical’s storyline, he ushered in performances by the lead ensemble, consisting of Michael Bullard, Luke Hawkins, Rebecca Johnson and Louis Pardo, who performed favorites from the Ira Gershwin musical, including “S’Wonderful” and “I Got Rhythm.”
Footlighters President Roxanne Korzeniowski recognized MTW Trustees Mari Hooper, Marlene Temple and Joan Wells, along with MTW board members Barbara Blackwell and Marnos Lelesi. Roxanne extended enthusiastic gratitude, on behalf of the Footlighters, to the leaders and volunteers who consistently work to present MITM luncheons, including organizers Gloria Nelson, Diane Spiegel, Lisa Maloney, Linda Loseke and Toni Ellis, and luncheon volunteers Jack Gesner, Temre Vouga, and Pam Duran.
Joan Wells, MTW trustee and honorary producer, was honored for her many years of faithful service to the Footlighters. She was presented with flowers and a gift basket by Korzeniowski and vice president Diane Spiegel.
Pam Dingwell, membership vice president, noted there are 132 members. Treasurer Toni Ellis presented the Footlighters financials. Parliamentarian Deborah Smith conducted the election for the nominating mommittee for the 2024 Footlighters Board of Directors.
The unanimously elected non-board members were Lynn Danielson, Nancy Koblensky and Carol Senske. It was noted that 75 high schools have received scholarship nomination packets, and 18 ads were placed in high school playbills to encourage students to apply for scholarships, which will be presented at the Scholarship Luncheon coming on June 24 at The Grand.
That support of MTW’s Education Outreach Program, Garman said, has allowed live theater to be shared with 600 students in just one day, and 2,500 in the past week. Paul extended tremendous appreciation for everyone involved in helping Musical Theatre West. He especially noted their great enthusiasm in “building MTW back up!”
To further the Parisian afternoon’s ambiance, lunch service was followed by mini French tarts and enjoyment of the Eiffel Tower centerpiece set on glass, beautifully surrounded by pink linens and flowers.
The awarding of the raffle prizes is always a fun time for the throng. A few of the lucky ladies included: past board members Nancy Koblensky, who won a ceramic teapot, a cup and three boxes of favorite teas; and Karen Larson, who won a $50 Fish Company gift card and a lap quilt. Newest member and volunteer Pam Duran will relax with champagne and three mystery books.
Seen at the scene: Pat Estrellas, Jan Foster, Jackie Hunter, Lorie Merrill, Sara Forster, Elizabeth Kennedy, Mary Kay Petersen, Rosemary Zarn, Marjorie TeWinkle, Marilyn Tyo, Jean Fullerton, Lynette Sewell, Marnos Lelesi, Sandy Wells, and Janie von Seggern.
Young Horizons Wine and Cheese Fiesta
A fun evening was held on Friday, May 5, at The Grand, with 75 or so Young Horizons guests enjoying a Wine and Cheese Fiesta.
A special live piano performance by 14-year-old Alex Matteo Fiering, a Poly High student, added “salsa” to the evening. It was a night with music, light hors d’oeuvres and an opportunity drawing that included a framed “Dreamers” print by Rosy Cortez. Randy Gordon provided the live ask. DJ Harold provided musical entertainment to create a festive evening.
Close to $17,000 was raised to support Young Horizons programs, includingits literacy program that ensure children grow up with a love of learning.
Seen at the scene: Olga Chavez, Roger Scott, past board chair, Katie Larson, Nancy Manriquez Dowell, Frank Gutierrez, Bianca Villanueva, Claudia Kouyoumdjian, Alejandra Albarran Moses, Susan Wyatt, Michelle Byerly, Pamela Austin, Andrea Sulsona and Julian Fiering.
News of Social events with charitable purposes may be sent to Shirley Wild at [email protected] or by fax to 562-594-9468. Please include a contact phone number. Send high-resolution jpeg photos, by attachment, to [email protected] and include group name and identification of individuals from left. Call Shirley at 562-594-9468 for more information.