Apr 15, 2007

Outstanding artists saluted at school fundraiser

Janet Duca Norton / Society Columnist

The Community School of Music and Arts presented its first-ever "ArtSalute: Honoring Accomplishment in the Arts" benefit at the Menlo Circus Club in Atherton. About 300 guests turned out to honor a pair of longtime teachers and a pair of outstanding students at the March 31 event.

Highlights were a silent and live auction, musical performances, an awards presentation and the premiere of the Community School of Music and Arts video "What's Inside of Me," made in partnership with Mountain View community television (KMVT).

Chair Lisa Kasperzak was pleased the event raised about $225,000 for financial aid and arts education programs. Since its founding in 1968, the school has grown to be the largest nonprofit provider of arts education programs in Santa Clara and San Mateo counties, reaching more than 40,000 students of all ages annually.

"Not only did we exceed the event's fundraising goal, but of even greater importance, was the spirit of good will and commitment to the arts that everyone felt," said Executive Director Jeffry Walker.

The night showcased the school's programs and began with the presentation of awards: artist Brynna McComb received the Brush Award, pianist John Kabiling received the Clef Award and art teacher Jacqueline Krantz and music teacher Sallie Terris received Composition awards.

Guests gave a standing ovation to the surprise vocal performance by Executive Director Walker and Angela McConnell (past executive director), with piano accompaniment by board member Bob Reay. Board member Armando Castellano's fun French horn solo "Hernando's Hideaway" and the Student Vocal Ensemble's rendition of "Ease On Down the Road," received rave reviews.

Leading the applause were Board President Jeanne Althouse and her husband Mike, Wilf and Sigrun Corrigan, Ruth and Roy Rogers, Nobuko and Gary Cleary, Mark and Susan Kroll, Judi Fan, Bob and Sue Larson and Mike Kasperzak.


TREASURE MARKET'S GOLDEN JUBILEE

A Lexus IS 250 sports sedan, ownership of a Nob Hill time share and a round of golf on the Stanford Golf Course with University President John Hennessy were some of the treasures at the Treasure Market Golden Jubilee art and antique sale.

At least 900 eager shoppers and art collectors lined up early and stayed late for the March 30 opening-night party at the Arrillaga Sports and Recreation Center. This premier biennial fine arts shopping extravaganza has raised at least $3.2 million over 50 years for the art acquisition fund of the Cantor Arts Center.

"The Treasure Market has been a vital source of funds that allow the museum's curators to select and acquire important works of art," Cantor Arts Center Director Tom Seligman said. "These acquisitions have added depth, breadth and quality to the collections that we present to our public."

Event co-chairs Joan Hong and Susan Dennis were not only thrilled with the exuberance of the attendees and 400 volunteers, they were certain they met their fundraising goal when 99 percent of the 10,000 pieces of art, antiques and collectibles had been sold by closing time on Sunday.

"It is this community spirit among donors, patrons, staff and volunteers that makes Treasure Market so rewarding and fun, while benefiting an institution that is a resource to the community," Hong said.

Volunteers included Jane Lanza, Helen Babb, Pat Maveety and Tita Kolozsi.

Arden Sher made the winning bid on the Lexus IS 250, the big-ticket opening-night silent auction item donated by Magnussen Lexus of Fremont, and then upgraded to an ES 350. Merrill Newman made the winning bid on a one-of-a-kind Wizard of Oz book collection. Clayton Bavor purchased a vintage featherweight Singer sewing machine and table for his wife Nancy, a duplicate of a family machine that was given away during her youth.

Attendees included President Hennessy and his wife Andrea, Rita Barela, Fred and Marcia Rehmus, newlyweds Mark and Laura Arrillaga-Andreesen, Justine Syamen Arrillaga, Bill Reller, Burt and Deedee McMurtry, Bo and Heidi Magnussen, Darren and Alicia Magnussen Phelan, Philip and Paula Kirkeby, and Reid and Peggy Dennis.


ANNUAL EASTER EGG HUNT

Photos with the Easter Bunny and a magic show with Gerald the Magician were highlights of the annual Atherton Dames Easter Egg Hunt at Atherton's Holbrook-Palmer Park on April 7. At least 1,200 people and more than 350 children wearing new spring outfits and broad smiles, took home 5,600 candy-filled eggs and 1,500 See's Candy lollipops. Successful egg gatherers, ranging in age from toddlers to third graders, were allowed to take home a dozen eggs.

Co-chairs Lauren Gruner and Veronica Kogler said they were thrilled with the turnout. A record number of attendees came to the long-standing community event, started by the Dames in the late 1960s. "We had wonderful support from our generous donors: See's Candies, Whole Foods Market, Peet's Coffee and Tea and Cheeky Monkey Toys," Gruner said.

Guests included Laurel Timpson and her daughters Jessica and Kelli, Eric and Catalina Appelblom and their children Alexa and Sophia, Alicia and Jim Seebold with their daughter-in-law Suzy Seebold and granddaughter Natasha, and Ginger and Dick Simoni and their grandchildren Dan and Allison.

Some of the volunteers were Mindy and Carlos Perez-Rubio, Carole Gumucio, Atherton Dames President Jennifer Jeffries and Atherton Civic Interest League members including former mayor Charles Marsala. Sandy Crittenden reprised his role as the Easter Bunny.