SPRINGTIME IN PROVENCE
“Springtime in Provence,” the 14th annual Mad Hatter Luncheon, was presented by the Transition House Auxiliary at the beautiful Four Seasons Biltmore Coral Casino on April 7, 2011. The annual benefit for Transition House was built around the French theme of Provence in the spring, with a garden setting and featuring entertainers of the French countryside. The Kristin Lee French Jazz Ensemble provided lovely music for the occasion.
The event began with festive sparkling wine in the French tradition and an opportunity to bid on a wide selection of Silent Auction items; strolling minstrel Michael Gutin played his accordian and Caricature Artists Entera and James Malia drew caricatures of eager guests! The event was graciously emceed by local news personality John Palminteri, who welcomed all and masterfully ran the events of the day. Palminteri introduced Auxiliary President Barbara Cunningham, and other VIP’s in attendance. Executive Director Kathleen Baushke spoke of the crisis of homelessness in families with children, and introduced two clients helped by Transition House who told their stories.
Following a delicious French luncheon, John Palminteri was the delightful auctioneer for the Auxiliary’s first foray into live auction. Five items were auctioned to the highest bidders, including a getaway at Santa Barbara’s lovely Inn of the Spanish Garden with dinner at Downey’s, a catered lunch at The Hanger, a home in Provence for one week, donated by Francoise Morel, a private party at the Cos Bar in Montecito, and a gourmet French dinner for 10 in the lucky winner’s home, donated by Chef Michael Hutchings, with a case of wine donated by Drake Whitcraft.
In the tradition of the Mad Hatter, guests wore a wide variety of lovely French theme hats, and three were selected and awarded: “Most Creative” (won by Barbara Anderson, for her floral headpiece coordinated with her costume); “Most French” (won by Kay Calderra for her authentic hat); and “Most Comical” (won by Pam Graham, whose hat was topped with French cheeses and a miniature Eiffel Tower). Thanks go to Hat Judges Erin Graffy de Garcia, Renee Hamaty, and Lorraine Wilson.
Raffle tickets were sold for three very grand prizes, including a $2500. gift certificate to AH Gaspar Jewelers (courtesy of Gaspar Jewelers and Transition House Auxiliary); a $1500. shopping spree to Nordstrom (courtesy of Beverly and Jim Zaleski); and a Wine Country Getaway to Fess Parker’s Wine Country Inn (courtesy of Fess Parker’s and Gail Shannon).
Under the leadership of Co-Chairs Missy Sheldon and Kathryn Dinkin, and thanks to the hard work and dedication of the entire Auxiliary, the level of attendance, sponsorships, advertisers, and donors was raised to a new high. Committee Chairs were: Pat St Clair, reservations, seating and finances; Gail Shannon and Elisabeth Smith, theme and decorations; Kathleen Baushke, invitation and postcard cover design; Kathryn Dinkin, underwriting, advertising, & program; Ellie Freese and Darlene Amundson, silent auction; Diane White, records, mailing lists, thank yous, donor acknowledgements; Joanne Samuelson, publicity; Catherine Baker-Hall, Master of Ceremonies; Live Auction, Entertainment, Missy Sheldon; Grand Prizes, Mary Anne Harrison. Miscellaneous support duties: Cleo Fisher, Pamela Joy, Lorna Applefield, , Gayla Visalli, Soosan Marshall, Becky Adams, Jan Cibull, Ellen Ahlers, Felicie Hartloff, I rene Chambers, Sharon Larson, Dotty Livers, Anna Ylvisaker, Wendy Clapp, Mary Elliot, Rachel McKeone, Betty Harris, Bert Curtin, Roula Maatouk, Mimi Veyna, Beverly Zaleski.
