Out & About - Ranch & Coast

Grecian Grandeur The Rancho Santa Fe Unit of Rady Children’s Hospital Auxiliary is hosting their annual gala on Saturday, May 19, at Irene Valenti’s Rancho Santa Fe estate. The black-tie event, Grecian Grandeur, hosted by 2007 auxiliary unit members (including Susan Leonard, Maureen Sage, gala co-chair Leslie DeGoler, gala chair Jill King, unit chair Michelle Pius, and Susan Callahan) will feature performances by traditional Greek folk dancers and strolling musicians during cocktails and auctions. A Greek-themed dinner will be catered by Pamplemousse Grille. Auction items include a 12-day Greek cruise for two and round-trip travel for six aboard a private Pilatus PC-12 to Las Vegas for a week stay at a luxury condo overlooking the Wynn golf course. Net proceeds benefit Rady Children’s Hospital Pediatric Trauma Center. (858/204-9973, www.cha-rsf.com) — Cameron Leigh James Patricia Lou Martin, Michael and Janice Batter, and Patricia Kramer Giving Thanks A client appreciation party was recently held at the Inn at Rancho Santa Fe by the Kramer & Martin team, part of Prudential’s Rancho Santa Fe properties office. Patricia Kramer and Patricia Lou Martin thanked clients and friends for a fantastic 2006 and kicked off fundraising efforts for their fifth annual MS Walk on April 29. "Kramer & Martin built our real estate business on going the extra mile and for MS we go the extra 5K," says Kramer. — Jane Shiomi Spring Fling 2007 Helen Woodward Animal Center’s 19th annual Spring Fling fundraiser is set to take place on June 2 and is themed Bella Notte — A Venetian Masquerade. This extravagant black tie party will transform the Fairbanks Village Plaza and promises to bring guests to an exciting and romantic night in Venice. Spring Fling co-chairs Terri Davis and Peggy Landon have planned for an evening of fun, fine art, outstanding food from the area’s best restaurants, hosted bars, great music, and more. Guests will also have the opportunity to meet internationally-acclaimed artist Gerrit Greve. The event will again be hosted by KUSI’s Bridget Naso and Dan Plante, and all proceeds will help animals and people in need. (858/756-4117, www.animalcenter.org) — Jane Shiomi Jason and Julie Barry with Steffi Graf and Andre Agassi Agassi In The Neighborhood Barry Estates recently teamed up with tennis legend Andre Agassi to introduce the community to Roxbury Estates, a new Rancho Santa Fe development of high-end luxury estates. The event was held at a stunning $17 million estate, where Agassi briefly spoke and guests were welcomed to tour the estate and enjoy fine food and wine. — Jane Shiomi SAVE THE DATE Grossmont Hospital Foundation’s Invitational Golf Tournament 4/19: At Sycuan Resort, noon shotgun start on Willow Glen and Oak Glen courses. Proceeds benefit Sharp Grossmont Hospital’s patient services and programs. (619/740-4200) Up! Up! & Away! The Sky’s The Limit Fashion Show 4/21: Fashion show by Leonard Simpson/Fashion Forward at the US Grant Hotel, Presidential Ballroom to benefit Ronald McDonald House Charities of San Diego. (858/467-4750, ext. 15, dsinton@rmhcsd.org) Solana Beach Ball 2007 4/21: Solana Beach Ball Taking place at the Historic Mission Tower Ballroom & Plaza, Del Mar Race Track, proceeds will benefit Solana Vista and Skyline Elementary schools in the areas of science, technology, art, and physical education. The event includes silent and live auctions that include one-of-a-kind handmade items from Solana Vista and Skyline classrooms. (www.sbfl.org/beachball) Oath Betrayed 4/21: Survivors of Torture, International’s tenth anniversary event presents a talk by Steven Miles, MD, author of Oath Betrayed: Torture, Medical Complicity and the War on Terror, who will discuss the role of medical professionals in a time of war. The talk will be followed by a discussion, book signing, and reception. Proceeds from ticket sales will go directly toward programs that help survivors of politically motivated torture to heal and become healthy members of our community and our world. (619/278-2400, www.notorture.org) En Vogue 2007 4/21: The Philoptochos Society of St. Spyridon Greek Orthodox Church presents a day of fashion, inspiration, fine dining, shopping, and more to benefit Philoptochos Ministries, Kids ’n’ Cancer — Camp Agape, and San Diego Habitat for Humanity. The event takes place at the Manchester Grand Hyatt and the style show is presented by Gretchen Productions. (619/518-2755, www.envoguefashionshow.com) Elfin Forest Garden Festival 4/21: This event, themed Hidden Treasures in the Valley of the Elves, features award-winning gardens, lunch, shopping, specialty vendors, and a fire-safe garden. (www.elfinforestgardens.info) Evening In The Sky 4/28: The American Lung Association, San Diego Chapter’s benefit for clean air held at the San Diego Aerospace Museum. Ticket price includes dinner, dancing, and live auction. (619/683-8650) Church Of St. Luke luncheon And Fashion Show 4/28: Presented at St. Luke’s Church, featuring a fashion show by Gretchen Productions with styles from show sponsor Viejas Outlet Center. (619/447-6912) 23rd Annual ArtWalk 4/28-29: More than 400 artists will be featured in downtown San Diego’s hip and historic Little Italy neighborhood from 12-6pm on both days. This free event features some of the finest painting, sculpture, glasswork, photography, music and dance from Southern California- and Mexico-based artists. (619/615-1090, www.artwalkinfo.com) Tabletops And Tea 4/29: A Fundraiser for Rady Children’s Hospital Auxiliary, Poway Unit takes place at California Center for the Arts, Escondido and features themed tables, boutique shopping, traditional tea service, guest speakers, a video, and informal modeling. (858/451-8797, phering1@san.rr.com) Lux After Dark 5/5: Lux Art Institute presents its annual gala and auction. Taking place at the art-filled home of Lux Art board member Linda Brandes, this lively party will feature dinner by Jeffrey Strauss of Pamplemousse Grille and music by Left 4 Dead. (760/436-6611) San Diego Humane Society And SPCA’s Walk For Animals 5/5: Join thousands of animal lovers at Crown Point for fun in the sun at the 13th Annual Walk for the Animals, featuring live music, refreshments, a pancake breakfast, and a vendor village, complete with a number of animal-related information booths. More than 3,000 local animal lovers and their pets are expected to join together for this fun-filled, dog-themed event to help raise money for animals in need. Pledge forms are available at Petco and Ralphs stores throughout San Diego, at the Humane Society, and on the Society’s Web site. (619/243-3408, www.sdhumane.org) San Diego Hospice & Palliative Care’s Wine And Cheese art reception 5/6: This free event offers an opportunity to meet local artists and view original works, 2-4pm at the center. (619/278-6440) Mama’s Day 5/11: Mama’s Kitchen annual fundraising gala. This year at the Hyatt Regency La Jolla at Aventine. (619/233-6262) Mental Health Fair 5/12: The Rancho Santa Fe Community Center presents a free mental health fair including exhibitors from national and local mental health organizations, as well as educators, nutritionists, psychiatrists and psychologists, psychotherapists, speech therapists, support group leaders, authors, and more. (858/342-0327) Stars And Stripes Ball 5/19: USO celebrates 66 years with its fundraising gala themed Heroes — Past, Present, and Future to benefit local military. The event is emceed by Carol LeBeau and takes place at the Sheraton San Diego Resort & Marina. Auction, dinner and special entertainment. (619/235-6503 www.usosandiego.org) Grecian Grandeur 5/19: The Rancho Santa Fe Unit of Rady Children’s Hospital Auxiliary will host their annual gala at a private Rancho Santa Fe estate. The event promises a unique evening of entertainment with silent and live auctions and a sit-down dinner catered by Pamplemousse Grille. Net proceeds benefit the hospital’s Pediatric Trauma Center. (858/204-9973; www.cha-rsf.com) 16th Annual Spinoff Auction — Treasures of Tuscany: A Toast To Life 5/24: Scripps Cancer Center, Stevens Division presents the 16th Annual Spinoff Auction. This Tuscan-themed event at Hyatt Regency La Jolla at Aventine includes a gourmet Italian dinner with silent and live auctions. The memorable evening celebrates the future of cancer care in San Diego and honors Scripps Cancer Center visionaries who make an everlasting impact. (858/678-6298, www.scripps-spinoff.org)		email your calendar listings to: calendar@ranchandcoast.com

		Maggie and Bob Watkins Memories In The Making On May 12, the Alzheimer’s Association will present A Moment in Time: Memories in the Making Gala 2007, which will take place at the Manchester Grand Hyatt downtown. The evening aims to build awareness of the impact of Alzheimer’s on families and generate support for services provided by the Alzheimer’s Association. Guests will enjoy a hosted reception, live and silent auctions, dinner, and entertainment by NRG. Various items, including artwork created by individuals with Alzheimer’s through the Memories in the Making art program, will be up for bid. Michael Reagan will present the first Reagan Legacy Award in memory of Leon Thal, MD. The event’s honorary chairs are Donald and Darlene Shiley and Marty and Gail Levin; host committee chair is Maggie Watkins. For more information, please call Jean Nettleton. (858/492-4400, www.sanalz.org) — Jane Shiomi

		Dustin and Taylor Hacker Help Us Heal Them On April 29 at The Belly Up, Opus Event + Design presents the Second Annual Help Us Heal Them Fundraiser for Multiple Sclerosis, featuring food, cocktails, a cabaret-style performance by some of SoCal’s finest dancers, and a performance by Atomic Groove. The event was created in honor of Dustin Hacker, who was diagnosed with MS ten years ago at the age of 20. For some time, Hacker was fortunate enough to have minor symptoms that did not affect his daily life. Over the past five years his symptoms have increased in intensity and duration, and he may lose control of his body in the future. Hacker’s sister, Aubri, says, "Growing up with Dustin, two years my elder, he was always faster, stronger, better. Now, watching him struggle to walk a few blocks, it’s killing me. My family, my parents, my brother and his family, and my husband and our son all live within a stone’s throw from each other. We believe that we can make his life easier by being together and helping each other. Stress is a major factor in symptoms of MS patients. It’s one way we’re working together." (www.helpushealthem.org) — Mia Stefanko

		TNT Goes Retro Thursday Night Thing at the downtown Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego (MCASD) was swingin’ retro. The setting was post-war American chic, and it offered vintage-attired guests lots of ’60s music provided by DJs, as well as mod go-go dances and retro visuals. To keep museum-goers entertained, vintage-inspired paint-by-number activities were available in the galleries. It was a fun-filled evening designed to complement the exhibition Morris Louis Now: An American Master Revisited. This show remains at MCASD through May 6. (858/454-3541, www.mcasd.org) — Darlene G. Davies

		Kelly Harless and Hedy Allen-Hydro Solana Beach Ball On April 21, Solana Vista and Skyline schools, in partnership with the Solana Beach Foundation for Learning, will present Solana Beach Ball 2007 at the historic Mission Tower Ballroom and Plaza at the Del Mar Racetrack. The gala event will feature dinner, dancing, live entertainment, auctions, opportunity drawings, casino games and tournaments, children’s artwork, fine wine, and more. Proceeds from the event fund the schools’ extended educational programs in the areas of art, science, technology, and physical education. Auction items include a week in a beach condo in Del Mar, a Walt Disney World Resort family adventure package for four, and a Saks Fifth Avenue shopping spree in Manhattan that includes airfare for two, a four-night stay at the Grand Hyatt New York, a $1,000 Saks gift card, lunch for two, and a personal fashion consultant. (858/232-7984, www.sbfl.org/beachball) — Jane Shiomi

		Ruth and Bob Mangrum Fields Of Dreams Gala The theme of this year’s April 14 fundraising gala at California State University San Marcos (CSUSM) is Fields of Dreams: They’re Here, Let’s Build. And that’s just what they’ll do, thanks in large part to a generous donation from long-time supporters, Rancho Santa Fe residents Bob and Ruth Mangrum, who kicked off the fundraising early with a $200,000 contribution. Proceeds from the event will help transform 25 acres at the foot of the campus into an athletics complex. "I cannot say enough about Bob and Ruth Mangrum," says Steve Nichols, director of athletics at CSUSM. "Their generosity has meant so much to our growing athletics programs on campus, as has their dedication to our programs and belief in the value of student and lifelong athletics." For tickets and table reservations please call Arlene Ruiz. (760/750-4400) — Mia Stefanko

		Gretchen Burns Bergman and Dagmar Fields The Art Of Addiction Recovery A New PATH recently sponsored the art exhibition We Pass Each Other On The Street at the San Diego Art Institute in Balboa Park, featuring work created by students from UCSD and San Diego City College who interviewed recovering drug addicts who are members of the Proposition 36 Alumni Association. Professor Andrea Singer developed the project with her husband, Professor Bill Stewart. According to Singer, "Each student in the class ended up calling me to tell me about the power of the interviewing process and how it affected them on a personal level." Adds Gretchen Burns Bergman, executive director and co-founder of A New Path, "We are calling this campaign Real People Recover because countless people from all walks of life are in recovery, leading productive lives, but are still affected by stigma." The campaign hopes in part to expand the success of Proposition 36, which has allowed over 140,000 Californians to enter treatment and has saved the state $1.3 billion in just 5 years. (619/670-1184, www.anewpathsite.org) — Jane Shiomi