Aug 10, 2008

Museum benefit taken by Aloha Spirit

By Janet Duca Norton / Society Columnist

The second annual fundraiser for the Museum of American Heritage had a tropical Tiki party theme. About 250 guests arrived in Hawaiian clothes and celebrated the kickoff of the fifth annual Vintage Vehicle and Family Festival. Attendees gave mai tai toasts to Beverly and Jim Nelson in recognition of their contributions to the museum since its beginning in 1990.

The Aug. 2 gala at Sparky's Hot Rod Garage in San Carlos exceeded museum executive director Gwenyth Claughton's expectations. The event's Spirit of Aloha was carried out with Hawaiian music by the Ukes of Hazard, entertainment by a Dean Martin look-a-like, fun food by Wild Eats Catering and authentic island decorations, including Tiki gods and lush tropical flowers.

"Everything about the evening exemplifies the fun and cooperation of the museum," said honoree Beverly Nelson. "It is heartwarming to see friends, supporters and volunteers all celebrate the museum's success. Jim and I are appreciative of this honor and would like to share it with everyone involved with the museum. Over the (past) 18 years, the museum has flourished, and it's all accomplished with volunteers and a small dedicated staff."

Seen applauding Dean Martin singing "Some Enchanted Evening" were Mary and John Young, Fritzie Andrews, Charlene and Rudy Borneo, Sherry Foley, Jill and John Jerrehian, Judy Nusbaum and Michelle Lighthouse.

Once again, Don Nusbaum was the gala chairman, and he and his wife Judy were seen chatting with "Elvis," "Carmen Miranda" and museum supporters Jack and Fran Rominger, Joe Ehrlich, Monte Anderson, Gerry and Goody Steinberg, and Joan and Roy Cvengros.

Auctioneer Steve Player created a lot of buzz with high bids on big ticket items. Roger Smith was the winner of a trip to Hawaii and a dinner with Roger Craig, while John Davis was the winner of a tour of Jacques Littlefield's Pony Tracks Ranch.

Located in downtown Palo Alto, the unique Bay Area museum presents the history of early mechanical, electrical and technological inventions with hands-on interactive exhibits.


FOOTHILL COLLEGE SUMMER GALA

The stars of the Foothill Musical Theatre production of "The Pajama Game" wore pajamas, but the rest of the 340 guests arrived in summer cocktail attire for the eighth annual Foothill Commission's Summer Gala. For the first time, the July 27 auction, dinner and wine tasting event in Los Altos Hills was presented in the courtyard of Foothill's new Campus Center.

The party's pajama theme was carried out with a pink-and-orange polka dot color scheme and gerber daisy centerpieces.

Seen wine tasting and bidding enthusiastically were Los Altos Hills Mayor Jean Mordo and his wife Barbara, Los Altos School Board member Judy Hannemann, Robert Smithwick, Barbara and Bruce Swenson, Kelly Porter and Joy Ajlouny, Charlotte and Murray Horton, Elaine and Armand Neukermans, Bill and Gaye Krause, Steve and Michele Kirsch, and Bob and Jan Fenwick.

Co-chairwomen Diane Doolittle and Gisella Zebroski were pleased the event raised $80,000 for Foothill programs. "Foothill is such a wonderful place. It feels good to have the opportunity to give back," Doolittle said.

In his pre-show director's notes, producer/director Jay Manley commented that the Tony Award-winning musical was considered cutting edge in 1954 with its themes of labor/management dispute and dating in the work place. The audience snickered at the idea that the employees' union at the Sleep-Tite Pajama Company was asking for an increase of 7 1/2 cents per hour. Composers Richard Adler and Jerry Ross were an unusual team - they wrote both the music and lyrics together. Everyone applauded the three major hit songs "Hey There," "Steam Heat" and "Hernando's Hideaway."

"Excellence through inclusion" sums up the school's motto, Foothill President Judy Miner said. "The College successfully performs three hard jobs: it provides retraining for the work force, offers opportunities for lifelong learning and prepares students for four year schools."

This year's Fund-a-Dream beneficiary was the Child Development program, which trains our community's early childhood professionals. All funds will be used for a lending library, textbooks and scholarships.

Early Childhood Education program director Phyllis Lewis, who is a Nicaraguan immigrant and young single mother, eloquently stated the case for the dream program when she recounted the story of her personal 13-year journey. In a pre-auction interview with state Sen. Joe Simitian, Lewis said, "Never give up on your dream to be whatever you choose. Never give up."

"Pajama Game" runs through Aug. 17 at Foothill's Smithwick Theatre. For ticket information, call the box office at 650-949-7360.


Janet Duca Norton's society column appears every Sunday in the Daily News. Send event information to 255 Constitution Dr., Menlo Park, CA 94025 or e-mail society@paloaltodailynews.com.