Nov 25, 2007

Volunteers' 60 year Diamond Jubilee shines

By Janet Duca Norton / Society Columnist

The Peninsula Volunteers 60tth anniversary benefit "Star Light Star Bright" lived up to its title.

"We created this celebration to reflect the famous parties of the past, particularly, the spirit of the tent shows, where many of our members loved to dance, sing and entertain with stars and dignitaries," gala co-chairwoman Sandy Ferrando said.

Some of the starry highlights included glittering decorations by event planner Robert Fountain, celebrity guests, a sensational floor show, diamond martinis, silent and live auctions, 105 elegantly wrapped mystery boxes, a video showcasing Peninsula Volunteers programs and dancing to the Dick Bright Orchestra. At least 500 guests attended the Nov. 17 black-tie Diamond Jubilee gala at the Fairmont Hotel in San Francisco.

An appearance by movie legend Jane Russell, who has appeared at four Volunteers benefits dating back to 1956, was a special surprise guest.

Known for her comedic flair, Russell quipped, "I don't look the same, but then again, neither do you." And of course, in keeping with the evening's theme, she sang her signature song, "Diamonds Are a Girl's Best Friend," from the movie "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes."

The floor show also featured local performers Linda Bulgo as Marilyn vocalist LynAnn King singing "Diamonds Are Forever," Phil Claypool (aka Frank Sinatra) singing "You Make Me Feel So Young" and Barry Barsamian singing a duet with Bulgo to "Swells."

The crowd gave a standing ovation to the performance of "One," from "A Chorus Line," by Volunteers singing group the PV Notables (with special lyrics by Carol Clarke) that featured a Rockettes-style kick line with past presidents Jeanne Fischer, Ramona Cole, Linda Dickenson and Nancy Greenbach.

Seen applauding the performers were John and Sue Sobrato, Ofelia and Joe Gallo, Amalia and Harvey Popell, Volunteers President Mary Young and her husband Don, and Atherton City Council Member Charles Marsala and Denise Battista.

Art Linkletter, who is 95 years young, emceed the show. "I came from Hollywood to celebrate what you do for Volunteers," he told the crowd.

Linkletter and Lois, his wife of 74 years, are walking advertisements for his latest book, "How to Make the Rest of Your Life the Best of Your Life," written in collaboration with "Chicken Soup for the Soul" author Mark Victor Hansen. After watching him on stage, it was one complimentary book every guest was looking forward to reading.

Leading the applause were his literary agent Jillian Manus-Salzman and her husband Alan Salzman.

Merv Morris presented the Diamond Award to volunteer Jane West for her 50-plus years of outstanding support. Since 1999, West has personally raised more than $2 million for Peninsula Volunteers.

"To know Jane West is to love her," Morris said, and added, "I've known these women for 50 years - they rule the world."

Some of the party's planners received surprise presents. Elsie Quigley, for one, won't have to do much holiday shopping this season.

Quigley received an early Christmas present from her son Richard Quigley III (producer and director of the benefit video), who purchased all five of the big-ticket mystery boxes, which held a grand-prize trip to Maui, a mink coat and two other trips. Gala co-chairwoman Nancy Greenbach also received a surprise when her husband Joe purchased most of the 100 diamond martinis donated by Georgie Gleim of Gleim Jewelers and had the fun of taking home the real 2-carat sparkler.

Kimber Sturm, who organized the spectacular mystery boxes with gifts from Tiffany & Co., Hermes, Chanel and Coach, was thrilled that all the boxes sold in a few minutes. Later, she and her husband Robert were surprised when their neighbor Joe Deaser gave the trip he had won during the live auction to them as a gift. On Thanksgiving next year, the Sturms will arrive in New York City with VIP tickets in hand to enjoy the famous Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade and a holiday dinner at the Metropolitan Club.

Gala guests included past presidents Ann Griffiths, Joyce Hanna, Mindy and Carlos Perez-Rubio, Jill Jerrehian, Kathy Downey, Marge Dubois, Leslie Wong, Lynn Kliner and Camilla Shroff.

Co-chairwomen Ferrando and Greenbach worked for a year with their 64-member committee to produce the sparkling gala. They were pleased with a record-setting 41 sponsor tables and the successful Fund-A-Need auction that raised $90,000 toward the purchase of a pair of hot and cold trucks for the congregate meal program. Every day, the newly renovated kitchen at the Rosyln G. Morris Activity Center in Menlo Park produces 465 meals.

As the song says, diamonds may be a girl's best friend, but for 60 years the Peninsula Volunteers have been a best friend to the senior population of our community. The organization's original goal was to effect social change, and that mission remains the same today, with outstanding programs for seniors provided by Little House, the Roslyn G. Morris Activity Center; Rosener House Adult Day Services; Meals on Wheels; and the Crane and Partridge/Kennedy Apartments.

Correction: In last week's society column, event emcee, news anchor Dave Clark, was incorrectly identified as the performer of a skit and original poem. Achievekids students performed the skit and poem. The Daily News regrets the error.

Janet Duca Norton's society column appears every Sunday in the Daily News. Send event information to 324 High St., Palo Alto, CA 94301, or e-mail society@paloaltodailynews.com or call (650) 327-9090, ext. 334. Diamond Award honoree Jane West receives a surprise Tiffany & Co. gift.