Jul 22, 2007

Warwick lends vocal talents to charity

By Janet Duca Norton / Society Columnist

"The order of the evening is to have a good time. Relax and enjoy a warm stroll down memory lane," said music legend Dionne Warwick, who was the guest star of the 48th annual Summer Symphony Benefit for the Children's Health Council at Stanford's Frost Amphitheater.

About 5,000 people saw the internationally acclaimed vocalist perform at the "That's What Friends Are For" concert on July 15, which raised more than $500,000 for the Children's Health Council.

The evening had something for everyone, including great weather, picnicking with friends and family, Warwick and the wonderful music of the Summer Symphony Orchestra, under the direction of Arnie Roth.

Roth launched the concert with a medley from the musical "Chicago," then saluted composer John Williams' 75th birthday with his "Indiana Jones" score and played a few numbers from “Westside Story,” in celebration of the musical's 50th anniversary.

Summer Symphony co-chairs Michael Lazarus and Kim LeMieux said they were proud of the "amazing group" of hardworking individuals from the committee and Children's Health Council who made the evening such a success. The concert took a year to produce, with more than 190 volunteers working on-site.

The record-setting number of sponsors - 48 corporate and 18 community - will enable the council to serve more children and families with the funds raised for programs, services and financial assistance. Every year, more than 5,000 children and adolescents receive help with behavioral and developmental challenges from the council.

After Council Board Chairman Mark Gates thanked everyone for their efforts, he shared a success story with concertgoers. Gates read part of a letter written by a family whose young child had received services from the Health Council, which stated, "Our child is like a new person; he is so happy and doing well."

For the first year, KTVU Channel 2's "Mornings on Two" co-anchor Tori Campbell performed emcee duties. She enjoyed introducing the Esther B. Clark School Chorus, saying it was the reason for the evening. Dressed in yellow T-shirts, the ensemble performed a medley of friends-themed songs.

Warwick started her smooth sophisticated program with "Close to You." The consummate entertainer involved her audience, getting people to sing along to "Message to Michael" and "Heart Breaker." Favorites from the evening featured 21st-century arrangements, such as the jazz interpretation of "I Say a Little Prayer," and the ballad "Alfie" that was expanded with piano and string accompaniment.

Warwick, who now resides in Brazil, calls it a "magical place," and sang a rendition of the song "Brazil." She then introduced Latin takes on several songs, including Grammy Award winners "I'll Never Fall in Love Again," "Do You Know the Way to San Jose?" and "I'll Never Love This Way Again."

"I want you to know how pleased I am to be part of this evening," Warwick said before the finale. "You are doing a lot for people who are dear to my heart - the little (ones)."

Warwick presented a surprise ending with a glimpse of the future, sharing the spotlight with her 13-year-old granddaughter Cheyenne Elliott for a duet of "That's What Friends Are For." According to the story, Warwick's son David usually performs the song, but had a scheduling conflict. Cheyenne volunteered to fill in for her dad, but had to pass critical scrutiny from her famous grandmother. As the saying goes, the rest is history. Dionne beamed proudly during Cheyenne's solos, and the audience gave the duo a standing ovation.

Leading the applause were Michael and Susan Ford Dorsey, Kirsten Krueger, Caroline and Jim Labe, Isaac and Maddy Stein, Nancy and Pat McGaraghan, Anne Lawler and Lulu and Larry Frye.

It was a family evening for past chairwoman Besty Matteson and husband Matt, who attended with his parents, Shirley and Duncan Matteson. Committee members included Debbie and Bobby Robbins, Lisa and Dave Mooring, Quin and Doug Whitman, Terry and Bill Kurfess, and Michele and Steve Kirsch.

Presenting sponsors were See's Candies, the Sand Hill Foundation and NetJets.

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.