Aug 12, 2007

Stars of yesteryear come out for museum gala

By Janet Duca Norton / Society Writer

The Museum of American Heritage's first ever Vintage Vehicles Gala was a fun visit to the decade of the '50s and a celebration of its cars and culture.

Longtime supporter of the Vintage Vehicles and Family Festival, host Joe "Sparky" Bullock welcomed more than 240 guests, many in '50s costumes, to his "Sparky's Hot Rod Garage" in San Carlos. The time travelers experienced his '50s era chrome and neon sign-lighted diner and memorabilia, including a Coke wagon, racing trophies, vintage gas pumps, statues of '50s icons and his collection of vintage cars and custom hot rods.

Memorable moments included a set of songs sung by celebrity look-alike Rat Pack stars Sammy Davis Jr., Dean Martin and Frank Sinatra. Thanks to Catherine Grillos who coordinated the celebrity appearances, Lucy, Marilyn and Carmen Miranda also entertained and mingled at the sold-out August 4 event. Guests danced to rock 'n' roll favorites by DJ Rocky Snow.

Director Gwenyth Claughton said she was confident the gala netted $50,000 for the museum's programs. The museum is the only Bay Area museum dedicated to the history of technological innovation in the pre-transistor age. Its mission is to inspire innovators of the future, especially children, through the inventions of the past.

Joe and Meri Ehrlich were honored that evening for their many years of support. The Ehrlichs were instrumental in finding and acquiring the Williams House for the museum's permanent home, and Joe played a major role in the retrofitting project. Because of their continued support of the museum's educational programs, it was announced at the gala that the Ehrlich Education Endowment Fund had been named in their honor.

"We're overwhelmed and overjoyed to see so many friends here this evening," Meri said.
Heading the guest list was Vintage Vehicles and Family Fair chairman Don Nusbaum and his wife Judy. Laurie Cvengros and Richard Haslett (who met at the festival last year) joined the crowd on Hot Rod Lane and made their way to the diner.

Congratulating caterer John McGannon and his Wild Oats Catering staff for their '50s food with a gourmet twist, including shrimp cocktails with wasabi guacamole and designer hamburgers, were Bev and Jim Nelson, Nancy and Joe Huber, Monte Anderson, board member Chris Carter, Shirley and Bob Cavigli, Jamis and Margaret MacNiven, Leonard and Shirley Ely, Carolyn Reller, Peggy Nute, Jeff Ehrlich, and Jack and Fran Rominger.

Auctioneer Steve Player's enthusiasm helped the auction sell a tour of the Sees Candy factory, purchased by Bill Reller, and a picnic with Channel Wasson in his 1924 Stanley Steamer, purchased by Boyce Nute. Larry Haslett merited the title of "auction godfather."



"CAROUSEL" CENTER OF FOOTHILL GALA

The seventh annual Foothill Commission Gala, featuring the award-winning Foothill Music Theatre and its production of "Carousel," was a sold-out success. At least 375 theatergoers attended the matinee performance of the Rogers and Hammerstein classic, followed by a wine tasting, alfresco supper and live auction on July 29 at the Los Altos Hills campus.

Foothill Commission co-chairwomen Ginny Lear and Jean Ching were thrilled the fundraiser raised more than $100,000. Lear said the event was not only a financial success, but a "perfect opportunity to introduce our new president, Judy Miner, to our community, and a rousing kickoff to the 50th anniversary year of Foothill College and the district."

President Judith Miner made a surprise grand entrance on the stage modeling a "Carousel" hat (a literal replica of a carousel), designed by Foothill costuming professor Julie Engelbrecht. Miner shared the spotlight with Production Director Jay Manley while he sang an ode - in his own words - to her. He changed the lyrics of "The Lady is a Tramp" to "That's why the lady is our champ." Miner replied, "I would do just about anything for our students ... as demonstrated here tonight."

Applauding Miner and Manley were founding president Bob Smithwick, event founders Barb and Bruce Swenson, sponsors Goody and Gerry Steinberg, trustee Betsy Bechtel, Foothill President Emerita Bernadine Fong, and Bob Grimm and his daughter Patty Grimm.

Manley, who founded Musical Theatre in 1985, has produced a full-scale musical show every summer. In his performance remarks, he said it took Hammerstein a long time to write the book and lyrics for "Carousel," but Rogers produced the music in just a few days. The famous team also said this was their favorite work.

Clever choreography, colorful costumes, interesting sets and the famous musical score (including "If I Loved You," "Carousel Waltz" and "You'll Never Walk Alone") received rave reviews from enthusiastic theatergoers, including Joan Barram, Mark Chandler, Becky and Jim Morgan, Barbara and Jean Mordo, and Chris and Anne Ream. The Reams also purchased the winning raffle ticket for a diamond pendant donated by Preziosi Italian Jewelers.

The importance of the Fund a Dream auction project, "Math My Way," was illustrated by a pair of students enrolled in the award-winning innovative math course. Instructor Nicole Gray explained to the crowd about how the modified program and self-paced classes open doors to upper level math classes required for professional careers.

Lisa Puma, a single mother of three, is now studying for a degree in psychology and ultimately a law degree. Queen Dioni from West Africa, who wants to become a nurse, said, "Every day I smile when I think about math at Foothill."

The auction garnered high bids for getaways and dinner parties. A French-themed dinner at Jan and Bob Fenwick's home sold twice for $5,500. A dinner featuring the White House menu prepared for Queen Elizabeth - donated by chef Lisa Lyons, Christina and Kelly Porter, Barb and Bruce Swenson and Diane Doolittle - was purchased by Los Altos Hills friends Maggie and Garth Wilson, Mady and Mel Kahn, Gunilla and Tom Follett, Brian and Molly Paaso and Polly Dulin.