Morning After
Deborah Emery
WILD ABOUT FASHION!!
Lights, camera, action is an understatement, as I am sure you would agree, if you were able to get a ticket to this sold out event. The Boys and Girls Clubs of Sonoma Valley has become expert in the “showbiz” factor of putting on extravagant fashion shows, and I don’t mean the “ladies-that-lunch” variety! This year’s event, held on September 11, was chaired by Michele Samson and Marchelle Carleton and choreographed by fashion icon Helen Lyall. The theme, “Wild about Fashion,” was perfect for this year’s production, which was held at Cline Winery—complete with the Rose Parade’s eight-foot tiger at the entry to greet all of the attendees.
Each year, the committee attempts to “up the bar,” and 2008 was no exception. I particularly liked the walk-around dining stations set up by An Affair to Remember, which gave guests time to visit and bid on the many silent auction items. The room was set up bistro-style, as if visiting France and hanging out in an outdoor café.
There is no doubt that the guests were anticipating an over-the-top fashion show, but as always, stealing a bit of the thunder were the kids who are served by the many programs at the Boys & Girls Clubs. First, was the Keystone Club kids, aged 14-18, who were represented by Christian Gonzalez, who told his story of being the first to graduate high school in his family. There was not a sound in the room and it was a clear message for the upcoming fundraising—to address the need for education and leadership. So compelling was Christian’s story that over $40,000 was raised. This year, back by popular demand, the kid’s fashion show followed. Decked out in outfits by Kohl’s, the kids strutted their stuff twice—once, with wild game masks made in the art room, and again, walking the catwalk like pros, complete with poses and turns that got the audience clapping and hollering.
The kids are always a favorite, after all, that’s what this night is about. But one can never deny the talent and creative genius of the show producer, Helen Lyall. The main fashion show began with a dramatic scene from Indiana Jones, with models dressed in elaborate headpieces and animal-print gowns. The final scene was set to Abba’s “Dancing Queen,” complete with singers dressed in shiny silver jumpsuits setting the stage for the ultra glamorous gown finale. The crowd was on their feet and did not want to leave. Ladies and gentlemen, mark your calendars for next year and get your tickets early if you want a spot at one of the finest Hollywood red-carpet affairs, right here in Sonoma.
Noche de Luna
If you’re looking for an authentic, early Californian/Mexican experience, La Luz, under the able direction of Ellen La Bruce and its talented Noche de Luna committee, makes this happen at their yearly fundraiser. I especially loved the program, which featured photos of last year’s attendees, all dressed the part. Held on September 18 at the Sonoma Barracks, the annual event benefits Latino families who want to further their education, learn English, get health care and avail themselves of the hundreds of resources necessary to thrive in our community. A worthy cause, considering that our wine industry, building trades, etc. could not survive without these hard-working folks.
This year’s event was exceptional, and the weather was gorgeous and balmy. As we entered the colorfully decorated, historic monument, the first people we saw were our hosts, chairwoman Kimberly Blattner and her husband Simon. Kimberly was dressed in a beautiful, black and floral lace ensemble, and Simon dressed as a man of the “cloth,” complete with a large cross hanging down his long black robes. They truly set the tone for the night. We walked around the food stations, which served chicken and chili chalupas, margaritas, tomales ticulenos, and more margaritas. One of the very special things I love about this event is seeing its supporters year after year – all agree that this is one of the most fun events they attend in Sonoma. After all, you get to visit while you eat, listen to beautiful music, watch terrific dance performances and partake in a shopping spree (pre-auction) provided by local vendors such as South American Secrets. Many sponsors were spotted while making the rounds, including the Vadaszes, the Storys, Cherie and Keith Hughs, the Levys and the Sandersons. So many, I cannot name them all. But each one as generous as the next, as was shown at the live auction!
This year, the no-pressure auction was headed up by Bob Rice of the Breakaway Cafe and the lovely songbird, Sheila Whitney. Each “act,” or item, was presented with humor, song and playfulness. Enough great stuff for anyone to keep their paddle up! And they raised big money for a good cause. I hated to leave moonlit night of history, philanthropy, friends and fun – it’s one of my favorites.
VROOOM VROOM
If it is action you seek or just plain thrills, the Indy Grand Prix of Sonoma County at Infineon Raceway is where you want to be mid-August. This three-day testosterone-injected experience brings folks from far and wide, many rolling in with their fancy RVs parked close to the track in order not to miss a moment of the day-long activities. I must admit I had not been to a car race since I was Miss Monterey Grand Prix many years ago.
We started our excitement on Saturday night by meeting top racing guns and “poster boys,” Dan Weldon and Scott Dixon, at a dinner party at Emery Estate Vineyards. Both have won the famous Indy 500. Scott is this year’s favorite to win the series championship. Both drivers race for team Target. I was surprised at how relaxed they were that evening, enjoying a glass of wine and mingling comfortably with everyone. I asked, “Aren’t you nervous?” Their response, “All in a day’s work.” They knew the job they had to do and paced themselves accordingly.
Having had the pleasure of meeting this dynamic duo, I couldn’t wait for race day on Sunday. As we arrived at the newly spiffed up Infineon Raceway, which is celebrating its 40th year, we found our parking space and proceeded to look for our hosts for the day, Curt and Marchelle Carleton.
The long, snaking track was lined with fancy tents, deluxe RVs, ribbons and flags, all placed strategically at sites where guests for the many private parties and gatherings would join up to enjoy 50+ laps of speed and power.
Within seconds of finding our group, the sky above was taken over by the America’s Patriots Jet team. “Wow,” is all I can say about these sexy, sleek gray planes as they did loops, stalls, whirls and other moves that defied nature. This macho display was followed by our other heroes in uniform, our firefighters, who were impressive as they proceeded around the track in various vintages of fire engines while waving to the appreciative crowd.
Finally, the main event: the drop of the flag and off they screeched—some 30+ Indy cars started their long journey, round and round and round. What I loved best about the day was sitting just above the track with a full view of the action, taking in the sounds and hanging out with about 40 friends—sipping wine and partaking in a sumptuous barbecue. If you are looking for an adrenalin fix, this is the event to attend.
You’re Not Hallucinating, You’re in Sonoma Valley
Celebrating what Sonoma is known for has never been a problem in this lively town. The Sonoma Wine Country Weekend is the culmination of another year’s hard work by the wine industry in and around Sonoma Valley and a chance to show off the fruits of the thousands of hours of work that it takes to produce some of the top wines in the world. This is the weekend that brings in many fine wine collectors from abroad, as well as local wine aficionados, to pluck off some of the collectable bottles that will be auctioned off at the Sunday live auction extravaganza.
Taking place each year over Labor Day weekend (August 29-31 this year), one has to plan for the Thursday-Sunday party circuit. Guests can choose one event or participate in the ultra VIP package, complete with a hotel and limo to all of the winemaker dinners, lunches, VIP-only events, and, of course, the big auction day. This year’s 1960s theme brought feelings of nostalgia to many of us who were part of the flower child era. I got to play this out as part of the infamous Magnum Force dance troupe (women in wine). Guests wore paisley, fringed leather vests, headbands, go-go boots, short skirts and tie-dye fabrics, reminding us of the easy and carefree times of the past.
Sonoma Valley Vintners and Growers Alliance is under the watchful leadership of the highly creative and innovative executive director Grant Raeside. Grant and his board were on a mission to make this year’s event the best ever—and it was! Every winemaker lunch and dinner was sold out. The Saturday event at MacMurray Ranch was packed with wine lovers. The event was supported by many notable sponsors, including Visa, Riedel Glass, Jenn-Air, Sonoma County Wine Grape Commission, Three House MultiMedia, Wine Spectator and Gourmet magazines, to name a few.
The big auction day came faster than expected. Many arrived dressed the part. Cline Winery was perfect for this event, with ideal weather. The big tent was surrounded with ponds and fountains. An old, decked-out train sat near the water and served as a VIP resting place. Many smaller tents were set up for wine tasting and shade. The day started early, at 11 a.m., as there were 57 lots to sell. Guests were never bored. Professional auctioneer, Fritz Hatton, made every item seem new: wine lots, trips, cars, fancy and exotic dinners hosted by famous vintners and tickets to sold-out events. The food this year was bountiful and yummy. The chefs, 11 in all, included head chef, Carlo Cavallo, but also John Ash, John Toulze, Antonio Ghilarducci, to name a few, were on top of their game, serving 350+ people. Food and wine at its best—presented beautifully, hot and scrumptious. Bravo!
This year there was no intermission. Instead, we were treated to the realistic sounds of the Unauthorized Rolling Stones. Listening to them, you would think they were the real thing—they rocked.
Always remembering the purpose of this fun-filled signature event—besides showing off the great wine that is made in Sonoma—we must thank the 12 charitable partners that work hard all year to bring in many of the top auction items that go on the bidding block. Among the recipients of the proceeds from the weekend event are The Boys & Girls Clubs of Sonoma Valley, the Sonoma Valley Education Foundation, Operation Youth and the Sonoma Valley Mentoring Alliance. These, along with the eight other charitable partners, will share in a record-breaking $1.5 million. For the food and wine lover, there is no better place to have all of your senses catered to than right here in Sonoma.
G-Mix
One of the parties I look forward to is Gary Saperstein’s G Mix. You might ask why? Well, very simply, it is a mix of gorgeous guys, great hand-crafted foods, a bar that won’t quit, and an ambiance that makes you feel you are somewhere in Europe on a summer’s night, hanging out with the super trendy. Right in Gary’s own back yard!
We were all surprised when Eric and Kelly Kreglow, of Sonoma Valley Film Festival fame, flew in, unbeknownst to anyone, to surprise Gary and so many of their friends! The night was energizing, with lots of conversation, reunion, and the breaking of great news. Many of the couples here this balmy evening were announcing that they had just become married, or would be doing so, real soon. Gavin Newsom was definitely a major part of many conversations this night. I had the chance to talk with many of the committed couples and found that longevity was more common than not, and many were just as happy or happier than when their relationships had started.
Because of the popularity of the coveted event, I heard that it may be moved to another location. Hope not, because it would be hard to duplicate the hospitality, comfort, beauty, and friendliness of Gary’s wonderful property, and of course, the host with the most, Gary himself.
Email This Story