Oct 24, 2006

Residents have heart for Sequoia Foundation

By Kim Selby

The almost 400 guests who attended the Sequoia Hospital Foundation's gala ball on Oct. 14 showed their heart while supporting the programs of Sequoia Hospital. The "Building with Our Hearts" theme was carried throughout the elegant event held at the Sharon Heights Golf and Country Club in Menlo Park.

Gala chair Marie Zahn and her committee worked tirelessly to present an evening of delicacies and surprises for guests. Zahn was proudly escorted by her centenarian father John La Barbera.

Upon arrival, event attendees attached their name tags to red or silver Mardi Gras beads. The colorful theme continued at the martini bar. There, guests could purchase an extra-large martini (or scotch) in a spectacular ruby-red glass for $100.

Attached to each glass was a silver bag that contained a heart-shaped cubic zirconia. Three of the faux gems were marked, and jewelers from Geoffrey's Diamonds and Goldsmiths identified the jewels. The three winners were presented with spectacular diamond pieces from the San Carlos jeweler.

Of the 100 guests who purchased tickets, Mary Gardiner won the coveted diamond necklace, Jeff Barton took home a tennis bracelet and Debbie Spillane delighted in receiving the gentleman's diamond ring. Spillane was accompanied by her husband Mike and the two visited with new board member David Larwood and his wife Suzie.

From the foyer, guests spilled into the elegant ballroom of the country club where waiters passed trays of hors d'oeuvres and champagne. Silent auction items filled the room, offering everything from works of art to getaways and decor for the home.

A portrait photographer was on hand to capture the lovely ladies in gowns and their dashing escorts in tuxedos. Many of the women chose to don red satin in keeping with the "heart" theme of the evening.

As cocktail hour drew to a close, guests were ushered outside to the putting green, where a magnificent treat awaited them. The Sharon Heights Golf Course was transformed into a magical place with a beautiful white tent placed on the lawn and sponsored by Pathways Home Health, Hospice and Private Duty. Guests saw red as they entered the tent with tables graced by a red satin tablecloths and exquisite floral arrangements created by Angel's Redwood City Florist.

The live auction that took place after dinner was a rousing success. Spectacular items greeted bidders. Greg and JoAnn Kemist, Jacob Evenich and Zeke Duru donated an intimate chef's dinner for ten, with service provided by the Sequoia Hospital Senior Leadership Team. Bill Folsom and popular A Tavola restaurant in Redwood City donated a Scotch tasting and dinner for eight.

Big winners were Bonnie and Tony Addario, avid supporters and donors to the foundation. They were the winning bidders on a one-week stay in Cannes, France, as well as two slots in the Lexus Champions for Charity Golf Tournament at Pebble Beach. Bonnie's daughters Danielle Hicks and Andrea Parks applauded loudly at the win.

Loree Lokey and Joanne Harrington and Harmon and Sue Burns stunned the audience with substantial surprise donations during the "last man standing" auction.

DPR Construction was the presenting sponsor for this 8th annual gala. Eric Lamb of DPR and his wife Catherine enjoyed the evening while visiting with San Mateo County Supervisor Rich Gordon and Dr. Dennis McShane. The beverages guests enjoyed at the gala were hosted by Peninsula Park with wine provided by Art Faro and Eileen Cassidy.

Many more Peninsula businesses and individuals contributed to the success of the evening by providing underwriting and items for the auctions. Of particular note are Black Mountain Properties, Dr. and Mrs. James Fergason, Peter and Paula Uccelli, Bill and Audrey Beeger, Andy and Kathy Cresci, Howard and Martha Girdlestone, Bob and Deanna Dooley and the Honorable Dr. and Mrs. Chang J. Huang. Frank Hannig Jr., chairman of the Foundation Board of Directors, was seen shaking hands with guests while his father Frank Hannig Sr. and his mother Theresa chatted gaily with other attendees.

There were no shortages of doctors in the house, but fortunately not one was needed for anything other than lively conversation. Chief of Staff Dr. Len Valentino and his wife Janis attended along with Dr. Patricia Sitnisky, Dr. Jolly and Jacob Philip, Dr. Clanci and Dan Calopiz and Dr. Roger and Lynn Winkle.

Sharon Heights Golf and Country Club hosted a tournament that was held on Monday September 25 in association with the gala. The golf tournament was a huge success as well. Tony Addario and Greg Kemist chaired this year's tournament and the presenting sponsor was Mid-Peninsula Bank.

Prior to the tournament's shotgun start, participants received a new pair of complimentary Etonic golf shoes and had the opportunity to play in the "Salami Putt-Off," a unique pre-tournament competition. Once on the course, the Texas scramble-style tournament included a margarita hole and a chance to win a new Lexus, Rolex watch or a trip to Scotland for a special golfing adventure.

This year's special guest was Joanne Lee, a senior at Belmont's Carlmont High School. Lee is currently ranked 14th in the nation in golf for women 18 and under, and recently returned from playing in the U.S. Women's Open in Rhode Island. For a small donation, benefiting the Carlmont High School athletic and medical science programs, Lee teed off for each team. If her drive was longer than that of the team members, they were able to use her drive for their tournament play.

Between the golf tournament and gala ball, the two events brought in more than $600,000. Because the foundation receives a generous dollar-for-dollar matching grant from the Sequoia Healthcare District, that $600,000 is eligible to be doubled to well over $1 million.