At WildCare's annual gala, master of ceremonies Arianna Huffington and various wildlife ambassadors—including Sequoia, a Northern Spotted Owl—helped make the evening a sold-out success. All proceeds go directly to support WildCare programs in wildlife rehabilitation and environmental education.
Film buffs descended on the Christopher B. Smith Rafael Film Center the California Film Institute for Oscar Night America, an Academy Awards live-feed telecast as a fundraiser for their education programs.
With almost 30 years in the Bay Area, the Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra held its annual gala and auction at the St.Regis Hotel. Proceeds from the evening will benefit the orchestra’s many artistic initiatives and education programs.
Recently, the Marin History Museum celebrated Ross residents John and Maria Pitcairn, who donated a violin painted and signed by The Jefferson Airplane’s Grace Slick and an electric guitar signed by all members of the Rolling Stones. The pieces will become part of the collection for the museum’s Marin Rocks exhibition scheduled to open this fall in downtown San Rafael.
At Sak's Fifth Avenue in San Francisco, Tod's creative director Derek Lam hosted an afternoon tea to benefit the Orangutan Foundation International. Later that night, Lam and Connie Nielsen chatted at a dinner at Foreign Cinema in honor of the designer.
More than 150 people dusted off their '80s attire to celebrate Hotel Diva's 25th birthday. Guests danced to jams by DJ Trevor Simpson, while sipping on specialty SKYY Vodka cocktails handcrafted by the owners of Rye bar, Michael David Wines, Trumer Pils and Bagrationi sparkling wine.
Big Brothers Big Sisters hosted a kick-off reception for the 100 Bigs in 100 Days campaign. The group has 200 kids waiting for a Big Brother or Sister and they are looking for volunteers! This year the campaign is held in honor of the 2010 Heart of Marin award winners Edward Kaufman and John and Mille Barrett who received the Volunteer of the Year award.
At Family Service Agency of Marin's 65th anniversary, 350 guests were entertained with a Doctor Zhivago’s Winter Castle theme. The evening included dancers and musicians from Ballet Russe, four-foot Faberge eggs, Russian balalaika players and more. The event raised $100,000 for the agency’s mental health, education, and support services that help 5,000 at-risk Marin children and families each year.
At the recent Open Studios at the ICB Building in Sausalito, artists and supporters gathered for the VIP Opening Reception.
Girotondo Italian School's Biennial Gala Dinner and Auction was held at Cavallo Point. The successful fundraiser was attended by members of the Italian Consulate of San Francisco.
A.C.T. celebrated the successful completion of The Next Generation Campaign at a leadership dinner for donors who have made commitments of $25,000 and more. The Next Generation Campaign raised over $31 million for the theater to create an endowment while sustaining artistic excellence and high quality actor training. The event was hosted by Artistic Director Carey Perloff, Campaign Committee.
Over 450 guests enjoyed an evening of dinner, prizes, silent and live auctions, and dancing to the popular band, Tainted Love, at the 14th annual Marin Valentine's Ball. Each year the event raises awareness and support for charities that benefit children, families, and older adults in need throughout the North Bay. This year's proceeds benefited Whistlestop, North Bay Children's Center, Sunny Hills Services, and The Godmothers of the Timothy Murphy School for Boys at St. Vincent's.
At the San Anselmo Teapod holiday party owners Chris and Jaimie Nguyen celebrated the season with their new baby Maddox.
Families, friends, and coaches of the Marin FC Alliance, gathered at Guaymas Restaurant in Tiburon for their inaugural fundraiser to support soccer players needing financial assistance. The evening highlights included a casino night, silent auction and raffle.
As a benefit for Meals on Wheels, local artist Michelle Schmitt celebrated the release of her latest CD, "Christmas on Pine Mountain" with a reception at the Throckmorton Theater.
Guests celebrated at Greenbrae jeweler Johann Paul's recent event showcasing the work of designer Elliott Chandler. The event donated 10 percent of the proceeds to the American Cancer Society.
Item Shoes and Accessories teamed up with Merrill Lynch and Homeward Bound-Fresh Starts for an evening of giving back. Shoppers enjoyed food prepared by Fresh Starts Catering while a percentage of their purchases were given back to the program. Fresh Starts is a culinary academy training program for formerly homeless individuals.
Whistlestop, the non-profit organization that provides vital services to Marin County's older adults and individuals with disabilities, held its annual Gingerbread House Decorating Party at Whistlestop's very own Jackson Cafe.
Recently, the Marin History Museum hosted its annual Holiday Open House to celebrate with the community the holidays and their current exhibit, "Growing the Future: Farming Families in Marin". More than 80 guests enjoy complimentary admission to the exhibit, beautiful decorations, holiday carols, hors d'oeuvres, wine, and gift raffle.
Guests were treated to a preview of Milly's spring fashions at Sausalito's Green Apples boutique, where owner Shelley Mosby was on hand to offer personal shopping advice.
Marinites crossed the bridge to cheer on chef Alice Waters as she received USF's 2009 California Prize for Service and the Common Good award at the University of San Francisco. The prize recognizes service in pursuit of the common good for society at large.
Mill Valley’s Evo Spa treated its clients to an appreciation day, complete with mini spa treatments and refreshments.
Opes Advisors celebrated business partners and clients by hosting a fun-filled Oktoberfest at their Larkspur office. They had all the traditional fare: beer, sausage, sauerkraut and plenty of strudel.
Lili Shahabi held her third annual American Cancer Society Benefit at Lili S. Salon in Sausalito.
At the Ross Valley Women's League's annual fundraising event for Adopt a Family of Marin was held at the home of Roseanna and Wallace Lourdeaux and was expected to raise $250,000 to help families in need.
Almost $75,000 was raised at Marin Charitable Association's annual wine dinner at Corinthian Yacht Club. Proceeds from the event will go directly to agencies in Marin that offer educational, recreational and emotional services to at-risk teenagers.
Cabana Home and Marin Magazine teamed up to host a reception for the Mill Valley Film Festival.
Bank of Marin's 16th Annual Spirit of Marin Awards celebrated the achievements of local businesses and business people, nominated by the 12 participating Marin County-based Chambers of Commerce.
Locals came out for the 2010 Opening Night Gala Launch Party of the San Francisco Ballet at St John Boutique.
Russ Colombo, President and CEO of Bank of Marin, participated along with several bank employees in the second annual Marin County Triathlon at McNear's Beach County Park in San Rafael. Several bank employees volunteered their time on the race course handing out water. All proceeds from the event went to Sunny Hills Services, Jenny's Light, and The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.
