This winter was a season of giving. Recently, the Marin Community Foundation honored and thanked its donors who have partnered with the organization to plan and conduct their own charitable giving. The group held a reception for about 120 people prior to a performance by the Marin Symphony.
And Mill Valleys Girotondo Italian School held a successful fundraising evening at Mezzo Mezzo Restaurant in San Rafael. Guest were treated to Italian delicacies, mandolin music and an exciting live auction.
At the Throckmorton Theatre, Mountain Play held a benefit for its 2008 season. The evening featured a champagne reception and a live auction presented by Richard Habib. The event raised over $40,000 to benefit the upcoming performance of the Wizard of Oz.
In San Rafael, former Marinite Robin Williams came out to support the Trips for Kids 20th anniversary gala and dinner, where $125,000 was raised for the nonprofit.
Recently, nearly 1,000 people attended the Guide Dogs for the Blind annual luncheon at the Westin St. Francis Hotel in San Francisco. The event raised an estimated $200,000, which will help the group offer its services free of charge.
In Novato fashionable philanthropists headed to Betty Ann for a champagne and shopping night to help raise money for the Sean Brecht Memorial Fund benefitting Aquatic Therapy Associates in San Rafael.
In San Francisco Cartier director Robert Atkinson welcomed guests to a champagne and caviar breakfast. Cartiers cadre of signature pages greeted the 100 guests, who were treated to a selection of caviar and sweets among the glittering jewels and timepieces.
Back in Marin, new owner Sheila Meagher celebrated the opening of her new toy store Monkey Business in Strawberry Village.
In San Anselmo Susanne Carek and Stephanie Kirkwood celebrated at the grand opening of their new lifestyle boutique Taloolah.
Over 300 guests attended the annual McEvoy Ranch harvest party, which has become a not-to-be-missed event of the year. Nion McEvoy was on hand to meet with guests, who were treated to a limited-edition sample of McEvoy's 2008 supply.
In San Francisco, more than 600 people attended the Stars Agency's annual holiday celebration at Ruby Skye to benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Guests danced to the music of Pride & Joy and mingled with agency owners Lynn Claxon, Scott Claxon and Kristin Claxon-Stinnett.
At San Francisco City Hall, the Marine Mammal Center raised over $200,000 at its 11th annual gala. Executive director Martha Whetstone spoke about the important work the center does and the pending completion of new state-of-the-art facilities. Guests enjoyed a five-course meal catered by McCall Associates and entertainment by guitarist Jeff Massanari.
After months of extensive remodeling Piatti Ristorante & Bar unveiled its new look at a grand reopening party, with proceeds going to Marin Agricultural Land Trust (MALT). Guests entered the raffle for a chance to win a Vespa, dined on Piatti creations and sipped signature cocktails.
In Sausalito, Jeremy John and his wife, Jill, held an opening party for Wellingtons Wine Bar, with views and a custom bar made out of wine barrels. Guests played board games and sampled the vino.
In Corte Madera Jimi Hendrix biographer Steven Roby recenty held a tribute and book signing for the rocker's 65th birthday at Book Passage.
In Tiburon, guests flocked to the Art Bar to celebrate the opening with owner Deborah Molinar. The Art Bar provides consulting services, rotating exhibits and a special events space.
In San Francisco, Neiman Marcus was the place to see two of the top labels, Chanel and Nina Ricci, preview their upcoming collections. Vice President and General Manager John Capizzi was on hand at both events, and guests at the Nina Ricci show were treated to a rare appearance by the designer Olivier Theyskens.
In San Francisco, Neiman Marcus was the place to see two of the top labels, Chanel and Nina Ricci, preview their upcoming collections. Vice President and General Manager John Capizzi was on hand at both events, and guests at the Nina Ricci show were treated to a rare appearance by the designer Olivier Theyskens.
At Frisson restaurant in San Francisco, Diana Britt, Gina Pell, Amy Parker and photojournalist Alissa Everett (who visited Darfur in 2006) held the first fundraiser for their new nonprofit Care Through Action, which raised over $20,000 for the refugees of Darfur.
Inclement weather did not stop locals from heading to their favorite shopping destinations for unforgettable fashion shows. In Sausalito, it was a Christmas affair for Marinites at the annual Gene Hiller holiday party, which featured hors d'oeuvres from Poggio and a fashion show with jewelry by Sausalito Jewelers.
Caledonia Street in Sausalito was busy this winter with guests checking out parties at Bettina, Green Apples and Lili S Salon. Down the street at Green Apples, guests celebrated with cocktails, nibbles and a holiday discount, hosted by owners Jill Carrade and Cassia O'Black.
Caledonia Street in Sausalito was busy this winter with guests checking out parties at Bettina, Green Apples and Lili S Salon. At Bettina owner Doretta Boehm-fresh from her trip to Southern Thailand-held a holiday bash with a presentation of jewelry by Amy Nordstrom and a preview of the new Bettina Jersey Collection.
Caledonia Street in Sausalito was busy this winter with guests checking out parties at Bettina, Green Apples and Lili S Salon. At Lili S Salon Lili Shahabi hosted a fundraiser for the American Cancer Society with special guest mayor Mike Kelly.
Farther north, guests flocked to Larkspur for home design boutique Susanna's winter wonderland party.
On Magnolia Avenue, owner Kenlynn Wilson threw a green holiday trunk show at Embodies. The event featured eco-fashion, accessories and local designers.
In Fairfax Anakela Carmassi celebrated the one-year anniversary of her organic boutique Tela D.
In Mill Valley, the Slide Ranch Silver Trowel Award dinner was a success, with more than $85,000 raised for the environmental education and sustainable agriculture program at the ranch.
Recently, the di Rosa Preserve held the sixth annual benefit art auction "Moon Proof Madness." The event's 230 guests raised a record-setting $311,000 for the preserve's cultural and educational programs.
At the Fairmont hotel in San Francisco, the Northern California chapter of the ARCS Foundation held its annual scholarship awards luncheon. Since its founding in 1970, the chapter's 202 members have raised over $12.6 million for 1,970 scholars attending six Northern California universities.
At the Mill Valley Community Center a sold-out crowd for the Milley Awards recognized those who have made major contributions to the creative life of Mill Valley and who were born, lived or worked in the town. Milley recipients included Lonnie Barbach, Austin deLone, Suki Hill, Ivan Poutiatine, Kathleen Quinlan and Mary Turnbull.
