Marin Magazine - March 2008

With 450 people in attendance, the International Center for Attitudinal Healing held a successful Fall Fantasia Gala at the Marin Civic Center, raising more than $100,000 for the organization.

At the Marin Country Club in Novato, Senior Access celebrated 35 years in business with an evening showcasing artwork up for auction created by Senior Access participants.

In Larkspur the Lark Theater hosted a Hawaiian cultural event celebrating the hula with a performance by Halau Hula Na Pua O Ka La'akea.

In San Geronimo, 128 golfers and Kiddo! supporters teed up for the third annual Kiddo! Golf Tournament, which raised a record-breaking $47,000 for long-term sustainable funding for arts, music and technology programs in the Mill Valley public schools.

The San Francisco Ballet Auxiliary hosted a cocktail reception honoring grand benefactors of the San Francisco Ballet's Opening Night Diamond Gala Celebration at the home of Dede Wilsey. Gala chair and Sausalito resident Jean Larette and Marinites Graham and Shay Kos were on hand to celebrate the evening.

And recently, Marinites like Bay Club president Jim Gerber and his wife, Linnea, made the trek over the bridge for Pamala and Ted Deikel's annual bash on Nob Hill, which brought philanthropic guests from Marin and San Francisco together for an evening of cocktails and conversation.

Blowtorch Inc. celebrated the opening of its Sausalito offices last January. The media entertainment company, led by Kelly Rodriques of Kentfield, has been named one of six companies to watch in 2008 by Fortune magazine.

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.