Marin Magazine - September 2008

Oenophiles and gourmands headed to Nick's Cove and Cottages in Marshall for a Pey-Marin and Mount Tamalpais Vineyards "Grown in Marin" dinner. Chef Adam Mali created dishes from meats, fish and produce grown in Marin, including wild mushrooms on toast, crab cakes, halibut sashimi and more.

Over 100 guests sipped on organic wine and beer at the Chic for a Cause: Stop the Spray fundraiser. The event's fashion show opened with botanical couture by Theron Nelson including bikinis made from grass, twigs and flowers; recycled denim looks from Love, Melody Originals; and more. Organic boutiques Tela D and Eco Citizen also showcased eco-friendly labels.

At Reed School's annual Regatta Fundraiser, parents and supporters enjoyed the Viva Las Vegas theme to support the Foundation for Reed Schools' goal to underwrite music, technology, foreign language, physical education and art classes for Tiburon public schools.

Art Works Downtown held its annual fundraiser ArtRageous, a Warhol-themed event, which raises money for public programs.

The University of San Francisco hosted the first annual California Prize Dinner at the Merchants Exchange Building in San Francisco. The award was presented to entrepreneur Lynn Fritz, founder of the Fritz Institute, a nonprofit that improves both the preparation for disasters and the operational effectiveness of disaster relief organizations.

Nearly 700 attendees and headliners Robin Williams and Dana Carvey made the Comedy for Kids with Autism benefit at the Regency Center an unforgettable night. Adding to the night's success were Sammy Hagar and Lawrence Goldfarb, who surprised the audience when they jumped onstage and each pledged $50,000 to Oak Hill School and the Ryder Foundation. Marin County's Oak Hill School provides an integrated therapeutic education for children with autism and other developmentally based learning challenges.