Palos Verdes Ballet Celebrates 30th Anniversary [PHOTOS]
Palos Verdes Ballet hosted a fundraising dinner at the Portofino Hotel and Yacht Club in Redondo Beach that commemorate its 30th anniversary season and corresponding annual production of “The Nutcracker.” The dinner feature the guest of honor, local Palos Verdes artist Rita Schroeder, the designer of the original cover art for this year’s “Nutcracker” keepsake programs. This year also marks an anniversary for Palos Verdes Ballet Director Uta Graf-Apostol… This year’s performances will be held on Saturday, Dec. 18 at 2 p.m. along with a special gala performance at 7 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 19 at 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. For ticket information contact the Norris Theatre box office at (310) 544-0403 or online at www.norriscenter.com.
Pediatric Therapy Network
Despite the dark clouds and rain the night of October 17th, the Halloween spirits were soaring and a good time was had by all. The event hosted by Chef Michael Shafer of The Depot and Buffalo Fire Department was the most successful ever with 700 in attendance, raising much needed funds to support our therapy and programs for children with special needs ranging from Autism to Cerebral Palsy and other developmental delays.
Peninsula Seniors
Peninsula Seniors welcomed members and guests to its Fall Fling Fashion Show at Los Verdes Golf Club. Draper’s and Damon’s provided the Fashions and Peninsula Seniors were the models. The show was narrated by Juanita Davis and music was by Linda Pesic. Luncheon and a raffle, a silent auction, an escort extraordinaire and an enthusiastic audience made for a wonderful day.
Peninsula Education Foundation
The Board of Trustees of the Peninsula Education invited major donors and Chuck Miller Grant recipients to the PEF annual Autumn Harvest at Trump National Golf Club. The evening included the recognition of this year’s teachers in the Palos Verdes Unified School District who received grants. Attendees enjoyed appetizers from many of the local South Bay restaurants.
Palos Verdes Peninsula Land Conservancy
Art collectors and Palos Verdes Peninsula Land Conservancy patrons David and Ann Buxton opened their beautiful Palos Verdes home for a late afternoon October reception honoring the Portuguese Bend Artist Colony in appreciation of the Colony’s ongoing partnership with the Conservancy on their highly successful Fine Art Exhibition and Sale of which a portion of each sale is donated to the Land Conservancy.
Rising Stars
“Rising Stars,” an annual fundraising event to benefit foster youth education and the performing arts, was held on Saturday, November 6 at the Norris Center for the Performing Arts. The highlight of the event, which was emceed by ABC7 anchor Phillip Palmer, was a special musical production, “Gleefest 2010,” featuring music from the television phenomenon, “Glee.” Rising Stars is a partnership between the Teague Family Foundation, the Los Angeles Department of Children and Family Services and the Norris Center for the Performing Arts. The organization is celebrating its eighth year of producing the annual benefit which provides college scholarships to recently emancipated youths. Proceeds from the event also allow the Norris Center for the Performing Arts’ education to offer performing arts scholarships to local disadvantaged and foster children who would not be able to participate in their program without financial assistance.
Providence Little Company of Mary Foundation Sellabration Gala
Providence Little Company of Mary Foundation’s Sellabration Gala presented by American Honda Motor Co., Inc. generated a record $690,000 for Providence LCM charitable care and community outreach programs on November 6. More than 500 guests joined in celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Little Company of Mary Sisters’ healing presence in Southern California. An astounding $2.5 million in fundraising commitments, pledges and expectancies was announced during the elegant evening at the downtown Los Angeles Millennium Biltmore Hotel Crystal Ballroom. Foundation trustees Paula Del Vicario and Shelley Joyce served as co-chairs for the successful event.