Posts by Tony La Bruno
Spotlight on education – “Ocean’s Eleven” Fundraiser
Montemalaga PTA The annual Montemalaga PTA fundraiser was hosted on a gorgeous evening by Alex and Steve Blumer at their stunning new Palos Verdes Estates home. Guests took chances playing roulette and black jack table while enjoying an atmosphere inspired by “Ocean’s Eleven,” the famous 1960 Lewis Milestone heist film, about a Las Vegas casino…
Read MoreSpotlight on society – Zimmerman Museum hosts sock hop for Las Madrecitas Fall fundraiser
Las Madrecitas’ annual fall fundraiser, on October 22, was a 1950s style sock hop at the Zimmerman Automotive Museum in El Segundo. Proceeds benefited the Luskin Orthopaedic Hospital of Los Angeles. Dr. Sophia Sangiorgio, a bioengineer, discussed the science behind children’s prosthetics. Auction donors included Sandi Barrett, who donated two vacation stays at her North…
Read MoreSpotlight on Society – “Starry, Starry Night” Las Candalistas holiday hoedown
Las Candalistas hosted its annual fall fundraiser at the Empty Saddle Club in Rolling Hills Estates on October 21. Music by Andy & Renee & Hard Rain was sponsored by Malaga Bank. The live auction was emceed by Elite Auctions. It Included a 6-night Patagonia Adventure in a luxury geodesic dome, a Music Lover’s Dream…
Read MoreSpotlight on Art – Prestigious “GIFTED” Art Collection
On Display at PVAC through November 12 The Palos Verdes Art Center hosted a public art reception for their new installation of “GIFTED: Collecting the Art of California” at Gardena High School from 1919-1956. The show featured 50 treasures of art from such prominent early California Impressionist artists as Maynard Dixon, Maurice Braun, Jean Mannheim,…
Read MoreSpotlight on Art – Tour d’Art 2022 Artist’s Studio at PVAC
On October 15 and 16, residents had the opportunity to meet 30 local artists at four private studios and at the Palos Verdes Art Center (PVAC). Artists discussed their creative processes with current and future art collectors. Photos by Tony LaBruno
Read MoreSpotlight on politics – Pennyroyal Players “From Battles to Ballots”
On October 9, the Pennyroyal Players paid musical tribute to the diverse “radical women” who dared to fight for their rights in the early 1900s. The story begins in 1591 in England, and ends in Tennessee in 1920 with the ratification of the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which opened the doors for women…
Read MoreLa Venta Summer Sunset Social Series Grand Finale
The crystal clear evening of September 8th marked the final event of the Sunset Social Series season at La Venta Inn. Guests were treated to a painting demonstration by local artist, Don Crocker, in partnership with the Palos Verdes Art Center. Live action food stations from, Made by Meg Catering, complemented the summer sunset and…
Read MoreSpotlight on Theater – Annual Gathering for the Grand Gala
Glamour in Paris This year’s highly anticipated “An American in Paris –The Black & White Ball” fundraiser, benefiting the Warner Grand, was held at the Palos Verdes Golf Club on July 24 with over 250 guests. Pat Brown and her son James Brown, along with Jame’s San Pedro Brewing Company were this year’s honorees. Proceeds…
Read MoreSpotlight on Art – Palos Verdes Art Center Summer Show Opening Reception
Best of show announced The PVAC Artists Groups Juried Exhibition ran from the end of July through the end of August. The Summer Show an all-media exhibition open for submission only to members of the Palos Verdes Art Center’s seven active artists groups: Artists Open Group, Pacific Arts Group, Paletteers, Peninsula Artists, Photographic and Digital…
Read MoreSpotlight on education – Palos Verdes Peninsula Council of PTA’s Award Recipients for 2021-2022
On June 1 at the Los Verdes Golf Club, the Palos Verdes Peninsula Council of PTA’s recognized volunteers, teachers, parents, and staff who were all integral to this past school year’s success. Lori Eurich, the scholarship chair, handed out the many awards. The Honorary Service Awards Breakfast included the Council Board’s installation. Photos by Tony…
Read MoreBabs Woodcock celebrates 100 swimming years
Photos by Tony LaBruno Babs Woodcock, family and friends recently celebrated her 100 birthday at the Palos Verdes Bay Club, where she and her husband moved to 58 years ago, as founding club members. Flowers for the celebration were cut from a mirrored rose garden dedicated to her 21 years ago, in front of the…
Read MoreSpotlight on art – Palos Verdes Home Tour and PVAC fundraiser
The Circle of the Palos Verdes Art Center hosted a magical evening at David’s and Ann Buxton’s private residence on May 21. All of the proceeds from a silent auction of small art pieces, went to benefit the PVAC while proceeds from the larger art pieces were split between the artist and the PVAC. The…
Read MoreSpotlight on the Arts – Reach for the Stars at the Palos Verdes Performing Arts Annual Gala
On June 18, The Palos Verdes Performing Arts Theater put on a Black Tie evening fundraiser that included a sumptuous meal, open bar and entertainment from the Rocket Man show. Guests had a wonderful opportunity to donate towards the theater by using a donation sheet that was available inside an envelope located at each of…
Read MoreSpotlight on Education – PV Juniors Disbursement Ceremony Supporting charities, student excellence
On June 8, at Los Verdes Golf Club, PV Juniors President Dora de la Rosa, along with incoming president Kandis Wannamaker, and Supriya Mathur recognized six local South Bay charities with grants, and three Palos Verdes students with scholarships. Campbell Howard from PV High earned the Piken Art Scholarship; Kylee Schwartz from Penn High earned…
Read MoreSpotlight on Education – Peninsula Education Major Donors Reception
On June 4, Peninsula Education Foundation (PEF) recognized the Major Donors who had given $2,500+ during the 2021-22 school year. These school families, alumni, corporate sponsors and real estate donors generously supported students at all 17 Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified School District (PVPUSD) schools. Their donations are essential for providing students a strong academic environment.…
Read MoreSpotlight on School – Ridgecrest Intermediate School Honorary Service Awards
Led by PTSA President, Glenn Thompson, special awards were presented to volunteers who have had the greatest impact on the betterment of Ridgecrest Intermediate School in Rancho Palos Verdes. Incoming PTSA President will be LaRae Bechmann. PVPUSD Board Member, Ami Ghandi was in attendance, as was the Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services Linsey Gotanda. Photos…
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