Posts by Tony La Bruno
Babs 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…
Read MorePalos Verdes 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 Pen High earned…
Read MoreSpotlight on Education – Montemalaga Mardis Gras
“Laissez les bons temps rouler” The good times were rolling at the historic La Venta Inn for the Montemalaga Parent Teacher Association fundraiser on Mar. 12. Everyday Housewives was rockin the house, and celebrity emcee Pattie Ehsaei was leading the evening’s agenda with auction items and thank yous to major sponsors of the evening, including…
Read MoreSpotlight on Community – Palos Verdes Education Foundation Inaugural Gala
Benefiting the PVE Police Department Over 250 guests filled the Palos Verdes Golf Club on March 5 to raise money for body and car camera systems for the local police department.The goal was to raise $100,000 towards the approximately $190,000 system. But the evening was so successful that the proceeds more than doubled their goal,…
Read MoreSpotlight on education – “Around the World” in one night
St. John Fisher School’s Annual Fundraiser St. John Fisher School hosted its annual fundraiser at the Norris Pavilion catered by the Red Onion Restaurant, on March 5. The “Whole World” was the night’s theme, and Oliver, the Maltipoo puppy, was the star of the show. He was auctioned off to a lucky family. Other donations…
Read MoreSpotlight on Art – Friends of the Library
Join “Are You Thinking What I’m Thinking” This creative art show, put to original music scores, has taken on a dynamic life of its own. Its latest stop was the Malaga Cove Library where there was standing room only at the VIP reception. Previous to this, the collection was the first opening “in-person” art show…
Read MoreSPOTLIGHT ON COMMUNITY Palos Verdes Estates Foundation unveils newly restored Peninsula treasure
On February 6, the iconic, 93-year-old Farnham Martin Fountain adjacent to the Malaga Cove Library, was turned on and lit up, for the first time in 15 years. An intimate community reception took place at the base of the fountain at sunset, hosted by the two-year-old Palos Verdes Estates Foundation. The fountain and the neighboring…
Read MoreSpotlight on Education – Chadwick Professionals Holiday Soiree Mix and Mingle
The ninth annual Chadwick School holiday networking party took off at the Tin Roof Bistro in Manhattan Beach on December 2. It was a unique opportunity for alumni, parents of alumni and friends of Chadwick to network and be together for the holidays. Each guest was invited to bring a small toy or gift card…
Read MoreSpotlight on Holidays – Grand Marshal and PV Resident Baseball star Kenley Jansen at VIP reception
The Rolling Hills Estates 24th Annual Parade of Lights was in full force on the evening of December 4, with a VIP reception with dignitaries from all the Peninsula cities. Los Angeles Dodger Kenley Jansen served as the Grand Marshal of the evening. Jansen is a World Series Champion (2020) and a three-time MLB All…
Read MoreSpotlight on Art Palos Verdes Art Center Lectures
The Palos Verdes Art Center hosted a lecture titled “Are You Thinking What I’m Thinking” featuring Bernard Fallon as emcee on Nov. 6. Artist Marie Colmey, spun a roulette wheel to pick a topic for a future art piece to be added to the collection. The concept started with the idea of fortune cookies, all…
Read MoreSpotlight on Charity Vistas for Children
In her Letter from the President, Josephine Balzano noted that this year’s Vistas for Children’s “For Your Eyes Only” was particularly momentous because the group returned to in-person fundraising to support special needs children and their families. “For Your Eyes Only” was hosted at the Palos Verdes Golf Club — James Bond was the theme…
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