On Sunday, September 22nd , Wells Bring Hope’s founder and president Barbara Goldberg welcomed over 100 guests to the Club Room at Bel Air Crest. The theme was “It’s Jazz Time,” featuring music by The Sam Graham Trio. With its cushy chairs and elegant décor, the lounge had a relaxed, laidback mood.
With perfect weather, guests enjoyed the huge outdoor terrace that overlooked the hills of Bel Air. The terrace was filled with auction tables, offering plenty of enticing things to buy, all donated by the Board, friends of WBH, and generous corporate partners.
The bar featured tantalizing martinis, and bartenders, Saul and Keith created great combinations of refreshing custom drinks using a variety of aguas frescas. Red and white wines were once again donated by Le Vigne Winery, and we were happy to have owner, Sylvia Fillippini, in attendance to celebrate with us! Also enjoying the festivities were two of our event sponsor Greg and Becky Rang from Avitas Wealth Management.
Guests nibbled on delicious food from Edible 360. The many delicious bites included coconut shrimp, poke style ahi on a wanton crisp, creamy corn soup in a mini martini glass, and flank steak skewers.
With many newcomers in attendance, Founder and President, Barbara Goldberg told guests about our cause and what makes it worthy of their support. She also introduced its hard-working Board who did so much to make the event a success.
Our honoree this year was David Girard, a Board member and Director of Donor Development. So many of David’s friends and clients, his partner and fellow board member, Eduardo Robles, AND his big brother who flew in from Texas, were there to celebrate with him.
Auctioneer extraordinaire, Mark Shustrin, began his very lively, action-packed appeal in an effort to separate guests from their money! He kicked it off by auctioning a glass of water!! Marty Foley was the stand-up guy who paid $400 for it!!!
Guests got the chance to bid on some exciting travel packages including trips to Belize, Punta Mita, as well as a stay at the Hotel Carlyle in New York. Nine auction items raised over $20,000 for WBH. Guests bid enthusiastically, and we had some very happy winners!
Guests showed up regally for Raise the Paddle, donating over $65,000 in that one effort. Mark’s enthusiasm and energy spurred donors on! The evening climaxed with a Last Paddle Battle, and the lucky winner is looking forward to a two-night stay at Two Bunch Palms!
Thanks to all who came to support our effort to save lives with safe water, particularly our hard-working Board of Directors! Special thanks to Board members, Eduardo Robles and David Girard who went above and beyond to make this event a success. We also want to thank our very incredible volunteers without whom the event would not be possible and of course, our photographer Tatsu, who captured it all!
Special thanks to Marsha and Mark Hierbaum who got us the beautiful venue and especially to Marsha for her hard work coordinating it all with Bel Air Crest. Eduardo did a magnificent job on the floral arrangements as always. We were happy to have back Peggy Kelly of Timeless Celebrations to orchestrate it all for us!
