The Valley Line: Brad and Vicki Schwartz stars of the evening at 27th annual Spring Gala celebrating La Cañada’s schools
The Platinum Ballroom at the Ritz-Carlton in downtown Los Angeles was the sophisticated setting Saturday night for the 27th annual Spring Gala hosted by the La Cañada Flintridge Educational Foundation. The chic event drew more than 750 supporters of La Cañada’s public school system.
The stars of the evening were local residents Vicki and Brad Schwartz, recipients of the prestigious Outstanding Service Award. This honor is bestowed each year to people who have shown ongoing, sustained commitment to the school district. Although their two offspring, Jenna and Matthew, graduated from La Cañada High in 2014, the couple have continued to lend support to the local schools. They were characteristically very gracious in their acceptance of the award.
The evening began with passed hors d’oeuvres served while guests bid on more than 600 silent auction items.
Once guests were seated, a creative and amazing video was shown that the La Cañada High School’s drama class, led by Justin Eick, sang and danced in homage to last year’s popular film “La La Land” and this year’s benefit theme. I was told that making this video was quite a production, as the students lined up their cars in the school parking lot to recreate the opening freeway scene from the film. What a bunch of talented kids! I understand that Eick did this video on his phone and did it in one take — amazing. Give yourself a treat today and check it out on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z2_Nhc8HHVE.
The live auction portion of the evening was exciting as guests outbid each other for opportunities to experience adventures such as a Mexico vacation package, a getaway to New Orleans and a walk-on part in TV’s “NCIS New Orleans,” a trip for two to the 2019 semi-final game and final championship game of the NCAA final four basketall tournament in Minneapolis.
Co-chairs for this highly successful fundraiser were Caroline Anderson and Holly Biondo. Committee members assisting them were Sunyoung Fahimi, Chris Sibler, Gina Ricci, Rick Husong and Betsy Hall.
“What more could we ask for, the venue was magical, the food sublime, the auction robust, the entertainment lively and our community came together as always to support our schools and our kids futures,” Anderson said after the event.
Some of the high school theater students attending the benefit were Jack Andreas, Kevin Simone, Tessa Fungo, Abigail Lidar, Anthony Crehan Lynskey, Ashley Newquist, Redmond Vance and Allison Andreas.
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Liz Argue opened her lovely home for the Feb. 23 La Cañada Flintridge Tournament of Roses Assn.’s monthly Happy Hour.
Spring was beginning early in Liz’s yard, as fruit trees were budding and flower beds were ablaze with “just sprung” blooms. The delicious array of hors d’oeuvres that were brought by the guests were delicious and plenty.
Among those celebrating at the Argue home were Mike and Nancy Leininger, Art Johnson, Maureen Bond, Kay Payer, Sue Beatty, Otis and Pat Hutchins, Stewart and Gloria Lee, Bob Wallace, Joe and Lynne Thompson, Bud and Pamela Carney, Clyde Hemphill, Kitty Barr, Daryal and Mary Gant, Lorraine Riewe Cooper, Laverne Hench, Donna Prout, Ann Neilson, Larry Andreason, Eremita Miranda, Chuck Terhune, Marylou Pelzer, Caroline Craven, Jim Flynn, Kate Picher, Frank and Jenny Pass, Chuck and Becky Gelhaar, Mike and Alison Davitt, Sharlyn French, Harriet Hammons, Charlotte Layland, Tony Riewe, John and Nancy Wolhaupter, Scott Neilson, Dorothy Rubine, Pete and Cathy Palermo, Joel and Nana Smith, Ted Davis, Judi Healey, Bill Pounders and Barbie Eland.
JANE NAPIER NEELY covers the La Cañada Flintridge social scene. Email her at jnvalleysun@aol.com with news of your special event.