Museum pays tribute to Watterson

The spotlight was on Jim Watterson recently as he was honored at the Pasadena History Museum’s annual gala that was held in the museum’s beautiful garden.

Watterson, a longtime friend to the museum, was recognized for not only his dedication to the museum but the Pasadena community in general. He is a tireless volunteer for causes that he believes in and he gives with his whole heart.

It was a lovely evening with the stars shining beautifully in the leafy glade. Dining tables were covered with shimmering cloths centered with round crystal bowls that held floating gerbera daisies.

Before guests walked down the winding path to the dining area, signature cocktails were sipped and silent auction bids written for an amazing array of tempting items, ranging from antique Chinese door knockers to prime seats at sporting events.

During this social experience of sipping, bidding and chatting with friends, beautiful models were strutting in absolutely divine red carpet-worthy evening gowns created by designer Kevan Hall. Each creation that passed by me seemed more exceptional than the last vision.

This fashion show was also a tribute to Jim and the many years he coordinated fashion shows for major department stores. He has a natural feel for well cut and fashioned clothes which brings me to commending him on his choice of an extremely handsome chevron patterned vest that he was wearing that evening.

An enthusiastic man in every endeavor, Jim was the unofficial/official greeter as guests alighted from their coaches which were then whisked away by the excellent valet coachmen. True to his nature, Jim, standing front and center at the iron-gated entrance, did not miss saying hello to arriving guests. After dinner he also visited each table where he was showered in congratulatory hugs and kisses.

Jim’s entrance for dinner was quite spectacular as he was escorted, center dance floor by the lovely models in their equally spectacular gowns, to the music of the Art Deco orchestra.

Jeanette O’Malley, executive director of Pasadena Museum of History, stepped to the podium to honor Jim as well did the Rev. Ed Bacon, a longtime friend of Jim’s and pastor at All Saints Episcopal Church. Jim thanked all the guests for their support of the museum and to him personally

Peggy Dark’s Kitchen for Exploring Foods awoke everyone’s taste buds with the fabulous meal they served that began with sliced, succulent heirloom tomatoes and skirt steak for an entrée — with all sorts of wonderful goodies in between and after. Jim chose all the music for the evening from his list of well-loved tunes that he has sung and danced to throughout the years.

Quite simply, it was a memorable party and a beautiful tribute to Jim.