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Hi Everyone, As our year comes to an end it is only appropriate to reflect on our fine accomplishments over the past year. It has been a challenging one with the economic backdrop of doom and gloom prevailing around us, and this mood dominated our discussions for the first few months of our term. For a time, we weren't sure if we should proceed with gala plans and even considered going "dark." We floated many ideas around and many suggested a "slimming down" of our main event in anticipation of tight wallets and low attendance. A few wanted to forge ahead with an "over the top" event with a main headliner, perhaps wisely thinking the cultural community needed a boost to morale. And, that they did. With the expert leadership of Elisabeth Bergan and Anita Crider we have had one of our most successful events in our history. We raised approximately $180,000 for our three beneficiaries. Congratulations to both co-chairs for a job well done! We also want to thank all members who donated items that contributed to the success of the gala. Without your generous support, we could not have done it. Last but not least, Jeri Rovsek, Betty and dear Leonard Kornreich, who personally selected many of the fine wines for the drawing, worked extremely hard to provide a most excellent wine opportunity drawing. Thank you, Miriam Summ, for arranging for the Cartier watch as part of the drawing as well. Members of the board, you were a terrific board, and I thank you for your support this past year. Betty Brayshay did an excellent job as First VP of Special Events, and I want to thank, Pam Palisoul, her co-chair for her support. Judy Burer and her committee did an outstanding job as Membership chair, diligently recruiting applicants and monitoring dues and ticket sales of members. Barbara Brown headed up the by-laws committee and her team did a wonderful job picking through the by-laws for improvement. Chris Fontana takes the best minutes I have seen, and did a great job as nominating committee chair. Susan Hoekenga was a tremendous force as liaison to the museums and improved our relations with them. Cindy Larson did an absolutely beautiful job with the newsletter and brochures and our website is an ongoing project. So, thank you all for your wonderful contributions. I look forward to a continuing working relationship with you all to fulfill our terrific mission of providing funds to the eleven museums and cultural organizations in Balboa Park. Let me know how I can help you in the future. Dottie Stanley |
President -Jeri Rovsek
1st VP Special Events -Betty Brayshay
2nd VP Gala -Betty Kornreich
3rd VP Fund Development -Ellen Zinn
4th VP Membership -Judy Burer
Director of Communications & Publicity -Vicki Eddy
Recording Secretary -Carol Larson
Corresponding Secretary -Charlotte Hogue
Treasurer -Chris Fontana
Balboa Park Liaison -Susan Hoekenga
Parliamentarian -Pam Palisoul
Immediate Past President -Dottie Stanley
With the great work of Susan Clifton, the Publicity Chair on the Communications Committee, the Gala received positive coverage by the following publications/media:
- San Diego Magazine
- San Diego Home & Garden Lifestyles Magazine
- KUSI with Leonard Simpson
- Carmel Valley News
- RSF Review
- Del Mar Village News
- Jewish Journal
- Gente Bien
- La Jolla Light & it's other 3 papers (Del Mar, Rancho Santa Fe)
- The Social Diary
Thank you Susan, and all the others who spoke with the media during the event. It was a huge success.
See the rest of 2009 Gala photos here.
Thank you all for your wonderful generosity! Patrons of the Prado stayed on track because of your support of Intrigue on the Orient Express. As has been our history, it is the dedication of our membership that makes our annual Gala a success. Whether you bought a table or one of the fabulous auction items or even if you were only able to keep the minimum financial commitment, you were key to keeping us going through most difficult times. We are also deeply grateful to you for the hard work and energy you put into securing donations and underwriting. It all added up to Patrons being able to give $60,000 to the Junior Theatre, Museum of Natural History, and the Timken. This is $10,000 more than we budgeted.
We reflect back on our meetings last autumn, when the economic clouds were darkening and remember the spirited discussions we had about whether to go dark. Happily, the true spirit of Patrons emerged and we decided to proceed with Gala 2009 and to make it the best Gala we have ever had. Thank you for allowing us to go out of the box with a headliner. Your encouragement and enthusiasm to sign Steve Tyrell was the first of many sparks that lit the path to a first-class event that strengthens the Gala and makes it one of the tree premier summer events in San Diego.
We had marvelous help from outside Patrons as well. Diane Kern worked wonders and was there at every turn (and there were plenty of them) for Patrons. Jeffrey Strauss was his usual extraordinary talented and magnanimous self. Our beneficiaries and the Park staff recognize the importance of what we do and were there for us as well. We wish we could thank everyone here. There were so many individuals who came together in this yearlong effort but it all began with you, our Membership.
We thank you all again and again!
Elisabeth & Anita