|
As guests arrived they each received one of the adorable yellow bone pins that have come to represent support for Bill Foundation. Guests
were asked to wear them during the party in support of the foundation and for homeless dogs everywhere. Everyone also received a souvenir program guide. It was cleverly done in the style of a television shooting
script. Through short little scenes, it provided the schedule for the evening's events as well as Bill Foundation background information. The back of the book was filled with congratulatory ads from both
supporters and thank you ads from Jo and
During the cocktail hour arriving guests had a chance to mingle and sample the wonderful hors d'oeuvres and drinks. The wonderful music
was provided by DJ Liza Richardson of KCRW. Several celebrities were on hand for the event: Jonathan Silverman (The Single Guy) and Patrika Darbo (Days of Our Lives) were there as well as Jonathan Antin (Blowout) and Robin Antin (Pussycat Dolls) and Elizabeth Rohm
(Law and Order). But the purpose of the evening was to raise those all important funds so that Bill Foundation could continue its important work. Once again, Bill Foundation held three very special style auctions. Guy's was filled with over 100 silent auction items, all laid out for guests to view (and bid on). The Ebay auction items were also on display in the front room featuring two very prestigious items - an in-home concert by Martin Chalifour and a Fender guitar signed by Zach Graff of "Scrubs" so guests could plan their on-line bidding; and of course the very popular live auction which would be held later in the evening. The Ebay auction which began on December 10th would continue through year's end.
It was soon time for the live portion of the evening. Bill Foundation founders, Jo & Peter Forman, gave a heartfelt and touching welcome to everyone who had come out to show their support. They brought Danna and Ed up on stage to present them with the first ever Bill Foundation Supporter Award. The couple has done so much to help Bill Foundation that it seems only fitting they were the recipients of the first award. Though the presentation was brief, all understood how important this couple had been to the survival of the foundation.
After the award ceremony, guests were in for a special treat – a slide show of all the dogs that had been adopted during 2006 to the tune of a very clever rendition of Don't Cha. Thank you
Debbie, Noreen and Kim. Everyone gathered round and the bidding took a 5 minute break to see the faces of all those that had been helped by Bill Foundation to find their forever home. It
was a very touching moment and something that everyone took away in their heart.
Following the slide show, Jonathan Silverman took the stage to begin the live auction. He had some very special help for the first item from Pussycat Doll founder, Robin Antin. A dog lover, Robin was thrilled to attend the evening and had brought her brother, Jonathan along. Jonathan, star of the reality series, Blowout, was also a dog lover and wanted to show his support for the organization. Together, Jonathan and Robin presented a stunning dog collar and cashmere doggie sweater. The items was quickly snapped up and the live auction was underway.
Patrika commanded the microphone and started with the weekend trip to Napa Valley. A very special trip indeed in that your best canine pal was also invited to come along. Bids flew fast and furious as many were thinking "ah, the perfect holiday present". Next up was the fantastic Clipper Skybox Package. The winner would be able to take 18 of their pals to the Clipper game of their choice and enjoy it in their very own
private skybox. Needless to say, the bidding began with quite a flurry but quickly narrowed down to two very aggressive Clipper fans (and Bill Foundation supporters) . Last but certainly not least was the beautiful diamond and platinum dog necklace. Worth over $2,000 the bidding began at a mere $1,000. The necklace went to a couple, long time supporters of Bill Foundation. Can you say Merry Christmas!
The silent auction continued for about another half hour as guests feverishly bid on their favorite items. But before you could say "woof", the bidding was over and the tallies were made. Many went home elated having won the items of their choice, others were not so lucky, but all went home knowing they had helped a worthy cause - and everyone felt good about that.
Thank you to all who supported the event by attending, to all our volunteers that made the evening a success and to our sponsors who made the evening possible. See you next year.
|
|||||
|
|
|||||
|
|