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SOCIETY
THURSDAY · OCTOBER 20, 2011 LA JOLLA VILLAGE NEWS
The Bigs hit 50 and Kenny Loggins entertains Bigs: right: Paul Palmer (BBBS president/CEO), Linda Lang (Jack in the Box CEO), Lynn Swann (emcee; NFL Hall of Famer), James Brennan and Derek Bruton (event co-chairs)
Starry, starry nights
with Vincent Andrunas Bigs: left: Gerry Shonkwiler, Michelle Rohrbach, Dick Laventhol, Kit Sickels. Below: Karen Pellin, Janeece Tanaka, Mike Ribnik, Shauna Manoff, Kristin Placey
Infantil: left: Richard Berwick (board chair), Dr. Liliana Binner, Gloria Osio, Dr. Gabriel ChongKing (founder/president), J. Armando Valencia, John Rush, Dr. Antonio Loaiza (HIC director)
Bigs: above: Mariangela Contacessi, Margarita Wilder, Brittney Pearson, Fonda Hopkins, Yolanda S. WaltherMeade
Infantil: above: Roman Alemania, Susan and Paul Hering, Tom Telfer, Steve Redfearn and Ashley Constans (event chairs/producers)
The organization’s been doing its work for a half-century, celebrating its 50th anniversary with its annual gourmet dinner event, held at the Hyatt Aventine on Oct. 6. It began with a 75-minute reception featuring hosted bars, specialty drinks, hors d’oeuvres and a silent auction. The traditional fresh seafood buffet included a variety of sushi creations and copious quantities of huge U-11 shrimp (oxymoronic as that may seem). Moving to the ballroom for dinner, the guests (about 650) encountered a prophetic flash mob presentation of “Tonight’s Gonna Be a Good Night.” And it was. NFL Hall-of-Famer Lynn Swann (on the Bigs’ national board for decades) emceed the event and Linda Lang, CEO of Jack in the Box (whose foundation has supported the Bigs to the tune of more than $7 million over the last few years) received the Person of the Year award. Ron and Alexis Fowler posted a Fund-a-Match challenge gift of $100,000, which donors enthusiastically exceeded. The evening netted more than $550,000 (about 90 percent of which will directly support the Bigs’ mentoring programs). Many guests stayed for cigars and brandy on the patio at the evening’s end.
Most of us recognize that mentoring is very important to children’s development. Most of us enjoyed the benefit of parents who were available to support and encourage them. But what of those kids who aren’t fortunate enough to have two parents who are not only present, but also have the time, ability and inclination to guide their children toward productive and rewarding futures? Fortunately, there’s an organization dedicated to helping such children connect with people who can make a big difference in their lives. They’ve been around for a while, so you’ve probably heard of them. They’re called Big Brothers Big Sisters (known *** as the Bigs, in their own shorthand), and The Hyatt Aventine was the scene of the San Diego County branch is headed by Paul Palmer. They connect dedicated another fundraiser the very next night, mentors of both genders (“bigs”) with when legendary singer-songwriter the kids that need them most (“littles”). Kenny Loggins came to perform at the Concert for the Children fundraiser for the Hospital Infantil de las Californias (HIC). Proceeds will help support HIC’s Infantil: left: Tammy Nante, Rosio and Mike Indigent Care Program, which benefits Flynn, Karen Howard, families on both sides of the U.S.-Mexico Missy Murray, Kristi border who are unable to pay for their Pieper children’s surgical and treatment
expenses. More than 400 guests enjoyed traypassed hors d’oeuvres, along with chardonnay and claret from the prestigious Francis Ford Coppola winery. The first course, a chilled gazpacho soup, was on the table when they entered the dining room; filet and crab cakes followed. Live auction bidding was especially lively, often purposely exceeding the value of the items offered. A video illustrated HIC’s important work and generous pledges of financial support were made. The congenial Loggins performed an entertaining show, playing many of his familiar hits as well as songs popularized by others. One of his most famous creations was “This Is It,” with the lines “You think that maybe it’s over; Not if you don’t want it to be.” He told a story of how he visited his father in the hospital, just before a scheduled operation. His dad confided he was prepared to die on the operating table if necessary. Kenny felt it probably wouldn’t be a problem, since pops was only facing hemorrhoid surgery. The song may actually refer to relationships, though some think it may have to do with the upcoming NBA season. Nearing 64, Loggins remains a consummate and energetic performer. He’s retained both his looks and his abilities, can still hit the high notes and embraces new sounds as well as his famous old standbys. He engaged the audience, walking among the tables during one number; partygoers soon crowded in front of the stage, dancing, waving and jumping as he sang. Few remained in their seats and almost nobody left until the last note of the encore had been played and the audience had rendered an enthusiastic ovation.