Dear Friends and Fans,
MONTE CARLO #3—WEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!
As I sit here in my “bird’s nest”, a.k.a. my office, overlooking my one acre lot, I breathe a sigh of relief knowing that my lawn will one day be green and lush again. At this writing, it was just one week ago that a crowd of people of various financial, cultural and civic-minded backgrounds paid their entry fees and were ushered onto my property to celebrate the 3rd Annual Monte Carlo Night!
To sum up the eventful festivities in one word: GLORIOUS! The place was decorated to the nines as were all the guests who walked through the gate. It was like walking into another world. The weather was so cooperative; we couldn’t have booked a better temperature if we had a direct line to the weather gods. The pathway leading to the food and drinks was lined with all the auction and raffle items, ranging from driving packages at the Irwindale Speedway to spa treatments, generous donations from Bon Jovi and Simpsons, Scrubs and My Name is Earl set visits, to name a very few.
Our pro poker player turnout was incredible, including 2007 WSOP bracelet winner Jerry Yang and 2006 Ladies WSOP bracelet winner Mary Jones who taught a poker boot camp before the play began. Also attending were Jennifer Harmon and husband Marco Traniello, Todd Brunson, Pam Brunson, Marsha Waggoner and Kenna James. A few TV celebs worked out their busy schedules to attend, including Michelle Stafford and Kate Linder, both from “The Young and the Restless.” Dorian Harewood also returned for his second year of hosting a blackjack boot camp.
The evening was kicked off by PALS’ own Explorers, young men and women who are in training to become police officers. They performed our color guard and did everyone proud. Dominic Domingo, grandson of Placido Domingo, offered to sing “The Star Spangled Banner” which brought a cheering round of applause that was apparently heard as far as Woodland Hills!
Tom Kenny, the voice of SpongeBob SquarePants, hosted the evening for his 3rd committed year and once again kept thing rolling and everyone laughing. He introduced The Music Connection, an amazing band who kept the people on their feet. Special performing guests include Nathan Osmond of the famed Osmond Family, a lot of country and little bit rock-and-roll, who was also joined on stage by Andrea Vega, one of my own staff. Other special treats were Jack Savoretti, who joined us from the U.K. and Maresa MacBeth, another UK import who graced the audience with her amazing voice and harp playing. Dee Dee O’Malley performed the theme song for PALS, her own composition. Rounding out the entertainment was the fabulous magic of Mickey Silver who makes coins rain from his ears!
The poker tournament was like an event all its own with over 120 players. The intensity heated up as the night went on, with everyone vying for the top prizes. Kenna James kept us laughing late into the night as our announcer while we worked our way down to the final table. Last man standing and our top prize winner this year was Jim Cohan, Team Owner and President of LA Racing Experience at Irwindale Speedway. It truly was a night to remember!
Lorraine New, president of Devonshire PALS, is appreciative of the amazing support of the sponsors this year, including Curtis & Co. watches, Monster beverages, Traci Hrudka and Ellakit for the amazing take-home gift packed coolers, Innovative Artists, System One, Hypertherm, Big Dog Garage, Kenton Gray and Speed School X, Vitamin Water, Greasie Wheels, Pacific Edge Wine and Spirits and Wiseman & Burke. Special thanks also to the members of the LAPD who joined our security team in making the event a safe one.
The final financials for the evening showed that our efforts were well worth the time and that even in economic tough times, there are good people willing to give generously to a worthy cause in our community. Thanks to all who attended to support PALS and the youth center! Donations from those who couldn’t attend continue to flow in and if you would like to contribute, by all means, do! It’s a wonderful cause and if you could see these kids and their immense potential, you’d know exactly what I mean.
Please go to www.devonshire-pals.org to make your contribution, and you can click here to get a look at some of the evening’s pictures. I thank you, my mother thanks you and all the kids thank you.
For the nonce,
Nance
