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Published on 05/11/1998 All articles from this issue

Diamonds, swinging stars and other shining philanthropy

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By Robin Katsaros

Socially Speaking

Diamonds everywhere: The 11th annual "Denim to Diamonds" fund-raiser for the Ronald McDonald House was a huge success this year, raising more than $263,000 for the children and families staying at the Ronald McDonald House at Stanford. Los Altos Hills residents Gregg and Sandy Carse, Shelley Doran and Tom LeFevre, Dennis & Margie Sullivan, Roy & Janet Brant, co-chairwoman Peggy Hunt and co-chairwoman Karin Klarreich were a sampling of the local residents who attended the bash.

Do you want to swing on a star?: It's that time of year and the decorator showcase home tours are in full swing (no pun intended.) But none come close to the elegance and pure magic of the showcase of the Crosby Estate in Hillsborough benefiting the Coyote Point Museum. Kathryn & Bing's grand estate, a French-styled chateau, is decorated and furnished by 40 top Bay Area designers. Our own Los Altos designer, Pat Larin, had a special unforeseen decorating challenge when she chose the family room. Admission is $30 per person and the estate is open through Sunday. Call 579-5568 for tickets.

$1 million and counting: The 1998 Silicon Valley Charity Ball was a sold-out success with more than 3,400 guests in attendance. But no one was more surprised than Lori Fox, the event's foundation president, when Silicon Graphics employees stood on stage to receive their "kudos" for contributing a whopping $45,000 to underwrite the event, and they spontaneously announced they would kick-in another $100,000 so that the event would raise an even $1 million. And somehow, it just seemed that even Tony Bennett, celebrity entertainer for the evening, sounded a little better because of the news. Numerous Los Altos Hills residents attended including event board member Bob Kresek and his wife Susan, Ken and Fran Schroder, Ajay and Shyamoli Chopra, Bill and Gail Krause, Wulf and Sig Corrigan.

When Cool Means Hot: "Cool Stuff," a benefit for the San Jose Museum of Art, held on April 25, turned out to be one, hot party. If you weren't there, you missed a funky, fabulous time. And considering this event was a first-time gala and put together in a short time span of only eight weeks, it was a success by any standards and raised more than $200,000. Los Altos Hills resident and museum board member Bill Faulkner and his wife Carol were there as well as their guests, Steve and Debra Simons and Rod and Nancy Steadman. Joel and Sally Shaps were seen noshing hors d'oeuvres and sipping martinis with their friends Dr. Allen Goldsobel and his wife, Nancy.

Heard about a great party? Have a funny story to tell? A celebrity sighting? Let me know by writing to "Socially Speaking" at the Town Crier, 138 Main St., Los Altos 94022, or by calling or faxing 949-4207.