Silicon Valley Charity Ball gets retro
By Shari Kaplan
Even as most folks are adjusting to the idea of a new millennium, there is a place in the South Bay where patrons get dolled up in glad rags, sip a little hooch in the local speakeasy, tap their toes to syncopated rhythms, take in some Art Deco and dine on a gourmet spread as swanky as the surroundings in which they are seated.
It's the Roaring '20s revisited. It's also the theme of the 14th annual Silicon Valley Charity Ball, a fundraiser by the Silicon Valley Charity Ball Foundation, a nonprofit organization formed by a group of friends and Silicon Valley business people in early 1986.
The foundation's mission is to support other local nonprofit organizations and charities that operate programs and projects benefiting children, families and senior citizens. Over its 13-year history, the foundation has awarded more than $7.5 million to 151 organizations.
This year's ball, titled "Puttin' on the Ritz," takes place on May 6, at the San Jose McEnery Convention Center, 150 W. San Carlos St. in downtown San Jose. The evening begins with cocktails and hors d'oeuvres at 6 p.m. in an area designated as The Speakeasy, where Pamela Rose and the Syncopated Six will perform. Actor Danny Glover will serve as master of ceremonies while guests visit and dine in the Art Deco Pavilion, followed by headlining Bay Area musician and songwriter Bruce Hornsby. The evening concludes with dancing to the band Pride & Joy.
Among this year's 44 beneficiaries from the greater Silicon Valley area are Walden West Outdoor School in Saratoga and Young at Heart, a troupe of musicians that performs regularly in Los Gatos and Saratoga.
Walden West, formerly known as Redwood Glen, is a secluded, 35-acre residential outdoor school surrounded by Sanborn-Skyline County Park. Under the auspices of the Santa Clara County Office of Education, it provides fifth and sixth graders from schools throughout the county with week-long, educational camping experiences. Summertime day camps are also available. Activities include nature hikes, science classes, outdoor navigation, a ropes course, arts and crafts, creative writing, storytelling, dancing and drama.
"We foster socialization skills, an appreciation for nature and the building of self-esteem and self-confidence," says Walden West director Anita Parsons. "The school is also about being away from home for a week and being able to enjoy learning in a less traditional way. Kids are a part of the learning process, not just reading about it."
According to Parsons, the SVCBF grant will be used to fund the construction of a 1,500-square-foot swimming pool where campers can play watersports or practice their swimming skills. Information about Walden West is available on the Internet at www.sccoe.k12.ca.us/waldenwest.
Photograph by Kathy De La Torre
Classwork is mixed with fun and games at Walden West Outdoor School, near Sanborn-Skyline Park.
The Santa Cruz-based Young at Heart project provides live, professional musical entertainment for senior citizens in retirement communities, convalescent homes and residential care facilities in the South Bay and Central Coast areas.
Founder Sean Seman, who holds degrees in history and literature, established the group in the mid-1980s, after being humbled by the response he got in a Texas rest home after completing an impromptu bluegrass gig. Seman recalls one elderly man became so inspired that he began singing, which at first didn't seem very surprising to Seman. Later, a nurse told Seman that the man had not spoken for two years.
"Bringing the right kind of professional music to these places, and playing with vibrancy and enthusiasm--the effect it has on people is amazing," says Seman, who plays guitar and sings. "Bringing joy and laughter to people is healing. Also, research has shown that music may sometimes be as beneficial as medication."
Young at Heart's lineup features Bay Area pianist and vocalist Shanna Carlson; songwriter, singer and string player Penny Hanna; folk guitarist and songwriter Steve Kritzer of Los Gatos; award-winning country and pop musician, singer and songwriter Fred McCarty; songwriter and musician Chuck McCabe, also a Los Gatan; accordionist Frank Lima who plays in both European and American styles; award-winning singer and guitarist Ginny Mitchell; and award-winning multi-instrumentalist and vocalist James "Fingers" Shupe.
Among the venues at which Young at Heart performs are the Los Gatos Oaks, Terreno Gardens, The Meadows, and Guardian Rehabilitation in Los Gatos; and Our Lady of Fatima and the Odd Fellows Home in Saratoga. Their gigs include Broadway show tunes, movie themes, Big Band numbers and tributes to various composers. Their performance schedule and additional information is available on their website, at www.young-at-heart.org, or by calling 831.458.3423.
Saratogan Lori Fox is president of the board. Event chairpersons this year are board members Keith Millar and Mindy Trinidad. Founders Award chairwoman is J.P. Puette. The awards of $1,000 each go annually to two high-school seniors, one boy and one girl, for their volunteer work.
Tickets to the Silicon Valley Charity Ball are $300 per person. Group tables may also be purchased for between $3,000 and $20,000. For more information, call 408.260.0594 or visit www.svcb.org on the Internet.
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Los Gatos, California Since 1881
