Boys & Girls Clubs of North County Mardi Gras  Auction and Gala a Huge Success!

The Boys and Girls Club of North County held its Mardi Gras Auction and Dinner Gala on Saturday, April 24th, 2010 at the Pechanga Resort and Casino. This year’s Title Sponsor was the Donegan-Burns Foundation and the Premier Sponsor was the Bonsall’s Women’s Club. Long time club supporter Arlyne Ingold was the event honoree.  A special tribute was given to Terry Andrews whose legacy is carried on through his many contributions to the club.  The event was an incredible success and raised over $135,000.

In keeping with the Mardi Gras theme guests were greeted by a cigarette girl who passed out Mardi Gras beads, while a costumed stilt walker mingled among the guests.  The silent auction began at 5 p.m. with special guest auctioneer Ben Higgins of Channel 10 News.  Grammy nominated Larry White provided piano entertainment during the event.

The silent auction featured over 150 items, including fine jewelry, wine tastings, autographed guitars by the likes of Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr and The Rolling Stones.   Other popular items included 2 prints from local artist Jack Ragland  and autographed Chargers jerseys.   Guests had a great time outbidding each other on selected items as it came down to the final minutes of the auction.

After the silent auction guests gathered in the main ballroom for a Mardi Gras inspired 3 course dinner prepared especially for the event. Wine for the event was donated by Fallbrook Winery.  The ballroom was decked out with custom linens and florals chosen specifically for the event. Local photographer Bill Ahrend provided his expertise by taking pictures of those in attendance.   The live auction consisted of over 20 items including a New Orleans trip and an African Safari.   Special thanks goes to Phil Delaney for donating his time every year in making sure all the power point presentations and computer systems are in place and functional. 

During dinner guests were treated to the great sounds of the “Fabulous Ultratones”.  Once the live auction was finished, Sam Logan and Jack Ragland were escorted to the dance floor by  special Mardi Gras dancers. The dancers were a big hit and everyone had a great time dancing the night away.    

Attendees included Don & Bettye Burns, Renee Ingold, Bill & Coleen Jackson, Joe & Georgia Thompson, Ray & Nancy Samuelson, Sumeet & Gina Gadi, Sam & Ann Logan, Bob & Susan Lucy, Donald & Peggy Durling, Jack & August Rockwell, Melissa Butcher, Merrilee Neal, Shelly Finley, Jeanne Larson,  William & Dorothy Pratt,  Bud & Pat Alles, Linda Andrews, Lesley Yonker,  Gilles & Ella Giauffer, Phil & Eileen Delaney, Supervisor Bill Horn,  Alex & Chrystal Villa,  Christi Knight, Bob & Karen Tavano, Jim Butcher & Andria Butcher, Board President Jim Short & Jeanette Short,  Mary Mack, Deb Zoller,  Tracey Moe,  Kelan & Nanette Poorman and Abe & Jan Oliveras.

This year’s auction chairperson, Andria Butcher stated “This is our signature fundraising program and we want to make this event one that everyone talks about and wants to attend year after year.  Abe Oliveras, Larilyn Irvine, Becky Schmad, Mary Mack, Deb Zoller, Jeanette Short, and I would like to thank all of those in attendance for their generosity and support of the club.   We would also like to thank Delana Bennett from Star 94.1 who does such a great job as our Mistress of Ceremonies.  Delana brought a wonderful energy to the event and we are so happy she joined us again this year.   A special thanks to Ben Higgins of Channel 10 for graciously donating his time during the silent auction.”

 In addition to the title sponsors, event sponsors included the following:

Supervisor Bill Horn, Angel Society of Fallbrook, Fallbrook Tennis Club, Rotary Club of Fallbrook, River Village Properties, Bonsall Woman’s Club, Kiwanis Club of Fallbrook, Del Rey Avocado, Zebu Construction, Bob and Susan Lucy, Jim and Jeanette Short, Straub Construction, Coldwell Banker Landmark Group, Pacific Western Bank, Wells Fargo Bank, Renee Ingold,  plus over 15 Honorary Committee sponsors.

“The auction committee would once again like to thank all those in attendance and the community for its overwhelming support of the event by offering gift certificates, services and donations on behalf of the club”, said Butcher. “ We hope to see you all again at next year’s event !”