Talk of the Town: What a wonderful way to spend the day-- — and evening

The Community Performing Arts Center had what can only be described as a truly stellar day on Saturday, Nov. 1, when it hosted its Arts Festival, followed in the evening with a magnificent ball, according to event chairperson and CPAC executive assistant, Berdette Robison.

The CPAC Arts Festival was held from 2-4 p.m. More than 200 people attended the event and were given tours of the new theater, which is scheduled for completion in January 2009. Dale Strong, a well-known oil painter, gave a painting demonstration, Richard Paige, a local photographer, had his amazing photos on display and Kokopelli’s Gelato Factory served up a wide array of taste-tempting gelato.

Visitors listened to the sounds of the Ocotillo Recorder Group and the Green Valley String Ensemble and the Quilters Guild of Green Valley had a wonderful display of their quilts.

The 2008 Red, White and Black Ball began at 6 p.m. Guests were welcomed to a magical setting on a picture-perfect night set amidst the stars with the Santa Rita Mountains as their backdrop. Twinkling white lights set the stage for this gala evening.

Creative Catering provided sumptuous food stations including a fabulous choice of fresh fruit display with an international cheese board, mini quiche, mini beef Wellington, crab and swiss on sourdough and spanikopita and mashed potatoes with your choice of toppings served in mini-martini glasses. The desert bed, which was an actual bed adorned in red, white and black bed coverings, was not only a visual delight, but the setting for the most incredible choice of mini desserts including cheesecakes, flan, truffles and more.

Sonoita Vineyards hosted two wine bars to compliment the delicious food. Local favorite, Allan Riding and a group of four of his talented musicians provided music throughout the evening. The live auction, presented by Dr. A (Anthony Enos), was a great success. Items included a golf package from the Inn at San Ignacio and a round of golf at either San Ignacio or Desert Hills Golf Course, and a dinner for four with the Green Valley Fire District featuring a true southern Louisiana meal by chef and Fire Captain Gary Pundt.

Dorothy Vezo, widow of the late Tom Vezo, international wildlife photographer, donated a signed photograph of one of his works “Through the Glass.”

The Quilters Guild of Green Valley made a quilt especially for the event entitled “Symphony of Roses” which was a magnificent creation in red, white and black. Birchside Studios donated a beautiful 14-K gold pin which was complimented by a beautiful red chenille scarf woven by Dionne Frank.

Guests included Community Performing Arts Center Foundation Board chair, Al Saterbak and his wife Julia; Joyce Finkelstein, secretary, and her husband Mike; Rohn Householder, treasurer, and his wife Nikole; and board members: Bob Porterfield and his wife Nancy, Jim Nickerson and his wife Norita, Nancy Karsh and her husband Frank, Ruth Snow and her husband Dick, Harry Paxton and his wife Ann, David Thatcher and his wife Barbara, Don Steffes, and Ken Barratt and his wife Barbara.

Sahuarita Mayor Lynne Skelton and her husband Dennis and Green Valley Sahuarita Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Jim DiGiacomo and his wife Nadine were in attendance, along with Green Valley Coordinating Council President Stan Riddle and his wife Nila, Richard Ducote, regional communications manager, and his wife Wendy from Freeport McMoRan hosted a table of 10.

The fundraising event gathered over $17,000 to meet the $250,000 Challenge Grant from Freeport McMoRan and was a huge success in reaching the goal by the target date of Dec. 1.

According to Jim Mack, executive director/arts center manager, this goal would never have been obtained without the overwhelming support of the community — including individuals, businesses and the many performers who realize the importance of this exciting new venue.

Mack indicated that there is no doubt that the Foundation will reach this goal and wants to thank everyone who has contributed to this spectacular project.

Robison wants to thank her co-chair, Jean Vickers, and her group of amazing volunteers: Jim and Candy Nelson, Terry and Grace Adams and Michele Rorabaugh.

rford@gvnews.com | 547-9740