Saturday, April 20, 2013 proved to be the perfect night for this year’s Great Chefs & Wineries event as idyllic weather, outstanding food, wine and libations, incredible music and a crowd of 470 guests all converged in support of Lifehouse on the scenic grounds of Fireman’s Fund Insurance Company.
The evening kicked off in the outdoor tent with a feast of culinary delights expertly prepared under the guidance of Culinary Host Heidi Insalata Krahling by chefs from 27 of the Bay Area’s finest restaurants. Dinner was accompanied by wine pourings from an impressive lineup of 26 elite wineries from California’s finest growing regions plus micro-brewed beers, champagne and martini and coffee bars. Master of Ceremonies Bud E. Luv was also on hand once again this year with his orchestra keeping the party lively with his brand of lounge sound stylings.
One of the highlights of the evening was a performance to the “Heart of Rock and Roll” by the Lifehouse performers, Teodros, Rachael, Nonie, Zach, Amy, Katie, Tanya and Barry. This energetic performance, choreographed by Great Chefs Co-Chair Sharon Sides with the support of Lois Press, Danita Mazzoleni, Carole Loughlin and Luce Cohuau, “wowed” and inspired guests as a reminder of why the Great Chefs event is so important.
The “Heart of Rock and Roll” was definitely still beating later in the evening, as our guests answered Honorary Chairman Huey Lewis’s call to give from the heart with an outpouring of generosity culminating in $92,000 in Gift for Life donations in just under 20 minutes, almost doubling our record from last year!
And, as if all this food, wine and entertainment wasn’t enough, special musical guest Huey Lewis & The News brought the dining room crowd to its feet with our first ever concert. Guests sang along with the band and danced all the way to the end as the night closed with lots of smiles and tired feet.
There are many people to thank who helped make this year’s event our most successful ever beginning with the Lifehouse Board of Directors for their dedication and support of our mission and this event. Major Sponsors: Fireman’s Fund Insurance Company, Brydon Hugo & Parker, Scott and Julie Jones, Brayton Purcell, Allan and Nancy Herzog, Mt. Tamalpais Mortuary and Cemetery, Mark and Susan Schatzberg, All-American Printing Services Wine Country Party & Events and Marin Independent Journal, represent some of our many generous community supporters. Our Steering Committee, co-chaired by Julie Jones and Sharon Sides, and Wine Committee, chaired by Sid Sall, volunteer countless hours to make this event a success. Special thanks go to Huey Lewis & The News, Culinary Host Heidi Insalata Krahling, Master of Ceremonies Bud E. Luv and to our participating restaurants and wineries.
We are thrilled to share that your time and generosity helped Lifehouse raised well over $470,000, critical funding that allows us to continue to provide our high quality services to individuals with developmental disabilities. Thank you!
Stay tuned for the announcement of our next year’s Great Chefs & Wineries date as Lifehouse celebrates our 60th birthday! See you next year!