“Enduring Stories” at the Oceanside Museum of Art
Last year our chapter held a virtual fundraising event, “Step Up for Kids”. It was fun to see how many people came up with creative ideas to make this happen without breaking covid restriction rules. So now, after almost two years of not being able to get together as a community of members, the chapter decided to create an evening of fun and friendship by holding our “30 Year Anniversary” event at the Oceanside Art Museum. One of the most obvious successes of the program was the joy that everyone had of just, being together, laughing and sharing. Of course, earning over $16,000 after expenses was an added bonus. Members each received a ticket for a glass of wine, more was available for purchase, a lovely charcuterie bowl and decorated pre-packaged cupcakes. The food and wine committee, headed by Angela Bear, Jane Valentine and Norma Haylett, did an amazing job.
We had almost 200 people attend, which included some special guests: Bobbie Cooper from our National Assistance League, teachers from Oceanside High School and Mission Vista who agreed to a wonderful program lead by our own Kriss Stewart. She contacted the art teachers at the schools and asked if their students would be interested in making mini masterpieces on 4×4 canvases, the results; over 180 donated to be sold as mementos at $10.00 each, 77 were sold that evening and the rest will be offered at our next general meeting and at our Thrift Shop. One of the teachers actually received a scholarship from the Assistance League of Capistrano when she was a senior in high school. We were honored to have 3 times Pulitzer Prize winner for photojournalism Don Barteletti attend and share his art which was located in one of the galleries.
Nancy Schaefer and Susan Shupe arranged for the entertainment which included Geri Afshari, who played the harp and Janet Seymour, flautist. We also had a scavenger hunt, there were 10 questions whose answers could be found in the five galleries. It gave guests an opportunity to explore the museum and talk about art. At the end there was a drawing held for those who participated for some great gifts, one was a $100.00 shopping trip to our Thrift Shop.
Because of limited space we had only12 silent auction items which earned $4,150.00. One was donated by Paula Alexander, our reservations and finance chairperson, a weeklong stay at a beautiful beach home in St. Malo.
A big thanks goes to our committee of 22 people lead by co-chairs Holly Ziegler and Jane Ramey. Also, our resource development chair, Mona Ackerman who brought everyone together and was our cornerstone.
