Such a Great Evening: Un Gusto di Malibu was Awesome!
The Spirit of Giving was very evident this Saturday evening at theChildren’s Lifesaving Foundation’s Un Gusto Di Malibu Fundraiser. Renowned architect and builder Michael Torrey of Avalon Construction and his lovely wife Cheryl offered their newly designed home in Malibu (which is for sale) for the Children’s Lifesaving Foundation and its supporters. The breathtakingly beautiful home, located on Calpine Drive, was an astounding for a festive, warm and truly heart-warming evening. Owners of restaurants Spruzzo’s, The Sunset, Moonshadows, Marmalade’s Café, and Tramonto all donated amazing Italian delicacies and delicious food. SALT Catering and Yvette’s Catering in the Valley also contributed, and Malibu local Carrie Vose Interiors designed the flowers and the theme of the evening. The special wines were chosen and donated by wonderful Malibu locals Marla and Jeffrey Michaels of KAYO of California. Emmy and Golden-Globe Award Winning actor Michael Chiklis was the host for the evening, who also honored his dear friend, and CLF long- time supporter John Cygan, who sadly passed away this past year. The John Cygan Memorial Scholarships were given away to three very deserving teenagers: Alan Bohannon, who has been with the CLF since 2003, and a freshman at the University of Merced majoring in computer science; Nasir Grissom, on scholarship at Phillip Exeter Academy through Cornell University, and going on to major in Finance at Williams University; and Yael Juarez, who is a freshman at San Jose State, and majoring in Political Science. These teens have participated in the CLF’s Camp4All, Care through College and Project Angel Wings Holiday Programs since they were very young children, and have even pledged to give back as they grow older.
They all gave brief, moving speeches about their goals and plans for the future, and how the CLF has impacted their lives. A great raffle with a stunning pair of diamond earrings donated by Ciro & Debbie D’Angelo of Arctic Cold Caps followed, and the winner was Malibu local and favorite, Germaine Morgan!Guests included Malibu Council Member Lou La Monte, his wife Laraine, Michael, Michelle & Autumn Chiklis, Annie and Cathy Cygan, Linda Thompson, Ellen Poyer, Mark and Cha-Cha Weinstein, Eileen Davidson, James Keach and Nancy Lynn, Barry and Terry Brooker, Elyse and Hector Ortiz, and Leslie and A. Martinez. Topson-Downs was a major sponsor of the evening. The holidays are coming, and the CLF is hosting their second holiday party on December 16 th at Camp Hess Kramer for over 150 at-risk and low-income LA-area youth-complete with gift bags full of toys, great holiday crafts from the local Thonson Family, awesome DJs, magician Joe Greco, face-painters, great food and treats-and of course-Santa himself. There is still time to sponsor this event or “adopt” a family for the holiday season! Just email us!