It was such a glittering and notable event, the fair citizens of Campbell will delight in its afterglow for years.
Veterans, donors, and honored guests will memorialize the Campbell Veterans Memorial Fund’s annual Gala Dinner as our city’s most impressive gathering of 2018. The assemblage of distinguished and well-groomed guests paid homage to America’s Armed Forces in general and Campbell’s veterans in specific.
2018 CVMF Gala Dinner Guests
The tributes to our fallen were so heartfelt and moving, there were more than a few tears and nods of appreciation within Villa Ragusa’s sumptuous hall. The dinner was preceded by the Posting of the Colors by Post 99 of the VFW. Everyone was duly captivated by the unique display commemorating our POWs/MIAs. An empty chair at a table clad in a white silk tablecloth, a single red rose, and an upturned glass represented the memory of those who made the ultimate sacrifice and were unable to attend.
POW/MIA Table
Of course, the real festivities began when the Keynote Speaker lifted spirits and elicited smiles with wonderful stories about his life in local and state politics. State Senator Jim Beall held the respectful audience in his considerable hands when he outlined key programs and initiatives that are designed to help veterans overcome health, continuing education, and housing challenges. The Senator was also kind enough to engage guests with an extensive Q&A session that shed light on how the regulatory system works and how veterans can navigate the government’s complex support landscape.
Thank you, Senator Beall. Please come again soon.
CVMF wants to extend special thanks and appreciation to our celebrated sponsors and donors. The overall success of the entire Gala would be impossible without their generous support. God bless all the people and organizations enumerated below.*
The CVMF Board gives special salutations to Bill Cooper of Cooper-Garrod Estate Vineyards and Kent Hillhouse of Vella Del Monte Winery for their generous donation of superior vine-ripened libations. Our guests’ appreciation of those particular donations waxed as the night evolved.
The Gala Dinner provides scholarships and educational opportunities to our veterans. This worthy endeavor was enhanced when guests purchased reams of raffle tickets to win a savory assortment of elegant gift baskets that presented exceptional local donations and edible delights from ‘round the globe. Everyone enjoyed buying tickets from the charming troupe of adorable munchkins who were simply irresistible.
Hats off to Claire Kotowski for her magnificent effort on this remarkable project. The basket ensemble was an object of beauty and a joy to behold.
Raffle Basket Display
As traditional, le grand d’affaire was expertly choreographed by the masterful Master of Ceremonies, Mike Kotowski. Mike stage managed all the moving parts of the show with his usual grace and aplomb. Thanks to Mike and the guy who runs the entire CVMF organization, Mr. Len Duncan.
The CVMF Board of Directors extends our genuine appreciation to all our guests, sponsors, donors, and Senator Beall for making the 2018 Gala Dinner a rousing success. We can’t wait to see all of you again next year.
From all of us to all of you, please have a….
Festive Thanksgiving, Merry Christmas, and Healthy New Year
SINE DIE
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
A Special Thanks To Our Sponsors and Scholarship Donations
Rob and Barbara Pedersen
West Valley Construction Company
Peter and Audrey Kiehtreiber
Zane Fox Post 344
Heritage Bank Of Commerce
Jane Kennedy
Beverly Booth
Jim and Lucile Free
Jerry Hyde
Bob Laws
Lynn Olavarri-Schmidt
Jean Lund
Andrew Kotowski
With Special Thanks To Our Donors
Rob and Barbara Pedersen
The San Francisco Forty Niners
The Sharks
Flights Restaurant
Michael F. Kotowski Railroad Art
The Toll House
Peter and Audrey Kiehtreiber
Vintage Wine Merchants, Santana Row
The Winchester Mystery House
Joseph George Distributors
Jim and Laura Clark-Moore/Debonaire Dancers
Marines’ Memorial Club and Hotel, San Francisco
Larry Stone, Assessor, Santa Clara County
The A’s Ball Team
The Campbell Chamber of Commerce
Kotowski Art Services
Jeff Crowe, Reps Printing
The Campbell Veterans Memorial Fund is pleased to announce that Senator Jim Beall will be the Keynote Speaker at the annual Gala Scholarship Dinner on November 10th.
Senator Beall has given Silicon Valley more than three decades of exceptional public service. He has served as a San Jose City Councilman, a Santa Clara County Supervisor, a prominent Representative in the State Assembly, and is now a California State Senator representing the 15th District. As the Chairman of the Transportation and Housing Committee, Senator Beall was also pivotal in unraveling two of California’s toughest problems: repairing a crumbling transportation infrastructure and building more affordable housing.
Senator Beall’s direct involvement in these critical issues makes him the perfect Keynote Speaker since he has a deep understanding of the problems facing Silicon Valley and the State of California.
Please arrange your schedule to attend this highly informative, enjoyable, and memorable event. Funds are designated for veteran scholarships and related scholastic endeavors.
Date: November 10, 2018
Time: Cocktail Hour starts at 5:30 PM
Location: Villa Ragusa, 35 South Second Street, Campbell, CA
Donation: $100/Person. $800/Table of 10
SORRY..THE GALA DINNER IS SOLD OUT
Learn More about the CVMF Gala Dinner