Wings of Hope Takes Flight!

Jim & Sue Bianco

What a party last night!  Ken and I attended the 23rd annual HopeHeart Gala, "On Wings of Hope" at the Smith Cove Cruise Terminal with friends Jim & Sue Bianco.  Over 450 people were there to celebrate at a party ably co-chaired by Vanessa Strickland and Heather & Michael Sandoval.

We were instructed to leave our tuxedoes and ballgowns in the closet and come dressed "rocker chic".  Sue Bianco looked HOT in fabulous over the knee boots and an Alexander McQueen super short skirt and see-through lace top that husband, Jim, had selected for her.  Once again, the Biancos, the Sandovals and several others, generously donated $10,000 to the "raise the paddle" segment of the auction.

Cathi Hatch and Vanessa Strickland

The space looked fantastic with ethereal lacy light chandeliers in the pre-function area and lounge chairs and couches along the sides of the walls in the dining and auction area and a full stage and tall tables in the concert area, all produced by event expert, Kate Harrison.  The featured entertainment was Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, but in addition there was a tattoo artist at work, a magician and an amazing artist, Brian Olsen, that painted huge oversize paintings using his hands and paint brushes on black canvas very quickly.  I was especially impressed with his Jimi Hendrix and Marilyn Monroe paintings.  The Jimi Hendrix painting brought several thousand dollars at the auction.



Cathi, JJ McKay, Ken



Pat Wallace and Steve Kutz



Ken Hatch, Dark Angel, Michael Sandoval



In additon to the Biancos, Sandovals and Stricklands, it was fun to see many friends there including Steve Kutz & Courtney Womack, Sharon & Jay Ballantine, JJ McKay, Pat Wallace, Felicia Guity, Janie Hendrix, Tim O'Keefe, Fredda & Steven Goldfarb, Patti & Bill Savoy, Julie & Tom Skerritt, Afshan & Andy Lakha, Sandra & Phil Nudelman, Chris & Kathy Burgess, plus many more.