The 19th Annual Mardi Gras Ball, held on February 19, 2011 at the Hyatt Hotel in Westlake Village, was a banner event for Community Conscience “Under One Roof” Human Services Center. Thanks to the hard work and generosity of members of our community, profits from the event exceeded our expectations.
The highlight of the evening was the introduction of Aline Roberts and George Hutchison who were crowned Mardi Gras Ball Queen and King, in recognition of their sustained community service.
Queen Aline Roberts was recognized for her many years of service to Community Conscience, Rotary Club of Thousand Oaks, City of Thousand Oaks, Mark Matthews Business Management Forum, California Lutheran University, Southeast Ventura County YMCA, and Soroptimist International of the Conejo.
King George Hutchison was recognized for his many years of service to many non-profit organizations in the community including Community Conscience and Hospice of the Conejo. He has worked hard to encourage programs that foster collegiality and working relationships between the many non-profit agencies within the “Under One Roof” Building.
For the first time in the history of the Mardi Gras Ball, a Title Sponsor, First California Bank, was named. The Ashcraft Family was a platinum sponsor, honoring the memory of Mel Ashcraft. The Chavannes Family, FB Productions, Montecito Bank and Trust, and Los Robles Hospital and Medical Center were gold level sponsors. At the silver sponsorship level was Thrivent Financial Services—Larry Winter and Jeremy Hofer. Finally, ITT, John McArthur/The Art Department, the Oaks Shopping Center, Silver Star Automotive, Ventura County Star, and Verizon were bronze level sponsors.
The live auction, with Irish John Gore serving as auctioneer, offered an evening with the CLU Drama Department Student Comedy Improv Troupe, a helicopter ride donated by Jim Magglos, a lunch and training opportunity with Sheriff Geoff Dean, a Holland America cruise, a diamond bracelet donated by Kirks Jewelers, and a sports package including game tickets donated by Aviara Real Estate.
During the silent auction, over one hundred seventy gift baskets were won by attendees. Prizes included cooking classes, vacation trips, prize-winning photographs, dinners prepared in the winner’s home, and garden fountains. Thanks to the hard work of the silent auction chair, Cheryl Klepper, and her committee, record amounts were raised for our organization.
The Riverboat Dixie Band played during the champagne and hors d’oeuvres reception. During dinner, attendees were treated to music performed by the Honors Ensemble String Quartet from California Lutheran University. The Fifth Avenue Orchestra also performed throughout the evening. Other highlights of the evening included the presentation of Colors by the Ventura County Marine Corp League and bag pipes played by Reverend Dr. Gary Alan Dickey.
Helping throughout the planning and during the event were the Kiwanis Club of Thousand Oaks, Soroptimist International of the Conejo, Westlake Key Club, First California Bank, Hospice of the Conejo, Interface Children and Family Services, Meathead Movers, and LSS Community Care Center.
A fun evening was enjoyed by all and thanks to the talents, hard work, and support of hundreds, including the non-profit organizations who are housed in the “Under One Roof” Human Services Center, those non-profit organizations will once again benefit for the proceeds of the evening.
The Community Conscience Board of Trustees has begun planning the Mardi Gras Ball 2012. President elect Ricki Mikkelsen recently announced the 2012 event will be co-chaired by Dee Crawford, Phyllis Rickert, and Jacque Turner. Be sure to mark your calendars now for the 20th Annual Mardi Gras Ball to be held on February 18, 2012 at the Hyatt Westlake Plaza.