Heart of Gold Ball

Mark Jensen, Lian Amaris, Matthew Jensen

More than 300 attended the Heart of Gold Ball in June at Wente Vineyards in Livermore, raising more than $500,000. The theme? “Vintage Vegas,” with showgirls, a Sammy Davis Jr. lookalike contest and lots of feathers. The American Heart Association and Ross Stores celebrated a 10-year partnership and the $18 million that Ross has raised to fight heart disease and stroke.

~ Photos by Shannon Nornhold Photography.

Rachel Goldblatt and Christina Cribb

Cynthia, Rachel and Mark Anderson, who saved daughter Rachel’s life with CPR.

Honoree Dr. Junaid Khan and Dr. Sarah Rahman

Kim and Dan Smoot flank showgirl Tif Sippel

Richard Price Sr. with honoree and San Ramon Valley Fire Protection District Chief Richard Price

Calendar

Ms. Llewellyn’s party tips

~ Photos by Ben Krantz of Ben Krantz Studios.

Photo by Laura Oda

“Offer up the unexpected when people walk into the room,” she says. This includes color and texture; she’ll add shimmer and sparkle for “movement” of table linens and the like. Color can extend to a specialty cocktail as well.

A delectable amuse-bouche served right away helps transport guests to that totally “different environment.” Llewellyn often whips up a little something from her catering kitchen’s charcuterie. “Our dry-cured, smoked fillet of salmon,” she says, “has flavors that just zing.”

Info and tickets to the Diablo Regional Arts Association’s “On Broadway” gala, at the Lesher Center for the Arts, at draa.org. Proceeds benefit the center’s cultural and educational programming.

An evening of hope

Bonnie Waters knows all about wellness. Owner of the first-rate Changes Salon & Day Spa in Walnut Creek, she’s also chairperson of the 12th annual Wellness Gala on Sept. 22, benefiting the Cancer Support Community. Tickets for “An Evening of Hope,” at the Diablo Country Club and featuring a dinner, auctions and program celebrating cancer survivorship, are at cancersupportcommunity.net.