On Thursday, December 3rd, over 140 sponsors, donors and special guests filled the ballroom at Corinthian Yacht Club in Tiburon on the occasion of Angel Island Association’s 2009 Angel Lights Countdown Benefit. Guests were greeted on arrival by State Park representatives in uniform, including District Superintendents Danita Rodriguez and Dave Gould, Environmental Specialist Bree Hardcastle, Angel Island State Park Superintendent Dave Matthews, in addition to AISP Ranger Jack Duggan and Interpretive Specialist Casey Lee. Among the special guests present were Put Livermore (son of Carolyn Livermore for whom Mt. Livermore on Angel Island is named), Elizabeth Goldstein (Cal State Parks Foundation), Jim Wood (Marin Magazine) and Malcolm Margolin (Heyday Books). Also present were representatives of major corporate sponsors of the Countdown Benefit Marin Community Foundation and Village Harvest, along with additional corporate sponsors the Lodge at Tiburon/Tiburon Grill, Bank of Marin, Aperio Group, House of Pennathur, Farella Braun+Martel, and Sage Educators.
Guests enjoyed fine wine and hors d’oeuvres, although the focus of the evening was on the issues facing Angel Island State Park and its ability to survive and thrive in the current difficult times. District Superintendent Rodriguez stressed the importance of the Park’s partnership with AIA and her appreciation for its support for the Park. In addition, guests had the opportunity to speak with Bree Hardcastle and study her display covering ecological effects on the Island of fire and oil spills, including examples of new fire fighting and oil spill remediation equipment purchased with funds from AIA and BayWood Artists. A promotional video put together by AIA showcased the Island’s beauty, recreational aspects and ravages of the October 2008 fire.
Celebrity co-hosts Doug McConnell and Jan Yanehiro performed emcee roles in their customary graceful and enthusiastic manner for the evening program. After remarks by District Superintendent Rodriguez, retiring AIA Board President Suzanne Badenhoop passed the baton to newly elected Board President Gail Dolton, and AIA Board members and staff were recognized. The evening’s highlight was the spirited entertainment provided by the live auction of extraordinary experiences on and/or related to AISP. The assistance of park staff enhanced the fun and success of the bidding.
The festivities culminated with the lighting of the new, solar-powered LED light atop the island, made possible by the generous financial support of PG&E. As the countdown began, the crowd surged to the windows where the darkened silhouette of Angel Island was visible. Although a low cloud hanging over the island dimmed the view of the new light initially, it was shining proudly for all to see as guests left CYC after a truly inspiring evening. The overall success of the evening and the record amount of funds raised is a tribute to the collaborative efforts among AIA, its State Park partners, and all of theits generous sponsors and donors.
Front row left to right: AIA Board Members; Sudha Pennathur, Janette Gitler, Gail Dolton (President), Suzanne Badenhoop, Guy Lampard, Kristine Browne (Secretary) and Michael Josselyn (Treasurer). Back row left to right: Angel Island State Park Superintendent Dave Matthews, Interpretive Specialist Casey Lee, Ranger Jack Duggan, Marin District Environmentalist Bree Hardcastle, Marin District Park Superintendent Danita Rodruigez, Cooperating Associations Program Manager John Mott, AIA Staff Jacquie Klose and District Superintendent Dave Gould (photo courtesy of Ken Friedman).
Click here for additional photos from the 2009 Angel Lights Benefit.
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