Civic- or Community-Related

The who's who of SF gathered amongst antelopes, hartebeests and (very curious) penguins at the California Academy of Science's African Hall last Friday for the 7x7 2008 Hot 20 Under 40 party, sponsored by Johnnie Walker.

On Thursday, July 17, Dress for Success San Francisco celebrated its third year serving the local community with a gala fundraiser. This year’s event at the Bently Reserve featured local jazz legend Paula West along with fashion and design expert Nick Verreos from Project Runway’s second season. Guests sampled food from the city’s finest restaurants, wine from local vintners and both a live and silent auction.

On Thursday, June 26, guests joined Laney and Pasha Thornton at their San Francisco home to toast actress Bo Derek and celebrate her work with Peter Knights of WildAid. The celebrity-endorsed Bay Area nonprofit is dedicated to protecting endangered species in developing countries and ending the illegal wildlife trade.

On Wednesday, May 28 the TeamPlay Foundation—an organization managed by Baron Davis, Gunnar Counselman, Anne Gaylord and Cash Warren—hosted a cocktail party and benefit, along with LA real estate developer Ross Walker and event planner Gianna Cardinale, at Apartment 24.

On Wednesday, May 21 a groundbreaking ceremony was held at the Trinity Properties to commemorate the official beginning of construction of the highly anticipated Trinity Plaza. Mayor Gavin Newsome, Arquitectonica architect Bernardo Fort-Brescia and Trinity Properties owner Angelo Sangiacomo were on hand to officiate the ceremony.


Bernardo Fortbrescia, Angelo Sangiacomo

On Saturday, May 17 the Juvenile Diabetes Research Fund threw their tenth annual Hope Gala. The Benefit, which raised over $ 2 million for research, was held at the Fairmont Hotel and featured a silent auction, dinner and dancing.


Betty Kay Coakley, Brian Wilsey

On May 14th, Vanessa Getty and Melanie Ellison hosted a fabulous sale of Vintage and Designer clothing to benefit the San Francisco Bay Humane Friends and the Peninsula Humane Society. Clothing was donated from the closets of some of San Francisco, LA, and New York’s most stylish women along with many top fashion houses, such as Donna Karan, Michael Kors, Jimmy Choo, Judith Leiber, Oscar de la Renta, and Riser Goodwyn.

On May 14th, the SF MOMA’s Modern Art Council  hosted the biennial Art Auction Fundraiser, featuring a range of art including photographs, paintings and works on paper donated by local and national galleries and acclaimed artists. The highlight of the live auction was the "Turbosphere" (2007) by Icelandic artist Olafur Eliasson, whose work was the subject of a recent critically acclaimed survey. Guests enjoyed tantalizing passed hors d’ oeuvres and gourmet food stations by McCall Associates. Sponsors included Frette and Intercontinental San Francisco.

On May 10th, the Sunny Hills Service Council hosted the Power of Love: Opening Our Hearts to Children in Need benefit at the Four Seasons in San Francisco. The evening included a fabulous silent auction as well as a gourmet dinner and dancing. The Sunny Hills Services programs provide educational, community and housing services to emotionally disturbed children. 

On Monday, May 12, John Capizzi, VP general manager of Neiman Marcus, hosted a special luncheon in honor of Boaz Mazor who was in SF for the Oscar de la Renta trunk show.


Andrea Schnitzer, Lindsay Bolton


Anette Harris, Sally Debeham