Celebration of Hope Reception

Celebration of Hope Reception to Honor Laurie Black, the 2012 Extraordinary Caregiver of the Year on Sunday, November 4^, 2012

On Sunday, November 4^, 2012, the Celebration of Hope Reception was held in the Lobby at the UC San Diego Moores Cancer Center. The Honorary Chairpersons were Cam and Wanda Garner, the first ever recipients of the Extraordinary Caregiver Award in 2011.  Laurie Black, the wife of Robert Lawrence, was honored as the Make the Hope Happen 2012 Extraordinary Caregiver of the Year. She was recognized for her unwavering commitment to extraordinary caregiving for her husband who for two and half years survived Stage 4 melanoma and for countless other people who have also journeyed through their cancer experience with melanoma.

The Reception also raised funds for Dr. Wayne A. Bardwell’s Department, the MCC Patient & Family Support Service which assists patients and their loved ones with the psychological, social, and emotional issues that arise with a cancer diagnosis and treatment.  Over 120 guests celebrated and honored Laurie Black and the other unrecognized and under-appreciated individuals who make such a difference in the lives of cancer patients and their loved ones — the extraordinary caregivers. 

CLICKas the second annual Reception that was created and beautifully executed by the dedicated volunteers (Suzanne Agarwal, Patricia Alessio, Wayne Bardwell, Angela Beach, Marilynn Boesky, Howard Cohen, Karen Garman, Cinda Lucas, Meredith McConahey, Joany Mosher, Carla Rehm, Dennis Richmond, Wanda Garner, Jacqueline Rimel) on the Make the Hope Happen Fund Raising Committee which is chaired by Linda Holland.  

       The guests enjoyed delicious food catered by Zenbu, the flowers by Lilly Mendez, violin music by Laura Wanek and Nova Charles and harp music by  Amy Kanner. I loved being the volunteer photographer for this celebration and meeting so many wonderful people .    
                                 

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Make the Hope Happen Reception/Dinner at Fairbanks Ranch Country Club

On September 30, 2012 I was happy to donate my time to photograph an intimate reception and dinner at the Fairbanks Ranch Country Club. It was a "thank you" reception and dinner for donors who have graciously given to the Make the Hope Happen Fund Raising Initiative for the Patient & Family Support Service at UC San Diego Moores Cancer Center (MCC). 

The hosts for the event were Howard and Toby Cohen.  Dr. Scott Lippman, the new MCC Director, shared his vision for the MCC's future and discussed how the services and programs of the Patient & Family Support Service Department led by Dr. Wayne Bardwell are invaluable to MCC patients & their loved ones. Dr. Bardwell updated the attendees on how their generous financial gifts were being used to "make the hope happen" for patients and their loved ones through counseling by psychologists and social workers and through such programs as couples communication skills, expressive writing therapy, art therapy workshops, gentle yoga, numerous cancer support groups. etc.

I loved meeting these brilliant and compassionate people who are dedicated to improving the journey and treatment of cancer for patients and their loved ones.

TO SEE ENTIRE GALLERY, PLEASE CLICK HERE

TO SEE ENTIRE GALLERY, PLEASE CLICK HERE

I have been volunteering lately for fundraising events and sharing about them. I realize that I haven't posted many of my recent images. Thought I would create a wee gallery for my followers to enjoy.

This session was in Beaver Creek/ Vail Colorado area with one of my VIP clients, The Mainos, who moved away from San Diego to Denver a few years ago. I loved photographing in this most gorgeous area. I have to mention that this little 3 year old is in love with the moon and is gazing at it in this first image. As a moon fan myself, it was sweet to see this and catch the moment.

My long time collegue and friend Dennis Jones took me to Grand Mesa a few days later and to say there was a "riot of color" as you can see is an understatement. It took my breath away!!!

Nine Girls Ask Luncheon

I have learned that certain events in our lives happen for a reason; there is unquestionably a plan set into motion that brings us to who we are and who we become....Joan Wyllie

To help find a cure for Ovarian Cancer, Joan Wylie, her husband Dick and her amazing family and team put on such a wonderful luncheon to support her organization Nine Girls Ask.  Over 500 attendees enjoyed amazing shopping, beautiful guitar music by Bill Coleman and rock and roll by Ron's Garage Band,  plus abundant silent and live auction prizes, wine tasting and a delicious lunch at the La Jolla Marriott. In addition everyone learned more about this sneaky but "not so silent" disease.

I met so many special people and loved photographing the event and offering my "Buy It Now" portrait gift certificates. Before meeting Joan, I was quite unaware of the challenges of ovarian cancer, how underfunded and dangerous this frequently misdiagnosed illness is. Several courageous women shared their stories and I have to say, it is a Hero's Journey. Susan Taylor, former anchor for NBC 7 and executive director of external affairs with Scripps Health was mistress of ceremony. Representatives from  UCSD Moores Cancer Center presented an award to Joan and her team for the difference they are making in the lives of countless women. Well done and thanks for including me in this event.

To View Gallery CLICK HERE

To View Gallery CLICK HERE

Einstein's Big Fat Greek Wedding Gala

Wow, what a blast to the past. The Hall of Champions in Balboa Park was decorated like a late 80's Greek  wedding, including the blue and white icing and fountain decorating the cake, grecian statuary with flower arrangements filled with blue carnations, babies breath and white lilies. And of course the attendees were decked out in their ruffled shirts, big hair, bright bridesmaid dresses and the occasional greek god and goddess.

Of course, the auction to raise money for the school was a big success. There were so many amazing items to bid on and I know the committee worked very hard to put together this wonderful evening.

I personally had the feeling I was back in time because it just so happened that two of my favorite vendors from when I was photographing weddings every weekend in the 80s and 90s, DJ Toby Russell from Eventavision and florist Jinna from Thomas Bike Shop, were volunteering their talents as well.

Thanks for everyone that signed up for my "Buy it Now" the portrait session. Please contact me asap at 619-233-9390 to validate the certificate.

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A Beautiful Day for Portraits in Sacramento

 I spent a week out of town last fall photographing some very special people including this sweet family. This was such a fun session full of giggles and hugs and love. It was so nice to have different locations than my favorite areas in San Diego. Don't worry, I do have some secret spots for fall colors in town when requested.  I am so grateful that my long time clients (ie frequent flyers) the Jones Family, introduced me to their friends.  What an honor to be trusted with such precious memories!

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Click here to View Slideshow

A Beautiful Day to Celebrate the Clearity Foundation

"Someone Lived" was the theme of the first annual fundraiser for the Clearity Foundation http://www.clearityfoundation.org/, which is an organization dedicated to changing the paradigm for ovarian cancer treatment in hope of providing more cures today. The founder, Dr. Laura Shawver as well as Dr. Brodgette Duggan and Helen Gardner were honored for their involvement in this wonderful quest to improve treatment options for patients.

The weather was perfect, the location at a the home of Rachel Leheny and Ed Scheibler in Rancho Sante Fe was beyond gorgeous and the food by DK Catering was delicious to look at as well as taste. Cool music, flowers and great people made it a very special night. I was grateful to be a part of this event, photographing and meeting so many generous and caring individuals.

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Museum School Fundraiser in Black And White

The theme was black and white, the location was perfect at the Museum of Photographic arts, the guests were fun and friendly, the food by Huapangos Mexican Cuisine was yummy and the music spun from vinyl set the tone for a great evening. There were so many wonderful auction items and I know everyone had a great time! A special shout out goes to all of the amazing student art available at the silent auction.

And I was thrilled to have my photograph on display at MOPA...even though it was just for one night. Thanks to Phil Beaumont and the Museum School for allowing me to be a part of this fun evening!
To view the entire gallery CLICK HERE

To view the entire gallery CLICK HERE