Fire Alarm Fire Fundraiser Raises $64,000

“Innovative” best describes the Steel Magnolias 5 Alarm Fundraiser that was held late last month.

From the location to the food to the décor to the auctioneer, it was the epitome of creative innovation. Even the red-hot invitation showcased the artistic talent of the group.

The festivities began in the courtyard of the Los Angeles County Fire Museum in Bellflower. Celebrity bartenders (Susie Atwood, Bob Goen, Jeff Severson, Aaron Blackburn, Velika Turner, John Mosquera, Alex Cherin, Dana and Paul Buchanan) offered “Blaze” Cocktails.

The 5 Alarm Fundraiser “4 the Kids” promised it was “going to be hot.” It was.

Karen Cobb of Kacey’s Karaoke kept the atmosphere lively during the silent auction and wine pull. Girl Scouts were delighted to earn credit for serving as guides for the 200 guests, along with children and grandchildren of members.

There were eye-catching firehouse decorative items galore.

Standouts included handcrafted fire station dog houses created by Paul Merrill. A much larger one was crafted and donated, adding to the atmosphere. Centering the dining tables were vodka-filled fire extinguishers that provided the focal point of the table centerpieces.

Zack Krone, the lively and humorous auctioneer, had the audience bidding against themselves and their neighbors, and seemingly loving every minute of it. Laughter reigned with his innovative approach to separate the audience from their wallets. More than $64,000 was raised at the event.

Steel Magnolias raises funds to benefit children with developmental delays, behavioral and learning challenges and other special needs.

Dr. Gary Feldman — medical director of the Stramski Children’s Developmental Center at Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital Long Beach — spoke briefly of the center’s need for funding.

The hit of evening was an interview he conducted with Bandol Foul, mother of Luke Rubenacker, who has been with the center for 12 years. She said how much easier it has become to live with her son, who is nonverbal and has autistism. She also mentioned that her son seems to be enjoying life for the first time.

Seen at the scene: President Elizabeth Borsting with her husband, Kurt; event Chair Michele Dobson; Don and Julie Knabe; Memorial Medical Center Foundation President Robert Gunsalus and Wayne Herron, also from the foundation. More there were: Cathy and Tom Weider, Anthony Gagliardi, Denise Dahlhausen, Stephanie Davis, Bobble and Don Fesler, Surina Geoffroy, Lorie Merrill, Hilda Sanchez and Dave Rigby, Bonnie Scott, Joan Venditozzi, Harry Saltzgaver, Dr. Jim and Karen Wells, Shirlee Bouch, Lynn and Jack Gesner, Myrna Wigod, Rich Carry and Dian Morris, Gary Lee Wolf and Carl Lee, Gloria Deukmejian, Marianne and Ron Gastelum, Judy and Don Black, Judie Johnsen, Shari and Larry Nemirow, Mari Hooper, Lorie Scarborough and Dennis McConkey.

https://www.presstelegram.com/2022/08/07/shirley-wild-steel-magnolia-fundraiser-benefits-stramski-childrens-development-center/