The Annenberg Community Beach House and the Fulfillment Fund have two things in common: They are both precious gifts to the community.
There’s no better way to celebrate and raise money for education than a tasty evening by the sea. Fulfillment Fund’s Dr. Gary Gitnick was right there on the red carpet with his wife, greeting guests for the delicious do-gooding affair.
Casually clad beach guests plunked down bids on silent auction items like trips to Napa and tickets to Dodger Stadium, while enjoying truffled mac and cheese and wild mushrooms, as well as a yummy gruyère grilled cheese sandwich with dates and roasted peppers, and all kinds of sweet treats.
Testimonials were everywhere, with smiling young faces who talked about how the educational organization was a life changer and declaring that the Fulfillment Fund “made their college dreams a reality.”
I am ashamed to admit it, but this actually was my first trip to the Annenberg Beach House, and seeing the place was a treat.
The house and grounds were spotless with grand views of the Pacific and palm trees, a vast swimming pool and the original house built by William Randolph Hearst and Marion Davies. The interior is like a trip back in time with large black and white photos from the old days.
Like the Fulfillment Fund, it is quite a legacy to leave to the city.
Some of the city’s top restaurants pitched in to raise money for the fund, which was sponsored by chef Eric Greenspan, who serves up delish dishes daily at his Foundry on Melrose, The Roof on Wilshire and will soon add Greenspan’s Grilled Cheese to his repertoire.
Other vendors included Wolfgang Puck Catering, Whole Foods, Stone Brewing, Silverado Vineyards, Locanda Positano, Nothing Bundt Cakes, and Wood & Vine.
Guests snacked and sipped chardonnay and prosecco as the sun went down while a jazz combo added a little mood music. All of the proceeds benefited the Fulfillment Fund’s work to make college a reality for students in educationally and economically underserved communities.
Hungry for more?
It’s tough to imagine anything more satisfying than the Fulfillment Fund’s summer fling, but those who had room to spare hopped on over to the XXIX California Spirit Awards on July 28 at the Pacific Design Center. This mouthwatering event always satisfies the taste of even the fussiest foodie.
Founders and hosts Barbara Lazaroff and Sherry Lansing helped everyone dig in to some of the most delicious treats in town. Over the years, Cal Spirit has raised millions for the American Cancer Society.
Celebrity chefs included Gino Angelini from Angelini Osteria and Riva Bella, as well as meat master Ari Rosenson from Cut, and chic cheese whiz Eric Greenspan from the Foundry.
So have fun, it’s a summer to eat, drink and be merry.