SIMPLY SENSE-SATIONAL
Actress Sharon Lawrence was among the summer revelers who flocked to Fox Studios for the annual food fest called “Extravaganza for the Senses.” The annual eat-a-thon helps the Saban Free Clinic provide essential medical services to those in need. Also among the cozy crowd of 1,500 were New Friends of the Saban Free Clinic, a group of young professionals that has come onboard to raise money and awareness.
This year’s event featured fare from 40 local restaurants and pours from more than 100 wineries. Mr. Cecil had the grills working overtime fixing up his famed California ribs and Santa Monica’s Chez Jay had the seafood selection covered while Buddha’s Belly dished out exotic Asian fare.
The tables were dressed up in lipstick red, topped with arrangements of red and white gerber daisies. DJ Scott Silva provided the tunes while partygoers chowed down, sipped away and plunked down bids at the silent auction.
It also proved to be an educational affair, with Food Network finalists Jeffrey Saad and Debbie Lee demonstrating their culinary flair.
According to Saban Free Clinic Co-Chief Executive Officer Abbe Land, there’s never been a better time to help out this good cause.
“We count on events such as the Extravaganza for the Senses to provide vital services,” she said. “Especially during these tough economic times.”
Founded in 1967, The Saban Free Clinic is the oldest continuously operating free clinic in the nation offering free medical and dental care to 85,000 uninsured and underserved people each year.
CARING FOR CRITTERS
Congrats to the California Wildlife Center for another successful year caring for our finned, feathered and four-legged friends. The Center netted more than $120,000 at its annual Wild Brunch fundraiser, which took place a few weeks back at the breathtaking Gull’s Way estate.
The wild thing fling has become one of Malibu’s most popular events with 490 animal lovers turning out to support the center’s good deeds.
Red-hot restaurateur Charlie Dilorenzo had mac and cheese to please, Jim Palmer was pouring his best from Malibu Vineyards and Nic Adler was mixing up a mean vegetarian chili. Terra’s dynamic duo Chris and Kristine Bocchino had the gourmet bases covered, and what would light bites be without longtime celebrity caterer Richard Chesterfield?
Animal lovers vied for high-end must haves at the live auction, which included an African safari and a collection of those breathtaking oils from one of the city’s best-loved artists, Kathleen Keifer.
From dolphins and red-tailed hawks to snowy egrets, sea lions and even tiny hummingbirds, the center has come to the rescue of more than 2,000 animals this year.
In case you missed the festivities, there’s more in store. You can see the CWC’s volunteers in action at the fall open house on Oct. 4 and get your groove on when the center hosts its Wild Aid benefit rock concert at the Roxy on Nov. 15.
Got a hot happening or cool event? Send the 411 to kimdevore@malibutimes.com.