Mar 16, 2008

'Power of Love' felt by all at benefit concert

By Adria Murray / Society Columnist

Electronic music thumped as people made their way through the crowd, gathering at the bar, talking and laughing as projected lights in a rainbow of colors and shapes danced across their faces. Pomegranate martinis circled the room on trays while revelers, 400 strong, dressed in studded-leather jackets and killer stilettos, waited in anticipation for the night's main act - Bay Area legends Huey Lewis & The News.

But this show didn't take place at some big city club or swank lounge. On the night of March 8, the heart of rock 'n' roll was in Redwood Shores.

The sold-out "Power of Love" dinner and concert, held at the Electronic Arts campus, was Hillsborough Auxiliary's largest annual fundraiser benefiting Family Service Agency of San Mateo County.

For the more than 18,500 adults, children and seniors served annually by the agency, Family Service represents a step in the right direction. "We don't give handouts, we give hands up," said Family Service staff member Nicole Sprague.

The agency fulfills its mission of "building a strong and caring community" through programs designed to teach and care for children, aid seniors in wellness and employment and help families in crisis.

"It doesn't take any work to figure out why you do it," said auxiliary president Betsy Pace, about her volunteerism with the agency. "It's a labor of love for all of us."

Showing their love for Family Service that evening were high-bidding silent auction winners Anne and Larry Hambley, who won a week's stay at the Hapuna Prince Beach Resort on the big island in Hawaii. Auxiliary member Patty Anixter and her husband Ben walked away with the night's big raffle prize, his and her Rolex Oyster Perpetual watches, donated by Kerns Fine Jewelry of Burlingame.

But the biggest dollars of the evening ($75,000) came in for the Fund-a-Need auction, in support of the Family Service Child Development Center at Redwood High School. The center that cares for school-age mothers' children and enables teen mothers to graduate from high school, is looking to expand its program to include counseling.

Gala co-chairwoman Kate Brown said a large percentage of the girls who participate in the teen mothers program have been victims of domestic violence.

"We are expanding the program to include a licensed therapist. We want to help break the abuse cycle," Brown said. "The program is designed to help girls make smart choices in life as they move forward."

In attendance that evening was Jessica Orozco, a former participant in the program, who went on to attend Canada College and returned to Family Service to teach at the center. Orozco was given a warm round of applause for her accomplishments during dinner.

Following dessert, the good times continued to roll on into the adjoining theater. When Lewis took the stage, mothers and daughters stood side by side screaming, "We love you, Huey!"

Fanning the flames, Lewis and the boys sang a sultry, a cappella rendition of "60 Minute Man." The set list also included many of the band's popular hits: "If This Is It," "I Want a New Drug," "Hip to Be Square" and of course, "Power of Love."

Before long, the stage was flooded with women consumed by the power of love they felt for Lewis. And there they remained, shaking their hips and glow bracelet-adorned wrists, until the time came when they were inevitably escorted offstage.

Altogether, the event was a great success, raising $500,000 for Family Service. Event co-chairwoman Sue Merrill said the auxiliary was very grateful for the tremendous amount of support they received from corporate sponsors and underwriters, including EA, Microsoft, Nintendo, Sony, Target, KKR Financial, the Silk family, Katie and Kirk Syme, and Angela Nomellini and Ken Olivier.

E-mail Adria Murray at amurray@dailynews group.com.