Mar 2, 2008

Benefit concert kicks off with rockin' preparty

By Adria Murray / Society Columnist

The Hillsborough Auxiliary to Family Service Agency of San Mateo County is gearing up for its biggest gala ever.

"It's going to be great!" said event co-chairwoman Sue Merrill, about the more than 400 people expected to attend the sold-out "Power of Love" gala. The auxiliary's annual benefit, to be held at Electronic Arts in Redwood City, will feature headliners Huey Lewis & the News.

"EA has a very cool campus. It's a great venue, real edgy," Merrill said, and added with a laugh, "I feel cooler and younger just being there."

At the "Heart of Rock 'n' Roll" cocktail preparty on Thursday night, benefit sponsor Jeffery Brown, EA vice president of communications, was in attendance, as well as sponsors Curtis Brown and Sean Stannard-Stockton of Ensemble Capital, Ken Oliver, Ken Merrill, and Katie and Kirk Syme, whose Hillsborough home hosted the evening's festivities.

Seen sampling the tuna tartare hors d'oeuvres and sparkling cocktails (literally twinkling with blinking star lights) were event co-chairwomen Sibylle Whittam and Kate Brown, auxiliary president-elect Patti Rueff and Family Service Executive President Laurie Wishard.

Auxiliary board member Chick Runkel lent a hand as party chairwoman, donning an apron and a smile while circulating drinks to the 120 guests.

In addition to catching up with friends, the night offered guests the opportunity to sneak a peak at the gala's silent auction items. Interesting lots included a private wardrobe spring cleaning consultation/shopping spree from Malouf's in Burlingame and the chance for 10 people to take a private tour of EA's gaming facilities and abuse the company discount for a day.

The gala's special Fund-a-Need auction will support the Family Service Child Development Center at Redwood High School. Auxiliary president Betsy Pace said the center not only cares for school-age mothers' children and enables girls to graduate from high school, but also trains young mothers in life skills and financial planning.

"Family Service couldn't be a better beneficiary," Pace said. "It is a pleasure to support the agency. It's professional, well-run. It's a great asset to the community."

Established nearly 40 years ago (by party guest Ruth Wisnom), Hillsborough Auxiliary has supported Family Service in its mission to improve the quality of life for children, families and seniors in the community.

E-mail Adria Murray at amurray@dailynewsgroup.com.