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There is nothing more heartwarming and special than a bond among a community of friends that is woven with the spirit of philanthropy. “A Gathering of Friends,” this year’s theme for the Library Luncheon, embodies this notion. As Director of the Library and Media Center Darla Magana stated, this year’s theme “is a perfect reflection of our Library because it is a common place on campus for friends to gather.” The spacious and picturesque home of Tonie and Steve Oedekerk set the stage for the 28th annual Library Luncheon, held on May 1.

Presented by the St. Margaret’s Parent Teacher Fellowship, this rite of spring brought the community together in a beautiful garden setting to enjoy an afternoon filled with delectable food and imaginatively decorated tables. While friends gathered, funds were raised on behalf of the school’s Library and its many programs.

As guests entered the dramatic and expertly decorated courtyard, they were greeted by the men of our St. Margaret’s community, who were seen proudly taking to their roles as servers. As they welcomed guests with champagne and passed hors d’oeuvres, the women cheerfully mingled with one another as they took pleasure in the relaxing change of pace. Adding to the calming ambience was the melodious and soothing piano music of student pianist George Ko, grade 10, and the simple beauty of sunflower sprays that were added to adorn the grounds and complement the already elegant and lovely garden.

By its very nature, this luncheon tradition brings together a unique and eclectic collection of hostesses, allowing each a chance to showcase their creative talents. This year’s theme not only inspired a bountiful number of table hostesses, but some very special ones as well; for instance, several founders of the Library Luncheon graced us with their presence by masterfully decorating the “Summer at Tiffany’s” themed table. Arabian Nights was the theme selected by Lugano Diamonds, who generously donated a very special item for the Opportunity Drawing. Chef Azmin Ghahreman of Sapphire Laguna hosted the festive table that carried the theme “Spices From Around the World.” Additionally, they supported our event by catering the amazing four-course luncheon that was infused with tasteful and highly imaginative culinary style.

At the outset, event cochairs Linda Garcia, Gloria Luna and Tanya Ebner emphasized their vision to create an atmosphere that not only encouraged merriment and camaraderie, but also highlighted the importance of fund-raising for our school. With this goal in mind, guests were afforded myriad philanthropic opportunities, which included the Summer Reading Book Bundles. In this program, book packets were selected by the library staff in conjunction with faculty, which gave parents the convenience of purchasing students’ summer reading while directing 25 percent of the total sales price back to the Library. Other opportunities included a Giving Tree, bookmarks made by students, a super-silent auction and an amazing array of items for the Opportunity Drawing. Although the final numbers have yet to be tallied, on account of the tremendous show of support by the many parents and the generosity of our wonderful donors and underwriters, this certainly appears to be one of the most successful Library Luncheons in the tradition’s 28 year history! According to Gloria, “we were successful in accomplishing our goal, which makes this event a true Gathering of Friends.”

The PTF extends sincere thanks to event cochairs Linda Garcia, Gloria Luna and Tanya Ebner and the Library Luncheon Committee that volunteered time, talent and treasure to make this event possible.

Event Committee

Event Hosts: Tonie and Steve Oedekerk
Event Cochairs: Tanya Ebner, Linda Garcia and Gloria Luna
Opportunity tickets/underwriting: Tracy Theodora and Gloria Luna
Event Décor: Tanya Ebner and Linda Garcia
Hostess: Linda Garcia
Welcome Toast: Suzanne Desforges
Catering/beverages: Gloria Luna
Rentals and Hygiene: Tanya Ebner and Jean Krieger
Entertainment/Sound system: Tanya Ebner and Jean Krieger
Parking/Shuttle service: Lisa Foley
Servers’ solicitation/management: Dan Horgan
Giving Garden : Shana deFries and Pam Thurin
Book Bundles: Carolyn Stevens
Registration/Reservation: Kathryn Wong and Bronwen Conway
Event Treasurers: Briar Mewbourne and Reiko Stauss
Library Liaison: Darla Magana and Bonnie Bauer
Publications Logo/printing: Margarita Solazzo
Mailing/Postage: Kay Clements and Monica Riggs
Web Site/E-mail Communications: Beth Adamany
Photography: Ted Parker
Event Support, all areas: Heather Poujade
PTF President: Kathi Coleman

The PTF wishes to acknowledge the generous contributions of the numerous donors and underwriters who made our auction and Opportunity Drawing possible.

Drawings and Auction Donors

Ocean Front Private Villa in Maui: The Theodora Family
Angels & Ducks Sports Package: The Theodora Family; The Pavia Family; The Winery in Orange
Lugano Diamonds Drop Earrings: Lugano Diamonds, Newport Beach
Santa Barbara Getaway: Casa Das Palmas
South Coast Plaza Extravaganza: South Coast Plaza; Tory Burch; Jo Malone
Giving Garden Sapphire and Diamond Ring: Nicole Mather; Norig at Diamond Land, Inc

Donors and Underwriters
(*A portion of the expense was underwritten)

Event Hosts: Tonie and Steve Oedekerk
Champagne Reception: Suzanne and Peter Desforges
Catering: Sapphire Laguna;* The Rottler Family*
Soft Drinks and Waters: The Furman Family
Invitation and program design: Capella+Solazzo Design
Invitation Printing: Gloria and Kevin Lu*
Sign and Banner Designs: Capella+Solazzo Design
Signs: Capella+Solazzo Design*
Banners: Mia and Peyman Rashtchi
Photography: Ted Parker, Parker Media
Décor: Ann Agan *
Floral Arrangements: Maria and Craig Cooper
Invitation Printing: Kevin & Gloria Lu *
Giving Garden : Jessica Edward *
Complimentary Tickets for Principals/Librarians: Dorian Knape; Kevin and Gloria Lu; Kim Sorenson; Maureen Brolick; Patti Tomaselli; Susan Brown; Marilynn Boyle; Yvonne Waller
Summer Reading Bundles for Tartan Scholars, Special Camp, Breakthrough students: Briar and Curtis Mewbourne; The Connelly Family; Elaine Perry; Kevin and Gloria Lu; Marilynn Boyle; Jamie El-Erian; Suzanne and Peter Desforges; Theresa and Bill Murray; Margarita and Tom Solazzo; Yvonne Waller
Giving Garden Gift Certificates: Baskin Robbins; Bravo Burger ; Golden Spoon; Joe Davis ; Junipero Serra Shell; Key West Fish Market & Grill; Kids Cuts & Curls; Marbella Farmers Market; Mojo Yogurt; Mr. D’s Grotto; Ortega Shell; Ortega Tack and Feed; Paper Annex; Personal Training; Sage Salon; Salon Soleil Tanning; Shana deFries-San Juan Shell; Skimmers Panini Café; Sol de Sur Restaurant; Spa Card; Starbucks; Tannins Restaurant; Ultimate one on One Training; Wendi’s Donuts

With gratitude, the PTF thanks this year’s Library Luncheon table hostesses for their dedication to decorating the wonderfully themed tables.

Table Hostesses

Jessica Edward/Kim Sorensen: 80s
Kathi Coleman/Peggy Day: 8th grade moms
Advancement: A table for our friends
Lugan Arabian Nights
Holly Larsen: Candyland
Holly Larsen: Candyland
Karen Kushner/Donna Toubia: College Bound
Laura Smith/ Cyndie Salcid Dictionary “Words of Friendship”
Brigid Landau/ Moira Kamgar: Edgar Allan Poe
Nicole Mather: Eloise in Paris
Kim Itri: Fancy Nancy
Kathi Coleman/Peggy Day: Friends of the Earth
Christyne Olson: Friendship
Christin Ellis: Gift From the Sea
Lori Manor/Stephanie Riley: Little Princess
Carol Lew: Madeliene
Lara Horgan / Shana deFries: Mediterranean Gardens
Hilary Guerinot: Modern Glamour
Briar Mewbourne: Our Volunteers
Margarita Solazz Out of Africa
Laura Ghahreman/Sapphire Laguna: Spices from around the world
Miriam Laird: Sex in the City
Randi Larsen, Carol Kelly: Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants
Stephanie Ho/Tracy Jong: Spring Garden
Ingrid Andrews/ Penny Tacquard: Summer at Tiffany’s
Renee Carter: The Empty Pot
Lynda Collier/Jamie El-Erian: The Giving Tree
Lynda Collier/Jamie El-Erian: The Giving Tree
Jean Krieger: The Hawaiian Friendship
Anne Mack/ Cortney Carlisle: The Joy Luck Club
Melissa Leasure/ Gretchen Scott: The Seven Wonders of Sassafras Springs
Kaaren Parker/Marlett Phillips, Adrienne Adelman, Rhonda Parks, Jody Parrish, Kathleen Rosenthal, Jane Ismirnioglou: We’re Going On a Picnic
Heather Lasting/ Ellen Edington: Western Theme (1)
Heather Lasting/ Ellen Edington: Western Theme (2)

Many thanks to the many dads, relatives, school administrators and friends who graciously and enthusiastically volunteered their time to take on the role of table servers.

Servers
Alvaro Luna
Andy Torok
Barry Elms
Barry Williams
Bob Larsen
Bruce Larsen
Chris Riley
Chuck Victor
Curtis Fuller
Dan Horgan
David Boyle
David Fickes
Davis Goodman
Eric Boranian
Eric Landau
Gary Totah
Ian Tacquard
Jeff Brown
Jeff Mitchell
Jim Kelly
Joe Davis
John Mellard
John Tilton
JP Leasure
Kathleen Burke
Ken Freed
Lance Stuart
Luis Garcia
Manny Molina
Mark Deckhard
Mark Frost
Matt Scott
Michael Johnson
Mike Lasting
Mike Smith
Otto Coppen
Paul Bienvides
Paul Westhead
Peter Waller
Quintin Garcia
Richard Suchand
Rick Andrews
Robert Locke
Ron Smith
Ryan Dahlem
Soren Lind
Steve Harrington
Tate Lihme
Todd Theodora
Tom Dy
Tom Waller
Trace Chalmers
Walter Williams