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CSF Guests Partied in Paradise at 25th Dinner Auction

Coronado First Bank received the prestigious Merchant Award at the CSF Dinner Auction on Saturday. 2008 Merchant Award Recipient Miko Peled (left) joins Board President Spiro Chaconas (right) in congratulating Michael Wastila and Renee Hinton. To view photos of the event, visit www.csfkids.org. (Joseph Scott Photography)

Scott Aurich auctions off the Paddle Board in Paradise Package as members of the Stand Up Paddle Surf Crew looks on.  (Joseph Scott Photography).

Coronado, November 11th    The Coronado Schools Foundation Annual Dinner Auction on Saturday was a smashing success as guests took the “License to Chill” to heart and celebrated in true Tommy Bahama-style at the “Party in Paradise” benefitting Coronado’s public schools at the Hotel del Coronado.  Premier Partner Pacific Western Bank’s underwriting and Major Underwriting Partner Hotel del Coronado’s support, added significantly to the financial success of the evening.  From the volunteer set up crew for the auction on Saturday morning to the NJROTC Islander Company Cadets and parents who worked the silent auction in the beautiful Crown Room that night, over 150 volunteers and 400 dinner guests made the 25th anniversary of the dinner auction a night to remember.  170 of the guests enjoyed the VIP reception from 5-6 pm with the auction preview, and upscale food and drinks, thanks to underwriting by Chairs Wanda Aurich and Pam Hammett and their husbands, Scott and Phil.  “When the rest of our guests joined us at 6 pm, the party was in full swing and the more casual Island Elegant attire seemed to make everyone feel very comfortable and engaged,” noted an excited Wanda Aurich.  “To see so many people come together in support of our public schools for a fun-filled evening was a joy to behold.”

The Crown Room boasted over 250 beautifully displayed auction packages, with something for everyone’s interests, thanks to Silent Auction Chairs Ruth Ann Fisher and Kate Shallan with significant support from Mary Ann Berta.  The priceless Teacher Packages were made possible by the collaborative efforts of Teacher Ambassadors Brad Couture, Kathy MacDonald, Amy Steward and Chris Preciado, who compiled one-of-a kind experiences with some of Coronado’s finest teachers.  Spiro and Nancy Chaconas, Scott and Susan McMillin and Crown City Escrow provided the underwriting for the silent auction and Ron and Rick Chapman of Coronado Brewing Company donated the micro beers.   

When Auctioneer Chuck Dreyer closed the final silent auction section, guests strolled down the elegant hallway to the Grande Ballroom for a fabulous sit-down meal of fillet and Sable fish.   The dinner wines were hosted by Benny Chan and Kate Sappenfield-Chan & Todd and Terri Anson.  The tables were adorned with  tropical centerpieces of live orchids underwritten by Randy Hill of Coronado Island Florist.  Guests were welcomed by a surf board bookmark, a thank you from Silver Strand and Village elementary children to CSF’s generous donors. 

The Live Auction boasted 15 one-of-a kind packages and the interactive “Paddle Board with the Coronado Stand Up Paddle Surf Crew was a huge hit when Scott Aurich, David Spatafore, Clay Stanley, Joe Perkins, Gunder Creager, Steve Wright and Harry O’Halloran joined the Auctioneer dressed in board shorts and rash guards. The generosity of this crew as well as Island Surf brought in $6,000 as two lucky bidders won.  When Brad and Kathy Couture rode in on the donated Holland’s Bicycles to promote the CHS Teachers “Spring Fling Progressive Dinner”, the audience was totally engaged.  And, when it was announced that Village Elementary Teacher Kathy Shady won the Opportunity Drawing trip to Greece with $2,000 towards airfare, the CUSD teachers erupted in hugs and excitement.  Walt and Meredith Heinecke, long-time school supporters, were seen biking around town on Sunday on the cruisers they won as the second drawing prize. 

Jim Laslavic, Sports Director for Channel 7/39, took the stage as master of ceremonies following a great journey through CSF Dinner Auctions CD, created by Chair Pam Hammett.  “We were thrilled to have Laz back as he has been involved with so many CSF dinner auctions over these 25 years,” noted Hammett.  “We appreciated having him there as we announced the winner of the Inaugural Lifetime Partnership Award to Todd Shallan, GM of the Hotel del Coronado, for the Del’s record two decades of support to our public schools and the Foundation.  And, Laz was back as CSF President Spiro Chaconas  awarded the 21st Annual Merchant Award to Coronado First Bank’s VP Renee Hinton and Commercial Loan Officer Michael Wastila,” noted Hammett.  The bank was chosen based on the significant volunteer and financial support provided since they opened on Orange Avenue in 2005. While Chairman of the Bank’s Board Bill Huck was out of town, his wife Joanie was there with Carrie O’Brien and called Bill right away to share the news.  Following an amazing dessert trio, the guests danced the night away to Party Quake. 

“We raised record funds on the Live Auction this year,” said Executive Director Patty Cowan.  “The financials are still being counted, but the success of the event is indisputable. The last party guests, made up of teachers, parents, community members and business leaders, wandered out into the cool fall night around midnight with auction winnings in hand.  Their smiles were the best evidence that a great time was had by all. Our sincere thanks to our many business partners and local businesses that support our schools.  We trust our supporters will shop and dine at these merchants businesses as this collective and reciprocal support makes it possible for CSF to continue to return much needed funds to our local public schools.”  To see photos of the event, visit www.csfkids.org. 

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