Dad's 60th Birthday

So my Dad turned 60 this year.  Kind of amazing, especially if you know my dad.  I think he has become more active as he's gotten older.  For example, his birthday weekend he went canoeing all day, followed by yard work, I'm sure, on Saturday and then cycled 60 miles on Sunday.  Quite crazy, some would say but just a normal weekend for my dad.
Because my dad is so amazing, my mom wanted to do something special for this milestone birthday, but she also wanted to be able to enjoy it.  Her solution? Talk to her event planner daughter!  My solution? Testarossa Winery in Los Gatos.  I wanted a place that would be unique, casual and stress free for my mom.  After our initial visit, there was no question that it would be perfect!
The day came and everything was perfect.  The staff was great, the food was delicious, and my dad was so surprised.

Dinner set up in the cave

The food was catered by Restaurant O and everything was fabulous.  Top pick of the night was the Short Ribs but everything turned out beyond expectation.

Some of the guests enjoying some wine before dinner

Grandma and my Aunt ready to eat

The Birthday boy having a blast with some friends

My dad with his best friend from SJSU.  He drove from Fresno to be there.

I'm so happy that everything went according to plan and that we were able to enjoy the evening.  As an added bonus during dessert, we invited guests to bring pictures and share stories of their experiences with my dad.

Photos of my Dad throughout the years

Our build your own memory page station

All in all a wonderful celebration with friends and family from across the state.  Good times for sure. :)

Let's go to the Races!

This past weekend I had the pleasure of working at the annual Archbishop Mitty High School Auction.  The goal of this event is to raise money for the General Endowment Fund which helps keep the schools tuition costs down.  The attendees include everyone from parents of current and past students, community influencers, teachers and alumni.

All are there to support the school as best they can.
Auction items included everything from shopping spree packages, to AMHS fan kits, to a Caribbean Sailing adventure.  There really is something for everyone.

This year, the theme of the event was "A day at the races." The silent auction room was reminiscent of jockey uniforms with bright colors and geometric shapes transforming the gym from an athletic practice space to a grand auction hall.  It's truly amazing what a little fabric can do to change the feel of a room.  To top everything off, the call to dinner was a live bugle reveille.

After the Silent Auction closed, guests made their way over to the other gym which was made into the winners circle.  Shrubbery lined the walls, gobos displayed colorful shapes on the drapes, silver Mint Julep Cups with live mint plants along side jockey hats created a lovely centerpiece on each of the long tables and a magnificent chandelier hung from the ceiling.

To make the auction a reality, the school gets help from a lot of different places.  Parents helped by making phone calls to potential donors and guests, putting together the silent auction tables, decorating the gyms and working the night of the event.  The program itself is organized by the Director of Special Events and Public Relations, Sarah Janigian along with the support of multiple departments on campus.  Just working with her behind the scenes the few days that I did, it's amazing how many hands touch this event in one way or another.

The time and energy commitment made by everyone to support the school makes me proud to be an Alumna of such a great organization.  I was so happy to be able to come in a help where ever needed just to be a part of a spectacular event and I can't wait to jump in and do it again.

Here's to planning the next one!