Golden Inn & Village is holding its fourth annual fundraiser Oct. 8 with a legendary big band gala that includes a birthday celebration for Rona Barrett.
Through her Rona Barrett Foundation, Barrett is the creative force behind Golden Inn & Village, opening in September. The complex offers affordable housing and supportive services for seniors in need.
Guests at the benefit gala will enjoy hors d’oeuvres, a wine/cocktail reception with live music from The Harry James Orchestra directed by Fred Radke and a dinner by New West Catering. Other festivities include a “Bucket List — Once-In-A-Lifetime Experience” live auction, ballroom dancing and Barrett’s birthday celebration on the date she was actually born, as she enters the “Age of Octogenarius.”
Throughout the evening, guests also will be treated to The Ole Skool Crew, a professional all-female dance revue performing choreographed swing, jive dance solos and performances in collaboration with The Harry James Orchestra. Performers are members of the LA Sparks’ professional cheerleading ensemble with all members older than 50 years.
Legendary singer Johnny Mathis has signed on as the “Sentimental Journey” sponsor for the Big Band Celebration Ball.
“I’ve known Johnny for more than 50 years,” said Barrett, who recalled listening to his master recordings as he’d come out of the studio when they were both in their 20s.
“I consider him to be the prince of romantic singing. We wish him all the best as he embarks on his 60th Anniversary 2016 Concert Tour to delight audiences of all ages. We are so grateful for his generous support and the commitment of each of our first wave of event sponsors who are now helping to build a future for seniors in need,” Barrett said.
Mathis, who has long had a ranch in the Santa Ynez Valley, also is supporting the Rona Barrett Foundation through the nonprofit’s Golden Star campaign to be commemorated with a permanent plaque on the door at one of the 60 Golden Inn & Village apartments. He joins singer David Crosby and the David Geffen Foundation as Golden Star benefactors.
Other sponsorship opportunities for the gala still are available. For more information, contact Darlene Ramirez at 688-8887 or email [email protected]. Individual tickets will go on sale later this month at ronabarrettfoundation.org.
