An enchanted evening benefits the Escondido Children's Museum

By: PENNY BONNOT - Staff Writer | Saturday, October 21, 2006 6:45 PM PDT ∞

ESCONDIDO ---- Once upon a time at a winery in Escondido, there was an enchanting "Moonlight Masquerade" that was attended by all the make-believe characters in the land.

The Oct. 7 gala was presented by the Escondido Children's Museum to further its work of "inspiring children to learn about the world we live in, through exploration, experimentation and imagination."

The grounds of the Belle Marie Winery looked beautiful with twinkling lights and the most interesting beings roaming about, such as fairies, queens, kings ---- even Captain Hook. Auctions took place outside and inside the castle, and dinner, dessert and dancing took place in the dungeon.

They took the time out from the festivities to recognize three of their own: Dorothy Gibson was Donor of the Year, and Linda Karanewsky and Clemencia Toro were Volunteers of the Year.

The co-chairwomen of the event were Jan Clark, Bibbi Connor and Michelle Vanboxtel; event coordinator was Linda Karanewsky.

Escondido Children's Museum founder and Executive Director Katie Ragazzi was there as were museum board members Bob MacMahon, Carmen Nava and Erick Altona; Patti Anderson of its Community Relations; and volunteers Julie and Don Lyon.

Supporters attending from UC San Diego included President Dr. Karen Haynes and Dean of College of Arts and Sciences Vicki Golich. Attendees from Center ARTES at UCSD included founder and Director Meryl Goldberg; Chairwoman Kathy Rubesha; board member Ruth Mangrun; and volunteer Doug Carlsen. Those attending from the Escondido Downtown Business Association included CEO Debra Rosen and board member Jim Rady.

Other supporters attending, included Escondido Mayor Lori Holt Pfeiler with her husband, Tim, Jack Campbell from the Escondido Planning Commission, 2005 Donor of the Year Gene Holloway, Jim Mickelson, Suzanne and Greg Strassburger, Tina Pope, John Rubesha, Lee MacMahon, Craig Clark and Romick Kessian of CW Clark Inc., President/CEO Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce Ted Owen, Bill and Marti Kurschat, Mike Rosen, Todd Mattox, Brigid Price, Bibbi Herrmann, Marjorie Wells, Darol Caster and Frank Safranek.

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