A full moon lit up the evening and stars from screen and television brightened up "Diamonds Are Forever, A Night in Monte Carlo," the benefit for the Escondido Children's Museum held Oct. 3 at Brecht BMW in Escondido.
About 200 supporters came to the event to eat, drink and play casino games, all for the cause of helping the only children's museum in North San Diego County stay alive and vibrant.
"We get about 10,000 visitors a year," said Steve Kildoo, executive director of the museum. "We have 30 interactive displays for children and we are breaking new ground in teaching children about conservation, recycling, sustainability and how those concepts are part of their lives."
The stars who studded the event were George Lazenby, who played James Bond in the movie "On Her Majesty's Secret Service"; Patrika Darbo, who played Nancy Wesley on the daytime drama "Days of Our Lives" and Roseanne Barr in an NBC biopic; Jacee Jule, who has a recurring role as Ellen on "Days of Our Lives"; and James Kerwin, a director voted "One of the Faces to Watch" by the Los Angeles Times; his movie "Yesterday Was A Lie" is scheduled for release this fall.
Also in attendance were Roland Kickinger, who appeared in "Terminator Salvation"; Chase Masterson, who is well known for her role of Leeta, the casino girl, in "Star Trek: Deep Space Nine"; and Chip and Kim McAllister, who were the winners of the 2004 "The Amazing Race."
Also on hand were Katie Ragazzi, founder of the Children's Museum; Collin Shore, who played the role of Jimmy Bond for the event's video promotion; and 92-year-old Edna Sahm, sometimes lovingly referred to as the first lady of Escondido, wearing a lovely crown of plumeria she grew herself.
Politicos San Marcos Mayor Jim Desmond, Escondido Mayor Lori Holt Pfeiler and Escondido Mayor protem Dick Daniels were present. So were wives Kerri Desmond and Kathy Daniels. Francis French, carrying a plush kitty, played the role of a James Bond villain.
Members of the event committee were Marla Campbell, Steve Kildoo, Kelly O'Neil, Linda Porter, Gail Aeling, Jeanelle Brecht, Linda Bailey, Kirk Effinger, Bob MacMahon, Catherine Sanders, Amy Bonar, Leila Sackfield, Dianna Frye and Neill Kovrig.
