ESCONDIDO -- The Moonlight Masquerade gala fund-raiser benefiting the Escondido Children's Museum was held Oct. 16 at the Escondido City Hall Rotunda.

The rotunda area was unrecognizable! Giant glittering masks hung from the heavens, along with sparkling stars and moons. Blue tablecloths scattered with "stardust" held the place settings. Music by Alfredo Rolando Ortiz, South American folk harpist, Cruz Rodriguez, Spanish guitarist, Bryan Planck, flutist, the Candid Clarinets from Poway High School under the direction of Rosemarie Prutting, magician Craig Stone, and Eric George and Emmeline Mena, mimes from Imagination Express made the fountain area a delight.

Many guests were dressed in elaborate costumes, and international cuisine and fine wines from local vintners were served.

Mistress of ceremonies was Estha Trouw, anchorwoman for Fox 6 News. Silent and live auctions, and a costume contest were held. Auction items included lunch with the mayor, portraits, wine tasting for 12, baseball memories, cable for a year, jewelry, cruises, and the ultimate -- catering for 12 from Chef Geo and Creative Cuisine at the location of your choice! Among the guests were Miss California, USA, Brittany Hogan, Escondido Mayor Lori Pfeiler, Councilman Ed Gallo, Sam Abed, Jack and Jill Campbell, Kiwanis Key Club student volunteers from Escondido, Valley, and Orange Glen high schools, and volunteers from UCSD's Alpha Phi Omega.

Escondido Children's Museum Board of Directors are President Erick Altona, Jo Ann Case, Bob MacMahon, Bill Mayer, Carmen Nava, Leila Sackfield and Kirsten Younkin. Katie Ragazzi is founder and executive director. Event committee included Bob MacMahon, chairman; Barbara Haines, event coordinator; Jack and Jill Campbell, food services and donations; Melody Hoffman, silent auction; Oriana Clark and Linda Cook, sponsorships; Chris Wittpenn, entertainment; and Barbara Burbridge, public relations.