Remembering the Evening

The Living Breath Foundation held its first fundraiser “In a Garden of Sixty-Five Roses” on September 9, 2008 at the prestigious Tehama Golf and Country club in Carmel, California. The event was a dinner / auction attended by 220 people. Guests were greeted by valet parking, and wine (donated by Ventana Vineyards, the exclusive pour of In a Garden of Sixty-Five Roses) and hors d oeuvres served in Tehama’s beautiful courtyard.

While mingling with friends new and old, the guests were able to take part in the silent auction portion of the evening. Approximately 90 silent auction items were on display throughout the courtyard jewelry, dinners, overnight experiences, sports memorabilia and many other wonderful items donated by the local community. The event was then moved into the ballroom with its beautiful views of Carmel Valley and the Monterey Bay. Where the guests were treated to a wonderful meal prepared by the Chef at the Tehama Country Club.

Upon completion of the meal the program began with 2 speakers who shared their experiences with Cystic Fibrosis. Pat Russell a lifelong friend of the families of Chris & Lori Pappageorgas (founders of The Living Breath Foundation) spoke on the battles a person faces while living with CF. Heather Emmert, a 23 year old senior at Menlo College, spoke on her life with CF how she has endured 2 double lung transplants. All in attendance were extremely touched and showed their appreciation by giving Heather a heartfelt standing ovation at the conclusion of her talk. At that time Chris & Lori Pappageorgas presented Heather with The Living Breaths Foundation’s first scholarship to help Heather finish her senior year at Menlo College.

The remainder of the evening consisted of a live auction giving guest the opportunity to bid on many once in a lifetime items. Bob Rosenthal served as auctioneer; he was extremely entertaining and did a delightful job of keeping the bidding moving. Live auction items consisted of 4 trips to Hawaii, a handmade Bride doll, 2 football experiences including field passes, private dinners for 10, a complete home entertainment center and several 20008 Olympic Basketball Items provided by the evenings hosts Jerry and Joan Colangelo.

It was a wonderful evening which was also extremely successful in raising money as well as raising awareness about Cystic Fibrosis and The Living Breath Foundation and its battle against this horrible disease.

Thank Yous

The Living Breath Foundation would like to thank all of our Volunteers and Sponsors who made this event possible!

First and foremost we would like to thank our event's hosts Jerry and Joan Colangello. Without thier contributions to our foundation this event would not have been possible.

We would like to extend our thanks to all the volunteers who worked to make this event possible: Mallory Russell, Jessica Marion, Melissa Pappageorgas, Steve and Renee Ferguson, Cheryl Tatum, Greg Stutzman, Bobby Latino, Josh Rosenthal, Spencer Rand, Rachael Donner, Bob and Carol Rosenthal, Greg and Sharon Puma, Deborah Allen, Pat Robinette, Annie Sours, Steve and Vicki McKinney, Susan Sanchez and Lisa Turrentine.

We would like to thank our table sponsors for this event: Dr. and Mrs. Gary Palma, Mr. and Mrs Ken Rudisill, Mr. and Mrs. Ryan Sanchez, Mr. and Mrs. Tom deRegt, Mr. and Mrs. Ron Borgman, Mr. and Mrs. Victor Davi, and Mr. and Mrs. Joel Knight.

Special thanks to: Ventana Vineyards, Mr. and Mrs. Tom Mayer, Mr. and Mrs. Dan Searl, Mr. and Mrs. Gary Strol, Mr. and Mrs. Sabu Shake Jr., Auctioneer Bob Rosenthal, Cheryl Mazzotta, Sandi Eason, Nick Pappageorgas Icarsus Kids Design Studio, Erasmo Aiello, and Michael Martinez.

Photos

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All photos by Alex Geller Photos by Alex Geller