Walk With Sally’s annual fundraiser, White Light White Night, was a remarkable, sold-out night to remember.
The signature event took place Saturday night on Harbor Drive in Redondo Beach at the site of the future Shade Hotel Redondo.
In a moving welcome address, co-founder Nick Arquette explained the genesis of Walk With Sally, a non-profit organization which provides mentoring to children whose lives have been affected by a parent or sibling with cancer.
Their goal this year was to raise $250,000 and over 1,000 guests—decked out in varying shades of white—came out in force to support this very worthy cause.
The parking lot at 655 N. Harbor Drive was transformed into a seaside hot spot, and it was an affair the South Bay won’t soon forget.
Twenty-five of the most buzz worthy, local restaurants were on hand for ‘Taste of the South Bay’ and dished out their most popular menu items. Among them: , Zinc@Shade, Paul Martin’s American Bistro, , American Farmhouse & Tavern, Mucho Ultima Mexicana, Sylvio’s Brazilian BBQ and more.
Patron was a major sponsor of the event and kept the tequila flowing with stations located throughout the venue. Several of the participating restaurants also offered their own specialty libations.
The silent auction presented an extensive selection of items from gift baskets to fine art—along with an impressive collection of vintage wines up for grabs.
The live auction was a boisterous affair featuring emcees Mary Beth McDade, anchor of KTLA news and Ryan Choura of sponsor Choura Events. Auctioneer extraordinaire Grant Snyder kept a brisk pace offering up big ticket items such as luxury boxes and season tickets, private home and resort stays, chef experiences, spa packages and Netjet flights.
The highlight of the evening was a live concert by best-selling, Grammy- nominated Smash Mouth. The band kept the crowd on their feet with their biggest hits and thoroughly rocked the South Bay.
The success of an event such as this is usually quantified by the number of tickets sold or the amount of money pledged. Yes, it was a sold-out show and much money was raised, but it was the army of caring volunteers, participating community members and contributing businesses that exemplifies just how wildly successful it was.
If you would like to get involved in this worthwhile cause, visit the website at walkwithsally.org.
