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NEWSLETTER ~ SUMMER 2016
To Reach, Teach & Inspire Children
Through the Arts!
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BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Claire Smith
Founder
Judith Antonio
Chairman
Jennie Inch
Chairman Emeritus
Irma Smith
Vice Chairman/Membership
Margot Nelligan
Recording Secretary
Louise Escoe
Treasurer
Claire Smith
Parliamentarian
Marlene Cox
Corresponding Secretary
Carol Curtis
Publicity
Flo Wolff
Historian
Alaina Bixon
Nancy Bleiweiss-Nevil
Jean Carrus
Sue Fromkin
Anne Hopkins
Nancy Shuma
CJ Westrick-Bomar
Members at Large
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The VISIONARIES started out the 2015-16 Season with a very successful membership drive during our first event, Sunday In The Park with Patty and Arthur Newman. The "park" was the beautiful Marrakesh Country Club in Palm Desert, an elegant park with magnificent views and delicious food.
Next was Musical Memories, a 50s & 60s Dance Party tribute to Jennie Inch, the first Chairman of the VISIONARIES of Tools For Tomorrow and our current Chairman Emeritus. After learning hand jive and the twist from Chris Perry, we danced the evening away to music by The Carmen Duo. Dancers Lise Baadh and Ken French opened the program, to rousing applause. Retro food was prepared by Spencer's Catering, Spencer's at the Mountain, Palm Springs. Artist Vanessa Katz contributed one of her beautiful paintings for a raffle. Jennie and Bob Inch and their family beamed all evening.
On March 21st we held our main fundraising event, The 10th Annual Vision for the Future Luncheon. We honored Charlie Pasarell, founder of the Indian Wells Tennis Tournament (now BNP Tennis Tournament). Once again, Joyce Bulifant and Roger Perry choreographed and produced the children's program as well as a touching video of Charlie's life and accomplishments. Tony and Karen Barone contributed a very special art display and pieces for sale, along with the beautiful sculpture that was awarded to Charlie. We were delighted to have Donna MacMillan and Harold Matzner as honorary chairmen for our most important event of the year. Harold, last year's Vision for the Future honoree, gave an inspiring speech before presenting the award to Charlie. Smiling faces and thunderous applause filled the room during this enjoyable event in honor of Charlie Pasarell.
It has been an honor to be the Chairman of this wonderful organization, and I feel privileged to follow the fabulous Jennie Inch. Special thanks to Claire Smith, our founder, and the great group who make up the Board of Directors. The VISIONARIES of Tools for Tomorrow have worked hard all year to ensure the success of these events, which allow the children of the Coachella Valley to discover and develop their talents through the arts programs offered by Tools For Tomorrow. Our work and your support have strengthened the program and allowed it to grow by adding two special needs classes to the 15 existing programs.
Thank you!! We look forward to seeing you in the fall.
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2015-2016 SEASON IN REVIEW
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Sunday in the Park with Patty and Arthur Newman was the successful
kick-off to the 2015-2016 Fundraising Season.
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From the moment you entered the Marrakesh Country Club, you knew you were in for a fun-filled and entertaining event. Great food, top-notch variety show, live auction and our gracious and generous honorees, Patty and Arthur Newman.
Judith Antonio welcomed our members and supporters and thanked them for their donations that would help support two new programs for children with "special needs." Currently Tools For Tomorrow provides after-school programs in art, music, drama and writing to grades three to five in 15 schools throughout the Coachella Valley.
The live auction, conducted by the dynamic and witty Clive Weightman, got premium bids for a special dinner at Catalan Restaurant, a brunch and studio tour donated by Tony and Karen Barone, and a wine and food tasting led by Alaina Bixon.
We thank our captivating performers - DeKock Trio, AquaNuts, Kaitlyn Farley, accompanied by David Hirsch, and Idyllwild Arts Academy musicians Lilly Milcheva and Helen Lai. We also thank Marrakesh Clubhouse manager Rodrigo Gutierrez and his talented staff.
Hats off to Rachel Druten and the Visionaries of Tools For Tomorrow, as well as all 170 attendees. We are so grateful for everyone's support in making our "picnic" a smash hit!
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The VISIONARIES honored one of their own, former Chairman Jennie Inch,
at the spectacular Bougainvillea Room at Spencer's.
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The theme was Musical Memories and our band, The Carmen Duo, had 150 people on the dance floor. The evening began with a dance lesson given by Chris Perry, teaching dances from the 50s and 60s. The dance floor proved too small to accommodate the enthusiastic crowd, many dressed in vintage attire. First prize for costume went to Chris Metz, with Andrea Hecht looking perfectly retro for second place. Many of Jennie's and Bob's family and friends arrived and enjoyed the festivities. The evening included a swing dance demonstration by Lise Baadh and Ken French, tasty food and a touching speech given by Jennie. Alaina Bixon and Suzanne Fromkin spearheaded the successful event. Many thanks to Harold Matzner for helping to make the evening a great success! Bravo!
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Follow Your Star was the theme of the very successful 10th Annual
Vision for the Future Award Luncheon.
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It was described as a "grand slam" event. This year's honoree is a "man of vision." Tennis legend Charlie Pasarell has won many titles in the world of tennis. However, we honored him for his vision, entrepreneurial spirit and his humanitarian heart. Charlie's commitment to children began early in his career, in 1969, when he established the National Junior Tennis League. As a visionary, promoter and builder, Charlie and his business partner bought the land and built the Indian Wells Tennis Garden, a 16,100-seat tennis garden that hosts the BNP Paribas Open. As a "Hall of Famer," Charlie continues to build his legacy. Special thanks to Harold Matzner and Donna MacMillan for their generous support and for serving as our 2016 Honorary Co-Chairs.
In honor of Charlie, the TFT children wore tennis outfits and performed with tennis rackets in their tribute, produced by the creative and talented Joyce Bulifant. The audience was captivated by the song Roger Perry composed, "Follow Your Star," performed beautifully by vocalist Darci Daniels. Artists Karen and Tony Barone showcased and sold their creative and whimsical art. We thank them again for creating and donating the Vision for the Future Award.
Three other awards were presented at the event: the Teacher of the Year award, presented to Benjamin Lopez; the Volunteer of the Year award presented to Nancy Bleiweiss-Nevil; and the Daryl Timmons Bryant Art Spirit award presented to 5th grader Julieta Ramos from Truman Elementary School. Our dynamic and creative Co-Chairs Louise Escoe and Irma Smith were flawless on and off the stage. Special thanks to all of the hardworking committee members and our dedicated guests and donors. Another successful and fun event!
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