A fashionable fund-raiser

A bigger venue; over 130 local celebrity models; an opening act featuring Ed Kurkeyerian, John Malizia, and Dr. Rena Bravo as The Three Tenors; and a closing act of Pam Copeland and Sharon Brazell performing “Hot Honey Rag” from the musical “Chicago”—Does that sound like something you can afford to miss?

The Women’s Shelter benefit show is upon us again March 5 and 6, and this year’s event organizer, Phyllis Madonna, sums it up nicely.

“It’s going to be fabulous,” Madonna said.

Supporters of this year’s “Reel People” benefit are hoping to break last year’s record donation total of $100,000, and they have the room to do it. The show is moving from the 400-seat Madonna Inn into the Madonna Expo Building, which seats up to 720.

Sarah Galetti, assistant director of the Women’s Shelter, said this is the shelter’s biggest fund-raiser every year.

“The money raised stays in the community to help provide services to all of our families, friends, and neighbors who live here and have domestic violence issues,” she said.

Galetti said the money helps the shelter operate a safe house, a 24-hour hotline, and two counseling centers, one in SLO and one in Grover Beach. The shelter also facilitates a restraining-order clinic, provides case management for clients, and educates students in area high schools about the dangers of domestic violence.

There are two evening shows starting at 5:30 p.m. on March 5 and 6, as well as a Saturday brunch show that starts with a silent auction at 9 a.m. For more information or to reserve a table, call 784-2441.

FAST FACTS

… You may have noticed that the 2004 edition of SLO County Passport has arrived. There are over 200 businesses participating in the discounts this year, including over 80 restaurants. There are 120,000 books currently in circulation, and a new pocket guide has been included that you can carry in your purse or in the car. In celebration of SLO Passport’s second edition, all books are half price this year and cost only $10. For more information, call 545-9777. …

… The Nipomo Youth Coalition and LifeBound Leadership Program will host an elegant evening of appetizers, wine, chocolate, coffee, and jazz on Feb. 28 from 7:30 to 10 p.m. at the “In The Tin” Gallery at Old Edna on Highway 227 near Price Canyon Road. This special event marks the release of Lynn Manzella’s latest CD, It’s About Time, and will raise funds for two Nipomo youth organizations, LifeBound Leadership and the Youth Coalition. Tickets are $30 per person and are available by calling 473-5560. Checks should be made out to EOC/LifeBound Leadership. …

… Hunter Ranch Golf Course, located in the earthquake-damaged area of Paso Robles, is hosting a Hard Hat Benefit Golf Tournament on Saturday, Feb. 28, at 10 a.m. Player participation, tee sponsors, volunteers, raffle prizes, and various donations are appreciated in support of this fund-raising event to assist in rebuilding efforts of the downtown area, where damages are estimated at over $100 million. All donations and entry fees are tax-deductible, with all of the golf proceeds directly benefiting the Downtown Paso Robles Main Street Emergency Relief Fund. To register for the benefit or for more information, please call 237-7444 or visit online at hunterranchgolf.com. ³

This week’s Strokes & Plugs were compiled by Staff Writer Matt McBride.