Bliss Rocks

by Tony Adessa

It was meant to be.  The rain stopped, the fog lifted, and – as if responding on cue to a rising curtain – Bliss 2009 took its sunny spotlight.  A well-planned, meticulously conceived affair, this eighth Bliss championed Maitri by featuring “Ambassadors” Dianne Gregory, George Stevens, Sabrina Middaugh, Kirsten Havrehed, and Matt Metcalf who, by virtue of their tremendous service and dedication, epitomize Maitri’s giving spirit.

Special thanks and gratitude are due our “Gold Legacy” Sponsors: The Dorian Fund, Nordstrom, and Erich Pearson; “Silver” Sponsors: James C. Hormel, Entertainment AIDS Alliance, Nancy Nipper, and The Bob Ross Foundation; and “Bronze” Sponsors: California Pacific Medical Center, Sutter Health, and Jim King.  Their financial leadership was critical in making Bliss 2009 a roaring success; thank you so very much! 

A Ritual and Blessing by Janna Drahka and Issan’s Monks set the stage at the Presidio’s Golden Gate Club on May 3rd, the place to be to rejoice in and celebrate the essence of Maitri.  A jam-packed assemblage of 350 persons succumbed to the irresistible temptations of an exotic live auction, extensive silent auction, raffle, and gourmet food and drink donated by celebrated local restaurants and wineries as well as Maitri’s inimitable kitchen staff – represented by Ann Kong, Francis Sipin, and Avi Rachmany. 

Further entertainment and diversions comprised a beauty room, tea ceremony provided by Nichi Bei Kai Cultural Center, the Heiwa Taiko drummers, koto player Brian Mitsuhiro Wong, Tahiti Nui Dancers, singer Paula West (contributing a gorgeous impromptu rendering), Juanita More! & the More Boys, and Joey Altman and his Back Burner Blues Band rounded-out an impressive array of dazzling performers.  Local politicians Mark Leno and Bevan Dufty further spiced the occasion’s festivities.

The “Ambassadors” described their generous love for and service to Maitri.  Dianne (major donor), George (long-time board member/supporter), Sabrina (Nurse Team Leader/Senior LVN Team Leader), Kirsten (volunteer extraordinaire), and Matt (board member/local chef) interacted with numerous attendees, explaining their work with and for Maitri, and underscoring Maitri’s unique and crucial place in the community.

Chef/musician Joey Altman soared as live auctioneer, alternately charming and cajoling attendees into bidding on three “plum” items: a four-night stay anywhere in the world donated by Small Luxury Hotels and Resorts; a week-long stay at a Hawaiian vacation home donated by Daniel Killar and Andy Zimmerman; and another week-long stay at a Parisian apartment donated by Bill Wilson and Ed Smalle.  The live auction, in its inaugural year at Bliss, raised a total of $6,600. 

Complementing the live auction was a huge, diverse, and compelling silent auction featuring some 144 lots of myriad artworks, photographs, books, health and beauty items, entertainment packages, travel-related items, delectable foods and wines/spirits, jewelry, pet items, restaurant gift certificates, ceramics, and more.  There was truly something for everyone and, not surprisingly, virtually everything sold.  This silent auction raised in excess of $23,000, enabling the live/silent auctions total to surpass $30,000!

The “Beauty Room” was the fun, enormously popular, and highly fashionable place to be for hair treatments, massages, reike, make-up, and skincare treatments.  Juanita More! and her Boys provided electric atmosphere and cool vibes as Elevations Salon did hair,  Mindful Monkey & Healing Hands offered massages, Danielle Shapona supplied reike (therapeutic healing), Delia Munoz applied make-up, Healthful Skin and Body personnel performed massages, and Lori Anderson handled skincare.