The Friends of Robinson Gardens’ annual Patron Gala, “Moonlight Serenade,” returned victoriously to The Virginia Robinson Gardens on September 14th after a five-year hiatus, co-chaired by Lori Greene Gordon and Natalie Gordon Beiser. The ladies dressed in their evening finery looked beautiful, and the men looked handsome, many even decked out in tuxedoes, as they entered the Great Lawn through the Estate. The moon was smiling down approvingly at our honorees Laura and Harvey Alpert and Kerstin Royce and Patti Reinstein.
On the Lawn, guests were served a variety of delicious canapes including ahi tuna, sliders, and of course cocktails. The many tributes to this year’s honorees were cleverly displayed on a faux hedge where all could easily be seen and read.
There was even a strolling barbershop quartet, the Velvet Frogs, to entertain.
The Silent Auction Tables displayed opportunities for bidding including restaurant dinners, hotel stays, jewelry, dinner in a beautiful private garden, and a yacht trip donated by Gala honorees Laura and Harvey Alpert. Also offered was a stunning bowl handcrafted by John Beaver, husband of Friend Candy Beaver. When the wood is dry enough, John will be turning a bowl from the trunk of a eucalyptus tree that adorned the Gardens for many decades.
But the highlight of the cocktail hour was the opportunity to visit with friends and Friends, both old and new.
The auction tables closed promptly at 7:15 and four trumpets sounded the time for guests to move to the tennis court where they were greeted by the incredible music of the 18 member Gary Greene, Esq. & His Big Band of Barristers. This marvelous Band performed throughout the evening.
The tennis court was draped in beauty as never before with stunning centerpieces created by George’s Garden containing a variety of flowers including pink, red, and purple roses which perfectly complemented the unique pink, red, blue, and purple lighting.
Guests took their seats, and a fabulous dinner catered by The Kitchen for Exploring Foods was served starting with a creative salad that featured heirloom tomatoes that actually tasted like tomatoes and a wonderful truffle pecorino. Guests were “moonlight” serenaded by the very talented Victoria Gordon. Both the band and Ms. Gordon graciously donated their services.
Lynn Whitaker, President of the Friends of Robinson Gardens, took the stage and welcomed and thanked all for coming out for this beautiful Gala to support the Gardens.
Then, Gala Co-Chairs Lori and Natalie introduced Laura and Harvey Alpert, our distinguished guests receiving the Spirit of Beverly Hills award. This award is given in recognition of significant service to the Gardens and/or community-based charitable organizations.
Laura graciously accepted the award, sharing “that I grew up in a family very involved in the philanthropic world, so it was natural that I continue this tradition. My niece, who is with us tonight, introduced me to Robinson Gardens by taking me to my first Garden Tour. From then on, I was hooked!” Laura was involved in many Friends activities, but she says her favorites were co-chairing Gala and finding private gardens for Garden Tour.
Harvey shared a charming story of his and Laura’s close friendship with Ivo, Virginia’s beloved majordomo for many years. Ivo was a frequent guest at the Alperts’ home, and in turn, he entertained them at the Gardens.
The Alperts were presented with an exquisite crystal polygon resting on a stand for their tireless support of the Gardens and several other community-based organizations. On behalf of himself and Laura, Harvey thanked all for this honor.
Following the main course, Lynn introduced our Camellia Award honorees, Patti Reinstein and Kerstin Royce. This award is given for extraordinary service to Robinson Gardens. Both past Presidents Patti and Kerstin have devoted countless hours, year after year, in support of all Friends’ activities. During the pandemic, they (along with Leslie Kavanaugh) created the very successful and popular Children’s Outreach Science Program. Lynn presented each of them with a beautiful heart-shaped Lucite paperweight containing a pink camellia inside, inscribed to Patti and Kerstin.
Patti accepted by saying: “This event is spectacular…so beautiful that I asked Lori and Natalie who they hired to get the moon to sit so beautifully right above the tops of the palm trees? With the orchestra playing, I feel that I am a guest of many years ago at one of Virginia’s parties.”
“I am forever grateful to Robbie Anderson for “fixing me up” with Jeanne, Maralee, and Kerstin. It changed my life. I am proud to be part of a group of like-minded people who value the educational, cultural, and historical importance of Robinson Gardens. Thank you, Joan Selwyn, for your leadership in forming the Friends. It is a testament to the collaboration of both public and private participation. Thank you for this wonderful Camellia Award. I happily share it with all the Friends who have trusted me with a variety of responsibilities through the years.”
Kerstin added “To be honored this way, I must admit feels a little odd as Robinson Gardens to me has been a wonderful love affair from the very beginning, and this beautiful Garden and all the Friends and Staff have given me so much already. But that said…Thank you so much to our wonderful Chairs Lori and Natalie and the gala committee for this honor.”
Kerstin thanked Laura Alpert and Amy Ardell Herzog for introducing and sponsoring her to the Friends. She thanked the many Friends who mentored and inspired her, including Lynn, Jeanne, Maralee, and Joan and lastly “my partner Patti. What can I say? To share this honor with you is itself an honor. I love you and I so admire you.”
“The richness of this Garden inspires us all with its beauty and history. You volunteer at this magical place, and it rewards you with friendships that become lifetime bonds. Priceless!”
“It is said that it takes a Village and what a village we have nurtured here in Mrs. Robinsons memory…thank you to my family and friends for coming tonight and for your support for Robinson Gardens.”
The honorees were toasted by all with amazing champagne.
The magical evening continued with dessert, the wonderful and talented orchestra playing and the guests dancing the night away.
Marcella Ruble summed it up perfectly by saying “What a great night – it was incredibly special!”
A huge thank-you goes to Lori, Natalie, and their committee for doing such an exceptional job. Every detail was carefully worked out including ordering the perfect weather and providing heel protectors for ladies to safely navigate the Great Lawn.
Thanks to a very successful Pledge Drive and the generosity of the Friends, funds were raised for the restoration of select rooms in the Main House, helping us preserve our beloved Robinson Gardens. A big thank you goes to Laura and Harvey Alpert for their generous offer to match dollar for dollar all donations made at the Pledge Drive.
We are so grateful to the dedication of Superintendent Diane Sipos and her wonderful County staff and Member Relations & Administrative Manager Barbara Remedios and Estate Caretaker and photographer Josh Johnston for their superb help in making the Gala such a successful one, enjoyed by all!
Post by Clare Wagner
Friends of Robinson Gardens Board Member
Photos by www.shousemedia.com, Josh Johnston, Marcella Ruble, and Victoria Kastner
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