Now Reading
VALENTINO @ VALENTI Charity Event - A Huge Success
VALENTINO @ VALENTI Charity Event - A Huge Success
Published 04-26-08
Submitted by Valenti International
RANCHO SANTA FE, CA, April 25, 2008 /PRNewswire/ -- The Valenti International Foundation's spectacular inaugural black tie gala to benefit abused, homeless and foster children in San Diego County held on April 12, 2008, was a huge success. At $1,000 per seat, it was a sold-out event.
(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080425/LAF524)
Truly a night to remember, it was one of the best organized and smoothly run black tie affairs held in memory according to many of those attending. Valenti International opened its doors to the public for the first time in its history to benefit needy children in the County.
The evening began welcoming guests into the Grand Foyer of the Valenti International (http://www.valentiinternational.com) Headquarters along a true red carpet entry. Rich red suede drapes, silver urns overflowing with matching red roses, and a gauntlet of greeters with champagne on silver trays signaled that this night would be something special -- the likes of which San Diego has not seen.
Valentino Red punctuated the sleek stark black and white framework of the 8000 square foot tent. White suede linens adorned the king's tables set atop a custom hi-shine black composite applique floor. White duponi silk draped the walls and ceiling, and black hi-gloss chavaris chairs adorned the grand tables. Seven by fourteen foot mirrors with a frame of solid red roses flanked the guest tables coordinating with the lush centerpieces that ran the length of the tables. These decadent centerpieces rested in black mirrored troughs which complemented the unique floor below -- thus tying the venue together into one sinuous, elegant environment.
The decor focal point of the night, however, consisted of an installation of Valentino's 45 years of fashion (http://www.valentino.com) highlighted on Swarovski crystal mannequins interspersed with vitrines set with millions of dollars worth of Damaini Jewelry (http://www.damiani.it). It was difficult to believe that this was a tent, more so, it was a Grand Ballroom custom built for this one night as the millions of crystals, diamonds, and other fine jewels cast sparkles of light throughout.
The program of the evening was as stellar as the decor, and left no eye dry, no pocket full, and, at the end of the night when the legendary Chubby Checker took the stage, no seat occupied! The night began with the guest of honor -- and the reason that this once in a lifetime event took place -- Father Joe Carroll's message of giving children a sense of purpose, character, dignity and values -- all to be found through the development of "A Children's Village." His incredible impact on the community, tied in with the host of the night, Irene Valenti's passion for helping the youth and the elderly, left no one questioning why they were there. It was very evident throughout all aspects of the entire night that both Father Joe and Valenti International are passionate about this cause. San Diego City Councilmember Brian Maienschein was also on hand to present Irene Valenti, the founder of Valenti International and The Valenti International Foundation with a Special Commendation for supporting Father Joe's Children's Village.
The 501(c)3, non-profit organization is still tabulating the total for the evening as donations continue to pour in, raising money for "A Children's Village" (Father Joe's Villages) in San Diego's East County, which will be home for more than 200 children who have no home.
For more information, please call 858-759-9239 or email Steve Valenti at steve@valentiinternational.com or visit the Valenti International Foundation's website at http://www.valentifoundation.org
