Rona Barrett’s 87th Birthday and Beatles- themed Fundraiser
Rona Barrett celebrated her 87th birthday in style with her annual birthday fundraiser, this year Beatles themed and titled, “I Rona Hold Your Hand!”The event saw an intimate guest list at the Santa Ynez Historical Carriage Museum on precisely her birthday, Sunday, October 8 – which is the same as John Lennon! Here, all things British and Beatles reigned – including Barrett who arrived in a brightly colored 1960s mod dress with white leather go-go boots, ready to rock and roll her fundraiser. “We all know why we are here, so please don’t sit on your wallets!” she exclaimed.
Event emcee was the official Beatles historian and scholar Martin Lewis, who declared, “On behalf of the British Empire, I officially name you, Dame Rona Barrett! Happy birthday!” To which we all raised a glass and toasted her. Barrett pitched for guests to generously support her foundation and its efforts. After blowing out the candles on her cake, she took to the dance floor with Lewis, bringing everyone out to rock with her.
The funding goal is continued support of her tireless efforts for our senior population and those with dementia. She founded The Golden Eagle Inn for seniors in need which became the blueprint for the State of California Council on Aging. This week as we go to press will be the official ribbon-cutting of her Harry’s House at the same property, affectionately named for her dad. Live auction was led by Geoff Green, who raised an estimated $25,000.
Top sponsor was Dyanne Crystal Iverson, president of the William Lion Penzner Foundation, from Montecito. Keynote sponsors included Sunseri Construction, Sunstone Winery, the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians, Pacific Western Bank, Montecito Bank & Trust, VNA Health, and Por La Mar Nursery, who also donated the table centerpieces.
Guests noted were longtime close friend and supporter Bo Derek; Por La Mar Nursery owners Ron, Patricia,and Erin Caird; Bob and Jane Oswaks; Catherine Remak and John Savrnoch; VNA Health President & CEO Kieran Shah; Director of VNA Health Foundation Lailan McGrath; “Rona’s Angels”; and the Rona Barrett Foundation Board Chair Cynthia Manigault with her board members Steven Reden, Jane Ayer, Roger Battistone,and Dr. Lisa Clement with her husbandDr. Bill Alton, and its Advisory Council members Juliana Minsky and Judi Weisbart.
The Sgt. Peppers Beatles Tribute Band played two sets and everyone danced and sang along. Food was official pub grub by High on the Hog Catering.
