Volunteer Margaret Morici, Co-Chair Susan Stark, and Solheim Executive Director Jim Graunke

 

Joel McKinnonb Miller and Miriam Hernandez Announcing Raffle Prize Winners

On Saturday, June 4, 2016 approximately 126 friends and supporters of Solheim enjoyed a magical evening under the stars at the Shakespeare Club in Pasadena. The First Annual Gala was sold out weeks prior to the event and grossed over $90k.

 

The evening’s festivities were hosted by Joel McKinnon Miller, Immediate Past Chair of the Solheim Board of Directors. Currently he can be seen playing the role of Detective “Scully” on the hit FOX comedy Brooklyn Nine-Nine. The evening’s Mistress of Ceremonies was Miriam Hernandez, Emmy Award-Winning Journalist and ABC Channel 7 news reporter.

 

Guests were invited to dine on the patio by actors clad in Elizabethan Costumes and were serenaded with a Trumpet Fanfare from the balcony. Mary McCorkle, a Solheim resident gave a witty and poignant speech, which highlighted her living experiences at Solheim.

 

The evening’s program was intermingled with Shakespearean surprises including Mckinnon Miller erupting in to song during the sit down dinner under the stars. As the evening progressed the Shakespeare Club was transformed into a Midsummer Night with ethereal lighting and décor.

 

Mary McCorkle Solheim Resident Speaking

Guests enjoyed a vibrant live auction including a Day at the Races donated by Thrivent Financial, which was won by the Title Sponsor Tesoro’s own Susan Stark and her husband Oliver Stark. Honorary Co-Chair Councilmember José Huizar, District 14, City of Los Angeles, staff member Miriam Rodriguez, was in attendance and read a Resolution prepared for the occasion. Attendees concluded the magical evening by dancing to big band tunes and went home with a rose memento from Shakespeare’s Garden.

 

Gala proceeds will help Solheim’s caregivers touch the lives of hundreds of seniors, and will be directed where the need is greatest. One of the many special aspects of Solheim is the provision of more than $600,000 in charitable care for residents who have outlived their financial resources. This allows these residents to remain in the care and shelter of their loving Solheim family.

 

For more information, visit http://www.solheimlutheran.org/