Temecula Valley gala brings out local celebrities

Dressed in designer gowns and tuxes, more than 300 of Temecula Valley’s biggest movers and shakers walked the red carpet as cameras flashed during Saturday night’s “Stars of the Valley 2010″ charity event at Wilson Creek Winery.

Charity Presifilippo, Charity for Charity founder, during Saturday night's "Stars of the Valley" at Wilson Creek Winery. (Photo by Kerri S. Mabee)

City officials, local business owners, educators, doctors, and others turned out for the glamorous $85-per-plate gala to benefit Charity for Charity, a Temecula-based non-profit organization that raises funds to fulfill the wishes of local residents with special medical, financial and other needs.

Now in its fourth year, the annual “Stars of the Valley” event combined serious partying and sober fund raising Saturday night.

Along with dinner, wine and dancing, the event featured an awards ceremony that honored local community members who demonstrate “special” qualities.

Awards for funniest comedian, cutest couple, best golfer – 20 categories in all, including the grand honor of “Brightest Star of the Valley” – were voted on and handed out during the night.

Bob Brown, a local business owner and Temecula Valley Unified School District board member, got the big “Brightest Star” nod along with an honorable “Caddyshack” (best golfer) award.

“One award would have been fabulous,” Brown said, “but two … wow!”

Temecula resident Charity Presifilippo, founder of Charity for Charity, said the event surpassed her expectations.

“I’m beside myself,” she said. “It gives me goose bumps thinking about all the people who showed up here tonight.”

Presifilippo said that in preparing for the event, she was hopeful she could attract the number of attendees who showed for “Stars of the Valley 2009.”

Giana Gould, sitting on father Danny's lap, was one of the beneficiaries honored during Saturday night's event. Her mother, Krista (left), and little sister, Luciana, were also on hand. (Photo by Kerri S. Mabee)

“We planned for 168, the number from last year,” she said. “But the tickets just sold so fast – and in this economy! We’re bursting at the seams. It’s so wonderful to see this kind of support.”

Gala-goers took a party break Saturday night for a presentation of “wishes granted” to two “Stars of the Valley 2010″ beneficiaries.

Eight-year-old Giana Gould was diagnosed with Loeys-Dietz Syndrome, a genetic disorder that affects the body’s connective tissue. Giana suffers from twisted arteries throughout her body, a dilated aorta with aneurysm, and a dilated basilar artery. With the help of funds raised through Saturday night’s event, Giana’s wish of a trip to Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore is coming true.

“It’s a blessing that so many awesome people are here for us tonight,” said Krista Gould, Giana’s mother.

The French Valley-based Gould family, including Krista, husband Danny, and daughters Giana and Luciana, were all on hand Saturday night. They were joined by Temecula residents Randy and Renee Elson. Randy, who lost his left arm, clavicle and shoulder to cancer, was the other “Stars of the Valley 2010″ beneficiary.

Once a pilot for Alaska Airlines, Randy’s illness and surgeries have left him unable to work and subsequently cash strapped. Funds raised through Saturday’s event will help fulfill his wish of a truck lift so he can better transport his physically and mentally handicapped 19-year-old daughter. Funds raised will also go toward altering his truck for one-handed driving.

“I am overwhelmed by the whole thing,” Randy said. “I’ve always been on the giving end. I thought my wishes had all been used up. I had no idea.”

Toni McAllister is SWRNN’s lifestyles editor. She can be reached at toni.mcallister@yahoo.com.

Tags: bob brown, charity for charity, charity presifilippo, danny gould, french valley, giana gould, johns hopkins hospital, krista gould, loeys-dietz syndrome, luciana gould, randy elson, renee elson, stars of the valley, SWRNN, temecula valley, temecula valley unfied school district, Toni McAllister, wilson creek winery

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