Sunset in the Vineyard

by Christina Schultz

Sunshine, clouds and rainfall did not dampen the spirits of the 350 plus attendees of Sunset in the Vineyard.  Once again, Chris, Jeannie and Tim Carpenter opened their homes to host the occasion, focusing on the local vintners, wine growers and artisans of Santa Clarita. 

The Loan Ranger Rides Again 2011 Celebrity Zonta Club Tribute Dinner

by Stephanie Struyck Elgin

It was an evening of entertainment and delicious food at this year’s Celebrity Tribute dinner sponsored by Zonta Club of the Santa Clarita Valley.

An Afternoon to Remember

Soroptimist International of Greater SCV’s Wine Affair

by Stephanie Struyck Elgin

It was a fabulous affair at the Soroptimist International of Greater Santa Clarita Valley’s 4th Annual Wine Affair…Sip, Stroll and Savor the Sounds.

HMNMH 27th Annual Fashion Show Features Royal High Fashion

by Stephanie Jimenez

With to-die-for runway fashions, the ever-famous tomato soup and a spectacular boutique filled with the hottest trends and accessories, ladies and gents truly enjoyed their “royal-themed” afternoon. 

Supporting the Cause Locally

by Stephanie Jimenez

élite Magazine was proud to visit the American Cancer Society’s SCV Unit office on Tuesday, September 13 to drop off “pink” products provided by a group of generous donors. 

American Cancer Society’s Legacy of Hope Gala

by Stephanie Struyck Elgin

It was a celebration of hope and honor on August 14 at the beautiful Robinson Ranch as guests gathered at the American Cancer Society’s Legacy of Hope Gala, Imagine…More Birthdays! The Gala honored Linda and Moe Hafizi for Leadership in Community Awareness and Vantage Oncology for Leadership in Health Care.

Congratulations!

We would like to congratulate all the winners of the élite Ultimate Home & Garden Awards 2011, and say a special thank you to all of you who continue to support our publication. 

Adopt a Village Black Tie Gala

by Stephanie Struyck Elgin

It was an evening of elegance and fun at the 3rd Annual Adopt a Village Black Tie Gala on Saturday, September 10.  Guests gathered and enjoyed a delicious meal and silent auction all to support the Helping Hands Foundation and their mission to help eliminate hunger and homelessness around the world.

Cowgirl Up!

Soroptimist International of Greater Santa Clarita Valley Welcomes Incoming President Sue Reynolds and Gives Thanks to Outgoing President Kris Hough

by Stephanie Jimenez

On a lovely Wednesday night in June, Soroptimist International of Greater Santa Clarita Valley gave praise to the hard working board of directors from 2010-2011 and welcomed the 2011-2012 board.  The night began with the introduction of special guests by Ed Masterson, then guests listened to Kris Hough highlight her year as president for the 2010-2011 term.

A Change of the Gavel

SISCV Outgoing President Donna Kreutz says goodbye to California as Incoming President Sandi Naba Leads the Way with Heart and Soul

The night was filled with laughter, love and a few tears as the Soroptimist International Santa Clarita Valley group welcomed incoming president Sandi Naba at TPC on Wednesday, June 29.  

Ultimate Beauty & Fitness Awards

We at élite Magazine wanted to honor our very own in Santa Clarita, giving special recognition to the best of the best—The Ultimate.  
We kicked off our competition with our first Ultimate Dining Awards and received well over 8,500 votes from readers and winners were published the last issue of élite.  We are pleased to present your 2011 Ultimate Beauty and Fitness Awards winners.  We received nearly 1,000 forms and over 20,000 individual votes.  Congratulations!

A Blast from the Past! 40th Annual Boys & Girls Club Benefit Auction Thriller-A Flashback to the 80’s

by Stephanie Struyck Elgin

It was the social event of the season as guests went back in time to the 80’s at the popular 40th Annual Boys & Girls Club Benefit Auction Thriller-A Flashback to the 80’s.  Reena and Tony Newhall returned as chairs of the event.  

Going All in For a Great Cause

by Stephanie Jimenez

Poker enthusiasts came out to support the wonderful women of Soroptimist International Santa Clarita Valley on Saturday, May 7 2011.  The night began with delicious food provided by Marcos Catering and rockin’ music by Danny Diaz and Band. 

A Dancing Success - Dancing With Our Stars

by Stephanie Struyck Elgin

It was another successful fundraising event put on by The Magazine of Santa Clarita, élite Magazine and A~V~O Golfwear at the 3rd Annual Dancing With Our Stars event that took place on Saturday, April 2 at the beautiful Odyssey Restaurant in Granada Hills.  
Dora Zavala and professional dancer Erick Padilla took home the crown, raising the most money for the Soroptimist International of Greater SCV. 

Congratulations

We would like to congratulate all the winners of the élite Ultimate Dining Awards 2011 and say a special thank you to all of our supporters.  Congratulations to Saugus resident and contest winner Amy Alexander (opposite page, top left), who is the recipient of $300 in dining gift certificates.

Enjoying the Tastes of the Town

by Stephanie Struyck Elgin

It was a glorious affair at the 23rd Annual Child & Family Center’s Taste of the Town on Sunday, May 1 at the beautiful Mann Biomedical Park.  Hundreds gathered to indulge on more than 40 of Santa Clarita’s best restaurants, caterers, and wine and beer purveyors. 

A Heart of Silver

It was a grand evening on Saturday, March 5 at the historic and exclusive California Club in Los Angeles, as guests enjoyed cocktails, dinner, live auction and great company.  The event honored 2011 Silver Spur Award Recipient Diana Cusumano for her generous work in the community along with her tireless spirit and dedication to help those in need.

An Evening of Elegance at the Silver Rose Debutante Ball

by Stephanie Struyck Elgin

It was an evening of enchantment as the Henry Mayo Newhall Memorial Hospital Guild presented the 26th Annual Silver Rose Debutante Ball on Saturday, March 5 at the beautiful Grand Ballroom of the Hyatt Valencia.
Escorted by their fathers and a brother, the eight debutantes made a grand entrance under raised swords held by ROTC midshipmen from USC and UCLA.  

All Things Hollywood 2011 Celebrity Waiter Dinner

by Stephanie Struyck Elgin

It was an evening of glitz and glamour as the SCV Senior Center Foundation hosted the 2011 Celebrity Waiter Dinner on Saturday, February 26 in the beautiful Grand Ballroom at the Hyatt Valencia.  

Ringing in the New Year with Honor

by Stephanie Struyck Elgin

It was a beautiful day in Pasadena at the 2011 Tournament of Roses Parade.  As the stunning floats made their way down Colorado Boulevard, there was one in particular that we should be proud of, the only float that received a standing ovation the entire parade route. 

“Diamonds Are Forever”

Fashion Show Raises Funds for Henry Mayo

It may not have been Monaco, but the 26th annual Henry Mayo Newhall Memorial Hospital Guild “Diamonds Are Forever” luncheon and fashion show came mighty close at the Sheraton Universal on Sunday, October 10.
“Sexy and over the top, the whole Monte Carlo vibe is what the fashion show is about this year,” said event chair Kristine Crowder, dressed in a stunning purple gown paired with a diamond-studded white mink.

It’s Not Just Magic

by Stephanie Jimenez

Kind, caring and extremely generous is the best way I can describe the wonderful people I met at the American Cancer Society’s Volunteer Recognition Dinner held at Robinson Ranch on September 30.  The night honored volunteers, family and friends who have shown their support for The American Cancer Society and more specifically the Santa Clarita Chapter.

It Was a “Full House” at the 4th Annual Hold ‘Em Not Hassle ‘Em  Poker Tournament

by Stephanie Struyck Elgin

Guests of the 4th Annual Hold ‘Em Not Hassle ‘Em Poker Tournament ante’d up for a good cause on Saturday, October 23 at the beautiful Tournament Players Club in Valencia.  Nearly 200 people showed their support, all to benefit the SCV Youth Project.  

Celebrating Visual Art for 21 Years

by Jaylene Armstrong

Santa Clarita is the true calling of the Santa Clarita Artist Association’s Art Classic held on Sunday, October 17.  More than 100 pieces of visual art were on exhibit which included: watercolors, oils, acrylics, still life, portraits, animals and bird paintings, landscapes, abstracts, collages, mixed media, photography, etchings and sculptures.
Over 300 guests viewed different artwork of the association members.  

Bras for A Cause – Ports O’ Call

by Stephanie Jimenez

Delicious food and gorgeous bras filled the Oaks Grille at Tournament Players Club on Sunday October 3 for the 7th Annual “Bras for a Cause - Ports O’ Call.”  Raising the sum of $24,000 for charity, President-Elect Sandi Naba said, “I am very pleased with the amount raised, especially in today’s economy.  I want to thank all of our sponsors and donors who have made this possible.”

The Wine Affair Sip, Stroll and Savor the Sounds

Sunday, October 17 wine-goers strolled down Town Center Drive for the 3rd Annual Soroptimist International of Greater SCV Wine Affair.
With 12 venues to choose from, wine lovers strolled to each location featuring wine tasting, food and live musical entertainment. 

Honoring Jacquie Petersen

by Stephanie Struyck Elgin

On Saturday, September 11, the Betty Ferguson Foundation, along with friends and family honored philanthropist and visionary Jacquie Petersen.  

A GRAND Opening For Henry Mayo Newhall Memorial Hospital

Connie and Wayne Spears Intensive Care Unit

by Cortney Clift

On Wednesday, June 2, Henry Mayo Memorial Hospital proudly invited the Santa Clarita community and fellow staff to celebrate the grand opening of the hospital’s new and improved Intensive Care Unit. The $9 million dollar project would not have been possible without the generous donations of benefactors: Connie and Wayne Spears, Steven and Kim Ullman and Roberta G. Veloz.

Rockin' Summer Nights

by Cortney Clift

From July 6 to the 27, the Westfield Valencia Town Center converted their “Town Square” into an outdoor stage where the public was able to relax and enjoy music of the ages with cover bands from the 50’s to today.

Dancing With Our Stars 2010

For Love of the Andalusion

by Stephanie Struyck Elgin

On Saturday, April 24, hundreds came to the Herrera Ranch in beautiful Sand Canyon to admire the stunning Andalusion horses, brought from Spain by the Herrera family. 

2nd Annual Fiesta Poker Tournament

by Stephanie Jimenez

The Soroptimist International of Santa Clarita Valley’s 2nd Annual Fiesta Poker Tournament was a night of delicious food, great friends and tons of laughs!  Soroptimist supporters from all over came to play Texas Hold’Em at the Courtyard Marriott, 28523 Westinghouse Place in Valencia on Saturday, May 8.

Sampling Santa Clarita's Finest

by Stephanie Struyck Elgin

It was a lovely day at the Child & Family Center’s Taste of the Town, held on Sunday, May 2 at the beautiful Mann Biomedical Park in Valencia. 

Honoring Gary & Myrna Condie The 2010 Silver Spur Awards