This year’s Sweetheart’s Gala, the largest fundraiser of the year for Boys & Girls Clubs of Sonoma Valley, honored Matt Sevenau. An alumni of the organization, Matt knows first hand what it means to thrive with the support of the club.His emotional speech was evidence of that.The 300 guest enjoyed  a cocktail reception, hors d’oeuvres, dinner, silent and live auctions, photo booth, casino games and dancing.

According to club officials the event generates 15 percent of the annual budget.    

Photgraphy: William Murray

Now in its 20th year, Martini Madness continues to be a sold out Sonoma event. Local restaurants and bars competed for the most creative and delicious martinis and attendees got to vote for their favorite. Pure fun for the creative and talented bartenders with their themed drinks and outfits to match and for the guests in attendance.The overall winner was Hopmonk winning in three of the 4 categories; best theme table (Willy Wonka), most creative and Best Overall. Reel & Brand won for Best Garnish.

Korean native Joanne Lee completed a recent artist-in-residence stint at the Sonoma Community Center, concluding with a showing in the center’s gallery, and a visit by her proud parents who arrived from Korea to view her work.    

Photography: David Bolling

The Sonoma Community Center’s 12th annual Chili Bowl Express pulled into town on February 22, with deep pots of hot chili, handmade bowls and wine cups and endless amounts of good community cheer. This is the largest fundraiser of the year for The Sonoma Community Center.

Betty Ann Bruno, the octogenarian hula teacher whose Hula Mai dance troop has entertained thousands and enriched the lives of women dancers all over Sonoma Valley, was honored as Sonoma Treasure Artist of the year during a ceremony at Vintage House in Sonoma, on February 11.

Surrounded by her dance troop, and smooched by her husband Craig Scheiner, Bruno was layered in leis (I’ve never been laid so many times, she quipped) before joining her dance troop for an enthralling hula dance.