Take A Bow

2009-11-22T03:23:32Z

As an event planner, it’s hard not to consider venues in terms of their capacity and cost. And, when you are well acquainted with an event space, you can’t help but take its amenities for granted.

For example, I know how cold it is when you arrive at the Memorial Auditorium (as early as the Convention Center staff). I can point out all of the electrical outlets and I know what your feet feel like after you’ve spent hours scurrying across the concrete floors.

That being said…I feel like I owe my old friend, the Memorial, an apology.

While it may not be state-of-the-art, the Memorial Auditorium has a mystique that is missing from most contemporary venues. Last night, Natalie Cole and the Memorial Auditorium were simply…unforgettable.

Volunteers greeted event sponsors at an exclusive pre-concert reception. Prior to taking their dinner seats, they were treated to live entertainment, wine and appetizers provided by the Paragary Restaurant Group. Hope Productions, a Sacramento-based non-profit, pulled this elite group of guests together for Hope in Harmony, a benefit concert featuring Louie Anderson and headlined by Natalie Cole.

I spent a few minutes backstage with Kitty O’Neal and Louie Anderson before the show. Kitty raved about Louie to the crowd before she introduced him. Meanwhile, Louie tried to remember if they had ever met. He was sure they had done a radio show together. I reminded Louie of her name, he meowed (literally) and took the stage saying Kitty in a way that only Louie Anderson could.

Louie’s set focused largely on butter, a substance with which he admittedly has a lot of experience. And, like butter, Louie had mass appeal. The crowd laughed as soon as he started talking and they didn’t stop until he thanked them all for coming.

In between acts, I tried to imagine growing up with the legendary Nat “King” Cole. For the first time, I realized I was about to see an icon.

I was stunned when Natalie finally graced the stage. She was breathtaking.

It only took one look around the room to see that everyone adored her. Her melodies truly moved the crowd.

When I got home, I did a little research on Natalie’s past. I still can’t believe she is almost 60 years old. And, you would have never known she was recovering from a recent kidney transplant. She looked remarkable in her black and white gown. She was in the best shape of her life.

The Hope Productions staff should take a bow.

From the red carpet crowd to Natalie’s rendition of ‘Walkin’ My Baby Back Home’, the event felt flawless.

Proceeds from Hope in Harmony will benefit several local youth charities including KidsFirst, Roberts Family Development Center and Special Olympics of Northern California.

Hope Productions provides fundraising & marketing resources at no charge to strengthen nonprofit organizations and benefit local children & youth programs. They do this through developing sustainable, large-scale and profitable community events that can be easily supported through a variety of partnerships. For more information about this organization, visit hopeproductions.org.

Natalie Cole Louie Anderson performing Hope in Harmony

2009-11-19T04:28:50Z

The late John Denver once said, "Music does bring people together. People everywhere are the same in heart and spirit." The Hope in Harmony benefit concert embodies the same spirit for one challenging goal — how to raise money and awareness for children.

Both Emmy award winning comedian Louie Anderson, and Grammy award winning singer Natalie Cole will be performing Nov. 20 at the Memorial Auditorium. Anderson will be performing his comedy act before Cole takes the stage. Cole will also be performing with local Sacramento musicians.

"Natalie Cole will be performing with Sacramento trumpeter Larry Lunetta and other members of the local musical theatre scene," said Jolanie Collins, marketing volunteer for Hope Productions.

Hope Production Foundations is a nonprofit organization founded by Sacramento business leaders which supports children's charities that focus on education, at-risk youth, wellness, advocacy, youth development and illness/research.

"Hope started in 2008," Collins said. "Its mission provides [free] business development, training and financial support to existing nonprofit organizations that may need an extra hand in helping to raise funds and awareness."

Nonprofit organizations can apply for this fundraising, marketing resources and training on their website, said Collins.

Since Hope Production's inception, seven nonprofit organizations have been chosen, said Collins. Three charities benefiting from the concert Friday evening are KidsFirst, Roberts Family Development Center and Special Olympics of Northern California.

Corporate partners and sponsors are privy to the exclusive VIP pre-concert reception with appetizers prepared by Paragary's Restaurant group followed by dinner within the Memorial Auditorium.

"There will be live music and nine wineries at the pre-party event," said Ancelle Contreras, Director of Corporate Alliance and Communications. "There will be a three-course meal, an auction and a special program that will highlight all of the charities involved."

After the sit-down dinner and concert, there is a planned after-party at Spataro Restaurant and Bar, Contreras added.

But even non-VIPs can feel special. All ticket proceeds are supporting local nonprofit children's charities for this musical and comedic event, said Contreras.

"It is a collaboration bringing the nonprofits together," Contreras said. "By all working together we become all strong as one."

Hope in Harmony begins at 9 p.m on Friday Nov. 20 at Sacramento's Memorial Auditorium. Doors open at 8:30 p.m.

All tickets are 50 percent tax deductible and cost between $50 - 150. Tickets can be purchased by going here.

VIP and corporate tables of 10 are available starting at $5,000 or $500 per seat. Special hotel room rates are available at the Hyatt Regency and Sheraton Grand.

Please contact Hope Productions at (916) 782-4673 for any questions, or visit their website.

Photos courtesy Hope Productions.

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Take A Bow

Natalie Cole Louie Anderson performing Hope in Harmony