The Gala Fundraiser Is a Stellar Success

World Research Foundation
Diamonds Are Forever

Date: Saturday, August 24, 2002
Location: Hilton Resort and Spa, Sedona, AZ

A Special Thank You…

“The Diamond Gala Dinner and Fundraiser was an unbelievable success… a million thanks to everyone who contributed to the prizes, entertainment and fun!  It was truly a spectacular evening!!!”

Steven A. Ross & LaVerne Boeckmann
Co-Founders, World Research Foundation

The World Research Foundation Gala Fundraiser was a stellar success.  Support is important to this international organization, co-founded by Steve Ross and LaVerne Boeckmann and directed in Sedona by Adele Ross, to assist their humanitarian efforts to present the body of diverse information they continue to make available to those seeking solutions to health challenges.

All of the elements that make an exciting event were in place. A roster of celebrity supporters, a silent auction, live entertainment and a grand finale prize of a $5000 diamond ring to one lucky participant made it an evening to be remembered.

Connie Stevens was scheduled to be one of the celebrities attending the event, but unfortunately, an ear infection made it impossible for her to fly.  Diane Ladd, who can always be counted on for Sedona events, was very entertaining with her comments about the movie industry.  Lainie Kazan, who recently delighted us with her magnificent performance in My Big Fat Greek Wedding, was charming and genuine.  She, too, took the crowd by surprise by singing the classic Embraceable You, and dedicating it to Adele Ross.  This chanteuse, as Diane commented, remains one of the great vocalists of our time.

Next, with some light relationship humor, Renee Taylor kept a warm chuckle moving through the crowd with her banter about her husband, Joe Bologna.  He joined her on stage after a few minutes, exchanging quips and continuing their “routine,” demonstrating the quality of their marriage.  Renee’s and Joe’s jokes were extremely humorous!

Also in attendance was Nicholas Eliopoulos, famous film director, producer and editor, who just finished Runteldat and has such other notable credits as Out of Africa and Wallenberg, A Hero’s Story.  Nicholas was acknowledged by co-founder Steven Ross for his continuing support of the World Research Foundation for over sixteen years.

Another notable was Duane ‘Hambone’ Campbell, who played opposite Diane Ladd in the TV series Alice.  ‘Hambone,’ who is a celebrated cowboy and recently painted by Gordon Snidow as the 7th Coors cowboy, runs his steakhouse, The Texas Club, in Ruidoso, New Mexico. He drove over 500 miles to support the World Research Foundation’s event.

Local talent solicited applause as the Walt Flory Trio, with Walt Flory, Richard Nix and Kevin McQuaid, created a wonderful ambiance during the well-prepared dinner.  Featured singer Laura Puccini opened the show, Debbie Winslow brought humor  with her ‘channeled’ impersonation a la Sedona style, and Vismaya, a tall European beauty, sang Brazilian numbers with professional ease. Newcomer Morgan Heard, who moved through the crowd impressively from the back of the ballroom with his Sinatra style, drew accolades even from Lainie Kazan.

John Wade did an excellent job as Master of Ceremonies, and sang a song at the end of the evening, as well.

Comments throughout the evening, especially from newer residents of the area, were very complimentary to the cache of local talent.  Attendance for the fundraiser was over capacity, with  some latecomers unable to get tickets for the entertaining evening.

Silent auction items were generously donated to the organization from many local businesses: Bank One, Smith Financial, Rycus Corners, Eagle Cliff Builders, A Day In The West Tour Company, and Casa De Sedona were among the major supporters.  Red Rock Limousine contributed transportation services for the event to the celebrity contingency.

Certainly one of the highlights of the evening was the discovery of who actually picked the pouch containing the authentic $5000 diamond ring.  Jerud Parks, representing Fred Meyer Jewelers of Prescott, went table to table accompanied by Pete Anselmo and Barry Ross.  They were checking the jewelry contained in each pouch, which were more than worth the $20 price for the chance to win the big diamond.  Burt and Jane Boeckmann, of California, generously supplied all of the faux jewelry and the $5000 prize for the event.

In a dramatic stage presentation, Kindra Mulcaire was brought to the stage and given the certificate of authenticity.  Her husband, Mike, bought five pouches, and among them was the winner.  In a later drawing ceremony - for those who made a donation but could not attend the event - Stephen and Mary Lou Taylor of Eagle Rock, California, were picked for a one-week stay at Los Abrigados Resort.