Decor & Style Magazine
April 2007 Issue - www.Decorandstyle.com

PCs For Kids
It may surprise most San Diegans to hear that Starlight, Starbright Children’s Foundation has nothing to do with our beloved Starlight Theatre. Rather, the Foundation (founded by Stephen Spielberg) runs a program called “PC Pal” to provide laptop computers for pediatric patients aged 5 to 18. The computers, with custom, kid-friendly software, help fight the fear, loneliness, isolation and depression that often accompany hospitalization. Kids can play games, watch DVDs and connect to the Internet to do homework, learn about their diseases, and email friends and family.

Philanthropic Family
Neil and Marcina Checketts have had their Casa Blanca Salon & Spa in Rancho Santa Fe for 13 years. Their family is so philanthropic that even their daughter Kendra (age 7) hosts her own little fundraisers (typically involving lemonade or chocolate). The Spa’s latest soiree was the first to raise money for PC Pal computers for San Diego kids.

Attractions
The event drew hundreds of stylish, upscale young people. Attractions included a runway fashion show (with a dozen models of both genders showing lots of lingerie and loungewear), boutique shopping, auctions, gourmet foods and a number of bars (beer/wine, champagne, martini, coffee, and even oxygen).

Chef vs. Chef
A “Chef Challenge” pitted master culinary artists Bernard Guillas (Marine Room) and Jeffrey Strauss (Pamplemousse Grille) against each other. Strauss got the win in a very close vote, but it’s rumored that some guests were so busy getting extra servings of Guillas’ delicious cuisine that they didn’t take time to turn in their ballots.

1. Eva Stimson, Joseph and Evangelina Contz, Neil Checketts, Christy Helm, Alyce Clare 2. Chef Bernard Guillas, Cheff Jeffrey Strauss 3. Kate Carroll, Dave Steinke, Brooke Lamb, Amber McClelland, Megan McClelland 4. Kate Harvey, Vanessa Huff, Stefanie Fryover, Jacqui Grande, Lisa Clark 5. Brenna Carvalho, Michelle Riggs, Natalie Drosi, Alyce Clare, Keri Salem, Kristen Cieslak 6. Lisa Stewart, Dana Pare, Marcina Checketts, Ericha Anthony, Amber Ayub