Artscene: 'Rodin by Moonlight' ready to dazzle Artscene: 'Rodin by Moonlight' ready to dazzle (September 28, 2005)

By Jane Knoerle

Almanac Lifestyles Editor

Melissa Badger of Atherton is hoping for another "starry, starry night" as she chairs her third, and she says her last, "Rodin by Moonlight" fundraiser for the Cantor Arts Center at Stanford University on Saturday, October 1.

The elegant dinner-dance will be set among the bronzes of the Rodin Sculpture Garden.

Those who have worked with Ms. Badger on benefits for Menlo School or the Junior League of Palo Alto/Mid Peninsula know to expect perfection.

It sounds as if that's what they'll get on October 1 with Versailles-influenced floral decorations, dinner by Melissa Perello of Fifth Floor Restaurant and the staff of Paula LeDuc Catering, followed by dancing to the music of Tongue'n'Chic before a flood-lit "Gates of Hell."

The evening will begin with a cocktail reception hosted by Tiffany & Co. in the courtyard and a private viewing of "Revolutionary Tides: The Art of the Political Poster 1914-1989," presented in partnership with the Hoover Institution.

More than 400 guests, including honorary co-chairs Charlotte and George Shultz, as well as Stanford President John Hennessy and his wife, Andrea, are expected to attend the sold-out event.

A press release hints that "a Nobel Laureate, at least one congresswoman, at least one former mayor, a former NFL franchise president, and an ambassador" will also attend. Locals know the ambassador is likely to be Bill Lane of Portola Valley, former ambassador to Australia.

Members of Ms. Badger's committee are Mary Linn Coldiron, Charlene Cogan, Wendy Rohn, and Julie Terrell-Hooper, all of Menlo Park; Sue Diekman, Lulu Frye, Jacque Jarve, Sandy Levison, Debbie Rosenberg, and Kathy Wiggans, all of Atherton; Joan Finnigan Matteucci of Portola Valley; and Jeff Traum of Palo Alto, who is the committee's financial adviser.

Event proceeds benefit the center's education programs and exhibitions, and enable Cantor Arts Center to remain free to the public. Admission to "Rodin by Moonlight" is $750 per guest. For ticket information, call 724-6387.

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