Sherri Burke of Atherton is bringing the Peninsula Volunteers’ benefit back to its glory days with “An Evening with the Stars” on Friday, Oct. 27, at the Palace Hotel in San Francisco. The evening harks back to the days when the PVs put on such dynamite parties as “Farewell to the Fox,” importing Hollywood celebrities to celebrate the last days of the Fox Theater in Oakland.
Ms. Burke wasn’t aware of the PVs past performances, but she’s determined to make this year’s star-studded benefit an affair to remember. The stars? Top billing goes to international “star of stage and screen” Carol Channing who came to national prominence as the star of “Hello Dolly!”
Ms. Channing, who now lives in Stockton, married her childhood sweetheart, Harry Kullijian, at the Atherton home of Mervin and Rosyln Morris a couple of years ago. Ms. Morris is one of the Peninsula Volunteers’ strongest supporters.
Fans of the television show “Dancing with the Stars” have a treat in store for them. Many of the celebrities and professional dancers from the show are coming to San Francisco to appear at the benefit. The galaxy includes Ms. Burke’s daughter, Cheryl Burke, who was crowned champion of “Dancing with the Stars” in season two and is currently dancing in season three.
Local San Francisco 49er hero Jerry Rice, an Atherton resident, will also take top billing. Mr. Rice revealed a new talent last season when he finished second in “Dancing with the Stars.”
Lisa Rinna, most recently a semi-finalist on the show and her husband, Harry Hamlin, formerly a member of the cast of “L.A. Law,” will be guest celebrities. Emmitt Smith, who spent 12 years with the Dallas Cowboys and helped lead the team to three Super Bowl championships, is coming from Dallas and may show off his dancing skills. He is Cheryl Burke’s partner this season. Louis Van Amstel, who is dancing with Monique Coleman in season three, is also making a guest appearance.
By flying down to Los Angeles every week to watch the filming of “Dancing with the Stars,” Sherri Burke has become acquainted with the celebrities. “As family and friends, we’re given the VIP treatment. After the taping, we all gather in the green room.”
She has been a member of the Peninsula Volunteers for only a year-and-a-half. “I was looking for a place to give back to the community,” she says. She became interested in the Peninsula Volunteers when she learned they have been providing programs and support for seniors in the community for the past 60 years.
Since she is the owner of two businesses that provide home care services for the elderly, joining the PVs seemed a natural fit. When asked by PV president Camilla Shroff to head the benefit, she said, “I’ll be in the driver’s seat, but I will need help.” She chose Atherton residents Zeni Mallari and Darlene Woodson to assist her.
The ballroom at the Palace Hotel accommodates 500 guests and Ms. Burke intends to reach that goal. “I am very, very confident,” she says.
PVs at the Palace
Jan Wahl, television film critic, is mistress of ceremonies for “An Evening with the Stars.” The benefit will also honor Carmen Christensen of Atherton with the Peninsula Volunteers Humanitarian Award for her many contributions to the community.The event, which begins at 5 p.m. with cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, will include live and silent auctions, entertainment, dinner, and dancing to the Adrian Davis Orchestra.
Tickets are $250 each. Reservations may be made by calling Peninsula Volunteers at 326-0665. There will be complimentary motorcoach transportation leaving from Little House, 800 Middle Ave. in Menlo Park.
The gala’s honorary committee chairs are Nancy Greenbach, Ann Griffiths, and Rosyln Morris. Honorary committee members are U.S. Sen. Barbara Boxer, Rep. Anna Eshoo, Elsie Floriani, Menlo Park Mayor Nicholas P. Jellins, Assemblyman Ira Ruskin, Jerry and Jackie Rice, state Sen. Joe Simitian, state Sen. Jackie Speier, and Jan Wahl.
Since 1947, Peninsula Volunteers has created and provided programs for the aging population in south San Mateo County. Each year it provides more than $4 million in services, including 100,000 hot meals to seniors and the housebound. For more information, call 326-0665.
