Appreciation from theater foundation

The brunch held to honor Steve Robertson and officially launch the Steve Robertson Youth Theater Workshop was a great success. We more than doubled the attendance from last year's inaugural Champion of the Arts Brunch with over 100 attendees.

I would like to thank our honoree, Steve Robertson, first, for supporting the performing arts in Moorpark for so many years and second, for allowing us to name the Youth Theater Workshop in his honor.

I would also like to thank Ray Hebel who did so much to promote the event and to organize the topnotch entertainment. Ray opened the entertainment with a rousing Italian aria. Mr. Robertson's former students reflected very well on his reputation as an excellent teacher.

Jamie Angelise, Miss Ventura County, sang a stirring "Time to Say Goodbye." Jeremy Shoop, now a professional musician, reconnected with his first high school musical singing a "Guys and Dolls" tune. Ray Hebel and Andrew Rivera provided a fitting adaptation of "For Good" describing Mr. Robertson's effect on their young lives.

Our master of ceremonies and auctioneer Mike Wesner instilled a lot of energy and did a great job getting top bids with the high of $425 for a dinner for four donated by Cafe Firenze. The restaurant staff was top notch, and head chef Fabio Viviani personally welcomed the guests and promises a great meal for the highest bidder.

I would like to express our appreciation for support from the following Moorpark organizations: Roseann Mikos, City Council member; Clint Harper, chair of Moorpark Arts Council; Scott Mosher, Boys & Girls Club director; and Mindy Yaras and Dave Pollock, school board members.

Finally, I want to thank the HSTF volunteers, particularly our committee chair Colleen Graven, who worked on everything from the press releases to the table settings.

Also special thanks to Bruce Thomas for promoting the brunch, Ralph Mauriello for coordinating the awards and the tickets, and Ray Cruz for organizing the auction items and providing the champagne.

A grateful acknowledgement is due to our polished front door staff, Jennifer Deverich and Charlie Sharp, who make a great first impression.

I t i s our hope that the Champion of the Arts award will continue to grow in its role of increasing awareness and participation in the arts programs in the community of Moorpark. Darby Shields HSTF president