Evening in paradise; tropical night

The University Park event raised funds for Just for Girls Elementary.

  • By Pam Eubanks
  • | 8:25 p.m. December 3, 2016
  • East County
  • Neighbors
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University Park residents Joellen Grossman, Gail Snyder, Dana Balionis and Sheila Cohen found a quiet table outside the main crowd Dec. 3, during the University Park Women’s Club’s annual charity ball themed “Evening in Paradise.”

Armed with glasses of wine, the ladies clearly were enjoying their conversation, despite the fact that Cohen is moving to Osprey.

“They want to help me pack, but instead we’re just going to drink,” Cohen said, smiling after the group erupted in laughter.

More than 100 guests donning tropical-themed attire sipped wine, snacked on hand-passed hors d’oeuvres and socialized with friends on the outside patio of the University Park Country Club, before heading inside for a formal dinner, live music and dancing. 

Event co-chairwomen Jennifer Bauer and Jane Paschke called the event an “informal formal,” a hiatus from the club’s traditional, formal-attire Diamond and Crystal Charity Ball.

“Our husbands didn’t want to get in a tux,” Paschke said with a grin. 

Proceeds from the event and a silent auction benefitted the club’s designated charity, Just for Girls Elementary.

Joellen Grossman, Gail Synder, Dana Balionis and Sheila Cohen find a table away from the crowd to laugh together. Cohen is moving to Osprey, but the ladies say they' ll still see each other regularly.
Joellen Grossman, Gail Synder, Dana Balionis and Sheila Cohen find a table away from the crowd to laugh together. Cohen is moving to Osprey, but the ladies say they' ll still see each other regularly.
Eric Walsh chats with Jim Neale.
Eric Walsh chats with Jim Neale.
Mary and Buddy Leflar have lived in University Park for six years.
Mary and Buddy Leflar have lived in University Park for six years.
Jennifer Bauer and Jane Paschke co-chaired the
Jennifer Bauer and Jane Paschke co-chaired the "Evening in Paradise" themed event.
Jane Kotey and Judy O' Donnell joined the women' s club around the same time, about a year ago.
Jane Kotey and Judy O' Donnell joined the women' s club around the same time, about a year ago.
Dennis Trescott joined his wife, Joanna, the club' s photographer for the evening.
Dennis Trescott joined his wife, Joanna, the club' s photographer for the evening.
Peggy Lowdnes, publicity chairwoman, meets up with club president Maria VanBrunt.
Peggy Lowdnes, publicity chairwoman, meets up with club president Maria VanBrunt.
Catherine Strongman, Nancy Kopnisky and Anne Walsh are caught up in conversation during the social hour outside.
Catherine Strongman, Nancy Kopnisky and Anne Walsh are caught up in conversation during the social hour outside.
Gary Siegel assists guests with food and drink needs.
Gary Siegel assists guests with food and drink needs.
The event committee makes sure to take a photograph together.
The event committee makes sure to take a photograph together.
Catherine Strongman and Debbie Briggs enjoy the more casual feel.
Catherine Strongman and Debbie Briggs enjoy the more casual feel.
Lynne and Len Goldstein are all smiles.
Lynne and Len Goldstein are all smiles.
Gary Gunderson, center, shares a laugh with Maureen Ryan, right, and Bob Ryan, left.
Gary Gunderson, center, shares a laugh with Maureen Ryan, right, and Bob Ryan, left.
The band Double Vision provides live music. Pictured are saxaphonist Gene Cannon and singer Dianne Cutri.
The band Double Vision provides live music. Pictured are saxaphonist Gene Cannon and singer Dianne Cutri.

 

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