Fontana Mayor’s Gala plans for ‘Journey of Intrigue’

Article Date: March 18, 2007

By Suzanne Sproul, Inland Valley Daily Bulletin

Guests at the Fontana Mayor’s Gala will be treated to “A Journey of Intrigue.”

That’s the theme of the fifth annual fundraising evening, but there is no mystery about how much the community will benefit from the festivities. Proceeds from the March 31 event at the Paul Biane Pavilion will go to the Fontana Library Foundation and will benefit the city’s new Regional Library and Resource/Technology Center.

Mayor Mark and Suzanne Nuaimi are hosting the much-anticipated black-tie evening. Young Homes, which already has announced its financial support of the center, is presenting the fundraiser.

The fun will begin at 5 p.m. with a reception and silent auction. Guests will be entertained throughout the evening with dinner at 6:30 p.m. by Impressions Catering. Comedians Steve Mazon, Lee Levine and Kyle Erby will perform. And the mayor will present his State of the City address.

This is the second year in a row that the Mayor’s Gala Committee of community volunteers has designated the library center as the fundraising beneficiary.

Kathleen Fariss is the director of development for the library center.

“This is a wonderful opportunity to support the community and raise money for the library center. The supporters realize this is something that is bigger than themselves and that the library center will provide knowledge enhancement for Fontana,” Fariss said.

Fariss has worked with the committee that has spent the past six months overseeing every detail of this evening.

“This committee is so amazing. Las year I had to tell everyone that I have never worked with such a group of dynamic people before. Everyone got along and worked to make it the best event it could be and that’s true again this year. These people believe strongly in the need for literacy and bright futures,” she said.

The community and businesses have been tremendously supportive too. Donated items range from two large wine baskets from J. Fillipi Winery and the Cucamonga Valley Water District to two five-hour limo rides from Sierra Realty and the Inland Valley Credit Union. Peninsula Retail Partners and Costco are donating 40-inch LCD HDTVs. Stater Bros. is providing a three-day getaway and a Richard Petty Racing Experience. Stater Bros. also has given the gala 12 bottles of Dom Perignon and 12 bottles of wine. And the Fontana Police Department is offering two helicopter ride-alongs and a ride-along in a police car.

To date, about $9.4 million has been collected or pledged toward the new center. “We’re hoping that supporters can do what they can so we can exceed the $10 million mark before the gala. This is a true grass-roots campaign, though, with everyone doing what he or she can and we are grateful,” Fariss said.

Tickets are $75 per person and reservations are required. For information, call (909) 428-8360.