Barbara and Guests make the final menu choices
On Wednesday, Barbara Sinatra, long-time friends Nelda Linsk, Fay Mancuso and Rita Vale, CBS Local 2 meteorologist Patrick Evans and Frank Sinatra Celebrity Invitational director Mary Martin were among the party making the final decisions for the 26th Annual Barbara Sinatra Fashion Luncheon at the Special Events Center at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino in Indio.
The February 21 luncheon begins at 11 a.m. with a silent auction, followed at noon by a gourmet menu created by Fantasy Springs Executive Chef Freddy Rieger, and a fabulous runway show.
Mrs. Sinatra and guests had the unenviable task of sampling a trio each of salads, entrees and desserts, to choose the perfect menu. In the end, they voted on a Lollo-Rosso frisee bouquet and Carpaccio of beets with champagne-Dijon dressing for the salad course; chicken Milanese with mascarpone pesto seared salmon with lemon-caper sauce for the main course; and white chocolate ricotta cheesecake for dessert.
Barbara Sinatra Fashion Show and Luncheon
The highlight of the afternoon is the fashion show that is once again under the direction of Rosemarie Troy, owner of Troy on El Paseo, and who was the fashion director for famed Bullock’s Wilshire store in Los Angeles.
Designer Jackie Rogers, who leads the list of international designers chosen for the fashion show, has a bio that reads more like an Italian film noir from the 1960s than something from the pages of Women’s Wear Daily or W. She started out as the darling of the jet set in the 1960s, but fell into modeling after purchasing a $600 suit from Coco Chanel in her Paris boutique. She began her own design career in men’s wear before turning talents to timeless designs for women.
The designer is known as the doyenne of women’s fashion, with exclusive boutiques in New York City, Long Island and Palm Beach, Fla. Her designs are the epitome of chic and classic sophistication, from the woman who says, “I don’t believe in fashion; I believe in style.”
In addition to Rogers, the fashion show will showcase fashions by European designers Alvarado Bessi of Italy and the nearly 100-year-old fashion house Algo of Switzerland, Lotusgrace of New York and accessories by Puerto Rican-born New York designer, Raphael Sanchez.
Joining Mrs. Sinatra at the luncheon will be supermodels Kim Alexis and Kelly Emberg, actor Jill St. John and “Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” star Kyle Richard-Umansky.
The afternoon event begins with an unbelievable silent auction with items such as lunch and golf with Elke Sommer; facials from Dr. Mark Sofonio; a restaurant basket; and a Rancho Las Palmas stay-and-play golf package.
Seating is limited. Tickets for the luncheon are $125 and are available through the Frank Sinatra Celebrity Invitational office at (800) 674-8447.
For information on the Frank Sinatra Celebrity Invitational or luncheon, please contact Mary Martin at (800) 674-8447 or www.franksinatragolf.org.
Frank and Barbara Sinatra founded the Frank Sinatra Starkey Hearing Technologies Celebrity Invitational in 1988 to raise funds for the Barbara Sinatra Children’s Center at Eisenhower, which counsels and prevents child abuse. The Children’s Center opened in 1986. Through their efforts, and those of supporters throughout the world, the Frank Sinatra Celebrity Invitational is now one of the most successful events of its kind. The tournament host is Fantasy Springs Golf Resort and Eagle Falls Golf Course in Indio, CA.
The Frank Sinatra Starkey Hearing Technologies Celebrity Invitational is an invitational celebrity/amateur tournament played on two consecutive days, Friday and Saturday. Amateurs participate in either of two categories: Gold or Platinum player, or as part of the Gallery.
Celebrities who play in the event are friendly and available for photos and autographs. In fact, spectators are encouraged to bring cameras. The tournament succeeds due to the loyal admiration golfers have for the memory of Frank Sinatra, and Barbara Sinatra’s efforts on behalf of abused children. Tournament proceeds help provide therapy for victims of physical, sexual and emotional abuse. No child is ever turned away due to a family’s inability to pay. The Children’s Center also focuses on prevention, community education and breaking the cycle of abuse.
