Art Walk 06 raises funds for school

A year of planning culminated in Art Walk 06, the brainchild of Kelly and Geoff Fults, benefiting Mariners Elementary School. One Newport neighborhood came together for an early summer celebration that overflowed with enthusiasm. More than 250 parents, friends and neighbors of the children attending Mariners Elementary School participated in what was a joyful version of the old-fashioned progressive dinner.

Galaxy Drive in Dover Shores, Newport Beach, was the locale for the massive pilgrimage through five homes. Each home featured wonderful food, wine and art to be bid on by the community activists. By the end of the evening, more than $25,000 had been raised for the Mariners Elementary School Foundation.

There was no specific order to the home tour. Patrons were asked to begin their tour at the home representing their youngest child’s class level.

The kindergarten home was the Lyon residence, which was sponsored by Jon Dishon of Horn Realty Group. Wines were paired with food donated by the Beach Pit BBQ, with entertainment provided by Kerry Getz.

The first and fourth grades featured the beautiful home of the Bartons, sponsored by Merrill Lynch Private Banking Group and the Blanchfield family. Al’s Cafe supplied the appetizers.

The Clemence family sponsored and supplied the home for the second grade, with an additional treat of classic Porsches showcased in the front drive supplied by European Collectibles.

Other fabulous homes on the tour included the Smyth residence and the Hadley residence.

Each home had music, food and wine, all carefully coordinated. Something for everyone. The wine was donated at cost by Hi-Time Cellars. The Hansons, who own and operate Hi-Time Cellars are Mariners parents themselves.

The entire event was designed to raise funds to support the teachers, the school, curriculum and the physical plant, which has nurtured generations of Newport Beach youngsters.

Many of the Mariners teachers were involved in the progressive dinner, donating their time and talent in conjunction with the art auction at each home.

In the crowd were PTA President Carrie Young with her husband Rob Young; Mariners Elementary Principal Pam Coughlin; Mariners’ teachers Jan Wood and Joan Duncan; Julie Martin; Mike Palmer; Molly Calder; Erin Seabold; Jay and Paige Kunkle; Doug and Raylene Groves; Susan Barton; and Jennifer and Tom Blanchfield.

Also spotted in the crowd were sponsor and local real estate agent Debbie Bradbury, Bonnie Nolan, Kelly and Angie Mc Cunniff, Blain and Bridget Skinner and Dale Sheperd.