The evening started with excellent food and wine provided by top Bay Area restaurants -- and even included free ice cream! Patrons soaked in the beautiful weather, browsed the many donated silent auction items, and enjoyed each others company until about 6 p.m. At that point they were called to their seats by co-emcees Terilyn Joe, three- time Emmy award winning newscaster, and Charles Marsala, Mayor of Atherton and our host for the evening.

As part of the opening, Mayor Marsala read an official proclamation making September 10 "Heart of Silicon Valley Day" in honor of our contributions not only for this event but over the past five years.

Needless to say, we were thrilled.

And then the music started. World class pianist, composer and conductor David Benoit opened the show and wowed the audience with his lyrical playing and effortless, beautiful tunes. The audience embraced him and his small (but excellent) band with enthusiasm, and Benoit played both his famous compositions and a cut or two from his newly released album. He also played a touching song that he wrote in response to the events of 9/11.

He was soon joined by his good friend of many years, rock star legend David Pack, former lead singer of Ambrosia and an incredible performer. The award winning singer, songwriter and producer rocked the house with his renditions of both classic and new music, and was even joined on stage by some of the patrons doing back ground vocals on a Beatles song! (Deborah Levoy, our very own HOSV diva, sang with David on two songs and did a marvelous job. In addition, she and Jeff Pollock premiered one of their brand new songs as part of the program.)

There was much more, including a surprise guest appearance by Michael Silversher, a live auction conducted by KFOG radio personality Peter Finch, and more fun with Terilyn Joe and Charles Marsala.