Michael Nathanson To Co-Emcee Vista Starlight Benefit on April 13th

If you shared my recent post, you already know that Vista’s highly-anticipated annual Starlight Benefit is fast approaching. With Saturday, April 13rd only a few weeks away, the excitement in and around the Vista campuses is palpable! Part of the buzz…Actor Michael Nathanson, whose sister Jennifer is a Vista member, will be co-hosting the event.  Nathanson recently appeared alongside Jude Law and Rooney Mara in the psychological thriller “Side Effects.”   If you didn’t see Michael in "Side Effects," you might recognize him from his starring role in last year’s Academy Award nominated short film “Time Freak,” or in one of his numerous guest starring roles on well-received television series like “The Good Wife,” “Elementary,” “Law and Order" or “30 Rock.”  Michael’s career includes a great deal of stage work, as well; locally he performed at the Yale Repertory Theater and The Ivoryton Playhouse.  Nathanson will be sharing emcee duties with Helen Bosch, Executive Director of Vista, and Alan Sylvestre, a member of Vista’s Board of Directors.  By all accounts, Helen and Alan are considered stars in their own rights, and guests are sure to enjoy the collaboration of this emcee trio!

I’ve had a peek at some of this year’s auction items, and it made me feel like a child in a candy store!  Opportunities to bid abound, and there is something for every inclination and every budget.  Just a few of the items that caught my eye:  a lovely, heirloom quality pair of pearl and diamond earrings, an afternoon with renown fly fishing expert Derrick Kirkpatrick on the  Farmington River,  tickets to a major league baseball game (Yanks or Sox--uh oh==here we go…), an overnight stay at the charming Tidewater Inn.  And for those of you whose passion is to shop locally, gift certificates to some of our favorite nearby places abound – every girl I know (eight to 80!) would LOVE a gift certificate to the ageless and ever favorite, always fun Ciao Bella, followed perhaps by lunch at the Westbook Deli, or a plate of perfect fried clams at Bill’s Seafood.  Items range from exquisitely handcrafted (lovely works of art by professionals and Vista students) to life-altering (Life Coach Karen Gomez and her organization “We Are The Ones”).

There are dozens of other items, all representing opportunities to support Vista.  When I looked at the collection, it occurred to me that it is, in its entirety, an amazing testament to an amazing organization! 

Vista Vocational and Life Skills Center invites you to “have a hand in our success!”  Please visit the website for tickets to and sponsorship opportunities for the April 13th Starlight Benefit , or just to learn more about who we are!

www.vistavocational.org/starlightbenefit

P.S.  Some of the items Vista will be using to “add color” during the evening have arrived…and the artist in me just can’t wait for the 13th!