Artists Tony and Karen Barone by their donated statue with Bid winners Boyd and Lisette Haigler and Honoree Brian Wanzek-Photo Pat Krause

Story and Photos by Pat Krause:

The Inland Empire Ronald McDonald House held its gala and awards ceremony, A Few Good Men and Women, on Friday, September 30th. The event was held at the Agua Caliente Casino Resort and Spa. 8 Honorees were chosen for their local philanthropic and volunteer work. During the cocktail hour, guests had a chance to bid on over 200 silent auction items. Items ranged from sports; celebrity autographed items, purses, trips, hotel stays, and even pet services. In addition, there were over 50 pieces of diamond jewelry for women. ALL monies raised go directly to the Ronald McDonald House.

Kim Waltrip, honorees Karen Devine, Melissa Neiderman, and Dick Shalhoub.-Photo Pat Krause

Nearly 400 people attended to support this wonderful house where people can live while their children get medical care. The place serves almost 47 families nightly and has served more than 27,000 from Riverside and San Bernardino Counties since it opened. Ronald McDonald House feels that families should be able to worry about their children and not about daily life. Instead, they are concerned about the care they can provide for families during a very trying time in their lives.

Karen Hooper, Ernesto Rosales, Ann Piller and Jack Srebnik-Photo by Pat Krause

The Eight honorees were Peter Chyrss, the managing partner of First Call Security and Sounds. Karen Devine, anchor/reporter for KESQ News Channel 3. Julio Figueroa is the Director of external and legislative affairs for the CA tribal liaison AT&T. Damian Jenkins, President of The Management Trust. Melissa Neiderman, Producer of Neiderman Productions. Rod Vandenbos, founder, and CEO of Buzz Box. Stephanie Wilson, CEO of Circa Management, and Brian Wanzek, aka Bella da Ball, Social Ambassador.

Honorees and co-chairs take the stage after the gala- Photo Pat Krause

Another award was the BB Ingle award to honor BB Ingle, and the recipient was Ernesto Rosales. Another couple mentioned had used the Ronald McDonald house when their little girl was only four years old. They praised their time at home. A video showed how the Ronald McDonald House works with families and children. Guests applauded that work.

Each honoree sponsored a live auction. Each auction was filled with enticing articles to bring a high bid. Many who won a bid got an excellent deal and paid half the original asking price. Each item was filled with more than one thing, like dinners with celebrities, tickets to hockey games, and trips to exotic places. Security for your home and lots of Buzz Box for your refrigerator. Driving race cars and ice machines, trip to ski resorts and wineries, A Barone Statue, and even massages were part of the many varied auction items. Honorees would dance to the stage while getting high fives and hugs under a spotlight. They would read or add to their particular live auction item.