An Intimate Evening at Dunsmuir

Oakland Office of Parks and Recreation hosted an Intimate Evening at the Dunsmuir Hellman Historic Estate on July 23. Guests, many of whom donned period attire, were transported back in time as they rode onto the estate in a horse-drawn carriage. Activities and entertainment abounded —salsa dancing, square dancing, Chicago Steppin’, croquet and lawn checkers plus bands ranging from R&B and jazz to bluegrass and bossa nova. Of course, plenty of food and wine was available to those who strolled along the expansive paths, enjoying the lush gardens and the Art Deco Gatsby Cars. And if that weren’t enough, guests could bid in a silent auction or tour the Mansion. It truly was a magical night as music filled the grounds and guests danced under the moonlight.

The Crucible - Fire and Light Soiree and Art Auction

It was a hot time in the ol’ town on July 15 at the Crucible’s annual Fire & Light Soiree and Art Auction. The weekend-long event, attended by more than 4,000 guests — many dressed in period garb — was full of theatrical performances, from aerial dance and acrobatics to fire installations, hand-balancing and contortion as well as welding burlesque and myriad other mind- (and glass-) blowing demonstrations. Grace Street Catering provided a three-course dinner, and patrons viewed the premiere of Heat: A Fire Cabaret. After dinner, folks got fired up over a very successful art auction of items created by instructors and students.

Walk in the Wild 2010

Lions and tigers and … monkeys? Oh, my! The Oakland Zoo was crawling with animals and visitors on June 26 for the 18th annual Walk in the Wild fundraiser. More than 1,000 guests could enjoy culinary offerings from more than 90 Bay Area bakeries, breweries, caterers, restaurants and wineries. Attendees could also meander throughout the park to view the animals while listening to Steel Jam and other musicians playing exotic instruments such as a kora or Hang. The Skyride was in full operation, and after dinner, guests could dance to the band Masterpiece. Proceeds from the event will go toward conservation, education and animal enrichment programs. www.oaklandzoo.org

Opera Night at Paradiso

Friends and supporters of the Davis Street Family Resource Center turned out in force for the annual Opera Night at Paradiso on May 24 at Paradiso’s Restaurant in San Leandro. Katya Roemer and friends performed at the gala, designed to raise funds for 40-year-old Davis Street FRC. Founder Homer Richardson was honored for his contributions to the center, a comprehensive facility that assists more than 20,000 low-income people in the central Alameda County area, at the gala, typically a sold-out event. www.davisstreet.org

Youth Uprising

Youth Uprising celebrated YoU Matter, its anniversary celebration, on May 25 at the facility in Oakland. More than 300 people attended the event, which featured food by Corners Café and Catering, a Youth Uprising project. Guests could partake in a silent auction of artwork and services from the center’s students. John Sasaki of KTVU News emceed the event, which included musical, dance and poetry performances by the YU Live Band. www.youthuprising.org