I have been to many a Gala/Fundraiser in my lifetime. Often bored out of my head. Sometimes irritated that a lackluster production and/or a sluggish donor base failed to raise necessary funds for a deserving institution. Sometimes beyond irritated that a misplaced focus raised hundreds of thousands of dollars in no time – does a small private school, which shall remain nameless, really need an astro turf when scholarships to increase diversity are scarce?

Last night was different. Phametastic was such a lively affair that at times you thought the entire Hilton Hotel vibrated with approval. The annual auction for Phame, an organization that provides art education and performance opportunities for adults living with developmental disabilities, raised spirits as well as funds.

Maybe it was the costumes. The theme of “1970s” sure brought out a slew of attires stashed safely back in the closet for the last 40+ years. Rarely have I seen so many bell bottoms, head bands, glittering disco swag and peace signs in one place since I went to law school. And this from the woman who does an annual pilgrimage to the Oregon Country Fair….

Speaking of which, there was a couple who must have made a wrong turn from their way to the OCF, and were off by a mere 100 years in their style of clothing, and DESERVEDLY won the prize for most creative costume.

Although these folks were close second for my money.

Or maybe these.

And did I mention Polyester?

Maybe it was the music. Having an entire ballroom hum to Al Green or know (and belt out) the lyrics to every single hit of the 1978 charts was pretty uplifting. Even thought they looked as were they all 5 years old at the time….

Maybe it was the fact that Phame’s mission to provide performance opportunities so seamlessly morphed into some amazing entertainment in situ: the iPad orchestra, the rock ensemble strongly assisted by the drummers, the soloists all rocked the room.

Maybe it was the speeches. The MCs had a personal relationship to the school which made their banter heartfelt and insightful. The Executive director was infectious with her enthusiasm and a gravitas that the real princess Leia could only dream of. The auctioneer and her team were rambunctious.

Honestly, though, I think it all came down to the guests. You really had a feeling that there was a passion for a shared cause at each and every table. No reticent employees sent down to represent their bank or other institutions here, waiting for the evening to be over. Rather there were groups who cared and showed that with some serious generosity. Whether they were liable to do so for personal experience of living with or caring for some of the students, or whether they understood the value of providing support for populations that so easily slip through the cracks when the museums, symphony, the opera or other venerable organizations beckon – who knows. Who cares. They were there. They came out and had fun. They could be counted on. As I said, community.

Down to the kind waiter who offered this apparently hungry-looking photographer to slip her a meal. Too bad that I was too busy documenting the memorable affair – the chicken looked good!