Denim to Diamonds 2011

March 12, 2011
Computer History Museum

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In 1995, Art Zafiropoulo—in the early stages of his relationship with Ronald McDonald House at Stanford—met a family from Texas whose little boy, Travis, was receiving treatment for a brain tumor. It was a brief meeting, in which Art traded his cowboy hat for a little of Travis' attention.

 
Travis & Art, 1995   Travis & Art, 2011

On March 12th, over 15 years later, the pair was reunited in front of a sold-out crowd of 600 Denim to Diamonds guests. Travis, who is nearly 24 and has been cancer-free for almost six years, had come to present Art with the first-ever Diamond Award. Before greeting Art with a hug, Travis said, "When a kid gets cancer, his whole life is turned upside down. Ronald McDonald House is a place where a kid can be a kid again. This year the Diamond Award goes to a man who has made this Ronald McDonald House so special." The award honored Art for his unsurpassed dedication to the House and local community.

Before the dinner presentation, returning emcees Cheryl Jennings and Don Sanchez of ABC7 News started the night off by leading everyone through the silent auction offerings. While they bid, champagne flowed and hors d'oeuvres circulated. To celebrate the "Venetian Masquerade Ball" theme, many guests donned intricately carved and feathered masks they had brought from home. A round of champagne went to Michael & Lisa Rubenstein's entire table for being named "The Best Masked Table."

 
Cheryl Jennings & Don Sanchez   The Best Masked Table

Travis' appearance wasn't the only surprise in store for the evening. Two live auction items were sold twice thanks to energetic bidding. Phil Hellmuth, who donated an invitation to play in one of his celebrity poker games, jumped from his seat to offer a second donation when the bidding hit $10,000.

The biggest surprise of all, however, was the overall financial success of the event, which exceeded all expectations. Event Chair Debbie Mueller summed up the feeling by saying, "This year, the energy and passion people have for the House was clear. To have 600 people show up and raise over $500,000, especially in this economy, shows how much people care about supporting the House."

Denim to Diamonds lived up to its reputation as "The best party in the Silicon Valley" thanks to the thoughtful planning of Debbie and the entire event committee, over 200 volunteers who helped bring everything together, and all the generous sponsors, especially Event Underwriter Art Zafiropoulo of Ultratech.