When you wish upon a star
Your dreams come true
-Ned Washington
This past Saturday evening at Nestldown, town luminaries twinkled brighter than the solar system we call home—creating a display as brilliant as an entire galaxy.
The Los Gatos Chamber of Commerce held its first post-pandemic gala in grand style.
The elegant, fun affair provided networking opportunities in the redwoods, as Chamber members greeted and honored one another.
Before the print was dry on the invitations, this event had sold out.
The venue
Nestldown is an enchanting estate that provided the unique, and somewhat whimsical, grounds for the “Shine Among the Stars” gathering.
Every need was anticipated and met: from the Twilight Welcome Reception barn, to the Atrium’s elegant ambiance for award presentations.
(Dinah Cotton / Los Gatan)
Treats, eats and libations were provided by Ace & Olive, Fresco Los Gatos and Continental Catering, with a delicious live fire paella offered by Teleferic. The Tasting House brought the champagne, and Rootstock took on the wine bar. Drinks were courtesy of De Mattei Construction. Tico took care of the coffee, while Deux Cranes provided divine chocolates, and Centerpiece delivered floral masterpieces.
Twilight welcome reception sponsors were Christie’s International Real Estate Sereno and Roxy Realty. The VIP Golden Sponsor was Star One Credit Union. Deck of Stars Sponsors were Lynx Properties, Porsche, Vicinity, Franco Masoma and Pennant Properties. Los Gatos Chamber Title Sponsors were El Camino Hospital, Netflix and Good Samaritan Hospital.
Door into Summer Photo Studio took photographs, while Danny Thomas did the event styling. Corinthian Transportation was in charge of transportation.
The Stars of Los Gatos Awards & Dinner Sponsor was Lester Square. The Chamber brought all the different puzzle pieces together for a memorial event to recognize and promote local businesses.
The diligent Chamber team took nominations for five categories, with members voting for the award recipient. Chamber CEO Jennifer Lin made it clear that just to be nominated is a serious recognition from the community in itself. According to her, this all works together to strengthen and support the local economy.
Mayor Rob Moore, Vice Mayor Maria Ristow and Councilmember Rob Rennie presented the awards. Sam Liccardo of our 16th Rep Congressional District, said a few words congratulating the Chamber for promoting community involvement. Liccardo, just back from DC, arrived late and left early. Mary Anne Groen respectfully represented Assemblymember Gail Pellerein. Mayor Rob Moore had just arrived from a “No Kings” protest across town.
Business of the Year: Affordable Treasures; The Alarm Company-Larry Walker (winner); Los Gatos Coffee Roasting Company.
Rising Star: Arms Cyber Defense; Ethos; New Mom School (winner).
Chamber Champion: Chez Philippe (winner), Gardenia; Priscilla Danielle Designs.
Community Impact Award: Los Gatos Library; West Valley College; West Valley Community Services (winner).
Los Gatan of the Year: Paul Johnson, superintendent of Los Gatos Union School District (winner); Teri Hope, founder of the Los Gatos Coffee Roasting Company and president of Los Gatos Music & Arts; Jackie Rose, community outreach coordinator, Los Gatos-Monte Sereno Police Department.
Hats off and congratulations to the award recipients, to everyone who was nominated and to all who attended this star-studded event.
Coming up: Los Gatos Chamber Wine Walk, April 25, 2-5pm
