First question—what to wear?
This year, the 5th Annual Los Gatos Monte Sereno Police Foundation Police Officers Ball was held in the historic and beautiful Cask Room at Testarossa Winery, located in the hills overlooking Los Gatos.
Here Los Gatos bravest and finest moved and grooved to Heidi Evelyn & her vintage jazz band, eating gourmet food, drinking delicious Testarossa wines and raising additional monies for our force.
In 2020, tickets were sold, the menu was planned, the flowers were ordered. But suddenly, we were locked down and the event had to be canceled. The board quickly went into action.
According to board member Megan Shea, there were 20 magnificent centerpieces sitting at her home that had already been paid for. What to do, what to do, what to do? Her friends and neighbors helped disperse the arrangements—to lucky folks who may have been sheltering-in-place, but at least ended up with elegant displays.
The memory was still lingering in people’s minds, as this year’s festivities in support of the 501(c)3 organization approached. According to their website, the Foundation “helps envision and enable world-class, efficient, and equitable practices and services that promote public safety and serve as a model to other communities nationwide.”
It’s a highly-anticipated date on the local social calendar. It costs $150 per ticket, but if one chooses to sponsor an officer, it’s only $75. This funding goes towards the drone and K9 programs, school resource officer, specialized surveillance and other investigative tools.
I was thrilled to be able to attend this event and to mingle with some of the movers, shakers, and peace-keepers of our fine town. Foundation President Jonathan Knowles and board member Teri Hope led the auction, and plenty of LGMSPD officers attended with their +1’s.
Patrick Mockler, a fairly new board member, explained to me just how important it is for him to participate in the Foundation, and get the message out that everyone has a voice in Los Gatos-Monte Sereno. His beautiful wife Vanessa Mockler, agreed. That voice is to “help bridge the gap,” she said, adding this includes fundraising to help our police department get those shields and other things that the police department may not have the budget for. And this also includes the comfort and apprehension dogs.
Auction items included a “Ride-Along with the Chief” package, a Testarossa Library Reserve Tasting Experience donated by Rob and Diana Jensen, and three nights in a French chateau, donated by Fred Faltersack.
Police Chief Jamie Field stated that us Los Gatans, here on the edge of the Silicon Valley, are leading the state with how we raise funds that allow innovative policing (think drones and robots).
“Drones can help locate lost people and capture events from high altitudes,” she said. “They can be rapidly deployed.”
If you are grateful to be living in a Town where the brave men and women keep the peace, thank them. Also thank those who stand by them—and just maybe keep that ball gown or black tie handy so you can attend the Ball next year.
