Organized by the VOMPC's Frank Pipal, Ed Porto and Dave Riffo, the event commenced with an afternoon technique clinic taught by that irreplaceable ambassador of petanuqe, Louis Toulon. This was followed by casual pick up games among the festive guests. As late afternoon turned to evening, tapas were served around the courts to everyone's delight, along with a fine selection of Spanish wines which had been donated by Dave.
But the main attraction was yet to come! While people were enjoying their games and imbibing on the delicious snack and refreshments, Frank, Dave and La Petanque Mariniere's Antonio Lofaro were busy preparing two large pans of authentic Spanish paella, accompanied by a tossed green salad and a host of homemade desserts by the event's Chef du Jour, Frank.
By the time the old schoolhouse "dinner bell" was rung, curiosity was getting the best of everyone. People had gathered around the bubbling, food-filled pans, sipping wines, enjoying the boom box medley of music, visiting — or dancing with — old friends and making new acquaintances.
Not a morsel of paellas was left when the raffle was held, won by Christine Cragg of La Petanque Mariniere. After helping themselves to desserts and coffee, the crowd settled back down for the live auction: a beautiful VOMPC carved magnum full of fine Zinfandel wine from Wellington Vineyards. Erin McTaggart, of Valley of the Moon, was the generous winner of the bidding.
Thanks go to Laura Anderson, Carol Davis, Teri Sirico and Gail Yeager for their help before and during the event, and to Gary Heinrichs who ran the very successful raffle ticket sale. Special appreciation goes to Dave Riffo, Peter Wellington and Frank Pipal for their generous donations.The net proceeds to the FPUSA General Fund topped $1,800 — not a bad take for all the fun that was had!
Vive le FPUSA!!
Louis's Technique Clinic
