12/07: Keesal, Young & Logan celebrate

(Saturday, December 22, 2007)

An ice-carved 5-foot-long, impressive dragon, perched atop a table clothed in red and surrounded by black Asian-influenced décor, stood guard over a table laden with seafood, as a chef served Mandarin duck crepes.
The elegant creation was in celebration of the 10th Anniversary of Keesal, Young & Logan's Hong Kong law office. Each of the food stations was also festively decorated as chefs served sushi and risotto. At the carving station there was tri-tip or turkey served with herb mayonnaise. Many of the 650 guests attending the event on Dec. 7 succumbed to the tempting desserts as well. Always popular, the martini luge was accompanied by champagne and wine stations. The impressive feast was orchestrated by Chefs William Hall and Mauricio Perez.

FYI: The law offices of Keesal, Young & Logan are well known for their philanthropic endeavors in the community. Among the organizations that have benefited are Boys and Girls Clubs, Long Beach Cancer League, Steel Magnolias, YMCA, CSULB Performing Arts Center, Legal Aid, Boy Scouts, Children's Health Fund of New York. For more information visit www.kyl.com

Seen at the scene: Beth and Skip Keesal, Congresswoman Laura Richardson, former Long Beach mayor Beverly O'Neill, Sen. Alan and Debbie Lowenthal, Wil and Michaeleen James, Joe Ling, Pat and Jerry Murphy, Everett Glenn, Jane Netherton, Cam Killingsworth, Jean Smith, Vern Schooley, Judge Bob Wenke, Kristi and Rob Peckham, Dawna and Gary DeLong, John and Cindy Costello, Vice Mayor Bonnie Lowenthal, Alice and John Wallace, Nancy Gaines, Michelle and John Molina, Mario Molina, Richard Steinke, Don and Cindy Rodriguez, Nick and Patti Sramek, John and Elizabeth Hancock, Jim Hankla, Judge Margaret Hay, Jackie and Ernie Kell, Walt Florie, Jim Michaelin, Doug Drummond, Gloria and Dr. Jerry Blatt, Patrick and Jennifer O'Donnell, Gerrie Schipske, Tonia Reyes Uranga, Joan Van Hooten, Shashin and caryn Desai, Jim Brophy, Chris and Ellen Pook, Alice Rouse, Darlene Dameron, Jim Amormino, Bob Shannon, Randy Gordonand Bob Blair.

Toasting the season with the traditional Pearson-family-recipe eggnog, served in heirloom silver cups, were 20 friends of Jan and Bob Cree. The Crees had the high bid on the party at the Steel Magnolia gala, held in Sept. Their beautiful home was aglow on Dec. 7 with festive holiday décor and the good cheer of long term friends enjoying the warmth of the camaraderie. Party givers also served a light supper for the gathering.

FYI: The Steel Magnolias is the support group of the Stramski Children's Developmental Center of Miller Children's Hospital, which treats children with birth defects - including cleft lip and palate, chronic diseases, attention deficit disorder and other special needs. I am the founder of the group and serve on the current board. Upcoming 2008 events: Open House - Feb. 11; Home Tour - May 4; Gala - Sept. 13. To help, call 562-430-4533.

Seen at the scene: Bob and Jan Cree, John and Alice Wallace, John Walters, Debbie and Bob Autrey, Tim and Pat Cockriel, Jerry and Barbara Cassidy, Jim and Pat Craig, Karen Weiss and party donors John and Joan Knight and Bo and Joanne Pearson.