Photo Gallery
Toast to the Casa 1
A greeter introduces guests to Casa Romantica.
Toast to the Casa 4
A woman has help putting on her party mask.
Toast to the Casa 3
Sir Bruno Serato, left, the honorary chairman and guest of honor for the event, poses for a photo with Casa Executive Director Berenika Schmitz during the Toast to the Casa on Saturday, Sept. 24.
Toast to the Casa 9
Casa Romantica public relations and marketing director Amy Behrens stands next to a gondola during the Toast to the Casa on Saturday, Sept. 24.
Toast to the Casa 14
A mean wearing a mask is silhouetted against the sunset Saturday, Sept. 24, during Toast to the Casa.
Toast to the Casa 12
Masks were all the rave at this year's Toast to the Casa.
Toast to the Casa 11
Masks were all the rave at this year's Toast to the Casa.
Toast to the Casa 2
A woman has help putting on her party mask.
Toast to the Casa 7
People gather on the balcony of Casa Romantica for Toast to the Casa on Saturday, Sept. 24.
Toast to the Casa 9
A woman serves Venetian Spritzers during the Toast to the Casa on Saturday, Sept. 24.
Toast to the Casa 6
An actor plays a gondola conductor on Saturday, Sept. 24, during Toast to the Casa.
Toast to the Casa 5
Masks were all the rave at this year's Toast to the Casa.
Toast to the Casa 8
A jester poses for a photo during the Toast to the Casa on Saturday, Sept. 24
Toast to the Casa 8
Ruth DeNault, Casa Romantica board president, bids on a copy of an Ole Hanson-signed book during Toast to the Casa.
Photos and text by Eric Heinz
A scene fit for a Shakespearean masquerade was in action on Saturday at Casa Romantica’s annual Toast to the Casa. This year’s theme was “Gran Ballo delle Maschere.”
The celebration is a fundraiser for the nonprofit organization that hosts year-round programs and activities, specifically for children’s education in music and culture.
Live and silent auctions took place, with a variety of items up for bidding—most notable was a book with Ole Hanson’s signature, which went for more than $2,400.
From the auctions and fundraising, Casa Romantica garnered a net $135,000 from the event, according to the organization. The total was $15,000 more than last year’s Toast.
Sir Bruno Serato, the founder of Caterina’s Club, a nonprofit in Anaheim that provides thousands of meals to underserved youth each week, was the honorary chairman of the event.
Serato spoke about the importance of cultivating youthful endeavors in order to sustain the future.
“We heard from many patrons that it was our best and most exciting fundraiser yet, and we were proud that so many individuals and businesses came together for a magical Italian evening at Casa Romantica,” Casa Romantica Board President Ruth DeNault said in a press release. “It is heartening to have the support of our community as we bring more and better cultural programs to them in the year ahead.”
For more information about Casa Romantica, visit www.casaromantica.com.
Click here to read Casa Romantica’s full press release: casa-romantica-press-release
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