The USC School of Social Work held a $200/plate dinner fundraiser at the Beverly Hills Hotel this evening (Valentine's Day). I donated two hours of close-up magic as one of the silent auction items, and went there to entertain the patrons for a couple of hours. Here are some of the highlights:

I met the dean of the School of Social Work and suggested that she should recognize my name. No? Has she never assigned a term paper and suggested that the students consult a book on writing term papers: Form and Style in Thesis Writing by William G. Campbell? He was my grandfather. She practically fell over and said that I didn't need to do anything more magical.

Tyne Daly was the honored guest--small surprise, as she plays a social worker on "Judging Amy". I walked over to her, told her that I was going to be the pushiest guest there tonight and introduce myself, tell her what a fan I and my family are, and show her some close-up magic. She loves magic! She was quite gracious and made for a wonderful audience; she said that I was very good.

While my wife was getting change for the valet I was showing some rubberband magic to the concierge. He really enjoyed it and asked for my card, as they often get requests from guests to go to the Magic Castle. This could be a good contact.

As we left the hotel there were several Rolls Royces parked out front, a couple of Bentleys, and Mercedes galore. A red Aston Martin Vantage pulled up and out popped a woman almost wearing a dress of the same color; or maybe she was wearing an "almost" dress of the same color.

After we left there we went to dinner at Yamashiro, on the hill above the Magic Castle overlooking Hollywood. The view was wonderful, the food was great, and the service was excellent. Every time we go there we get the same waiter, who is quite personable and also loves magic.

I like being a magician. In Southern California. The only downside was the two-hour drive to get there. Ah, well.

 

It sounds like a great night. I love happy endings

 

Can I hire you to do marketing for Athanor Environmental?

 

Wow. Sounds like a great evening and without the glass slipper...

 

Nothing greater than the Trojan Family for getting contacts, especially in LA. Sounds like you had as much fun entertaining as the guests did.

 

You betcha!

I'd love to do things like working a booth at a trade show. It's fun to rework the presentations to include a client's product.

 

I always do.