The theme of Kidspace Children’s Museum’s Circle of Friends annual benefit fundraiser, “CIRCLE RIDE 2008 – Let the Good Times Roll,” paid homage to two American classics, motorcycles and rock and roll. More than 450 community patrons, decked out in leather jackets, boots and bandanas, were in attendance. This annual benefit fundraiser has established itself as a favorite winter evening among local philanthropists. The silent and live auctions included fabulous getaways packages to Napa Valley, Vail and St. Thomas, exclusive entertainment and sporting event tickets and a Maltese puppy! The event’s raffle prizes included a two-night stay at the Beverly Hills Hotel and Bungalows, private car service, haircut and color for her, dinner at the Ivy Restaurant, and a jaw-dropping topaz and diamond bracelet by Jude Frances. A delicious three-course sit-down dinner from Parkway Grill and dancing to the popular 80s All Starz rounded out the magical evening. “CIRCLE RIDE 2008” is one of two annual fundraisers, organized by the Circle of Friends, the volunteer group that solely supports Kidspace Children’s Museum. For the fifth consecutive year, the Circle of Friends is partnered with the Smith Brothers, owners of Parkway Grill and Arroyo Chop House in Pasadena where the event was held. Event rentals and styling were provided by Town & Country. Wachovia served as the corporate sponsor for the second year in a row. Other key event partners included Jacob Maarse, Napa Ridge Winery, Choctal, and Nick Boswell Photography. The Circle of Friends is a group of women dedicated to supporting, with funds and volunteer hours, the operations of Kidspace Children’s Museum. The membership totals approximately 200 women and includes Active, Affiliate and Founders Circle members, those who have served the Circle of Friends for five or more years. The Museum was founded by an extraordinary group of women in 1979 as a service project for the Junior League of Pasadena. It continues to be supported by professional women and stay-at-home moms with diverse backgrounds all drawn together toward a common goal of supporting the Museum. Kidspace Children’s Museum is located at 480 N. Arroyo Blvd., Pasadena. Free parking is available in Lot I, in Brookside Park, adjacent to the Rose Bowl. Kidspace features exhibits, programs and activities that encourage a child’s growth and development through explorations of the environment, investigations in science, and artistic forms of expression that captivate the inquisitive and growing minds of children ages 2 to 9. For more information about Kidspace Children's Museum, please contact (626) 449-9144, or visit www.kidspacemuseum.org. The Circle of Friends is a volunteer organization committed to supporting Kidspace Children’s Museum through the volunteer hours and the fundraising efforts of its members. Started in 1991, its purpose is exclusively charitable.

Circle Ride Benefit Committee: Top row from Left to Right - Emily Smith, Invitations Chair, Anna-Marie Grizzell, COF President, Leslie Kevorikian, Arrangements Co-Chair, Anne Ryan, Arrangements Co-Chair, Molly Hollingsworth, COF Vice-President, Emily Burke, Auction Co-Chair, Second row, from left to right – Shiraz Fagan, Benefit Co-Chair, Carrie Walker, Benefit Co-Chair, Allison Withers, Program Chair, Bottom row, from left to right – Megan Dostal, Auction Co-Chair, and Carol Goldthwait, Registration Chair

Jim Ellis, Chris Popovich and Greg Smith

Carrie Walker, Benefit Co-Chair and Theresa Sheikh, COF Public Relations

Top Row, from left to right – Anna-Marie Grizzell, COF President, Jennifer Johnson, Greg Johnson, Kidspace Board of Directors President, Second row (sitting on motorcycle), from left to right – Beverly Woods, Tracy Bechtold, Kidspace Executive Director, Phelps Wood, Kidspace Board of Directors Member

Laurie McKinley, Karen Hammer with Marilyn and Gene Buchanan

Gail and Jim Ellis

Mark McKinley, Jane Popovich, Kidspace Museum Director, Jerry and Corinne Hawk

Molly Hollingsworth, COF Vice-President, Brian Fagan and Shiraz Fagan, Benefit Co-Chair

Tim Grizzell, Lynda, Blain & Nic Fetter

Debbie and Carlos Chacon

Jennifer Allen, Nicole Hammond, Chris Allen & Rob Hammond

Sue Ball, and Suzy Alexander