A celebratory fusion of performing and culinary artistry greeted patrons who gathered at The Neurosciences Institute to participate in Minding the Arts. Set against the Institute’s stunning architecture amid the rustic beauty of Torrey Pines Mesa, the signature annual fundraiser breathes life into Performing Arts at The Neurosciences Institute, a program providing premier performance space, at no charge, to local non-profit arts and educational organizations.

The Institute incurs costs of more than $350,000 each year to sustain this valuable community service – which many local art groups have come to rely upon for their concerts and educational presentations.

Who Was There?: The late-summer twilight soiree attracted an eclectic crowd of San Diego performing arts lovers, including Ron and Sook Hensen, Kate Adams, Gigi Cramer, Martin Woolesen and Filippo Orzalesi. The effervescent Audrey Geisel – the 2010 event’s presenting sponsor – mingled among the crowd assembled on the Institute’s picturesque rooftop terrace, her graciousness affirming each guest’s special role in the celebration. While Jim and Claudia Prescott engaged Kati Milkes-Papp and her husband, Lenny, in the easy conversation of good friends, Eszter Szatmary enjoyed catching up with Betsy Walcott. As a member of the Institute’s Scientific Staff, Betsy values her position as a Research Fellow specializing in Experimental Neurobiology.

The Cause: The relationship between music and the human brain represents a special focus of research at The Neurological Institute: its scientists believe that the quality of human life can be substantially enhanced by understanding how the brain conceives and perceives music and art. Performing Arts at The Neurosciences Institute is designed both to encourage and support the performing arts, while underscoring the special connection between the arts and the human brain.

The Good-Hearted: This year’s celebration would not have been possible without the passion and generosity of a host of event sponsors who joined Audrey Geisel and the Dr. Seuss Fund in saluting The Neurosciences Institute for “Minding the Arts.” Event patrons included Patricia and Christopher Weil, Dr. Steve and Lynee Wheeler, The Donald and Darlene Shiley Foundation, Indian Fine Arts Academy of San Diego, and the Mandell Weiss Charitable Trust. Proving that a warm smile and gracious welcome are instrumental to extending a philanthropic organization’s circle of giving, the Institute’s Performing Arts Program Ambassadors traditionally play a pivotal role in the event’s success. Under the enthusiastic leadership of Event Chair Joani Nelson, this year’s Ambassadors – among them Patti and Coop Cooprider, Jeane Erley, Sherri Kline, Cauleen and Michael Glass, Linda Satz, and Elaine Parent – wove an aura of conviviality about the cocktail reception that lingered as they guided guests to the Institute’s acoustically-acclaimed auditorium for the evening’s much-anticipated artistic performance.

The Creative: Food stations, featuring vibrant floral displays created by Sharrie Woods Floral Design, framed the spacious rooftop terrace where guests were dazzled by a tantalizing array of appetizers and sparkling beverages. A team of local purveyors – including Authentic Flavors Catering, Artesa Winery, Chef Betsy G. Catering, Estancia La Jolla Hotel and Spa, Convivial Catering, Karl Strauss Brewing Company, Pamplemousse Grill, St. Tropez Specialty Cakes and Desserts, TK&A Custom Catering, Waters Fine Catering, and Sammy’s Woodfired Pizza – captivated patrons by their culinary artistry, as well as their passion for supporting the Institute’s compelling mission. Seemingly drawing inspiration from Melissa Marquardt Design’s soulful palette of sea-blues-and-greens, harpist Kate Loughrey wove an exquisite musical backdrop for the outdoor reception, setting the stage for stirring performances by featured concert artists Camarada, The Davidovitch Trio, and the San Diego Young Artists Symphony.

Get Involved: Volunteering as an Ambassador is a fun and meaningful way to express your passion for the arts, while engaging fellow San Diego residents and businesses in Performing Arts at The Neurological Institute. For more information, please contact Jessica Colby at 858-626-2053.

(For more event photos, go to CAUSE,)