“Elegant!” “Beautiful!” “They should take their act on the road!”
These were just a few of the comments following the conclusion of ONE WORLD: TWO VOICES, An Ikebana Journey. The sold-out San Francisco Garden Club fundraiser on March 20th took a circuitous path before reaching its goal at the Presidio Golf and Concordia Club.
The journey began in November when Beverley Hayes, program chair, mentioned that Misao Osumi, wife of the Japan’s Consul General, had suggested having an Ikebana program. Beverley asked for help in contacting presenters and Misao talked to Mitsuko Maruyama and Ron Brown. Both agreed to present a program for the Garden Club.
Upon hearing that two prominent Ikebana designers were willing to present together, I said to both Beverley and Verona that this was more than just a simple monthly program, this was big. At the time the board was suggesting ways to raise funds for our philanthropic programs. “Make this a fundraiser,” I suggested. “This will give the members an exciting opportunity to donate.”
Misao, Beverley, Verona and I then took the idea to Ron and Mitsuko. Stunned, Mitsuko replied, “I would be honored.” “I would too,” Ron answered. As we were chatting about possibilities, Ron then offered, “This will be interesting since we have two different voices (of Ikebana).” I instantly said, “That’s it! One World: Two Voices.” And so it began…..
The club board enthusiastically approved the program and planning started. Misao and Beverley would do the creative planning, including centerpieces, Verona and Betty, the details. All included several trips to the Presidio for planning with the staff. In order to give guests the best view possible, the decision was made to obtain risers. I chose the menu and began working with an outside company to recommend and supply the risers. Jane Evans, Lani Pringle and Gail McCollom began preparations for reservation name tags and welcome. Verona created a time table and kept everyone aligned and on schedule.
Misao wanted to donate the centerpieces and Jane agreed to place a dot under a saucer for a winner at every table. Martha Woollomes and I began work on creating the program handout. Mitsuko had a picture available but, because Ron did not, we took him outside into the Botanical Garden to pose for one.
Misao’s son, an art enthusiast, designed the centerpieces and Beverley and Misao carefully constructed them the day before. Delicate florals accented by a predominant rose were placed in three small wooden boxes from Japan, which actually are Sake drinking cups.
Maureen Fox kept track of reservations as they were paid. Premier seating rapidly oversold and committee members and their guests moved to the second row.
In the meantime, Mitsuko and Ron practiced several times in order to present both history and application of their respective disciplines.
March 20th arrived with the committee and presenters setting up, ready to go as guests lined up to enter. Beverley supplied Japanese cookies to enjoy. The no-host bar, which was scheduled not to open until lunchtime, quickly opened as enthusiastic guests began lining up at 10 am.
The Consul General of Japan, Yo Osumi, welcomed the audience with hope that the Japanese art of Ikebana would bring happiness to viewers. His wife, Misao, introduced Mitsuko and Ron. The Consul General’s enthusiasm spilled over into the program as presenter comments gave him the opportunity to add more insight with details. Especially interesting was that the number 4 in Japanese means fire and/or death and, like the #13 in the United States, is not programmed in elevators of hotels or buildings.
With humor interjected in their presentations, Mitsuko and Ron gave the audience a very personal peek into their friendship and a very informative concept of their “voice.” When first conceived, Ron commented that, although friends for decades, they had never presented together. His original idea that it would be exciting came through loud and clear. The final combination of their two disciplines meticulously shown in an amazing tropical display was greeted with thunderous applause. And so the journey came to a successful end.
While final tallies are not yet complete, approximately $9000 will be available for this year’s community projects. Donations are still being accepted from those unable to attend or who would like to contribute to our mission of beautifying San Francisco.
