The David Foster Gala

How do you begin to describe an evening of magic - A Cinderella Ball that you wanted to attend so much that it hurt and that someway, somehow became a reality and surpassed all your expectations.

I guess at the beginning:

What to wear? White or Black? What I like or What I look thinner in? I wore White - sorry Leroy! Entering the venue for the Cocktail party - we found ourselves in a magical outdoor room created by thousands of yards of white guaze and ribbon tenting the pier overlooking the marina which is attached to the Casino. We were offered Chocolate martinis, red or white wine as we entered. Everyone in their finery - the men almost all in tux's and the women in lovely dresses and outfits, most beautiful, one outlandish!!! Tables set out all around with themes of seafood, vegetarian, Indian, and so much more - absolutely amazing canapes and hors d'oevres - we indulged in everything and enjoyed it immensely.

We were asked about 2 hours later to make our way to the Theatre but we went to the Red Carpet to try and see Clay entering - This is the point at which I called Caper and chatted, not knowing I was going "Live" - now I know how poor Pres. Bush felt when he got caught!!!! I handed the phone to my g/f and afterwards, I told her she just talked to a couple of hundred people - she almost killed me!!! Made me giggle - Disappointed that Clay didn't go down the Rd Carpet - don't know why he didn't - I guess he's just shy!

Into the theatre which is great because it's small and there are only great seats with two or three big jumbotrons. Every seat had a nice gift bag with a box of chocolates, a restaurant gift certificate and whatnot - very nice touch - I ate the chocolate immediately!! First off the auction - the Grand Piano signed by about 60 or more celebrities that had worked with DF - bidding started at $200,000 and got a bit embarrassing as it stalled until someone added $5000 - nothing more - UNTIL - DF steps from behind the curtain and offers to add to the prize, a private concert - bidding between the two gentlemen heated up (a touch) going up to around $250,000 -UNTIL - One Mr. Clay Aiken stepped out from behind the curtain and offered to also be part of the private concert. Now, the excitement became palpable and everyone in the theatre became excited.Mr. Von Mandel was asked to come down to the front row where the other bidder was also seated (him being a big-shot with the River Rock Casino). The bidding became an immediate war skyrocketing to $500,000 in minutes - it was fantastic - DF suddenly put a stop to the bidding and asked if his new Grand Piano was taken out on the road and gathered the same number of major autographs and included the private concert - would they both pay the $500,000 with one of them waiting for the second one for 18 months. This was agreed on and so - Clay was given credit by DF for raising $1 million dollars for the foundation. I'll never forget how much fun it was.

After the other auction items were dealt with - kind of boring after all the piano excitement - it was "On With The Show". First off was Matt Goss who was very good but not terribly exciting - I've become a bit picky. Next up was "Babyface" - Well, He just brought the house down - he was fabulous - sang five songs - the crowd totallly got into his bit and showed him the love with Standing O's and big smiles. He was great! Next up was Olivia Newton-John - a blast from the past - she is still adorable though, I did detect the hint of some "work done" - meow - but she was entertaining singing two songs, including "Physical" and she was fun. George Lopez then came out to regale us with his quick wit. I would have enjoyed his spiel but for some reason, he didn't think we were laughing loud enough and really spoiled his act by constantly commenting about the fact that he wasn't doing too well. I think it's just that we're Canadian and a little more reserved - I thought the audience was very good to him - I didn't think it was reciprocated and was glad when it was over. Besides, I was really only there for one reason and that reason was up next!!

Oh My God!!!! Sex, Thud, Gorgeous, DoMe, Debacle," Hit it outta the Park", My muse, My hero, My idol " Clay Freaking Aiken" is on the stage and I am applauding and grinning from ear to ear. He and DF enjoyed some fun banter - Clay explained about his journey trying out for Idol - it seems unnecessary to "us" but I'm sure a ton of people in the audience had no idea who he was and so it was fitting and I'm sure they did this because they knew it to be so. He started out with "Right Here Waiting" and it was such a wonderful treat to hear this new song from ATDW sung "Live " for the first time ever! I was a puddle. He almost seemed a tad nervous at the start of it but soon got himself into it and nailed it "Big Time"! Next he sang "Unchained Melody" - it was fabulous - it was perfection - and the crowd gave him a well-earned Standing "O"!! Though I was tharillllled to see this live for the first time - I was just a teensy bit disappointed that it wasn't another "new ATDW" song - but hey, it was Clay and he was singing to meeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!! And, BTW, I mentioned this to someone else there and they thought I was nuts. Hee! the the 'Piece De Resistance" - Without You - Oh My God!! I was indeed, "debacled" - My breathing stopped, my heart raced and I sat transfixed until the last sweet notes. The crowd exploded with appreciation and DF looked so proud of him. It was a moment I'll always remember.

Well, it WAS Micheal Buble's show - and so he now came out to close out the show! Well, I have to tell you that he was fantastic - tons of energy, very, very funny - joked about being none to pleased to have to follow such a lineup of stars, did some imitations including a fabulous "Elvis" - got the crowd totally into the fun of the evening - about 200 people came down in front of the stage and danced while he sang "Save the Last Dance for Me".. Micheal was home, he was happy, he was terrific and I was very proud of him. Snoozy??? Not on a bet - he was energized and closed out the most fun show I've been to in ages!

David Foster, who was the pianist, MC, Comedian, host of the evening was great!! We love DF! He's one of our "Favourite Sons" and we are so proud of him and all his accomplishments. I felt the love between Clay and the Fosters and it made me feel that Clay has a wonderful safety net around him - the warmth was palpable.

Okay - Dessert and Coffee - again under the "tent" - GAh!! Chocolate Fountains, desserts of every size and description that were deliciously decadent - I had several! Fabulous coffees that would make Starbucks blush!

At about midnight my g/f and I made our way out of the Casino with my shoes in my hands -

I was so sad to have the weekend come to an end - BUT - all of us who met and talked during the events totally agreed that it was so special and so wonderful that we wouldn't have missed it for the world!

Edited to add: My girlfriend who attended with me and was introduced to many Claymates who understood that my name was "Anne" and NOT CANUCK under any circumstances - said to me at the after party:

I think you have a whole secret life that you've never told me about! I laughed and asked what she was talking about!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Hee!