Event raises $100,000 for university
By Joann Groff joann@theacorn.com

Cheers rang out as thousands of tiny pieces of colored confetti fell from above the Air Force One pavilion last weekend on more than 500 supporters of California State University at Channel Islands who showed up for the school's major annual fundraiser.

The President's Dinner, "A Dance in Confetti and Light" is believed to have raised more than the $100,000 of past years.

"This was the largest as far as scale," said Peggy Hinz, executive director of communications at the university. "In the past we've had approximately 350 and this year we had 520. ... It's been growing with the university. Our goal is to get more people involved with the university and to let them know that this is their public, four-year university, so we are really excited that more are getting involved."

Guests in ball gowns and tuxedos indulged in hors d'oeuvres, lobster and a variety of tortes while bidding on everything from winetasting cruises to diamond earrings.

The evening also highlighted the work of Linda Dullam, chair of the event. Dullam had supported the university even before its 2002 opening. She was honored with the Robert J. Lagomarsino Award, named for a former area congressman who focused much of his time on education.

"This isn't about me," said Dullam, who kept the focus on the school. "It's about this university and how it's changing our community and how it's changing our county."

Richard Rush, president of CSUCI, presented the award to Dullam.

"She told me in no uncertain terms that she didn't deserve all this effort," Rush said. "I told aher, in no uncertain terms, poppycock."

Attendees took home treasures purchased from a bazaar open throughout the evening, and Beverly Rush of Camarillo won a 2007 Chevrolet Corvette, courtesy of Santa Paula Chevrolet. She is not related to the president of the university.

During the bidding, chatting and dancing, the focus throughout the night remained on the university. The president took a few minutes out to recognize those who contributed to the event, as well as students and faculty who are on campus every day.

"The faculty here is the finest I've ever had the pleasure to work with," Rush said. "And I'd like to recognize the students. ... They are realizing the dream that is Cal State Channel Islands."