WOW! Productions

By Ruth Sowby (Pasadena Sun)
October 20, 2011 | 7:50 p.m.

It isn’t every Saturday night that Pasadena Mayor Bill Bogaard can be pulled away from his leisure activities to present an award. But that’s what happened at Women at Work’s “Magic, Music & Murder Mystery” fundraiser. It was no mystery who the Lifetime Commitment Award honoree was — Ann Hight. Hight went from bowling pin operator and store model for Saks Fifth Avenue to Morgan Stanley’s first female vice president. During her 28 years with Morgan Stanley, Hight also worked as a financial advisor, senior consultant and certified investment management analyst. Hight is a founding member of Women at Work’s Benefactor’s Circle and has served in every board member position over the 32 years of the organization’s existence.

Some 200 supporters showed up at the Pasadena Senior Center on Saturday to honor Hight and seven other working women. One of those recognized was Lana Markey, who is the community relations and corporate events specialist with the Gas Co. “I worked my way up in my 25 years with the Gas Co.,” Markey said. “I have no master’s degree.” Another honoree was Gretchen Robinette, president of Women Involved in South Pasadena Political Action. Said Robinette, “I’m delighted with the recognition of our organization. We want to bring transparency to our city government.”

Also honored were Carolyn Dallas of Kaiser Permanente; Kathleen Kavanaugh of Union Bank; Dorothy Broadway, representing AT&T; Jan Sanders, who is employed by the city of Pasadena; and Catherine “Kate” de Castelbujac of TruuDesigns.

After a silent auction, trays of hors d’oeuvres and a light buffet provided by several local restaurants including Café Bijou and El Portal, the program began. Event Chairwoman Wendy Welch-Keller welcomed her audience, presented Hight’s tribute and introduced a Murder Mystery show. The rest of the evening’s entertainment was provided by magician Wayne Kawamoto and Murray Middleman and his Celebrity Sax.

Among VIPs spotted in the audience was Assemblyman Anthony Portantino (D-La Cañada Flintridge). The Murder Mystery cast included Pasadena Chief of Police Phillip Sanchez, actress Sheri Goldner, Chef Claud Beltran of Noir Food & Wine and Annette Starbuck, of the Goodie Girls, who won the “Cupcake Wars” on the Food Network.

The event’s proceeds will benefit Women at Work. Each month more than 500 clients use the counseling services of the organization. Members of Women at Work help clients recognize and attain their full employment and earning potential through one-on-one counseling, classes, mentoring and corporate partnerships. Programs are open to both women and men.

RUTH SOWBY may be reached at ruthasowby@gmail.com