Bing Crosby Estate Hosts Toluca Lake Community Benefit

Bing Crosby Estate Hosts Toluca Lake Community Benefit

On Saturday evening, September 30th, Larry Stickney current owner of the historic Bing Crosby Estate in Toluca Lake, California graciously opened his home and gardens for the Toluca Lake Chamber of Commerce's most recent community benefit. "An Evening of Comedy with Fritz Coleman and Friends" exceeded Chamber expectations with well over 200 neighbors and guests in attendance.

The event began at sunset with cocktails by the pool and tours of the main house's first floor. This was a wonderful opportunity for those in the area used to solely viewing the outside of the property in passing to explore the beautifully decorated and well-restored interior. Those who wanted to enjoy the night's welcome cool breezes embarked on self-guided tours of the sumptuous grounds.

On their way to being seated at tables of 10, long-time residents met newcomers, neighborhood elders mingled with thirty-somethings and industry insiders chatted with "average joes" creating a most interesting cacophony of conversations. A buffet dinner was then followed by a round of thanks and introductions by Chamber President, Shirley Duenckel, an appearance by City Councilman, Tom LaBonge and finally, the main event: standup performances by NBC 4's popular weatherman and honorary Mayor of Toluca Lake, Fritz Coleman and his comic compatriots, Brian Kiley, Suli McCullough and Bruce Fine.

The comedians gauged the audience carefully and played it safe, for the most part keeping material to PG-13 levels. The buoyant crowd, well-fed and perhaps slightly tipsy, laughed easily and applauded heartily. Who could blame them? Elbow to elbow with new friends and old in such a uniquely special place, the evening was a rousing success. Knowing that the community will benefit from the event's proceeds widened smiles even further and was the icing on the cake.