Archive for the ‘Community’ Category

a walk down memory lane // children’s fairyland // magic*

Wednesday, June 6, 2012
Debbi DiMaggio

Children’s Fairyland Since 1950! create, imagine, play and learn

yesterday i took a trip down memory lane. thoughts and images i did not even realize still existed in my memory bank took me by surprise as the incredible executive director of Fairyland, C.J. Hirschfield, took me on a tour of the completely renovated storybook park. words just fell naturally from my lips as we passed each icon.  the stories i found myself sharing with C.J. were just as vivid as the day they had occurred, nearly 40 years ago. i recalled birthday parties and feeding the sea lions ( who no longer reside in the park ), the jolly trolley and noah’s arc. i envisioned my brother michael and i running around; up the dragon tail, around the pirate ship and down the blue slipper all the while, he trying to keep up with me. ( most have learned now, it’s best just to sit and wait for me and i’ll eventually slow down and return. )  i recall the only shaded area with colorful little circle shades above, where finally he could catch up with me as i sat for a short moment to catch my breathe.  i remembered how i was dressed: mom always dressed me as neat as a pin, with my hair pulled way back in a tie and topped with a bow.  no doubt i was wearing white bobby socks, sparkling clean shoes and a cute dress with bloomers.

i hope you will allow yourself to take a moment to remember your childhood just as i had the opportunity yesterday to remember mine,

and are inspired to

“journey through the magical shoe, as you visit the dream of every child come true”.

As always, there is so much more to discover!

XOXO! Debbi

www.fairyland.org

Join Us on June 7th for the

Children’s Fairyland Annual Gala – it’s not too late to purchase your tickets.

 

who could forget? old mother hubbard in her shoe, puff the magic dragon and noah’s arc? meet fairyland’s newest friends…soon to be named. stay tuned!

my first campaign // election night // just 45 minutes away

Tuesday, February 7, 2012
Debbi DiMaggio

Piedmont Citizens Head to the Polls to Vote for their Man or Woman, this February 7th, 2012.

The clock is ticking and nerves undoubtably are shot.  It has been 6 long months of campaigning. I don’t know how they do it.

Motivate and assemble a team, seek supporters, spread the word, campaign one on one, on the phone, in person, in a store or by knocking on a door.  Meetings and more meetings, meet and greet parties, fundraisers, school meetings, parent board meetings and so much more.

This was my first experience being part of a campaign.  I can say I learned something new.  Which is always one reason why I always like to get involved.  I wish all the canidates my very best.  I know each and everyone has put their heart and soul into their campaign.  As a personal, longtime friend of the McBain family, and one of the board members on Bob’s campaign, I thought I would share why I believe in Bob.

Good Luck to all of the candidates!

You did your best and gave it your all.

In just 45 minutes the polls will close, the parties will begin and the anticipation will be coming to an end.

All I can say is… thankfully it is not me!

Longtime Family Friends

Bob and I at the 2010 Winter Ball and debut of his oldest daughter, Liz.

Why I believe in Bob.

Bob and I come from very different backgrounds.  That is what makes life interesting for me.  I enjoy meeting new people as well as learning new things about my friends, clients, and colleagues.  Hearing their stories.. where they and their families came from, what got them here and what was their life like growing up.  I find it so appealing because I am from Piedmont.  I grew up in town, went to Wildwood Elementary, PMS then Piedmont Junior High, PHS and Camp Augusta… raised in town since I was three, forming relationships, just as your kids are doing today.  My own office is the same exact spot where I went each day after school, at lunch and on the weekends to buy candy for myself and gifts for birthday parties – The Highlander Candy Store as I called it or Springman’s.  Not a whole lot has changed.  Well, Convenient ( then Bonfaire ) is now Mulberries and we now have Piedmont Play School, Coaches Field and our amazing Witter Field, to name a few.

Bob is different.  He was an army brat, traveling from town to town and from school to school.  He did not have a sense of community or a group of friends whom he could share memories or the hard knocks of life.  Each year it was not uncommon for Bob to have to start all over again —  make new friends, try to fit in and find his groove.  I think that takes a special person.  When asked, “Why are you running?”  The answer is always the same – whether Bob is addressing an audience or in our own casual conversation – The answer is the same:  he is grateful for the foundation that Piedmont has provided himself and his family and wants to give back.

Why do I  believe in Bob for Piedmont City Council?

Simply Put:

1.      Compassionate:  Bob cares for Piedmont and feels very lucky to have discovered  our town.

2.      Qualified:  Bob comes from a financial background in banking which makes him a highly qualified council member.

3.      Proven Track Record:  Bob has spent numerous hours volunteering as a coach ( year after year ) and has held various volunteer positions like the Rec Commission. There are many – please see website to learn more. http://www.mcbaincitycouncil.com/about-bob

4.      Committed to Our Success:  Bob is committed to the success of our town and to each and every generation.

Please vote for Bob.

I know he will listen to your concerns and bring your voice to each council meeting.

He is always available to you.

Thank you for your time.

XOXO! Debbi

a few of my favorite things // what makes you smile

Tuesday, December 6, 2011
Debbi DiMaggio

A Few of my Favorite Things….XOXO!

Here are just 3 of Debbi’s Bay Area Favorites

Rue Atelier
Clothing Boutique
College Avenue, Berkeley

Debbi’s Dress by Rue Atelier

LOOT Antiques
by RON MORGAN
Mt. Diablo Road, Lafayette


PRINTED AFFAIR by
Marcia Redford & Leslie Bond

Leslie, pictured here with me!

 

What Makes Me Smile // My Happy Place

“Debbi Loves”

Designer – Haltson

Home Style – Hollywood Regency

Color – Pink

and

White with a POP of Color

What I Want for Christmas…..High Back Dome Wing Chair

Color: Undecided..Click to see more

Snack – Luna Lemon Bars

Big City – New York

European City – Roma

Interior Designer – Kelley Wearstler

Vacation Spot – Saint Tropez….for its stunning architecture, sparkling location, friendly people, charming narrow streets, amazing bakeries and seaside setting.

Flowers – White or Purple Tulips, Even Orange…
i’ll buy two bunches, pull out my clear vases and display throughout our home

Also Love
Short cut pink peonies


Beach – Sunny Isles, Miami at the Acqualina

California Quick Getaway – Beverly Hills / West Hollywood / Sunset

Workout – The Dailey Method

Color to Wear – Black or White ( except i am working on wearing more bold colors like deep purple, emerald green even orange )

Hobbies – Real Estate, Travel, Fashion, Photography / Art Direction

Passion = Selling Homes + Helping Clients

Inspiration:  helping others through my involvement in various charities

Children’s Support League of the Oakland, East Bay – East Bay Agency for Children – Cancer League

 George Mark Children’s House and Boys Town of Italy

to name a few

 

George Mark Children’s House Gala Committee

 Bianca’s Smile…when she is mentoring children

Warms My Heart:  My kids and their friends

A Few of  “The Boys”

A Few of “My Girls”

Nail Color – Buff Manicure, French Pedicure

Shopping Mall – Bal Harbour, Miami

Romatic Retreat – Las Ventanas

Adam and I celebrated our 10 year anniversary and my 40th Birthday at this gorgeous destination!


Hotel – St. Regis, New York


Wine Country Spa – Rejuvinating Retreat – The Carneros Inn

 Magazine – Elle Decor and Town & Country

Accessories – Vases & Mirrors

Skincare – Moderne Skin by Debbi DiMaggio

 

Sport – Lacrosse

Personal Fashion Accessory – My oversized cocktail rings by Melanie Lynn

Family Vacation – Mediterranean Cruise to France and Italy

Hotel Room – The Wynn Las Vegas – 2000 sq feet of luxury

Spectator Event – Watching my kids

Chase playing Lacrosse and Football

Bianca … Water Polo & Dancing

Love to – Bring People Together and

Share and Inspire Others through Personal Experience

Places That Inspire

Swimming Pools
Beautiful Surroundings
Hotels and Roof Top Pools


Magazines – Home Interiors & Design
Sitting alone on the airplane, my mind starts to wander and create
Movement

Community

 

My Motto

Helping Others Gives Success True Meaning

Dream Big, Live Big, Follow Your Dreams, Visualize It and You Will Achieve It

Never say Never – No is not an option

Just Do It

 

Most Admired Person
Princess Diana

Most Asked Question of You
Are you related to Joe DiMaggio….3rd cousins

Biggest Relief

When Bianca chose the college she would attend
GO BUFFS!!

 

Funniest Moment
Chase going to the bathroom when we were about to land and the flight attendant slammed the door shut as Chase started to open it.  We learned later that Chase pulled back down his pants and sat back down on the toilet.  I guess he assumed if he was in the bathroom he had to  be sitting on the toilet.  He landed in the bathroom.  I don’t know how often that has happened.

 

Proud to Be A Part of HIGHLAND PARTNERS…with our focus on community and commitment to providing exceptional service to our clients

HIGHLAND PARTNERS….Since 2009

 

Family

My Kids

 

Most Fun to Travel With….Bianca, my daughter

And
Dad, Vince

Biggest Supporter
My husband, Adam

Always Available to Help Out
My mom

 

Next Steps….

sell more homes // assist more families


touch the lives of others through future charity work

write a book

inspire others through words and pictures

host my own tv show:  On Location… inspiring others through home, design, architecture, lifestyle, resources, philanthropy, travel

XOXO!

2012 Events that Give

Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Debbi DiMaggio

Events that Give 2012

Each year these wonderful organizations, and dozens of heartfelt volunteers donate their time and resources for the benefit of others.  If you do not have the time to volunteer, you can still support these important causes by participating in one or all of the following annual fundraisers.  Of course, there are 1000’s more that need your support; here are just a few that inspire me.  XOXO!

Notes & Words III – Children’s Hospital

www.notesandwords.org

 

Children’s Support League Home Tour

www.wehelpkids.org

 

George Mark Children’s House Autumn Gala

www.georgemark.org

 

Corey’s Crusade – Fight Against ALS

www.community.als.net/coreyscrusade

 

East Bay Agency for Children Masquerade Ball

www.ebac.org

 

Cancer League Holly Ball

www.thecancerleagueinc.org

 

Winter Ball – Children’s Hospital Hill Branch

www.childrenshospitalbranches.org

 

 

Event Photos

George Mark Autumn Gala 2011

 

Contra Costa Times article on Volunteerism and Charities

Page 3 George Mark and Children’s Support League Highlighted – ( Link Out of Date, Condensed Article Above )

 

Pictured Above:  George Mark Children’s House Chapel

DiMaggioAndBetta.com

artful living home tour // a benefit supporting underserved children in our community

Wednesday, November 2, 2011
Debbi DiMaggio

8th Annual Artful Living Home Tour

The Junior League of Oakland-East Bay, Inc. will hold its 8th annual signature fundraiser, the Artful Living Home Tour on November 4th and 5th, 2011.  The tour is both unique and educational, focusing on architectural style, landscape design, interior design and furnishings.  It is sure to inspire you to build or remodel your own dream home!  The ticket purchase opens the door to the fun of exploring some of the most beautiful and interesting homes in the Diablo Valley, while supporting the League’s continued efforts on behalf of underserved children in our community.

Home Tour: November 4 & 5. Homes open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Check-In: Alamo Women’s Club. 1401 Danville Boulevard in Alamo. Open 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Lunch: Be sure to visit The Peasant’s Courtyard and/or Prickly Pear Cantina. These restaurants will generously donate to JLOEB a portion of ALL proceeds on the days of Home Tour – November 4 & 5.

Boutique Preview: Thursday, November 3, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Enjoy wine and desserts while shopping the fun and beautiful wares from our boutique vendors. Vendors graciously donate 20% of their proceeds from all 3 days of the event to JLOEB.

http://www.jloeb.org/

Enjoy the Tour and Support the Cause,

Thank You!

Debbi XOXO!

Junior League of the Oakland East Bay, Sustainer

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