Boone croons at a gala for Concordia

By: DONNA BUNCE
(Special to the Orange County Register - May 31, 2005)

Pat Boone, the crooner from the 50s and 60s, appeared Saturday at Concordia University's "A Gala of Stars" benefit in his signature white sport coat (no pink carnation!) and his eternal tan to sing "Love Letters in the Sand."

Boone received the university's Lifetime Achievement Award before 450 guests. He was honored for his acclaim as a recording artist and his dedication to Christian ministry.

Other honorees included Helen Steinkamp, who received the Servant Leadership Award for her work in co-founding Marketplace Women, a successful network of Christian businesswomen. The Rev. Ronald Rall, pastor at Timothy Lutheran Church in St. Louis, Mo., was presented the Great Commission Award for his exemplary work with missionary and evangelistic activities.

The gala's musical extravaganza, this year themed "Rock Around the Clock," featured university students and alumni performing with a professional orchestra, thanks to alums including music director, conductor and co-author Rob Blaney, '92; director and co-author Kris Huston, '96; and technical director Chris Tornow, '95. Concordia theater professor Dr. Peter Senkbeil produced the show.

"It's 45 minutes of rock 'n' roll," Blaney said. And, that it was. With a "Grease" high school days format, the talented performers sang and danced their hearts out to such classics as "Mr. Sandman," "Splish Splash," "Love Potion #9," and an "Elvis Medley" featuring Danny Santamarina singing an emotionally charged "All Shook Up" and more. Sarah O'Connor's "Fever" brought up the temperature a notch, as well.

Event co-chairs Linda and John Friend (John is the new board of trustees chairman) were assisted by volunteers from the Friends of Concordia University, who hosted the event, and TV personality Stephanie Edwards did her usual great job as mistress of ceremonies. The gala netted more than $100,000 for scholarships.


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