lcfc party reports

2003: The Quartermaine Brunch
Anita Harkness

The venue for the Q Brunch this year was at the Sportsman's Lodge. We had reserved "The Waterfalls Room" which had two walls of windows showcasing a beautiful view of the waterfall and pond that had fish and swans in it. It was a lovely background for a Sunday afternoon.

Time went by quickly as we set up the tables for the raffle, merchandise and silent auction. The florist arrived with the centerpieces after a minor mishap with a flat tire and having to be rescued by Lesley and Lori. The best thing was it all came together and the guests were none the wiser. The tables' centerpieces were bottles of apple cider wrapped in lavender cellophane with lavender, white and clear balloons attached. A program done on a lavender paper with a beautiful picture of Anna Lee on the front was placed at each seat, as well as a Quartermaine button for each guest to wear to show their support for the first family of Port Charles.

As we worked to get the room set up for the party, the line of partygoers started forming outside. After helping with the parties for the last couple of years, it was really nice to look outside and notice some familiar faces eagerly waiting to come inside. Finally, we opened the doors and in everybody came. Everyone walked past the tables browsing and buying the merchandise we had for sale and bidding on great items Leslie had gotten for the raffle and silent auction. Proceeds from the raffle and auction were donated to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.

Finally the moment everyone had been waiting for arrived, the introduction of the actors! Leslie and Stuart were introduced first. Then the dynamic duo took turns introducing Susan Brown, Denise Alexander, Bergen Williams (Big Alice), Scoff Clifton, Wally Kurth, Robin Christopher, Natalia Livingston, John Ingle and the special surprise guest, Amber Tamblyn. When Leslie was making out invitations to the party, she had already addressed one to Amber. Before Leslie could get the invitation in the mail, Amber called Leslie asking, "You're going to invite me to the Q party, right?" Once Amber received the invitation, she was the first to RSVP. It was really important to her to her to be able to be there for Anna as well as see everyone, especially the fans.

Sadly, Anna Lee was unable to attend this year because she was recovering from a fractured hip. However, John Ingle read a note she had written for him to read at the party, noting she is very anxious to get back to work on GH! The party this year was supposed to be a special celebration for Anna Lee. This year marks her 25th year as Lila Quartermaine and also her 90th birthday, which was earlier this year. Once the cast was introduced ad seated, everyone was then served lunch followed by the cake for Anna. The cast gathered around and sang Happy Birthday. The cake was cut and served to everyone while Susan Brown read a short story she had found that Anna had given her that was written by her late husband, Robert Nathan. Leslie, Stuart, Denise Wally and John got up and told some funny stories about Anna. The entire party was being video taped for Anna by Dale, a cameraman from the show, which was delivered to her later in the day by Leslie as well as a Get Well card that everyone in attendance got a chance to sign.

After the raffle items were won and the silent auction items handed out, it was time for autographs and picture taking. Usually the cast visits each table and signs a picture or book for each person and takes a picture it they want, but this year Stuart was not able to walk around. He was set to have knee surgery the week of the party, but he postponed it just so he could be at the party. (The following week, he did have his surgery and is recuperating nicely at home and will be back to work soon.) So, on a last minute change in plans, we moved the tables around the back of the room and sat the cast down. Everyone got up from their tables and came around to visit and get their autographs and pictures.

From where I was standing, I heard lots of laughing and saw lots of smiles, so I have to think that everything went smoothly and everyone adapted beautifully. From the inside looking out, we all breathed a sigh of relief when we heard someone say, "This is the classiest party of the weekend. Next year this will be the only one I come to." So, in my book, that means it was a successful party!