lcfc party reports

1997: L.A.'s Brunch With The Quartermaines
Maureen McMahon

As part of the GH fan's weekend with their favorite stars, Brunch with the Quartermaines was held on July 19, 1997 at the LA Equestrian Center in Griffith Park. The activities at the brunch included the Welcome and Introduction to the Stars, Brunch, Questions and Answers, a raffle of General Hospital memorabilia, and the autograph and photograph session.

The Welcome and Introductions began with a rousing start. The radiant and beautiful Leslie Charleson herself rode onto the patio on Andarra. Stuart Damon was the first to be announced, and he took over the MC duties from Leslie when Andarra began acting "snarky". The other stars entering included John Ingle, Anna Lee, Wally Kurth, Rena Sofer, Amber Tamblyn, Susan Brown, and Peter Hansen.

A delicious brunch was then served and two late-comers arrived: Kin Shriner and Billy Warlock. The clan was now complete, with the exception of Steve Burton who was unable to attend. Dessert for all was the cake presented to Leslie and Stuart for Alan and Monica's 20th anniversary. As brunch concluded, the stars answered questions about themselves and their characters. The biggest laugh came when Wally Kurth was asked about the possibility of Ned and Monica resuming their affair they'd had in the stables at the Spa. When Wally replied, "Why not?" Leslie called out, "Stable 28!"

The raffle which followed lunch was full of highly desired Quartermaine memorabilia, including such items as Lila's earrings, Monica's necklace, Alan's shirt, and a Port Charles newspaper with Dorman's sexual harassment suit as the Page 1 story. The most prized item in the raffle had to be Monica's medical bag that she used in the torture session with Dorman. To conclude the afternoon's activities, the stars came to each of the fan's tables for autographs and photographs. Needless to say, we were thrilled to be meeting our favorites, who were all so warm and generous with their time. Also, one of Leslie's friends from the Equestrian Center stopped by to say hello -- Steve Bond, the former Jimmie Lee Holt. Steve was kind enough to stay for a while to sign autographs as well.

Many thanks from the fans go to the luncheon coordinators, Kay Marrs and Krista Dragna. The luncheon was extremely well-organized, the setting was lovely, and everyone there had the opportunity to meet their favorite Quartermaine. The program for the brunch was designed and edited by Jami Deise, who included in the program tributes to Alan and Monica from many of the members of Leslie's fan club. Additional thanks to Joanne Asman, Phyllis Marrs, Lori Davisson, Monique Matthews, Suzy Stephens, Wendy Mollett, and Barbara Presson.