John Burton's 75th birthday

Birthday Celebration and Fundraiser for John Burton's 75th Birthday. The Fundraiser was for the John Burton Foundation for Children without Homes which was held at the Fairmont Hotel last night.

Evening started out with music from singer Keely Smith who was a smash hit in the late 50's with her husband at the time Louis Prima. (there big hit was "Old Black Magic"). I love her music and her voice was gorgeous and she looked great.
Matthew Rothschild was so proud that he got his 33/1/3 Kelly Smith record album signed by Keely Smith. Keely Smith and John Burton met while John Burton was a bartender at Bimbo's - they are old friends.

John Burton's daughter Kimiko Burton and her two children introduced John Burton. As always John Burton did not mince words, he was straightforward and it is obvious that he cares very much about foster children in California.

The foundation hands out grants every year for over $1,000,000 to take care of needs for foster children. Foster children loose their benefits at 18 years old. The Foundation helps kids until they are 21. Projects include "Backpack to College" project with backpack, laptop, gift cards, textbooks and school supplies.

Burton's good buddy Tommy Smothers spoke - can you believe Tommy Smothers is 71 years old!

It is nice to see someone with Burton's connections take on an issue that has been neglected. He is helping reverse the "stereotype perception" regarding foster children.

Attendees included Gary Radnich from Channel Four , Assemblywoman Fiona Ma, Alicia Wang candidate for Supervisor in District One, Claudine Cheng candidate for Supervisor in District Three. Susan P. Kennedy, Arnold Schwarzenegger's Chief of Staff was there along with California Democratic Chair Art Torres, Ex-Supervisor Jim Gonzales, State Senator Carole Migden, Assemblyman Mark Leno, Jeff and Sandy Mori, Port Commissioner Mike Hardeman, Agar Jaicks, Community College Board Member Julio Ramos, Supervisor Ross Mirkarimi. Also attending were long time supporters Sharon Johnson, Jeannie Maher and Jane Morrison.

Information: John Burton Foundation for Children without Homes, 235 Montgomery Street, Suite 1142 San Francisco, Ca. 94104. Phone: 415-348-0011, www. johnburtonfoundation.org

Pictures: John Burton, Johnny Carter, Gary Radnich, Tommy Smothers, Matthew Rothschild