Driven by the needs of society's most vulnerable, The Valenti Foundation is dedicated
to helping the homeless, abused, neglected children and elderly of our society.

Irene Valenti with Union Tribune Society Editor, Burl Stiff"

11th Annual Fundraising Gala to Benefit Rady Children's Hospital Pediatric Trauma Care Center

Rancho Santa Fe----The Rancho Santa Fe Unit of Rady Children's Hospital Auxiliary hosted their 11^th annual fundraising gala, "Grecian Grandeur" on Saturday, May 19, 2007 from 6:00 p.m. to 12:00 midnight at Irene Valenti's palatial Rancho Santa Fe estate.  The spectacular private residence and grounds were transformed to transport patrons back in time to a Grecian atmosphere with Greek statues and columns and wait staff dressed in togas.  Jeffrey Strauss, Executive Chef and Owner of Pamplemousse Grille, prepared a sumptuous Greek-themed menu accompanied by wine, also known as the fruit of the Grecian Gods.  The evening's festivities included cocktails, entertainment by traditional Greek folk dancers and strolling musicians, a silent and live auction, and dancing to NRG Band in the Dionysus Lounge.  Proceeds from the event benefitted the Rady Children's Pediatric Trauma Care Center.

Rady Children's Pediatric Trauma Care Center is the sole provider of pediatric trauma care in both San Diego and Imperial counties. It is certified as a Level One pediatric trauma center, one of 12 children's hospitals in the U.S. with this level of service and distinction.  Trauma patients who are admitted to the hospital (about 75 percent of the total) are cared for in Rady Children's 30-bed Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU). The PICU is ranked among the top in the nation for pediatric survival rates.  In 2006, Rady Children's trauma team provided lifesaving care to 1,098 patients. Rady Children's Trauma Care Center was recognized by the National Foundation for Trauma Care as being one of the nation's five most highly prepared trauma centers with regard to disaster preparedness and connectedness with community, state and federal agencies.

The black-tie event featured a variety of spectacular auction items including: a 12-day Greek cruise for two; a 30-minute flight in a Russian fighter jet; a two-hour private lesson with Jung-Ho Pak, the Maestro of the San Diego Chamber Orchestra, with the opportunity to guest-conduct a rehearsal; a trip to New York City with tickets to "Live with Regis and Kelly"; Palm Springs vacation for four at a 3000 square foot home via a private plane; a VIP Behind the Scenes Tour of PETCO park, observe the Padres during batting practice and watch the game in dugout seats; Vodka Martini party for 25; Wyoming guest ranch package for Six; a San Diego Bay cruise aboard two America's Cup class yachts, and a South Africa Adventure for two at the five star Simbambili Game Reserve.  In addition to the auction, there will be an opportunity drawing for a seven night Caribbean Cruise for two and round trip airfare to Ft. Lauderdale.

Rady Children's is a non-profit, community-based healthcare organization. It serves San Diego and Imperial counties, with a population of more than 760,600 children under the age of 17 The Rancho Santa Fe Unit of Rady Children's Hospital Auxiliary originated in 1960 as the San Dieguito Unit. Valenti International is universally acknowledged as the preeminent relationship matching service for successful business professionals and affluent individuals. Founded in 1990 and originally headquartered in the Gann Building in Rancho Santa Fe, the company continues to grow as it celebrates two decades of relationship matching. Irene Valenti has a passion for philanthropy and in 2005 established The Valenti Foundation, a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization.

Valenti International to host fundraising event with Chubby Checker

Rotary International Paul Harris Fellow and "Swing for Kids" Honorary Committee member, Irene Valenti (president of Valenti International), will host a "Swing for Kids" Tee Off party on Monday, July 19, 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., at the Valenti Estate in Rancho Santa Fe with Irene's longtime family friend and legendary entertainer Chubby Checker as Guest of Honor. The event will include a wine tasting by South Coast Winery, opportunity drawing and music provided by Don Clark. "Swing for Kids" is San Diego's first eco-inspired golf tournament and will be held at the Del Mar Country Club on Friday, Sept. 3. All proceeds from both events will benefit the Rotary Club of Rancho Santa Fe, Kids Korps USA, San Pasqual Academy, Pro Kids Golf Academy and Camp Pendleton Armed Services/YMCA.

According to Valenti, "We are thrilled that Chubby Checker will be joining us to assist with our fundraising efforts. He has a unique line of premium milk and white chocolate bars in a checkerboard pattern by the name of 'CHECKERBAR' that will also be displayed, sampled and potentially used for later fundraising efforts. With almost 50 years in the music industry, he is a dynamic entertainer and a renowned humanitarian —it's an honor to have him with us at this event to kick-off fundraising activities for the golf tournament.

Chubby Checker revolutionized popular culture and changed the music industry when he appeared on American Bandstand in 1960 and performed "The Twist," launching a new era in rock and roll. Chubby's dance style has spanned from Woodstock through Disco to the present day. He is a rock icon, who has had 36 hit records, is the only artist to have a Single achieve number one twice and have nine double-sided hits. For more information, visit www.chubbychecker.com. To purchase tickets to the Tee Off Party on July 19, call (858) 759-9239 or log onto http://kidskorps.org/2010/06/18/rancho-santa-fe-rotaryswing-for-kids-tee-off-party. For additional information regarding the golf tournament on Sept. 3, visit www.kidskorps.org. For information on Valenti International, a relationship matching service for professionals, visit www.valentiinternational.com.

Click here for PDF Document

'Swing for Kids' Tee Off Party

Rotary International Paul Harris Fellow and "Swing for Kids" Honorary Committee member Irene Valenti (president of Valenti International), hosted a "Swing for Kids" Tee Off Party on July 19 at the Valenti Estate in Rancho Santa Fe with Irene's long-time family friend and legendary entertainer Chubby Checker as Guest of Honor. The event included a wine tasting by South Coast Winery, opportunity drawing and music provided by Don Clark. "Swing for Kids" is San Diego's first eco-inspired golf tournament and will be held at the Del Mar Country Club on Friday, Sept. 3. All proceeds from both events will benefit the Rotary Club of Rancho Santa Fe, Kids Korps USA, San Pasqual Academy, Pro Kids Golf Academy and Camp Pendleton Armed Services/YMCA. For additional information regarding the golf tournament on Sept. 3, visit www.kidskorps.org.

Click here for PDF Documents

Chubby Checker

With 36 hit records to his name, Chubby Checker has been regarded as a pop sensation since 1960 — and on July 19, he popped in as guest of honor at the "Swing for Kids" Tee Off party. Paul Harris Fellow of Rotary International and Irene Valenti of Valenti International hosted the quintessential summer affair at the Valenti estate in Rancho Santa Fe. The evening generated excitement for San Diego's first eco-inspired golf tournament, "Swing for Kids." All proceeds from both events benefitted the Rotary Club of Rancho Santa Fe, Kids Korps USA, San Pasqual Academy, Pro Kids Golf Academy and Camp Pendleton Armed Services/YMCA.

Click here for PDF Document

'Springtime at the Valenti Ranch' fundraiser to be held in RSF March 28

Valenti International will host a fundraising event, "Springtime at the Valenti Ranch," on Monday, March 28, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Valenti Ranch in Rancho Santa Fe to benefit The Pegasus Rising Project and the Rancho Santa Fe Rotary. Festivities will feature a variety of hand-selected wines, premium Kona coffee, appetizers, a jazz trio from Orchestra Nova San Diego and an opportunity drawing with proceeds benefitting these two non-profit organizations. Sponsored in part by Jet Methods, Smoot, Smoot, Sadrian and Hollan, TaylorMade®, The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe, Claire's on Cedros Bakery and Cafe, Barefoot Wine & Bubbly, PRP Wine International, Zanzibar Cafe and Hawaiian Queen Coffee, a highlight of the evening will be a private concert by Lindsay Deutsch, internationally acclaimed American violinist.

The performance will include Ms. Deutsch's new arrangement of "Rhapsody in Blue", show tunes from "Porgy and Bess" and selections of "Autumn Leaves", "Winter Wonderland" and "Summer" from Vivaldi's "Four Seasons" and "Spring" by Mike O'Conner. In "The Seasons" Lindsay takes the listener on a whirlwind tour through each of the seasons as they are celebrated around the globe. The performance spans seven continents, three centuries, and countless genres including fiddle, classical, jazz and tango.

Deutsch has appeared at Boston's Jordan Hall, Houston's Wortham Theatre, Theatre Aquarius in Toronto, Canada and the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles where she performed excerpts of Mark O'Conner's "Strings and Threads" with the composer and the Disney Young Musicians Symphony Orchestra. Her movie credits include playing the solo violin sound track for the 2006 feature film, "The Good Shepherd" starring Robert De Niro and her performance of Astor Piazzolla's "Four Seasons of Buenos Aires" with the L.A. Chamber Orchestra was selected for NPR's Symphony Cast program.

Hostess of the event is Irene Valenti, Rotary International Paul Harris Fellow and President of Valenti International, (www.valentiinternational.com) the preeminent relationship matching service for successful individuals. Valenti notes, "Providing a refuge for the Pegasus Rising horses is critical, but I am most inspired by the dedicated volunteers who pass through the facility gates during the very early morning and evening hours on a daily basis — I am deeply moved by their dedication and selfless determination to tend to the needs of the horses and maintain the stables."

In addition to Pegasus Rising (www.pegausrising.org), the other beneficiary of this event is the Rancho Santa Fe Rotary (www.ranchosantaferotary.org), an International Service Organization comprised of business leaders that raise funds for worthy causes and issue grants to non-profit organizations through the Rancho Santa Fe Rotary Foundation. Rotarians are dedicated to advancing world understanding, goodwill, and peace through the improvement of health, the support of education, and the alleviation of poverty. All members subscribe to the motto, "Service Above Self".

Tickets to the event are $100 per person, $50 for all Rotarians. To purchase tickets or make a tax-deductible donation to the cause, please call (858) 832-8297 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Chubby Checker add twist to charity golf tournament

It started as a St. Patrick's Dav, charity golf tournament, but with a few added twists has evolved into an eco-friendly September event with a tee-off gala featuring the King of the Twist himself, Chubby Checker.

About 200 guests paid $50 or $100 for a July 19 party that included music, "wine tasting, appetizers, opportunity drawings and a chance to mingle with the 68-year rock 'n' roll legend whose name is synonymous with "TheTwist," the only single to top the Billboard Hot 100 twice.

The event, held at the home of Irene Valenti, founder of Valenti International matchmaking service, was hosted by Valenti and Paul Harris Fellow of Rotary International to kick off the upcoming Swing for Kids golf tournament at Del Mar Country Club.

Proceeds from both events will benefit The Rotary Club of Rancho Santa Fe, Kids Korps USA, ProKids Golf Academy, San Pasqual Academy, and the Camp Pendleton Armed Services/YMCA.

Early last year, the Rotary Club began organizing a green golf tournament for St. Patrick's Day. But March came and the event was postponed. Meanwhile, Valenti became involved as a new Rotarian and decided to host a pre-tournament kick-off with some help from Checker, a longtime family friend.

"I feel blessed that I can bring people together like this," she said. "There are all types of matchmaking, and I have wonderful great contacts."

Valenti said one phone call netted a $25,000 donation.  "That's an amazing example of the magic you can do when you are blessed with great people in your life," she said.

Checker said he felt privileged to be there to help. "She is giving something back to the community, and I'm here for her" he said. "She is improving the lives of those who are less fortunate."

When he and Valenti addressed the guests, he reminded them to be thankful for all they have. "It does feel nice to be fat and rich," he said. "But we need to be willing to share that with others. That's what this event is all about."

Tassy Hawthorne, a teacher at the Camp Pendleton Armed Services/YMCA, said she enjoyed the wine, food and beautiful surroundings. "But the most exciting part was meeting Chubby," she said.

Only about 30 spaces remain for the Sept. 3 golf tournament. Visit www.kidskorp.org to register. Check-in time is 11 a.m., with a 12:30 p.m. shotgun start. A reception, silent auction and dinner will follow.

Patrick Galvin, Rotary Club president, said the group chose to hold the tournament at the Del Mar Country Club because it is known for being eco-friendly. He said the event is using recycled and biodegradable tees and communication and invitations are primarily being done electronically.

The few invitations that are being printed are using soy based ink and recycled paper.

"The Rotary Club is very conscience about going green,"

Galvin said.

Click here for PDF Document

Rancho Santa Fe News

Later that afternoon, I attended the Rancho Santa Fe Rotary meeting with Krista Lafferty. Who knew, but the legendary Chubby Checker was the featured speaker for that dav? Wow. I was so excited. Mr. Checker was in town to help Irene with her charity event later that evening at the Valenti estate. Everyone was sitting on the edge of their chair as Mr. Checker reminisced about his career. He informed the packed room how his mother had a prophetic dream regarding his music career and how Dick Clark coined "Chubby as Chubby Checker" and that's how he received his name.

After the meeting, I snapped a few photos of this legendary rock star, and he asked me to jump in for one of the pictures. As you can see, I look like a giddy schoolgirl that knew she was in the company of greatness. Thanks so much for the great photo Chubby, Irene and Patrick. I felt so lucky all day.

Click here for PDF Document

RSF's Irene Valenti honored by Rotary District Governor

Irene Valenti, president and founder of Valenti International, was honored Aug. 9 as the Rotary Club of Rancho Santa Fe's first "Rotarian of the Month" by visiting Rotarian and District Governor of San Diego and Imperial Counties Dave Breeding at the RSF Rotary luncheon. Valenti, a Rotary Paul Harris Fellow, was presented with the award in recognition of her fundraising efforts for hosting a Tee Off party at the Valenti Estate on July 19, with Chubby checker as Guest of Honor. Proceeds collected will support the fundraising goals of the Tee Off party and the RSF Rotary with regard to the "Swing for Kids" Golf Tournament that will take place on Sept. 3 at the Del Mar Country Club in Rancho Santa Fe. Swing for Kids is San Diego's first eco-inspired golf tournament and event beneficiaries are the Rotary Club of Rancho Santa Fe, Kids Korps USA, San Pasqual Academy, Pro Kids Golf Academy and Camp Pendleton Armed Services/YMCA.

According to Valenti, "This is an extraordinary honor for me, but I honestly feel this award should be shared with all the Rotarians who assisted my team. Everyone who participated didn't hesitate to roll up his or her sleeves and help make the Tee Off Party a resounding success. I couldn't have done it without the help of my fellow Rotarians, so I share this award with all of them."

Valenti International is the Founding Sponsor of the Swing for Kids golf tournament, which will include a variety of activities throughout the day and into the evening. Golfer registration and practice range opens at 11 a.m., followed by a 12:30 pm shotgun start. A reception and silent auction will begin at 5 p.m. with a dinner program commencing at 6:30 p.m. There is still time to sign up to play golf and attend the dinner for a price of $395 per player, or tickets may be purchased to participate in the dinner for $100 per person. For additional information regarding the golf tournament on Sept. 3, visit www.kidskorps.org

Click here for PDF Document

Springtime at the Valenti Ranch

Valenti International hosted a fundraising event, "Springtime at the Valenti Ranch," on March 28 at the Valenti Ranch in Rancho Santa Fe to benefit The Pegasus Rising Project and the Rancho Santa Fe Rotary Club. Festivities included a variety of hand-selected wines, premium Kona coffee, appetizers, a jazz trio and more. 

Click here for PDF Document

Springtime at the Valenti Ranch
March 28, 2011

The Springtime at the Valenti Ranch fundraiser benefited The Pegasus Rising Project and the Rancho Santa Fe Rotary.

Press Release: Valenti International Hosts Fundraiser Featuring Concert Violinist Lindsay Deutsch
April 1, 2011

Valenti International hosted a fundraising event, "Springtime at the Valenti Ranch," on Monday, March 28, 2011, at the Valenti Ranch in Rancho Santa Fe, CA, to benefit the Pegasus Rising Project and the Rancho Santa Fe Rotary. Festivities featured a variety of hand-selected wines, premium Kona coffee, appetizers, a jazz trio from Orchestra Nova San Diego, and an opportunity drawing with proceeds benefitting those two non-profit organizations. Sponsored in part by Jet Methods, Smoot, Smoot, Sadrian & Hollan, TaylorMade©, The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe, Claire's on Cedros Bakery and Café, Barefoot Wine & Bubbly, PRP Wine International, Zanzibar Café and Hawaiian Queen Coffee, a highlight of the evening was a private concert by Linday Deutsch, internationally acclaimed American violinist.

"Swing for Kids" Tee-Off Party
July 19, 2010

Rotary International Paul Harris Fellow and "Swing for Kids" Honorary Committee member Irene Valenti, President of Valenti International, hosted a "Swing for Kids" Tee-Off party at the Valenti Estate in Rancho Santa Fe, with Irene's longtime family friend and legendary entertainer, Chubby Checker, as Guest of Honor. 

Press Release: Valenti International Raises Funds for Five Local Charities
December 2, 2010

Rotary International Paul Harris Fellow and "Swing for Kids" Honorary Committee member Irene Valenti, President of Valenti International, was instrumental in raising funds for the "Swing for Kids" charity golf tournament that was held at the Del Mar Country Club. Proceeds equated to nearly $200,000, which was distributed to the Rotary Club of Rancho Santa Fe, Kids Korps USA, San Pasqual Academy, Pro Kids Golf Academy, and Camp Pendleton Armed Services/YMCA.

Press Release: How to Spend – Financial Times
November 12, 2010

Judging by contemporary writing on the subject, there are now more single people looking for a soul mate than at any other time in human history. We all know the famous aphorism that if you're female, live in New York, and are over 30, you have more chance of being run over than of finding a mate. As for meeting a properly eligible man (i.e. single, solvent, and stable), apparently once you've hit the dreaded three-oh, he's as elusive as the Tasmanian tiger. It's not a lot better in the UK, for men as well as women. Speak to singletons over the age of 30 and you hear the same mournful refrain: "Most of my friends are married or partnered up, and the only single people I meet are workmates."

Press Release: Healing Program Utilizes Horses
September 10, 2010

Pegasus Rising is a rescue and recovery organization that partners a herd of rescued horses with humans for various healing programs at the privately owned Valenti Ranch. The Equine Assisted Experiential Health Therapy Program is offered free of charge to returning combat veterans (active duty or retired) and their caregiver families, and is specifically designed to provide assistance to U.S. military personnel in readjusting back into their families and civilian lives. This program is suitable for those with emotional trauma, such as veterans of war suffering from, or diagnosed with, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and/or Traumatic Brain Injury. The program also includes couples and family sessions for military families to address family-based issues which have arisen since their loved ones have returned from overseas duty. Visit PegasusRising.org.

Press Release: Valenti Honored by Rancho Santa Fe Rotary Club
August 27, 2010

Irene Valenti, President and founder of Valenti International, was honored on August 9 as the Rotary Club of Rancho Santa Fe's first Rotarian of the Month by Dave Breeding, Rotarian and district governor of San Diego and Imperial counties.

Valentino @ Valenti
April 12, 2008

The Valenti International Foundation's spectacular inaugural black tie gala to benefit abused, homeless, and foster children in San Diego County was a huge success. At $1,000 per seat, it was a sold-out event. Celebrating 45 years of Valentino's work highlighted on Swarovski crystal mannequins, the décor also included millions of dollars worth of jewelry. Chubby Checker took the stage at the end of the evening, performing to a full house. This once in a lifetime event included acknowledgement of Irene Valenti's part in supporting Father Joe Carroll's development of "A Children's Village," a project which serves to house more than 200 homeless children.