The Class of 2010 Senior Prom brought out the ruffled tuxedos and the strapless gowns as nearly 300 supporters of the Santa Clarita Valley Senior Center Foundation gathered at the Hyatt Regency Valencia to raise funds for caregiver respite and senior supportive services programs.

The event netted $78,000 which saved many programs that had been endangered because of budget cuts, said Brad Berens, SCV Senior Center executive director.

"We're absolutely thrilled with the efforts and the support of the community," said Berens. "This will allow us to keep our adult day care open and other services intact."

The annual Celebrity Waiter Dinner, which has been compared to "Halloween for grown ups," boasts a different theme each year.

"We were so thrilled with the support we received from the high schools, the principals, the ASB advisers and the student volunteers," said Kathy Crone, event coordinator and director of fund development for the Foundation.

Among the items on the auction block was "Buck" - a 12-week-old AKC registered white golden retriever.

"I've had a lot of golden retrievers but he is one of the easiest-going dogs I've ever known," said Rebecca Reed, live auction co-chairwoman. "He gets along with all my dogs. He is going to make a special pet for a lucky family."

"Buck" was the subject of a spirited bidding war, with the puppy fetching $1,500 to benefit the Foundation.

Lauren and Paul McGuire and Reed co-chaired the live auction and brought in a host of attractive items including vacation packages, golf, spa and other high-ticket items.

"I can't say enough about the hard work these folks did," said Bob Kellar, event and entertainment chairman. "They really outdid themselves and did a wonderful job."

Patti Rasmussen, president of the SCV Senior Center Foundation, said the event is an SCV tradition.

"It's a fun night where everyone gets to dress up and benefit our seniors," she said. "It is such a great thing to help the seniors and as baby boomers we need to be aware that we will soon need some of these services."

Guests to the dinner spent a good part of the evening visiting and admiring each other's "prom" attire. Attendees were encouraged to wear prom-wear from the era they attended their senior prom.

Darlene Gandara, said the range of fashions that guests put together was impressive.

"I think it is awesome, there is tie-dyed fashion, early 60s, the Jackie O. fashions and then there are the '80s, the Madonnas, it is wonderful what people have found," she said.

John Shaffery attended to show his support for area seniors. "Seniors are among our most precious resources and we need to take care of them no matter what the economic situation is," he said.

U.S. Congressman Howard "Buck" McKeon, R-Santa Clarita, also made an appearance at the event with his wife, Patricia.

"Look at the turnout here, I think it is fantastic," he said. "The Senior Center does such a great job for the seniors and provides so many wonderful and important programs for seniors in the Santa Clarita Valley."

Jenny Ketchapaw, a first timer at the Celebrity Waiter Dinner, attended the event with her husband, Tim. "We couldn't wait to come, we've heard so many wonderful things about this event," she said.

In addition to the live auction conducted by Kellar and Event Chairman Myles McNamara, guests were entertained by an energetic performance by the William S. Hart High School dance program.

The "celebrity" waiters at the event included many well-known faces in the SCV. The waiters withheld silverware from their tables and played other tricks to earn script from the event guests. After several rounds of script turn-in David Gauny was named winner of the Stanley Award, the waiter who earned the most money from his guests.

"Among the waiters serving this event, the Stanley Award is a coveted honor," said Gauny. "Brian Koegle introduced the heavyweight championship belt last year which added to the fun of winning this year's event. But the true heroes are those I served - the Arklins, Congressman McKeon and his wife, and their other table guests who gave so generously."