SANTA FE, N.M. — I haven’t “dated” since my matrimony in 1978, so 40 years later, I am unacquainted with the new protocols. Now, young people apparently go out in groups and older ones find each other on online dating sites. What happened to the boy calling the girl to ask her out on a date?
Imagine my surprise when a charming woman with whom I had been visiting at the Performance Santa Fe Gala, inquired about my marital status and informed me that I might be right for someone she knew … .
After I stopped laughing (she doesn’t know Paul), and informed her of my status, she told me that she is a professional matchmaker, a shadchan … (I always thought it was a yente, but no … that’s just a gossipy woman.)
She gave me her card. It said “Matchmaker and dating coach.” She was at this posh event actively scouting for a suitable companion for her client. Out finding the girl of his dreams! The online dating sites are too random and problematic. Who can really know anything true about the person? So you can hire a pro to look into him/her discretely. She does the work; all the interviewing privately, screening, weighing attributes and matching up nice people (only) according to (news flash) who might be a good match together! Like selecting houses for people. Romance brokerage.
I didn’t realize there was a business for this. But she belongs to professional organizations, such as Matchmaker’s Alliance, keeping the industry above board. She says the Santa Fe myth is that “there are no great single men in Santa Fe.” And the best-kept secret: “There are lots!”
As for women, “We only have a shot with the guy that thinks we’re hot!” So accept the flirtations of the nice bald guy that’s really into you!
So far, she’s successfully accomplished over 1,200 marriages!
So, pithy conversation over the stuffed endives … .
About 140 performance enthusiasts got dolled up for the Hollywood Santa Fe costume party in honor of, and featuring, Wes and Maura Studi. You could raise your auction paddle to host an intimate evening of dinner and revelry with the movie stars as they share fascinating insider tales of Hollywood life with you and 10 of your favorite friends, a useful opportunity to acquire some major name dropping rights – “… and the other night when the Studis were over at our house for dinner … .”!
Or you might win a week for 10 in a fabulous villa on an olive orchard in Tuscany, Italy – “… and this summer when we took a villa in Tuscany … .” These fab auction prizes, along with the paddle donations and ticket sales, added up to a much-needed $150,000 for the extensive master class and “guest artist in the schools” education fund, and for the operating expenses of Performance Santa Fe.
People generally think when they buy a ticket to a performance, that covers their share. It doesn’t nearly! PSF or private donors make up the shortfall so the public can afford that ticket to enjoy the show. Tonight’s benefit was a godsend!
I scanned the room all evening trying to discern who the gentleman yearning for love might be. The red bow tie and glasses? The brocade vest? The scotch and soda? Maybe the nice bald guy?
Lots of candidates … .
Ashley Margetson has a BA in English from UCLA, is a senior real estate broker with Sotheby’s International Realty and has a finger on the pulse of philanthropic activities in Santa Fe. To tell us about an upcoming event, email apm@ashleymargetson.com.
Shannon Weingard stopped at hair and makeup first!
Auction warriors David and Sandra Marion.
Julie Ferman lit up the room
Mary and Alex Ross are perennial supporters!
Dr. Hal Hankinson and his fashionable wife Donna.
Frida came too.
New Mexico Bank and Trust’s Max and Linda Myers.
Angelique Cook-Lowry was chatting with Don Moyer.
Aaarrrr! Bill Butler was Captain Jack Sparrow.
Jay Grodin enjoyed the program!
Eleanor Brenner out on the town.