June 10, 2011 4:03 pm PT
Long time South Bay resident Nick Arquette has first-hand experience caring for a loved one in their time of need. Unsatisfied with the quality of in-home care available, Arquette and his partner formed Adia, an in-home, non-medical, assisted living service. Adia is based in Torrance and offers a wide range of custom tailored services for those choosing to live at home independently
Passionate regarding matters concerning quality of life, Arquette founded Walk With Sally, a non-profit organization which provides mentoring to children whose lives have been touched by cancer. Arquette knows that of which he speaks. As a child, Arquette’s single mother was diagnosed with cancer, turning his world upside down. He has walked the walk. However, in his case, he never had an opportunity to talk the talk.
Walk With Sally provides a safe haven for children to share their experience with someone who has suffered the same emotional rollercoaster. The mentoring service is one of several programs offered, as is temporary financial assistance to families experiencing economic hardship that require funding.
To this end, Walk With Sally presents the annual White Light, White Night benefit to be held on Saturday, July 16th 2011. This year’s event takes place at the future site of the new Shade Hotel on Harbor Drive overlooking King Harbor in Redondo Beach.
Live and silent auctions will feature the following:
- A private jet trip for six to an as yet undisclosed destination.
- LA Kings VIP tickets and a signed Kings Jersey
- Holland Vacation – 7 Nights at the Swissotel (Fairmont Property) in Amsterdam. Including Roundtrip Airfare
- Lake Tahoe Luxury Cabin – 8 Days/ 7 Nights in a 5 Bedroom / 4 bath Luxurious South Lake Tahoe Home
- Los Cabos Penthouse – 8 Days / 7 Nights in a 3 Bedroom / 3 Bath luxury penthouse condo
- Wine Country Ridge Top Cabin – 8 Days / 7 Nights in a vacation home – Anderson Valley Wine Country
- 4 Field Level Dodger tickets
- VIP taping experience at “Two and a Half Men” starring Ashton Kutcher
- Riedel Wine Tasting for 2 on the rooftop of Tabula Rasa. Included are 2 sets of 4 Riedel Vitis Tasting Glasses with the educational tasting
In addition, Nick Alexander BMW is donating a Mini Cooper for the raffle event. You need not be present to win. Raffle tickets can be purchased at www.walkwithsally.org.
For your dining pleasure, a Taste of the South Bay will feature 20 different restaurants offering a delectable array of edible treats.
The highlight of the event is an exclusive performance by special musical guest Blues Traveler.
Tickets are on sale now and start at $150 per person. Mark your calendar and visit the website for more information on prices, VIP specials and sponsorship.
Through his efforts at Walk With Sally, Arquette clearly demonstrates his passion and commitment to community. The following are just a few of the reasons Arquette calls the South Bay home:
Q: What do you consider the South Bay’s best kept secret?
A: If you are a dog lover, there is a cove below Trump National with public access where you can run your dog along the shore off leash. My wife and I pick up sandwiches at the little deli in Malaga Cove and drive down there with the kids and dogs. My dogs get to go swimming and the kids like to explore the tide pools and afterward we’ll have a picnic lunch on the beach. It’s a great way to spend an afternoon.
Q: In your opinion, what is the most successful community improvement project in recent memory?
A: I’m really impressed with what they did with upper Pier Avenue. It’s a great street to walk along and check out the shops, galleries and restaurants. Also, I lived next to the Metlox hole for twelve years. The Metlox project really anchored downtown Manhattan Beach.
Q: Preferred South Bay cultural pastime?
A: Manhattan Beach wouldn’t be Manhattan Beach without the pier and Roundhouse Aquarium. It’s a great way for kids to learn about the history of the community and the beach culture. You’d be surprised how much you can learn there.
Q: On the Strand, you are …….
A: Walking the dogs or riding my bike.
Q: Your go-to South Bay eatery?
A: Simmzy’s. They have a terrific menu and a great setting with a beach vibe. It’s a perfect illustration of how we live in the South Bay. Zinc Lounge at Shade Hotel is great because it’s so versatile. I can have a business lunch there in the afternoon and later on meet friends for cocktails.
Q: Favorite local holiday tradition?
A: The Manhattan Beach Holiday Fireworks Show. It brings the entire community together and they don’t skimp on the pyrotechnics. The quality is incredible!
Q: How would you describe South Bay style?
A: It’s dynamic. It has an old school beach vibe and an energetic, highly motivated, entrepreneurial spirit. It’s great because they rub off on each other. For instance, last week I rode my beach cruiser to a business meeting wearing business attire. I could have taken the car but opted for the bike and the ride along the Strand.
Q: South Bay charity of choice?
A: Walk With Sally, baby!
Q: You’re enjoying a summer Sunday concert at Polliwog Park while sipping….
A: Oh my God! Definitely a summer chardonnay.
Q: What recent South Bay story inspired you?
A: The way the community came together to support Officer Vasquez of the Manhattan Beach Police Department. He has cancer and has been on disability for quite a while. The whole community was inspired to help out with various fundraisers and continues to surround his family with love and support. It says a lot about this community. (Editor’s Note: Officer Vasquez succumbed to cancer on May 15th.)
Q: Can’t miss local event?
A: White Light White Night, of course!
Q: Surf’s up! Long board or short?
A: Medium. I have a 6’9” board.
Q: Friends are visiting the South Bay for the first time - where do you take them?
A: A stroll along the Strand to the Manhattan Beach Pier and then a drive to Terrenea for a walk along the cliff path, followed by a beer at Nelson’s and while we’re in the area, maybe a visit to the Wayfarer’s Chapel. It’s a really unique piece of architecture. Later on, we’d ride the beach cruisers to the Bottle Inn for a sunset dinner on the patio. Then again, we could have a sunset picnic on the beach.
Q: Strolling along the shore, you find a genie in a bottle and are granted one specific wish - what South Bay institution, tradition or establishment would you restore?
A: 12th Street Bar & Grill. Coming off the beach on a Sunday afternoon, listening to live bands and dancing in beach clothes and flip flops.
Q: The South Bay offers an assortment of guilty pleasures. What’s yours?
A: Taking a half day off from work on Monday and going to the beach.
Continue reading on Examiner.com South Bay Spotlight: Nick Arquette, Founder of Walk with Sally - Los Angeles Adult Recreation | Examiner.com
http://www.examiner.com/adult-recreation-in-los-angeles/south-bay-spotlight-nick-arquette-founder-of-walk-with-sally#ixzz1POTyqJdj