On December 6th, 2009 The Los Angeles - Berlin Sister City Committee hosted its annual holiday celebration in elegant fashion at the tony San Marino home of the organization's chairperson and president, Rosemarie Reisch. Over 80 members and guests enjoyed musical performances by vocalists Cindy Jenkins and Alan Frith-Smith and pianist Lisa Edwards.

The crowd joined in chorus to American and German Christmas carols.
The spirit of the evening was brimming with joy and laughter.

Elke Sommer even took to the stage and delighted the crowd with a riotous impromptu

performance. Fabulous wine (that benefited Breast Cancer Research) was served before a delicious catered dinner. Thanks to Bob Blum, party-goers feasted on traditional Stollen bread. It was a lively and festive event that so many, for good reason, look forward to every year.

The honored guests included the German Consul General Wolfgang Drautz and his lovely wife and daughters, Annette Rupp, Director of the Goethe Institut, as well as actress Elke Sommer and Justinian Jampol, Director of the Wende Museum. Rosemarie Reisch, Christiane Christiansen, Karin Memmert, Bob Blum, Michael Wolff and Stephen Lyle except for Frank Mottek were all on hand to represent the Board of Directors.