More than 350 people attended the 11th Annual Mayor’s Charity Ball Saturday night at the Hartford Golf Club. The theme of the sold out event was A Night of Laughter – and it was. From the jokes placed under each attendee’s plate to a performance by The Mayors, and from special guest David Steinberg to greeters dressed as famous comedians, the winter gala was a success.

Proceeds from the event will benefit HopeWorks, which provides hope and health to young people and their families through counseling, education and community outreach, and the Grounds, which provides a safe, drug-, tobacco- and alcohol-free place for West Hartford high school and middle school students to hang with their friends, listen to music and play games.

Student members of the Grounds’ committee dressed as famous comedians including Groucho Marks and Charlie Chaplin, and welcomed guests.  Brad Drazen, co-anchor of NBC 30 Connecticut News Today, was the emcee.

Attorney General Richard Blumenthal stopped by to congratulate West Hartford for pulling together – especially during tough economic times – and keeping in mind the goal of supporting youth and families.

David Steinberg was a special guest. After graduating Hall High at age 16, he went on to earn his undergraduate degree from Yale, then received a law degree from Duke University where he served as editor and chief of the law review. He practiced entertainment law before deciding to pursue a career in entertainment. While still attending the University of Southern California’s Peter Stark Producing Program, Steinberg wrote the screenplay for Slakers, which became a cult classic. He was hired by Universal Studios to write the sequel to American Pie, and went on to write National Lampoon’s Barely Legal, Other People’s Wishes and a number of sitcom pilots.

Steinberg described West Hartford as a big town that feels like a small town with a great school system where the smart students are not considered geeks, where there is not a lot of crime because you can’t park on the street after 2 a.m., and where pizza places cut their pies into squares. If elected mayor he promised “no more bagging your own leaves.”

Steinberg lives in Santa Monica, California, with his wife Keetgi Kogan, an independent producer, and their two children. His family still lives in West Hartford.

The performance of the evening went to Mayor Scott Slifka and two past mayors – Jonathan Harris (2001-04) and Catherine Reynolds (1973-75). Sporting black hats and sunglasses, the trio, directed again this year by Carol Dupuis, sang and danced to The Mayor, Man, performed to the tune of Soul Man.  (Words below.)

Live auction items included a Red Sox limousine outing for four, a week in Hawaii, dinner for 22 at Country Club of Farmington plus a case of wine, New England Patriots Football tickets and a LEGO tour. There was also a silent auction.

The evening concluded with dancing to the music of West Hartford’s own Latanya Farrell and the Bookman Styles band.

The Mayor, Man

Got where we got, the hard way
Volunteers yeah, we pay to play
Got my lawn signs out to pull in votes
Council meetings, who’s taking notes?

I’m The Mayor, man
No naysayer, man
I really care man
Cause I’m the Mayor, man

Haute cuisine or burger joint
We got it all, you get my point?
Bishops Corner or Blue Back Square
Over to Elmwood, I’ll meet you there

I’m the Mayor, man
Here in my two hands
I’ve got the whole plan
Yes, I’m the Mayor, man

Lots of talk about a new mill rate
Good politics, says that can wait
Heard some of y’all were a little displeased
Maybe this year, he’ll rake your leaves  (point to Mayor Slifka)

I’m The Mayor, man
No naysayer, man
I really care man
Cause I’m the Mayor, man

We got Trader Joes and two Whole Foods
Shops and stores to fit any mood
Regional destination
You gotta love the WeHa Nation

I’m the Mayor, man
Here in my two hands
I’ve got the whole plan
Yes, I’m the Mayor, man