Charmian’s ‘wild’ night a roaring success

The spirit of Charmian London, Jack London’s irrepressible wife, came to life on September 25 as she welcomed more than 320 guests to “Charmian’s Wild Call,” a gala fundraising event at Jack London State Historic Park in Glen Ellen

The event raised $550,000 for the non-profit Jack London Park Partners, one of the first non-profit organizations to be entrusted with management of a state park on behalf of the people of California.

Attendees at “Charmian’s Wild Call” (a play on the title of Jack London’s book, “The Call of the Wild”) were transported to the year 1926, ten years after Jack’s passing and during the height of the roaring 20’s. Most of the guests came in period and “ranch casual” attire.

Guests met talented performers portraying Charmian London, Harry Houdini, Sigmund Freud and Coco Chanel before and during dinner.  The highly interactive event was developed by Gregangelo’s Velocity Entertainment.

Entertainment was provided by Charmian, Houdini, Freud, a dance troupe, and a live band. Jack London made an appearance to sing a heartfelt duet of “Wind Beneath My Wings” with his wife.

Mike Benziger, chairman of the Jack London Park Partners Board of Directors, asked for the crowd’s support, saying, “Help us make this a place where all can come and not only get inspired, but also give back to keep this valley healthy and thriving.”

Former Sonoma Alcalde Marcelo Defreitas, creative director of Gregangelo’s Velocity Entertainment (above), led the “fund a need” drive, resulting in donations from more than 200 people.

“The evening turned out even better than I’d imagined.  The opportunity for the community to come together in person after so long created tremendous energy.  Their love for the park was beautifully expressed in their attendance and support,” said Liz Fisher, gala chair.

During their 11-year marriage, Charmian was much more than Jack’s wife and muse. She was his traveling companion and co-adventurer, trusted editor, and an author in her own right.  After Jack’s death in 1916, Charmian lived the rest of her life – another 39 years – at the home they shared, known to them as Beauty Ranch.  During these years she acted as steward of Jack’s legacy and manager of his literary assets while developing her own writing career.  She continued to travel and lead a vibrant social life, just as she had during her life with Jack.

Since 2016, a semi-annual celebration of the Londons’ life at the ranch has played a significant role in raising much-needed funds for the park.

Funding to keep the park going strong is generated from visitors, annual passholders and generous donors. Learn more about the park at https://jacklondonpark.com/ and on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.