Donna’s Chronicles, “After such a busy SF Pride season…”

By Donna Sachet–

After such a busy SF Pride season, it was a relief to relax and rejuvenate at the Russian River last weekend. With longtime friend Bob Brunson, now residing in Alabama, but back to the Bay Area for a brief visit, we packed the convertible and took off on a road trip with an enthusiastic Peanut in tow.

In our various trips north to the Russian River and to Guerneville specifically, we’ve never found a place more convenient, hospitable, and comfy than the r3. Welcomed by familiar faces, like Leslie Sachrison, we were quickly unpacked into a cozy room and ready to explore. During the weekend, we ate simply at the dependable Pat’s on River Road and Coffee Bazaar on Armstrong Woods Road and Baked on the River, the newest restaurant at the r3 resort, where the female Swedish chef is perking things up. While there, we caught up with several old friends and made a few new ones. 

Saturday night we caught a show at the r3 and spent some relaxing evening hours at the legendary Rainbow Cattle Company, where the staff exudes friendliness. Sunday came too soon, but we had to dash back to the city for a big annual event.

Help is on the Way XXXI: Broadway & Beyond, Richmond/Ermet Aid Foundation’s annual gala fundraiser, was Sunday night, July 20, 2025, at the Marines’ Memorial Theater. It benefited their Small Emergency Grants Program and Project Open Hand. 

Rushing from the River made us a tad late, but from our VIP Celebrity Circle seats we thoroughly enjoyed the entertainers we saw, especially local favorites Paula West, Jason Brock, and Leanne Borghesi and visiting Bruce Vilanch, Sharon McNight, Garrett Clayton, and Sam Harris. Members of the cast from the Broadway show & Juliet added a number of solo, duet, and ensemble numbers. Lenny Broberg flew in to conduct the live auction and managed to find enthusiastic bidders for everything. During intermission and at the reception at the Beacon Grand Hotel, we enjoyed catching up with Jeff Doney & Adam Thier, Sophie Azaoaou, Cameron Stiehl, Doug Waggener, Cicero Braganca, Don Berger, Ben Wong, Leandro Gonzales, and many others.

We had a chance to sit down and interview Bruce Vilanch a couple of days after the Sunday show and to talk about his new book It Seemed Like a Bad Idea at the Time. The book is a whirlwind of ill-conceived television and other shows that were so bad that they have become good. Imagine A Star Wars Holiday Special, The Paul Lynde Halloween Special, or variety shows with Charo or Carol Channing. This hilarious man has been writing material for The Academy Awards for 25 years, so he certainly knows his craft, but has no trouble poking fun at even his less than successful ventures.

Beyond the book, Bruce expressed a genuine fondness for San Francisco. Robin Williams once offered him a tour of the city through his eyes and we can only wonder what that involved. We offered a similar tour through our eyes and will let our readers know when it happens. Bruce shares a special friendship with so many celebrities, including Bette Midler, Cher, Whoopi Goldberg, Donny & Marie Osmond, Florence Henderson, and more, for all of whom he has provided comic material. 

As a matter of fact, it all began with Bette Midler. When he saw an early performance of hers, he suggested that she talk more.  Her reply? “Got any lines?” And yes, he did and continues to.

Pick up the book right away and delve into this light side of an extraordinarily successful writer. With new projects in the works with Disney and an original play of his own, Bruce Vilanch isn’t going away any time soon.

Donna Sachet is a celebrated performer, fundraiser, activist, and philanthropist who has dedicated over two decades to the LGBTQ Community in San Francisco. Contact her at empsachet@gmail.com

Donna’s Chronicles
Published on July 31, 2025