'Friendraiser' held on Clement

A "friendraiser" for Yolanda Bain was held at the Clement Street Bar and Grill on March 10.

In December 2007, Bain, a "guiding light" and teacher in the yoga community for more than 20 years, was diagnosed with ovarian cancer.

Mary Hayden, also known as "Baseball Mary," was the driving force behind the evening's festivities.

Usually, The Clement Street Bar and Grill is closed on Mondays. However, owners Harold Baum and Hao Phu opened the restaurant and provided food for more than 200 people who gathered to support Bain. Another contributor, Angie Rando of Angelina's CafŽ and Catering, also provided delectable delights.

A huge windfall of eclectic raffle prizes were donated from all corners of the City, mostly procured by Hayden. Many of the donations came from shops in the Richmond District, including the Cliff House, Cal`s Pet Supply, Green Apple Books, Gables Stationery, John Campbell`s Bakery, Balboa Theater, T&T; Nail Salon, Leslie King, Purple Crayon, Plan C, Thidwick Books, Jennifer Durand, BirdyBotanicals.com and Susan Hollenbeck. All told, several thousand dollars was raised to help Bain and her husband shoulder the expensive cost of treatments.

John Rothman, a Richmond District native and KGO radio talk show host, served as the master of ceremonies and announced the raffle results. As well, the jazz duo Bruno Pelletier and Bill Lanphier and members of the Venusians performed.

All the members of the wait staff at the Clement Street Bar and Grill donated their time and energy to facilitate the festivities for the evening, including bartenders Paula Mehoves and Geraldine Travers.

The public can keep track of Bain's progress at the blog yogayolanda.blogspot.com. Donations can be sent to: Friends of Yolanda Bain; P.O. Box 590216, SF, CA 94118.

- Rita O'Hara