On the Town:

Kentucky Derby winner Super Saver couldn’t have run faster than the Derby Day Committee gals of the Glendale Assn. for the Retarded. Auction Chairwoman Suzanne CoscarelliSuzanne Coscarelli and winner of the Campbell Award of Excellence led her committee well past the starting gate to accrue thousands of dollars’ worth of silent- and live-auction items Saturday in Burbank’s Pickwick Banquet.

Honoree Coscarelli, whose award was presented by Glendale Councilman Dave Weaver, has continuously chaired Derby Day since its inception 19 years ago. Her committee of sleek fillies included Dianne Endsley, Lili Joseau-Simpson, Carol Jouroyan, Karen Pagliuso and foundation Director Sharon Roth.

Association Executive Director Sandy Doughty welcomed more than 400 supporters, who watched the Kentucky Derby, live from Churchill Downs, on 10-foot-high screens. Many wagered “Derby Dollars” on the race. But it was the live auction that garnered all the attention.

Glendale resident and association board committee Chairman David Greenbaum had the winning bid of $1,450 for a week in a luxurious private home in Park City, Utah. He’s looking forward to ski season. Lively guest auctioneer was entertainment journalist Jill Simonian.

The Glendale Assn. for the Retarded was founded in 1954 to provide programs for persons with developmental disabilities. Net proceeds of more than $85,000 will go toward the association clients’ programming needs.

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Just as popular as the Glendale Renaissance Orchestra premiere at the Americana at Brand was the Tiffany & Co. celebration pre-show reception.

Under bright lights to reflect Tiffany’s sparkling jewelry, several dozen concert-goers enjoyed champagne and hors d’oeuvres Thursday.

Orchestra season ticket holders posed before paparazzi-like cameramen. Those VIPs spent a top price of $650 for two people at four concerts. Among those first in line were Lynne and Carl Raggio, looking forward to celebrating their 59th wedding anniversary.

Besides the VIPs, a couple hundred music lovers gathered on seats on the grass in the middle of the Americana to enjoy a spirited concert featuring soprano Dale Kristien of “Phantom of the Opera” fame. Tiffany’s champagne for those attending the reception acted as a warm buffer against the chilly evening. Champagne or not, all appreciated the new orchestra under the direction of Steven Goldstein.