Sonoma State brought Mark and Karen together. While they have both since retired from their respective campus positions, they continue to be connected in many ways, including their commitment to the Green Music Center.
Mark is a Culinary Institute of America graduate, former chef-owner of acclaimed Napa Valley restaurants and the premier Executive Chef for Sonoma State and the Green Music Center. He met Karen, emeritus chair of the Sonoma State library faculty, when they were planning an event honoring John and Gaye LeBaron at the library. Though retired from Sonoma State, they are still the owners (Mark is still the chef) of the locally beloved, wildly popular, award-winning Dierk’s Parkside and Midtown Cafes.
A key part of their business model is supporting the community, especially education and the arts, and the Green Music Center is among the targets of their generosity. They support our work in many ways, and often thank Cafe staff by gifting them tickets to performances.
“The Green Music Center has a special place in our hearts,” Mark said. “I helped design the Prelude Restaurant’s kitchen and catered private events that captured the imaginations of our founding donors. Karen and I have supported the Green Music Center from early on because we strongly believe that supporting the arts in the North Bay is critically important to the community.”
“Mark and I love all arts, and we are excited about the educational aspects of what the Green Music Center accomplishes,” said Karen. “As a retired librarian, I am particularly enthusiastic about the many ways the Green Music Center partners with departments and programs across Sonoma State, and the creative ways faculty incorporate the arts into their curriculum.”
We are deeply grateful to Mark and Karen for their many contributions to the Green Music Center and Sonoma State University. Join Mark and Karen in supporting the Green Music Center with a gift to the annual fund. Contact Gail Chadwin at (707) 664-3661.
