The U.S. Grant Hotel in San Diego was transformed into Downton Abbey by KPBS for their Gala Celebration on May 4, 2013. Director Barbara J. Menard represented the Menard Family Foundation at this Downton Abbey themed event. The event recognized the 2012 KPBS Hall of Fame Inductees Audrey S. Geisel, Conrad Prebys and Debbie Turner, and Lifetime Achievement winner, the late Brad Warner, KPBS TV’s first Program Manager. The Honorary Chair for the celebration was Darlene Marcos Shiley, who along with her late husband Donald have been benefactors of MASTERPIECE and Great Performances on PBS. The evening included cocktail reception and silent auction, dinner and live auction and the Hall of Fame Tribute. Joining the evening was Rebecca Eaton, MASTERPIECE Executive Producer. Under her leadership, MASTERPIECE has won 44 Primetime Emmy Awards®, 15 Peabody Awards, 4 Golden Globes ®, and 2 Academy Award ® nominations. Eaton’s distinguished career has earned her the official recognition of Queen Elizabeth II with an honorary Officer, Order of the British Empire.
