Crystal Cove Fundraiser Gala Returns With Fantastic Entertainment

LAGUNA BEACH, CA - Itś that time of year again! Who is ready for an evening under the stars, complete with breath-taking sunset views and an elegant dinner catered by The Resort at Pelican Hill? All that and more awaits guests at the 16th Annual Crystal Cove Soiree Saturday, Oct. 6, hosted by the Crystal Cove Conservancy. Limited sponsorships remain for the bluff-top event at Crystal Cove State Park.

“Our Annual Soiree provides crucial funding for our educational programs. Thanks to our generous supporters and guests our citizen science programs grew by 18% last year. Our programs introduce hands-on activities that not only make marine biology and environmental science fun, but we are changing the way students look at their options for career choices” said Alix Dunn, president and chief executive officer, Crystal Cove Conservancy. “Our environment is changing, and Crystal Cove’s outdoor classroom is the perfect place to study and inspire the environmental leaders of the future.”

The Conservancy uses a social enterprise model to fund preservation, conservation and education initiatives with the goal of creating a sustainable future for Crystal Cove State Park. The Conservancy has become a statewide model for how funds can be reinvested into the park.

The Soiree will begin at 5 p.m. with an al fresco cocktail reception with hors d’oeuvres and a silent auction. The Resort at Pelican Hill is donating the hors d’oeuvres as well as the delectable dinner duo of Braised Short Rib and Maine lobster and The Beachcomber is donating the bar service. A live auction, live music and dancing to Beatles vs. Stones – A Musical Showdown, will round out the evening. Guests will have an opportunity to purchase fabulous luxury silent and live auction items in support of The Conservancy’s mission to fund important preservation, education and conservation initiatives. Opportunity tickets will be offered to win a three-night stay in the beachfront Crystal Cove Cottage #14, the restored “South Beach Suite” accommodating up to six guests. For more information, visit www.crystalcove.org/soiree. The winning ticket will be pulled the night of the Soiree and winner need not be present to win. What better way to give back to The Conservancy’s mission, and have a chance at three nights in paradise?

Laura Davick, Founder and Vice President of the Conservancy, noted, “Our community has been so supportive since the earliest days, when we fought hard to keep our Cove from becoming a luxury resort. Instead, Crystal Cove is on the National Registry of Historic Places and is arguably the region’s singular, unchanged place in the sun. More than 25,000 overnight guests enjoy our 29 cottages already restored and we believe the community will continue to support our newest preservation initiative, to renovate the final 17 cottages on the North Beach that will bring true sustainability to Crystal Cove for future generations.”

Many companies, foundations and individuals already have stepped up to sponsor this year’s Soiree, including: The Resort at Pelican Hill (Title Sponsor), The Beachcomber, Massen Greene Foundation, Anonymous, Eva and Doug Le Bon, Anonymous, Firebrand Media LLC, Gardner Grout Foundation, Christine Carr, Nancy and Arn Youngman, Lori and Harley Bassman, CIP Real Estate / Eric and Ann Smyth, Crystal Cove Beach Cottages, Farmers & Merchants Bank, Bonnie Gregory, The Hexberg Family Foundation, PCV Murcor, Roger’s Gardens, Wylie and Bette Aitken, Beacon Pointe, Michael and Tricia Berns, Gareth and Diana Evans, Capital Group, Charles Schwab, Paula and Jeff Cole, Jose A. Collazo, Contrarian Group, Inc., Crevier Family Foundation, Expedia, Inc., Fostering Executive Leadership, Inc., Fuscoe Engineering, Inc., Karol and Michael Gottfredson, Jackson Lewis, P.C., Mark and Cheryl Law, Little Diversified Architectural Consulting, Inc., Bob and Susie McIntosh, Christine Pappas and Hugh Bradley, Michael Ray, Teddie Ray, Fred and Wendy Salter, Joan Irvine Smith & Athalie R. Clarke Foundation, Laura Tarbox, Shelley B. Thunen, University of California, Irvine.

Opportunity tickets are $100 each or seven for $500. For information on sponsorships and opportunity drawing, please visit www.crystalcove.org/soiree or call 949-376-6200 x204.

Photo courtesy Crystal Cove