Stunning Romance of Mission Gala Celebrates Father Serra Canonization and Honorees Bette and Wylie Aitken

A record 510 guests attended Mission Preservation Foundation’s Romance of the Mission benefit gala on Friday, September 18. Among the celebrations were Blessed Father Junipero Serra’s canonization and recognition of honorees Bette and Wylie Aitken. Net proceeds of $265,500 were raised and will be directed toward Mission preservation projects.

Another evening highlight was a swinging concert in The Ruins of the Great Stone Church with lead singer Lee Lessack in a tribute to Frank Sinatra on his 100th birthday. The production called “That’s Life!: A Toast to Sinatra” featured beautifully harmonized renditions of Sinatra’s most famous hits including Blue Skies, That’s Life, New York New York and a benefit gala tradition, When the Swallows Come Back to Capistrano.

The opening reception took place in the Mission’s lush front gardens with tray pass hors d’oeuvres and cocktails. Guests were then directed to the Ruins of the Great Stone Church for the concert and program honoring the Aitkens and marking the canonization celebration of Father Serra. Mission San Juan Capistrano Executive Director Mechelle Lawrence Adams welcomed attendees and in her opening remarks said, “We are ready to enter the world stage as Pope Francis makes his historic visit and officially recognizes Blessed Serra as Saint Serra next week. We stand ready because you and our Mission Preservation Board, members, staff, and volunteers have made it possible.”

Mission Preservation Board President George O’Connell recognized Bette and Wylie Aitken citing their extensive support of critical Mission preservation projects and other charitable causes in Orange County.

As guests left the concert, official Mission bell ringers Nathan Banda, Michael Gastelum and Rafael Gutierrez led a historic bell ringing to celebrate the evening and upcoming canonization of Blessed Father Serra. Attendees then walked through the historic Resurgam displaying a life-sized carved statue of Father Serra that will serve as the centerpiece of the exhibit marking his canonization.

Mission San Juan’s Main Courtyard was exquisitely set for a gourmet plated four-course candlelight dinner masterfully prepared and served by The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel. Wine parings were provided by Cameron Hughes and Smith and Hook. Reverend Monsignor J. Michael McKiernan introduced Roman Catholic Diocese of Orange Bishop Kevin Vann who led the invocation prior to dinner.

Gala committee members were recognized by Don Dorkowski while George O’Connell offered a toast to the Aitkens and publicly recognized all past benefit gala honorees. An opportunity drawing featured a Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel get-a-way, Montana Sporting Club experience and 14K white gold and diamond cross.

In addition to The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel, other major supporters included Sheila and Jim Peterson, O’Connell Family Foundation and the Thomas J. and Erma Jen Tracy Family Foundation.

Exquisite floral arrangements were designed by Floral Occasions of San Juan Capistrano and each guest received embossed chocolates (a favorite of Fr. Serra) specially made by Trello Cioccolato with a Father Serra charm attached.

For more information about the benefit gala or Mission Preservation Foundation, contact Barb Beier at 949.234.1323 or visit www.missionsjc.com.

About Mission San Juan Capistrano

Known as the “Jewel of the Missions,” Mission San Juan Capistrano is a historic landmark and museum that boasts of quality permanent exhibits featuring original artifacts as well as traveling and temporary exhibits on a wide variety of topics.

The Mission is also Orange County’s only Mission and is a site of ongoing faith, education, preservation, and cultural event programming. The site includes such original buildings as the Serra Chapel, Great Stone Church, and the original padres’ quarters of the South Wing.

The Mission was founded on November 1, 1776 by Padre Junipero Serra as the seventh in the chain of the twenty-one California missions established by Spain. Over 70,000 fourth grade students visit the Mission as part of their field trip learning about Early California history.

Mission San Juan Capistrano is owned by the Diocese of Orange. Its fundraising entity, the Mission Preservation Foundation, is comprised of business and community leaders committed to ensuring the long term preservation and viability of Orange County’s only Mission. The Mission receives no funding from either the Church or the State of California and must charge admission funds as a means of providing continued public access.

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