Community / Galas & Events
UPFRONT PLACES | PERSPECTIVES | HAPPENINGS
OH , WHAT A NIGHT ! For one night only , former stars from the New York , Chicago and Los Angeles companies of “ Jersey Boys ” came together to perform in Laguna Playhouse ’ s Moulton Theater during its Oh , What a Night ! gala . In addition to renditions of hit songs like “ Can ’ t Take My Eyes Off You ” and “ Walk Like a Man ”— complete with dance moves from the 1960s — guests at the March 3 event enjoyed a montage of songs from the Laguna Playhouse Youth Conservatory ’ s forthcoming production of “ The Addams Family ,” which debuts in May . Beyond the theatrics , the 230 attendees were treated to a preshow reception with passed hors d ’ oeuvres and themed cocktails , a fund-a-need paddle raise , live auction and dessert as well as words from David Ellenstein , the organization ’ s artistic director , who talked about the nonprofit theater ’ s success while unveiling the shows slated for its 2024-2025 season . In total , the event raised $ 370,000 , which will support youth theater programming , technology and equipment for both onstage and backstage locations , and actors or designers involved in the center ’ s live productions . ( lagunaplayhouse . com ) — Ashley Ryan
1 . Betsy Jenkins , Jennifer Yelland , Lucetta Kallis , Susan Wunderlich 2 . Roderick and Kathy Reed , Christine Scheuneman , Annee Della Donna and Eric Alcouloumre 3 . Matt and Julie Sandler 4 . Yvette and Lanny Hartley 5 . Kirsten Whalen , Harvey Triebwasser , Jane Hanauer , Lisa Triebwasser 6 . Kathy and Roderick Reed , Eric Alcouloumre 7 . Clint Bell , Jared Mathis , Lisa Hale , David Ellenstein
LEGACY BALL Laguna Beach Seniors has left its mark on the older adult population in town since the 1970s , which is celebrated with the annual Legacy Ball that helps support the group ’ s programming offered through the Laguna Beach Community & Susi Q Senior Center . During the 15th iteration of the event on April 6 — which featured a theme of A Night Under the Stars — around 200 people came together at the Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa , raising $ 380,000 for the nonprofit . Guests enjoy cocktails , opportunity drawings and dancing upon arrival , followed by a seated dinner with a choice of filet mignon , pan-seared sea bass or vegetable Wellington ; a fund-a-need paddle raise ; and a live auction where guests bid on items including a dinner with local firefighters . Awards were also presented to locals Cindy Prewitt and Sam Goldstein as well as Laguna Beach Live ! during the gala , and Wilson Automotive sponsored a table for seniors who wanted to attend but were unable to afford a ticket . In addition to the money raised during the Legacy Ball , the Susi Q recently received a gift of $ 1 million from the Dorene and Lee Butler Family Foundation . ( thesusiq . org ) — A . R .
1 . Kim Hannan , Brett Butler , Patti Butler , Lisa Butler 2 . Laguna Beach firefighters 3 . Barbara MacGillivray , Nadia Babayi , Joan Halvajian
TOP SECTION : OC EVENT PHOTOS ; BOTTOM SECTION : JO ANN EKBLAD
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