SHEA CENTER GALA A record-breaking $ 1.2 million was raised at the J . F . Shea Therapeutic Riding Center ’ s annual gala June 8 at Montage Laguna Beach . The San Juan Capistrano nonprofit aims to improve the lives of people with disabilities through equestrian-assisted services . The event , attended by 420 supporters , took place on the resort ’ s Pacific and Ocean lawns and in the grand ballroom . The evening began with signature cocktails , passed hors d ’ oeuvres and fun photo opportunities as well as a wine wall offering selections from Trinitas Cellars . Also during the gala , the Michael Lewis Friends of the Disabled Award was presented to Shea Center board member and longtime supporter Tony Gregory . The award is named after the center ’ s first client and commemorates the dedication of his parents , Nancy and Derek Lewis , who co-founded the center in 1978 . This year ’ s ceremony was especially poignant as the center honored the memory and legacy of Nancy Lewis , who passed away recently . Additionally , a live auction included items such as a six-day vacation in Paris ; a chef-curated , three-course dinner with vintage wine pairings at Montage ’ s Loft restaurant ; and an exclusive center-court Lakers experience with private chauffeur service for four people . An online silent auction was also held and the Fosheim Fund a Need , supporting priority programs , brought in substantial contributions including an anonymous gift of $ 50,000 . To end the evening , the dance floor was opened up with live music and entertainment presented by Bonnie Foster Productions . ( sheacenter . org ) — S . S .
1 . Sina ’ e Verner , Alterraun Verner , Paula Murphy , Mike Murphy , Crystal Barajas , Marlon Barajas 2 . Susie Roof , Sierra Mosny , Ashley Beimfohr 3 . Dillon Fox , Maddi Moore 4 . Roper Morris , Kathy Perricone , Sam Perricone , Susan Chaney 5 . Roberto Maldonado , Cathy Han 6 . Lisa Woode , Leslie Calhoun , Sue LeClair , Lynn Hopper 7 . John Frank , Tony Gregory 8 . Stephanie Oddo , Zeena Dhalla , Katrina Foley , Vikki Shepp , Paulette Smith , Diane Harkey
TOP SECTION : PIXEL THAT PHOTOGRAPHY ; BOTTOM SECTION : CLARA BEARD
GATE & GARDEN TOUR The Laguna Beach Garden Club ’ s annual spring tour was abuzz May 4 with plenty of fancy hats , raffle prizes , plein air painting demonstrations and 11 home gardens to explore . The city of Laguna proclaimed the first Saturday in May as Laguna Bee Day in honor of the mural featuring bees and other pollinators , which was recently commissioned by the garden club and painted on the Laguna Beach County Water District building . The day was specifically chosen to coincide with the Gate & Garden Tour and mural unveiling earlier that month . Before the tour , participants gathered at the water district building on Third Street , where Cinco de Mayo festivities were in full effect with the sale of artisan margaritas and Mexican food , free homemade baked goods and refreshments , and raffle prizes from local artists and businesses . This year , the tour highlighted north Laguna ’ s “ tree streets ” neighborhood where attendees viewed homes featuring impressive gardens and outdoor living spaces . The tour is the Laguna Beach Garden Club ’ s biggest fundraiser of the year and garnered a net profit of more than $ 49,500 . Proceeds help provide scholarships , local school educational gardens and town beautification projects . ( lagunabeachgardenclub . org ) — C . B . g
1 . Jane Leary 2 . Enie Fryer , Kathy Hauser 3 . Lynn Jax , Alison Jax 4 . Tony Jackson LAGUNA BEACH MAGAZINE 25