Community / Galas & Events
UPFRONT PLACES | PERSPECTIVES | HAPPENINGS
GLAMMIN ’ IN THE CANYON Laguna Canyon Foundation hosted its first gala , Glammin ’ in the Canyon , on Oct . 21 at the Massen Greene House and the Michael and Tricia Berns Canyon Preserve , which serve as the organization ’ s new home . The event , attended by 71 supporters , raised more than $ 125,000 to help the foundation continue to preserve and protect 22,000 acres of open space around Laguna through public outreach and educational programs , habitat restoration and trailwork . During a cocktail reception , guests were able to have up-close experiences with rehabilitated raptors from the Orange County Bird of Prey Center . Then attendees took a short hike up the canyon to the dinner location . A sustainable dinner was provided by The Ranch at Laguna Beach . A live auction was led by Mark Christy , owner and principal at The Ranch and an open space advocate . And a keynote speaker , Dr . Winston Vickers , former head of the California Mountain Lion Project at UC Davis , addressed the importance of the foundation ’ s habitat conservation work to protect native flora and fauna — including the infamous Laguna Lion ( M317 ) that was spotted on local streets in May . ( lagunacanyon . org ) — Sharon Stello
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ROMANCE OF THE MISSION Acclaimed singers Vonzell Solomon and Terron Brooks presented a live concert in the Ruins of the Great Stone Church , among the highlights of the Romance of the Mission gala on Sept . 15 at Mission San Juan Capistrano with a “ Love Endures ” theme . The duo wowed the crowd with their moving rendition of “ Shallow ,” followed by Solomon ’ s solo of “ I Will Always Love You ” and , in the event ’ s tradition , a performance of “ When the Swallows Come Back to Capistrano .” Additionally , the gala — which was attended by 400 supporters ( including many Laguna Beach residents ) and raised $ 772,000 for the historic mission ’ s care and preservation — featured a ringing of the bells and a four-course dinner set in the garden courtyard . Also during the event , San Juan Capistrano residents Joan and Bill Cvengros were recognized for their longtime commitment to the mission . And donor Jon Cobain announced a $ 25,000 matching pledge for a special Adopt-A-Class Scholarship Program . Among the opportunity drawing items were dazzling diamond-and-ruby earrings worth more than $ 15,000 , donated by Newport Beachbased Lugano Diamonds . ( missionsjc . com ) — S . S .
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