Community / Galas & Events
UPFRONT PLACES | PERSPECTIVES | HAPPENINGS
NIGHT UNDER THE STARS Local youth are at the forefront of donors ’ minds at every Boys & Girls Club of Laguna Beach fundraiser , including the annual Night Under the Stars gala , which was held at the Lake Forest Community Center on Oct . 14 . The event focused on raising funds for the Saddleback Valley region , where the Laguna-based chapter offers five different programs ( with a sixth launching soon ) featuring on-campus afternoon enrichment . During the event , around 150 guests were treated to drinks from Bianchi Winery , Brewery X and more before enjoying a barbecue dinner as well as live and silent auctions . Kelsey Laroche — a board member and former staff member who attended the club and once was named Youth of the Year — played host for the evening while Terry Anderson and Dave Carter , both board members , were speakers during the gala . Dessert was provided as well before the event concluded with a night of dancing . In all , the event garnered $ 36,000 to benefit the club ’ s programming . ( bgclagunabeach . org ) — Ashley Ryan
1 . Phyllis Phillips , Kelsey Laroche 2 . Terry Anderson speaking 3 . Dinner from Peartree Meats BBQ 4 . Terry Anderson , Kelsey Laroche
CRYSTAL COVE CONSERVANCY SOIREE The sun setting below the Pacific Ocean , painting the bluffs above Crystal Cove golden before darkness falls , is a sight to behold — and those lucky enough to attend the 21st annual Crystal Cove Conservancy Soiree on Oct . 7 witnessed just that . Held at the state park ’ s Pelican Point , more than 250 guests were in attendance , raising a record $ 710,000 to support STEM education programs for local students . A sunset cocktail reception was followed by an alfresco dinner with a live auction as well as remarks from Armando Quintero , director of the California Department of Parks and Recreation , and Shari Battle , a senior vice president of Bank of America . Kate Wheeler , the conservancy ’ s CEO , also announced that the North Beach Cottage Restoration Project has now been fully funded ; eight of the North Beach cottages are available to rent and the other nine restorations are getting underway . Before the night ended , a fun-filled after-party showcased music by electric violinist Amy Serrano , followed by DJ Marco , who played tunes while guests danced under the stars . ( crystalcove . org ) — A . R .
1 . Crystal Cove Conservancy board members 2 . Sarah Kruer , Gerard Widder , Steve Grosslight , Deanna Jones , Cynthia Shafer 3 . Armando Quintero , Magnus Egerstedt , Danielle Hanson 4 . Kate Wheeler 5 . Armando Quintero 6 . Tom and Nancy Caruso , Shari Battle , Teddie Ray 7 . Amy Serrano
TOP SECTION : COURTESY OF BOYS & GIRLS CLUB OF LAGUNA BEACH ; BOTTOM SECTION : COURTESY OF CRYSTAL COVE CONSERVANCY
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