Guests at the 20th annual Crystal Cove Conservancy Soiree
Crystal Cove Conservancy Board of Directors
Armando Quintero Lounge area at the venue
Kate Wheeler
CRYSTAL COVE CONSERVANCY SOIREE
Raising a record $ 618,000 for educational programs at Crystal Cove State Park , the 20th annual Crystal Cove Conservancy Soiree took place Oct . 8 on the blufftop overlooking the water . More than 200 supporters attended the event , which began with a sunset cocktail reception and continued with an alfresco dinner and dancing . The soiree included a presentation by Conservancy President and CEO Kate Wheeler , who spoke about the organization ’ s impact on students , its habitat restoration work and conservation research . And California State Parks Director Armando Quintero addressed the importance of making state parks accessible for everyone . A live auction helped raise funds for hands-on science , technology , engineering and math programs and to reach additional schools . Auction items included cottage stays at Crystal Cove and more . A fund-a-need segment raised money for the STEM programs ’ student scholarships . ( crystalcove . org ) — S . S .
Fernanda Brady , Sandra Morgan , Alissa Sagud Cinda Churm , Brenda Springer
Madison Clanton , Ben Hoy Tess Breen , Amber Lindauer
PRICELESS LUNCHEON
The Global Center for Women and Justice , based at Vanguard University in Costa Mesa , raised $ 148,940 at its ninth annual Priceless Luncheon on Sept . 17 at Balboa Bay Resort to help the organization continue its fight against human trafficking . The luncheon event featured both information about efforts to end exploitation as well as inspiration including a performance by the Voices of Hope children ’ s choir , a solo by vocalist Keslyn Logan , a multicourse lunch and both silent and live auctions . The approximately 150 attendees also heard a keynote speech by Harmony Grillo , founder and executive director of Treasures , a survivor-led outreach and support group for women in the commercial sex industry and victims of exploitation and trafficking . Grillo , a survivor of commercial sexual exploitation herself , spoke about the harm that could result from the movement to legalize prostitution . Grillo was honored with the second annual Diamond Award for Strength and Dignity ; Stephan Lambert , prevention coordinator at the OC Department of Education , received the Outstanding Individual award ; and Project Kinship , which provides services and training for those impacted by gangs , violence and incarceration , was presented with the Outstanding Nonprofit award . ( gcwj . org ) — S . S . NBM
TOP SECTION : J . CHRISTOPHER LAUNI ; BOTTOM SECTION : ANN CHATILLON PHOTOGRAPHY
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