More than 200 guests supported the San Diego Symphony’s community engagement programs during the Symphony Notables’ Wine & Wears event at the Westgate Hotel. Partygoers enjoyed food from Buona Forchetta, Cowboy Star, and the Westgate’s own Chef Fabrice Hardel, plus signature cocktails, wine, live music, and a few words from Symphony CEO Martha Gilmer. Abundant auction items, ranging from wine and trips to spa experiences and coveted accessories like a Chanel handbag and Tiffany necklace, helped the Notables raise $70,000 for the Symphony’s community programs.
San Diego Symphony Raises $70,000 for Learning and Community Engagement
Bronwyn Jarvis, President of St. Germaine Children’s Charity, and Stefanie Bedingfield, incoming President | Photo: Sergio M. Fernandez
St. Germaine Children’s Charity, a local organization that raises critical funds for at-risk and abused children in San Diego, held its annual June Luncheon at the La Jolla Country Club. Members and friends gathered to present the Charity’s grant recipients with awards and to install the new officers. The guest speaker was a woman whose life was turned around with the help of Center for Community Solutions. Grant recipients included Angel’s Foster Family Network, Armed Services YMCA, Center for Community Solutions, Children’s Legal Services, Casa de Amparo, Monarch School, SAY San Diego, South Bay Community Services, Voices for Children, and San Diego Center for Children.
Sharp Mary Birch Hospital for Women & Newborns held its annual Women’s Luncheon at Hyatt Regency La Jolla at Aventine. The event included a champagne reception, shopping with local boutiques, and inspiring stories from doctors, patients, and caregivers—attendees learned that Sharp Mary Birch delivered the world’s smallest surviving baby! There was also a live auction with Clint Bell, and a humorous but moving speech from honorary committee chair Tina Mickelson-Topacio, whose son was born at Sharp. Proceeds benefited the Sharp Mary Birch Neonatal Research Institute and Nemeth NICU Follow-Up Clinic.
The Center for Community Solutions hosted its 50th Anniversary Gala on the USS Midway. Guests enjoyed bites served by Chef Bernard Guillas, Chef Isabel Cruz, and others. Geena Davis, Academy Award winner and founder of the non-profit Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media was the keynote speaker. CCS is dedicated to ending relationship and sexual violence through prevention programs and supportive services in San Diego County.
Read about more upcoming charitable events in The SoCal.
San Diego Symphony Raises $70,000 for Learning and Community Engagement
Symphony Notables co-chairs Shawna Fallon and Carrie Vilaplana with Wine & Wears co-chairs Dennise Pentecostes and Erin Meanley Glenny | Photo: Kambria Fischer Photography
