Twisted Orbit Entertainment dancers.
Photo Credit: Karli Cadel Photography
Cygnet Theatre 2022 Gala
US Grant Hotel, April 30
Cygnet Theatre channeled the “City of Light” at its 2022 gala. The Paris by Night-themed event, which raised more than $275,000, included entertainment from a roving violinist, mime, and can-can dancers. Cygnet officials unveiled the 2022-2023 season lineup and the evening ended with a showstopping performance of “The Best of Times” from Cygnet’s hit La Cage Aux Folles.
Event host, Anise Ritchie; Artistic Director Sean Murray & Executive Director Bill Schmidt; Barry Tobias, Christine Tobias, Alex Tobias, Alanna Chatfield-Tobias.
Photo Credit: Karli Cadel Photography
Mingei Board Chairman, Maureen King and Mingei Deputy Director and Chief Advancement Officer, Jessica York.
Simply Mingei Gala
Mingei International Museum, May 7
More than 200 guests celebrated the recent transformation of the Mingei International Museum in Balboa Park at its Simply Mingei Gala. Outgoing Executive Director Rob Sidner was honored, and it was announced that recent donations would be used to name a classroom in the education center after him. Jessica Hanson York was selected as the Mingei’s next director.
Mingei Executive Director, Rob Sidner with Councilmember Stephen Whitburn; Mingei Trustee Gail Schneider, Mingei Director of Exhibitions and Chief Curator, Emily Hanna and Mingei Creative Director Patricia Cué.
Executive Director of the American Civil Liberties Union Anthony D. Romero, Feeding San Diego Founder and Board Chair Gwendolyn Sontheim, Katie Chen, Feeding San Diego Board Member Eugene Chen.
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Feeding San Diego 15th Anniversary Party
Feeding San Diego Headquarters, May 15
Feeding San Diego celebrated 15 years and 300 million meals distributed with a fête at its Sorrento Valley homebase. Founder Gwendolyn Sontheim was presented with the inaugural Starfish Award to recognize her longtime commitment to making a difference. The around 100 guests were treated to wagyu tartare and a signature cocktail from Marisi and got to tour the food rescue facility
Gala Co-Chairs Shari Schenk, Jean Gaylis, Cindy Bloch, Mary Epsten, Jane Ottenstein.
Hosts and homeowners where gala took place Cindy and Larry Bloch.
Seacrest Foundation Women’s Auxiliary Reunion Gala
Private Home, June 12
The Seacrest Foundation’s Women’s Auxiliary 44th annual gala marked the organization’s first in-person supporter gathering in over two years. The foundation is committed to advancing senior care in the Jewish tradition and raises money to subsidize care for seniors in need. More than 230 guests attended the Reunion Gala and received a custom wine glass etched on site.
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Photo Credit: Lauren Radack Photography
Center for Community Solutions Tea & Tonic
The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park, June 17
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Photo Credit: Lauren Radack Photography
Center for Community Solutions’ 23rd annual Tea & Tonic luncheon raised more than $510,000 to provide critical support for survivors of relationship and sexual violence. About 600 guests were on hand as special guest, Olympic gymnast and advocate Aly Raisman, spoke. Attendees also celebrated CEO Verna “Vee” Griffin-Tabor, who will step down in February after 25 years.
Left: Carolyn Klarer, Christine Antoine, Jessica Pride, Nancy Maldonado, Dr. Jocelynn Vida; Right: Judy Howell, Chrissy Cmorik, Andrea Chavez, Amanda Chavez, Sharina Carbajal.
Photo Credit: Lauren Radack Photography
Jeane Kim, Karen Fox, Margaret Jackson, Celia Henely.
ICA Greener Gala
The Institute of Contemporary Art, North Campus, June 25
The Institute of Contemporary Art showcased eco-friendly fun at its second annual Greener Gala. Guests were asked to don pre-owned formalwear in occasion-appropriate Earth tones and were treated to a plant-based dinner, live music, and dancing under the stars. The gala raised money for ICA’s residencies, artists, outreach, and its Everyday Equity Admission program.
From Top Left: Pete Garcia, Beth Callender, Andrew Utt; Gaela Fernandez Florin, Esther and Carlos Michan; Ingrid and Peter Westake; Brendan Vaughn, Zane Dahl.
Dylan Barbour and Darius Allensworth.
Dinner on the Diamond presented by Sycuan Casino Resort
Petco Park, July 6
The San Diego Padres, in conjunction with the Padres Foundation, welcomed approximately 570 guests this past July, who dined on the Petco Park playing field for the club’s inaugural Dinner on the Diamond presented by Sycuan Casino Resort. Padres players, coaches, alumni, and ownership dined on the playing field and cocktail hour found guests serenaded by a special performance by Grammy Award winning artist, Miguel. Charities directly benefitting from the event and its live auction include Make A Wish San Diego, Miracle League, and USO San Diego.
Manny and Yainee Machado.
Suzanna Gabsch, Jason Gabsch, Orrin Gabsch, Tracy Leigh Frederick and Gaston Molina, Jr. MD.
Scripps Spinoff
Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla, July 21
Scripps’ 29th annual Spinoff gala raised $800,000 for Scripps MD Anderson Cancer Center. The Tavern on the Green-themed evening featured a three-course dinner, live entertainment, and silent and live auctions. The funds raised will go toward keeping Scripps on the leading edge of the rapidly advancing cancer care field.
Patra Glavin, Sharon Dunn and Suzanne and Brad Livingston; Gauree Konijeti, MD.
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Photo Credit: Michael Spengler Photography
Las Patronas Jewel Ball
La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club, August 20
The La Jolla Beach and Tennis Club was transformed into an island oasis for Las Patronas’ 76th annual Jewel Ball. The over-the-top South Seas celebration was the culmination of the nonprofit’s year-long fundraising efforts. Proceeds from Jewel Ball will be split between numerous nonprofits in Las Patronas’ upcoming grant cycles.
Megan Cox, Tina Boyton, Irene McCann, Joleen Guckian & Melanie Aalbers.
Photo Credit: Michael Spengler Photography
Dagmar Smek, The Gala Co-Chair, The David C. Copley Director and CEO Kathryn Kanjo, Marcos Ramírez ERRE, The Gala Co-Chair.
The Gala @MCASD
The Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego, September 10
The Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego hosted a reimagined fundraising benefit at its newly expanded La Jolla campus. Guests were among the first to view the museum’s special exhibition, a retrospective of iconic California artist Alexis Smith. A Hollywood-themed afterparty with unique activations, live music, and specialty cocktails inspired by the exhibition followed.
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San Diego Symphony Opening Night Gala
The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park, October 1
The San Diego Symphony celebrated the opening of its 2022-2023 Jacobs Masterworks Season with a performance of Verdi’s Requiem led by Music Director Rafael Payare. Guests were also treated to a five-course dinner curated by celebrity Chef Richard Blais and a cocktail reception. The opening night gala raised $600,000 to fund future artistic programs and community engagement initiatives.
Rockette and Robbi Ewell; Irwin and Joan Jacobs.
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Bob Brasher, Shari Brasher, Brandy Schwab, Michelle Pius, Tom Dorosewicz, Celene Nigro, Zakk Nigro, Mark Nigro.
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Bianca Kasawdish and Madisen Steele.
Fresh Start Surgical Gifts Butterfly Ball
Hard Rock Hotel San Diego, October 1
Cowboy boots and 10-gallon hats were on full display at Fresh Start Surgical Gifts’ Wild West-themed 31st annual Butterfly Ball. The event raised a record-breaking $320,000 that will help fund plastic and reconstructive surgeries for children from around the country at no cost to the families. Fresh Start has transformed the lives of 8,600 children since its inception in 1991.
Maeve Schulz and Andrew Hertel with their dogs Morrigan, Oscar Wilde and Sligo.
San Diego Humane Society Fur Ball
San Diego Humane Society, October 1
Dressed-up dogs and a turtle with a top hat were among guests at San Diego Humane Society’s 36th annual Fur Ball. The 640 guests (and their 200 dogs) brought in $1.15 million to help San Diego Humane give animals a second chance. The glamourous evening featured a cocktail reception, a vegetarian meal prepared by Chef Jeffrey Strauss of Pamplemousse Grill, and an after-party with music by Haute Chile.
Douglas and Michelle Christansen; Irma Gonzalez and Bob Brewer.
