Sampling for Good at Taste for Charity
The Laguna Board of Realtors and affiliates will be holding their 18th annual A Taste for Charity benefit and set a $100,000 goal in order to double last year’s support to Laguna Beach organizations.
This year’s event features California Coastal Auctions auctioneer Zack Krone.
The $40 admission ticket includes the opportunity to enjoy live demonstrations by artist John Eagle and ceramicist Renee Vanelli, samples from a dozen local restaurants, and an auction of 75 original pieces donated by local artists.
Tickets: 949-497-2474.
Symphony Hosts Chinese-Themed Gala
Pacific Symphony invites guests to revel in “An Evening in China”, its gala Saturday, May 11, beginning at 5:30 p.m. at the St. Regis Monarch Beach in Dana Point.
The celebration begins with a cocktail reception and multi-course dinner and climaxes with a live auction, followed by music by the dance band, J.T. and California Dreamin’. The evening culminates in a fireworks display.
The gala raised $1.3 million for the Pacific Symphony last year.
The attire is black tie or traditional Chinese. Valet is hosted. Tables are $15,000 to $100,000. Individual seats are $1,000. For more call 714-876-2364 or contact events@pacifica symphony.
Broadway Opens its Doors for Sight
Chef Amar Santana and his partners Ahmed Labbate and Rich Cadarette opened their Laguna Beach restaurant, Broadway by Amar Santana, to host a fundraising event to benefit Blind Children’s Learning Center last month.
Center board member Lisa Morrow and Cooking With Vision, a support group dedicated to raising funds for the center, organized the event.
“Since 1994 our members have recruited renowned Orange County chefs to donate their time, resources and talent to conduct cooking demonstrations. Over the years we’ve raised more than $125,000 in support of the center’s focus to provide specialized education for children with visual impairments,” said Claire Burt, Cooking With Vision founder.
Spring Fling Blooms in Garden
Scores flocked to the well-attended Spring Fling and fundraiser at the South Laguna Community Garden last Saturday.
The event was organized by Morrie and Barbara Granger, Wens-day Garcia, Sharon McNair as well as Tom and Gayle Joliet.
Musical performers included Tony Bisson, John Doyle, Joe Neumeyer, Ryan and Jessica Haddy.
Participants were treated to special features supplied by supporters: Corky Peterson, gourmet cooking demonstrations; Jeff and Victoria Hawlish, sno-cones and cotton candy; Ann Henry, bake sale; Carly Andrews, Jean Billyou and Sam at Mindful Octopus, children’s activities.
Glennwood Supporters Find a Reason to Celebrate
Despite cloudy weather, it was a brilliant day for a Cinco de Mayo celebration, which raised more than $14,000 for Glennwood House of Laguna Beach.
Some 80 people attended the poolside event with Spanish guitar musicians performing for the festive crowd.
Proceeds go towards reconstruction of Glennwood House, which will be home to 50 young adults with developmental disabilities and is expected to be complete by June.
Several prospective Glennwood residents were at the event, and talked about how excited they are to move in this summer.
Komen Hosts Pink Tie Event
The seventh annual Komen Pink Tie Ball is Saturday, May 11, at Lake Mission Viejo.
Of all, 75 percent of funds raised will support breast cancer awareness and education programs and the remainder go towards breast cancer research.
Tickets are $350. For more information, call 714-957-9157 or visit www.komenoc.org.
Youth Programs Receive Support
The Festival of Arts Foundation issued grants of $5,000 and $6,000 respectively to support education programs by the Laguna Art Museum and Laguna Playhouse.
Bluff Top Party Heats Up Anti-Hunger Effort
On June 2, Montage Laguna Beach will host Share Our Strength’s “Taste of the Nation,” a benefits striving to eliminate childhood hunger.
The benefit features top chefs and mixologists, who donate their time, talent and passion to the cause while sharing their passion and skills in preparing fresh farm-to-table delicacies. Attendees will enjoy an afternoon of delectable dishes, wine, signature cocktails, live music, and picturesque panoramic views.
Guests may participate in the Celebrity Chef Tasting from 4 to 7 p.m. for $150 per person or $175 at the door; or the VIP Meet the Chefs reception from 4 to 9 p.m. and enjoy a sunset toast and after party to mingle with the chefs, valet parking and post-event gifts. Tickets purchased in advance are $250 per person and $275 at the door.
Proceeds increase access to nutrition programs and go towards community organizations fighting hunger.
Tickets: tasteofthenation.org or call 877-268-2783.
