As the sun set on Saturday, Sept. 26, more than 400 guests gathered on a bluff overlooking Crystal Cove to celebrate the Crystal Cove Alliance’s 13th annual Moonlight Gala, presented by The Resort at Pelican Hill.
After an al fresco cocktail hour with hors d’oeuvres provided by Fig and Olive, and a silent auction, the moon rose as guests made their way into a decorated tent to enjoy a three-course meal prepared by Pelican Hill, followed by a live auction and a multi-media program highlighting CCA’s successes throughout the year and a sneak peek into future initiatives.
Grammy Award-winner David Foster’s newest protégé, jazz singer Brenna Whitaker, provided the evening’s entertainment.
“Preserving Crystal Cove’s natural beauty and storied history is a gift to
future generations of locals and visitors alike,” said Giuseppe Lama, managing director of Pelican Hill. “As a neighbor of Crystal Cove, The Resort at Pelican Hill is committed to supporting land stewardship for this exquisite stretch of pristine sand and sparkling water along our Newport Coast. The Resort is pleased to contribute the talent of our culinary professionals and many others to the annual Crystal Cove Alliance Moonlight Gala.”
Highlights of the live auction included a private cruise along Crystal Cove’s Marine Protected Area with CCA’s founder and education team aboard a 58-foot yacht with hors d’oeuvres and wine; a three-course paella dinner for 20 at Crystal Cove’s Film and Media Center, Spanish wines and VIP seating for a screening of a classic Hollywood film; and a weekend getaway “glamping” at El Moro Campground in Crystal Cove State Park in a classic 28’ Airstream trailer, and catered dinner for 20.
Photo Credit: Paul F. Gero Photography
“This event is so popular with the community and vitally important to our sustainability. We are very pleased that the 13th annual gala was so successful and that our guest list included both longstanding supporters and new friends eager to help us accomplish new initiatives,” said Laura Davick, CCA founder and Director of External Affairs.
The sold-out event raised more than $300,000 in support of the nonprofit’s commitment to protect and preserve the cultural, natural and historic resources of Crystal Cove State Park. Event proceeds were generated through sponsorships, underwriters, ticket sales, general donations, silent and live auctions, plus a fund-a-need program dedicated to raising funds for scholarships for K-12 students to participate in CCA’s new field science initiative.
Crystal Cove Alliance is the official nonprofit partner of Crystal Cove State Park, and is dedicated to preserving the cultural, natural and historic resources of Crystal Cove. The partnership has led to the renovation of 29 historic beachfront cottages now open for overnight stays, as well as historic education programs designed for the public. For more information about Crystal Cove Alliance, visit crystalcovealliance.org or call Laura Davick at (949) 887-0062.
