More than 300 Laguna Beach and Orange County residents descended upon the Aliso Creek Inn and Golf Course Resort Sept. 29 for the annual Marine Mammal Cabaret gala, which raised a record-breaking $166,000 and netted $150,000 for the Pacific Marine Mammal Center (PMMC), which rescues and rehabilitates marine mammals on California’s coastline. The event began inside the clubhouse with a cocktail hour and silent auction of items including artworks by local artists such as Tom Swimm and Kathy Jones. Afterward, guests headed to the fairway of the golf course, where an elegant three-course dinner was served under the night sky and among the serene ambience of the canyons. A live singer and pianist entertained guests between presentations and the live auction. PMMC also awarded its annual Philanthropist of the Year award to this year’s recipients, the Slavik Family Foundation. More importantly, funds raised from the event will go toward supporting PMMC’s animal care and education operations. —A.T.
