BOYS & GIRLS CLUB OF LAGUNA BEACH’S 14TH ANNUAL ART OF GIVING GALA
Guests were transported back to the 1920s era at the Boys & Girls Club of Laguna Beach’s 14th Annual Art of Giving Gala, aptly titled Puttin’ on the Glitz, which was held at Montage Laguna Beach May 10. Donned in flapper and “Gatsby”-esque attire, the more than 300 guests helped to raise over $500,000 for the nonprofit’s most important fundraising event, which helps to support the organization’s new programs and much-needed supplies and materials. To kick off the event, attendees gathered on the lawn outside the resort, where they sipped on Manhattans and French 75 cocktails, as well as spoke with children from the Boys & Girls Club of Laguna Beach who promoted silent auction items, including art supplies, field trip sponsorships and donations toward renovations to the club’s buildings, which altogether garnered more than $70,000 for the club. Afterward, guests were led into the ballroom, where they dined on a gourmet three-course meal and were entertained by live jazz musicians and the flapper dancing group Bling Divas, in addition to a live auction that featured sought-after packages such as an exclusive dinner prepared by Montage Laguna Beach chefs. All in all, it was a crucial event that will surely support the club’s effort to build successful, healthy and happy children. —A.T.
MY HERO PROJECT’S 7TH ANNUAL LAGUNA HERO FEST
On the evening of March 13 at the 7th Annual Laguna Hero Fest, Laguna Beach paid homage to its very own group of heroes: a valiant bunch of women that would give Marvel Comics’ Avengers a run for their money. Joining together at seven-degrees, the group of accomplished individuals—each of whom has contributed to the community in some way—were joined by friends, family and admirers for an inspiring evening. Organized by the My Hero Project, a nonprofit organization dedicated to sharing the inspirational stories of real-life heroes, this year’s event was tailored to recognize women muses, artists and activists. Among those honored at the event were Laguna Canyon Foundation Executive Director Mary Fegraus; marine biologist Nancy Caruso; Laguna Outreach for Community Arts founder Mada Leach; artist Robin Altman; musical genius Beth Fitchet Wood; and Laguna Dance Festival founder Jodie Gates. The moving stories of these real-life heroes made for an incredible evening for everyone, young and old. —B.B.
PACIFIC MARINE MAMMAL CENTER’S 5TH ANNUAL MARTINI MADNESS
Martinis and sea mammals—what’s a better combination than that? More than 180 guests sipped on handmade raspberry cosmopolitans and lemon drop martinis, as well as dined on appetizers, at the 5th Annual Martini Madness benefit, which was hosted by Jon Madison of Madison Square & Garden Cafe and in support of the Pacific Marine Mammal Center (PMMC). It was a momentous occasion, as the May 18 event raised over $11,375—the highest grossing amount in history for the fundraiser. In fact, 100 percent of the funds will go toward the more than 100 seal and sea lion patients currently at the center and in need of medical attention. In addition to mixing and mingling, attendees tried their luck at winning a one-year lease on a 2014 Kia Optima hybrid, this year’s raffle prize, which will be presented to the winner at PMMC’s annual Marine Mammal Cabaret Gala on Sept. 28. —A.T.
