Crystal Cove Alliance Pays Homage to Carefree Beach Vacations As 2013 Gala Raises Nearly $300,000

NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. - Oct. 9, 2013 - PRLog -- With more than just a hint of nostalgia in the air, Crystal Cove Alliance’s (CCA) 11^th annual gala “Wish You Were Here!” transported attendees back – to a simpler time.  Today, CCA looks forward – to its ongoing focus on restoration, education and conservation, proudly announcing the event took in $285,000 to support the mission.

The sold-out Sept. 28 affair on the bluff top overlooking spectacular Crystal Cove featured more than 420 guests fondly reminiscing amid a vintage theme, while celebrating the cove’s many fascinating attributes and the organization dedicated to its sustainability.  For the fourth consecutive year, The Resort at Pelican Hill presented the event as title sponsor.

“The 2013 gala was an incredible success, providing guests the opportunity to embrace what we work so hard to protect,” said Laura Davick, CCA founder and Director of External Affairs.  “We’re extremely grateful to those who have generously contributed to the preservation and protection of Crystal Cove, and while we’ve come so far in our efforts, there is still so much to be done.”

Attendees enjoyed cocktails and hors d’oeuvres as they mingled and bid on silent auction items. The dining was a lively celebration that featured a four-course gourmet meal prepared by the Executive Chef of The Resort at Pelican Hill, in conjunction with Montage Laguna Beach and The Beachcomber Café. Following dinner, guests danced the night away to music by Wayne Foster Entertainment.

“CCA now will be able to extend its education and conservation programs to the south end of the park at Moro Canyon.  We look forward to seeing students and park visitors enjoying Moro Canyon in a new and impactful way,” said Michael Berns, who, along with his wife, Tricia, were honored this year for generously donating $1 million toward the Berns Environmental Study Loop.

With the addition of the Berns Environmental Study Loop, Crystal Cove’s activities provide a well-rounded experience for visitors of all ages, and inspiration for this year’s theme “Wish You Were Here!” Gala proceeds, which traditionally account for almost half of CCA’s expenditures, were generated through sponsorships, underwriting, ticket sales, general donations, silent and live auctions and a fund-a-need program. The fund-a-need program focused on raising funds for new programs and equipment at the Berns Environmental Study Loop.

A new video, Crystal Cove Alliance: In Three Words, was previewed during the gala, complete with iconic views of Crystal Cove and guest comments from Peter Ueberroth, Major General Anthony Jackson, Director of California State Parks and local CCA “fans.” Watch the video at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c3ktYSEIm7Q



Gala sponsors include: The Resort at Pelican Hill, Anonymous, The Beachcomber Café, HKA, Inc. Marketing Communications, Tourbillon Boutique and Omega, Montage Laguna Beach, Bluestar Yacht Charter/Passage West2, Anonymous, Dan & Louise Brigham, Eva & Doug Le Bon, Rick & Wendy Aversano, Wayne Foster Entertainment, First Foundation Bank, Firebrand Media, Crystal Cove Beach Cottages, Dac & Donnna Clark, Susan Tate, Roger’s Gardens, Fostering Executive Leadership/Dr. Tammy Wong, Joan Irvine Smith & Athalie R Clarke Foundation, McKenna Auto Group, Mara & Keith Murray, Kristalle - Wayne & Dona Leicht, Shelley Thunen, UCI Vice Chancellor for Research John C. Hemminger, UCI Provost Howard Gillman, Sharlene Baker, Fred & Wendy Salter, Teddie Ray, Jay Bauer & Jennifer Steele, Tredway Lumsdaine & Doyle, Jack & Kingsley Croul, The Cummings Family, South Coast Plaza, Fuscoe Engineering Inc., Gareth & Diana Evans, George & Bob Fund, Jeffrey & Deborah King, MacGillivray Freeman Films – One World One Ocean, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, 4Leaf, UCI School of Biological Sciences, and Jackson Lewis, LLP.

About Crystal Cove Alliance

Crystal Cove Alliance (CCA), the official nonprofit partner of Crystal Cove State Park, is dedicated to preserving the cultural, natural and historic resources of Crystal Cove. Founded in 1999 by Laura Davick to stop a planned luxury resort from overtaking the area, CCA rescued the historic site and initiated one of the most successful public-private partnership models in the history of the California State Park system.

Today, CCA has expanded its focus to include all 3.2 miles of pristine coastline, more than 3,700 acres of backcountry habitat and 1,100 acres offshore in the Underwater Park. CCA has turned Crystal Cove into a laboratory for developing innovative educational programs and experiences that promote science and environmental literacy to more than 1.5 million visitors and students each year.  CCA’s conservation work insures access by a range of recreational enthusiasts while maintaining protection of critical habitat and protecting endangered and threatened species.

The partnership between Crystal Cove State Park and the Crystal Cove Alliance 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. CCA is proud of the park receiving the prestigious 2007 Governor’s Award for Historic Preservation. A leader in fundraising, restoration, education and concession services, CCA is devoted to creating a sustainable future for Crystal Cove. Seventeen historic cottages remain to be restored.

For more information, please visit http://crystalcovebeachcottages.org or call Laura Davick at (949)887-0062.