Sunset Gala Raises More Than $300,000 for Crystal Cove Alliance

NEWPORT COAST, Calif. - Sept. 29, 2014 - PRLog -- A spectacular sunset painted the sky as Crystal Cove Alliance (CCA) (http://crystalcovebeachcottages.org/home/) supporters gathered on the bluff overlooking Crystal Cove at the 12^th annual gala, sponsored by The Resort at Pelican Hill, on Saturday, Sept. 27. Nearly 400 attended the sold-out event which raised more than $300,000 to support the organization’s mission of restoration, education and conservation of Crystal Cove State Park’s cultural, natural and historic resources.

Originally scheduled to go “Back to the Beach” – the event’s theme – the annual soiree was redirected to the adjacent bluff-top due to the high tides and rough waters from the previous month that eroded the sandy beach. Fortunately, the alternate location did not dampen any spirits, as guests happily wined, dined and danced the night away in support of CCA’s mission.

The evening began with an al fresco cocktail hour, with hors d’oeuvres provided by Montage Laguna Beach, and a silent auction filled with an array of sought-after items. Next was a gourmet three-course meal provided by Resort at Pelican Hill Executive Chef Jean-Pierre Dubray, with a live auction, a summary of CCA’s key accomplishments over the past year and a glimpse into the future, and music by The Beach Toys, a popular Beach Boys tribute band that tempted guests to let loose on the dance floor with vintage moves like the swim and the surfer stomp.

“We are thrilled to have sold out our event so quickly this year, with both loyal and new Crystal Cove Alliance supporters and we feel so fortunate to have The Resort at Pelican Hill return as our title sponsor for the fifth year in a row,” said Laura Davick, CCA founder and Director of External Affairs. “This event serves as our largest fundraiser for the year – providing us with operating funds necessary to continue our mission. We’ve come so far since our inception 15 years ago, but there is still so much work to be done to preserve and enhance our beloved park.”

The live auction featured hotly contested prizes such as a two-night stay in a villa at Pelican Hill Resort, an exquisite lady’s Omega timepiece, a trip to Catalina onboard the 100-foot luxury yacht Passage West 2, and four nights in the spectacular Montage Kapalua Bay hotel on Maui. The evening’s most popular item was an opportunity drawing for a three-night stay in the beautifully restored “South Beach Suite,” won by Mary Murphy, a resident of Houston, Texas.

Gala proceeds were generated through sponsorships, underwriting, ticket sales, general donations, silent and live auctions, and a fund-a-need program. Funds benefit a series of education programs for students and adults, including SNAP! Science and Nature at the Park, Citizen Science Conservation projects and Arts in the Park – in addition to the on-going protection and preservation of Crystal Cove for future generations. This year’s fund-a-need program raises funds for a new scholarship program which provides underserved youth an opportunity to participate in CCA’s various educational programs.

Gala sponsors include: The Resort at Pelican Hill, Tourbillon and OMEGA, Anonymous, HKA, Inc. Marketing Communications, Eva & Doug Le Bon, Blue Star Yacht Charter – Passage West2, Mr. & Mrs. Daniel M. Brigham Jr., Montage Laguna Beach, Wendy & Rick Aversano, Firebrand Media LLC, First Foundation Bank, Mara & Keith Murray, McKenna Auto Group – Porsche, Audi, BMW, Wendy & Fred Salter, Shelly B. Thunen, Bank of the West Wealth Management, Tricia & Michael Berns, Fostering Executive Leadership, Dr. Tammy Wong, Gail Meredith & Dean Garrison, IMPAC Mortgage, Opus Community Foundation, Natasha Palmaer, Teddie Ray, Roger’s Gardens, Joan Irvine Smith & Athalie R. Clark Foundation, 4LEAF, Inc., Sharlene Baker, Capital Group, Kingsley & Jack Croul, Diana & Gareth Evans, Fuscoe Engineering Inc., Deborah & Jeffrey King, Jay Bauer & Jennifer Steele, Susan Tate, Tredway, Lumsdaine & Doyle LLP, University of California, Irvine, and Visit Newport Beach.

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 and is California’s newest Historical Landmark. 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/home or call Laura Davick at (949) 887-0062. Find CCA on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/pages/Crystal-Cove-Alliance/1721...) and Twitter (https://twitter.com/CCACrystalCove).