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

    NEWPORT BEACH, CA, October 01, 2015 /24-7PressRelease/ -- More than 400 guests gathered on the bluff overlooking Crystal Cove as a magnificent sunset gave way to a brilliant full moon at the Crystal Cove Alliance (CCA) 13th annual "Moonlight Gala" presented by The Resort at Pelican Hill on Saturday, Sept. 26. 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.

The night unfolded with an al fresco cocktail hour with hors d'oeuvres provided by Fig and Olive and a silent auction filled with highly desirable items. Guests then enjoyed a delectable three-course meal prepared by The Resort at 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 protege, jazz singer Brenna Whitaker, provided the evening's entertainment as her soulful voice carried through the night.

"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."

Guests were thrilled with the incredible lineup of live auction packages. Highlights included:

• A private cruise along Crystal Cove's Marine Protected Area with CCA's founder and nationally-recognized education team on 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
• A weekend getaway "glamping" at El Moro Campground in Crystal Cove State Park in a classic 28' Airstream trailer, and catered dinner for 20

Also attracting attention throughout the evening was the opportunity drawing for a three-night stay in the coveted Crystal Cove Cottage #14, a spacious, two-story beachfront cottage most recently renovated and ultimately won by Laura Tarbox from Laguna Beach.

"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. "This coming year is going to be tremendously important to our organization and to all who benefit from the work we do."

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. The new program promotes STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) and environmental literacy by immersing students into the science of managing parks and open spaces. This year's goal is to reach 5,000 students from all over Southern California.

Gala sponsors included: The Resort at Pelican Hill (Title Sponsor), Passage West2, HKA Inc. Marketing Communications, Eva and Doug Le Bon, Mrs. Daniel Brigham Jr., Fig & Olive, Wendy and Rick Aversano, Laura Davick, The Arnold and Mabel Beckman Foundation, Firebrand Media LLC, The Hexberg Family Foundation, Mark Pomerantz, McKenna European Auto Group, Sonia and Victor Nichols, Wendy and Fred Salter, Nancy and Arn Youngman, University of California, Irvine, Sharlene Baker, Jay Bauer and Jennifer Steele, Christine Carr, Tricia and Michael Berns, Capital Group, Corbin Reeves Construction, Crystal Cove Beach Cottages, First Foundation, Fuscoe Engineering, The Valley and Grody Families, Gail Meredith and Dean Garrison, IMPAC Mortgage Holdings, Inc., Joan Irvine Smith and Athalie R. Clarke Foundation, My World Media, The New Home Company, Natasha and Todd Palmaer, Opus Community Foundation, Michael Ray, Teddie Ray, Roger's Gardens, and Susan Tate. Underwriters included: Lori and Harley Bassman, Paula and Jeff Cole, Diana Lu and Gareth Evans, The Charitable Foundation, Hon. Keith and Pamela Curry, Gail Meredith and Dean Garrison, Jackson Lewis P.C., Capital Group, Karol and Michael Gottfredson, Bonnie Gregory, Jody and Craig Johnson, Sheila and Mike Lefkowitz, One World One Ocean, Soka University, 4Leaf, Inc., Maggie and John Jamison and Pamela Schmider.

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 about Crystal Cove Alliance, please visit http://www.crystalcovealliance.org or call Laura Davick at (949) 887-0062. Find CCA on Facebook and Twitter.

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