It was cocktails by sunset and dancing by moonlight at the 13th annual Crystal Cove Alliance Moonlight Gala. More than 400 supporters gathered on the bluff of Crystal Cove on September 26 to raise more than $300,000 for the Crystal Cove Alliance, the organization devoted to the preservation of this local treasure trove of natural and historic resources.
Guests felt a little sand between their toes during an al fresco cocktail hour. As the sun dropped over the Pacific, they enjoyed hors d’oeuvres from Fig & Olive and a top-drawer silent auction.
Partygoers then strolled into an open-air tent – illuminated courtesy of a bright, full moon – for a three-course meal prepared by the Resort at Pelican Hill, a live auction, a multimedia program highlighting the alliance’s successes and entertainment by jazz singer Brenna Whitaker.
“This event is so popular with the community and vitally important to our sustainability,” noted Laura Davick, founder of Crystal Cove Alliance, as she spoke about the alliance’s fund-a-need program, which funds scholarships for K-12 students to participate in a new field science initiative.
“This coming year is going to be tremendously important to our organization and to all who benefit from the work we do,” said Davick.