Global Genes
Forget the Golden Globes; the stars came out for Global Genes, an Aliso Viejo-based advocacy nonprofit for patients and families battling rare and genetic diseases. The fifth annual Tribute to Champions of Hope event at the Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort and Spa honored several advocates, scientists, patients and supporters in September.
The evening was a star-studded celebration and fundraiser that included a performance by “American Idol” winner Taylor Hicks, and Cali Tucker, Biff Gore, Jake Baker, Jake Worthington and Ryan Whyte Maloney from season six of “The Voice” paid tribute to their former castmate and Global Genes advocate, Christina Grimmie, who was shot and killed after a concert in Florida earlier this year.
RARE Champion of Hope in Spirit recipient and YouTube sensation Audrey Nethery, a 7-year-old with Diamond Blackfan anemia who raises awareness about her condition via viral videos, treated the audience to a singalong of Taylor Swift’s “Love Story.”
Actor Madison McLaughlin of the TV series “Arrow” shared that she has two sisters diagnosed with rare diseases. “Modern Family” star Ed O’Neill, his wife, Catherine Rusoff, and daughter Sophia also attended to lend their support.
“A lot of work and research needs to be done,” O’Neill told Coast. “There’s 30 million people with rare diseases. That makes it not really so rare; that’s 1 in 10. Research needs to be funded and done, but I think only something like 5 percent of that has received FDA drug approval. That’s ridiculous and that’s why we are here.”
Deep sea style
Laguna Beach-based wildlife artist Wyland is renowned for his dreamy seascapes – vivid coral reefs, breeching whales, Lucite sculptures of endangered sea turtles and mermaids sunning on the sand. Wyland has become a champion of ocean conservation, partnering with institutes and aquariums around the globe.
This year, he embarked on what can appropriately be labeled as a timely collaboration: Working with the designers at Reactor Watch, he developed the limited-edition Wyland Poseidon luxury sport dive watch ($2,500). With a portion of the proceeds benefiting ocean conservation and education, the unique collectible features a solid titanium case made to withstand depths up to 1,000 meters; 42-hour power reserve; and technology that enables dial visibility in virtually any underwater environment.
Reactor crafted only 225 for the series, and each watch comes with a signed original watercolor by Wyland, which makes this a rare timepiece for ocean lovers.
:: wylandstore.com
Shop for a cause
What: Browse the holiday collection at Halston Heritage
Why: Fundraiser for Newport Beach-based nonprofit FASH UNITED, aimed at increasing awareness about violence against women
Where: Fashion Island
When: December 3 from 6-9 p.m.
:: fashunited.org
Not just a cigar
Real estate investor, Instagram addict and luxury car collector Manny Khoshbin partnered with entrepreneur Zack Bates, both of Newport Beach, to create the newly opened Cubano Room, a members-only lounge for lovers of fine cigars, wine and whiskey.
Tucked next to Billy’s at the Beach on West Coast Highway in Newport, the lounge features personal cigar lockers, a covered patio, an on-site hostess, Wi-Fi and an espresso bar (to go with your whiskey?). Or so we’ve heard – only a few will know exactly what goes on there. Bates says Cubano Room intends to remain exclusive, with only 80 memberships available – and owners have taken more than 50 applications already. Interested in being one of the few, the proud, the … smoky-smelling? Email info@cubanoroom.com.
