It was an energetic morning April 18, when La Jolla-based women’s philanthropy group Las Patronas heard from the six organizations that will be major beneficiaries of its Jewel Ball fundraiser.
The group also gave a sneak peek of the decor for the 79th annual Jewel Ball, which is themed “Back En Pointe” — after the ballet technique — and will be held Saturday, Aug. 2, at the La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club.
The preview was held at La Jolla Playhouse’s Mandell Weiss Theatre.
“Jewel Ball Preview is a celebration of purpose, philanthropy and the powerful community we’ve built,” said Las Patronas President Rowena Treitler. “Each year, our fundraising makes a lasting difference by providing critical to organizations that uplift the San Diego community.”
After reviewing more than 60 grant requests from San Diego County nonprofits, the of Las Patronas selected six local charities as the major beneficiaries. Each will receive more than $20,000.
They are:
• Camp Stevens, for a enger van to expand access to its programs
• Ivey Ranch Park Association, for a wheelchair-accessible minivan for people with physical, emotional and developmental challenges
• Neighborhood House Association, for kitchen equipment to the preparation of more than 1 million annual meals for children and adult day care centers
• Fleet Science Center, for a vehicle to its offsite programs
• San Diego Youth Services, for a minivan to serve San Diego’s only emergency shelter for minors
• San Diego Youth Symphony, for a van to transport students and more than 300 instruments for community programs across the county
“Their work inspires me and reminds me of why we are committed to our mission … to uplift, and strengthen San Diego nonprofits,” Jewel Ball chairwoman Katherine Emmert-Kozo said of the beneficiaries.
Las Patronas then discussed the decor and what guests can expect at the Jewel Ball.
Design co-chairwoman Sara Carpenter said the event is intended to transport guests to Paris (without the long flight), including imagery of the Eiffel Tower and the Palais Garnier opera house, scents of fresh flowers, ballet costumes on display, string quartet music, water features, food, dancing and more.
“It’s tres magnifique!” Carpenter said.
Tables chairwoman Dagmar Smek said “Your theater table will be dressed in sumptuous rose velvet and your chair will be fit for a modern Odette [from the ballet “Swan Lake”]. … You will glance at your fellow ‘theater-goers’ through delicate candelabras festooned with cascading blooms of tuberose, antique hydrangeas and garden roses. … All this to transport you to the magical and elegant world of ballet.”
Learn more about Las Patronas and the Jewel Ball at laspatronas.org. ♦
