The 80th annual Jewel Ball brought a silent auction and gondola to the La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club, all for what Las Patronas hopes will be a record year.
Eighty in Italian translates to “ottanta,” but for Las Patronas, the interpretation is “Festa di Venezia.” For its 80th annual Jewel Ball, the La Jolla-based philanthropy group put on an Italian-laced gala for more than 800 supporters, rounding out what it hopes will be a banner year of giving and celebration.
Las Patronas, established in 1946, has donated nearly $30 million to more than 5,000 charitable organizations locally, in year-long grant cycles during which all members work to fund projects for their beneficiaries.
The Jewel Ball is the hallmark event for the organization, held every August at the 90-year-old La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club.
Video by Provisions Media
This year’s ball on Aug 8 evoked Italian glamour, with Venetian elements including a large flag at the entrance, the display of two Ferraris and a Lamborghini and the unusual sight of a Pernicano family-supplied gondola floating in the pool.
Music from Mainly Mozart, opera singers and the band Signature Music entertained the black-tie-clad attendees.
New to Jewel Ball this year were projection screens showing a short film of Las Patronas’ regional contributions over the decades and scenes of Venice, along with the first Jewel Ball silent auction.
This year’s Jewel Ball raised “a formidable sum,” event Chair Jenny McGowan said in a press release, further teasing a fundraising record to be revealed in October.
This year’s fundraising efforts will benefit many minor projects, along with capital projects – each more than $20,000 – for its seven major beneficiaries: Alpha Project for the Homeless; Canine Companions; Meals on Wheels San Diego County; National Marine Mammal Foundation; Promises2Kids; Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute; and Workshops for Warriors.
“For eight decades, Las Patronas has represented the very best of San Diego philanthropy,” said President Colleen Lighter.
The Jewel Ball “honors the vision of those who came before us while inspiring continued investment in the nonprofit organizations that make our community stronger.”
Looking for more La Jolla events? Head to our Events page for the best goings-on.
