‘A huge difference’: Las Patronas presents donation checks

Last Updated on May 1, 2025

The culmination of the 78th annual Jewel Ball and fundraising year is the annual Beneficiary Luncheon replete with checks, gratitude and celebration.

Marking the end of the Las Patronas 78th annual Jewel Ball “Meet Me in Marrakesh” fundraising, the La Jolla-based philanthropy group’s members, beneficiaries and supporters met for a celebratory luncheon Jan 15 at The Marine Room to honor a year of fundraising.

Las Patronas raised more than $909,630 to benefit local San Diego nonprofits, presenting the six major beneficiaries with checks for more than $20,000 each, which will be used to fund capital projects.

The checks distributed Jan 15 totaled $307,919; the rest of the funds raised will go to dozens of minor grants for local organizations.

Las Patronas, established in 1946, has donated nearly $30 million to more than 1,000 charitable organizations locally, in year-long grant cycles during which all members work to fund projects for their beneficiaries.

The six major beneficiaries of “Meet me in Marrakesh” (and their projects) are Adapt Functional Movement Center (an underwater treadmill for advanced aquatic therapy); Center for Community Solutions (a replacement shelter roof); Guide Dogs of America (a transport vehicle); KPBS (a new cargo van); Urban Street Angels (a refrigerated van for food transport); and Zoological Society of San Diego (a new work truck).

From left, Las Patronas immediate past president Julie Garrie, Cori Austin of CCS and 2024 Jewel Ball Chair Jill Peters.

In accepting the donation check from Las Patronas immediate past President Jullie Garrie and “Meet Me in Marrakesh” Chair Jill Peters, Cori Austin of Center for Community Solutions thanked Las Patronas “for honoring [domestic abuse] survivors. … It really, really makes a huge difference.”

“I appreciate the gift,” said Eric Lovett Maerz of Urban Street Angels. “We can never do what we do without you.”

“Let today serve as a powerful reminder of the difference we can make together,” Peters said.

Las Patronas members also presented Behind the Scenes Catering & Events with the Las Patronas 2024 Spirit of Giving Award, which is meant “to publicly recognize a collaboration with an individual or organization that has consistently supported the efforts and interests of Las Patronas,” Garrie said.

Las Patronas Legacy Society grants went to Friends of La Jolla Elementary School Foundation and The Rosin Box Project.

Plans for the 79th Jewel Ball, “Back En Pointe,” are already underway. To attend the Parisian ballet-themed celebration set for Saturday, Aug 2 at the La Jolla Beach and Tennis Club, visit laspatronas.org.

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