15 Fall Events Not To Be Missed

Posted on August 29, 2019

Pedal the Cause

November 16, 2019 | Petco Park

Ranch & Coast Magazine is joining the fight against cancer by participating in the seventh annual Padres Pedal the Cause on November 16, a one-day charitable event that will bring together more than 3,500 survivors and supporters. The experience kicks off at Petco Park and offers four cycling routes that cross the Coronado Bay Bridge (25, 55, 88, and 100 miles), beachside stationary spin classes, a superhero-themed kids challenge, and a family-friendly 5K run/walk along the Embarcadero. Participants cross the finish line on Petco’s center field and enjoy a host of complimentary post-event activities including massage, physical therapy, live music, kids’ games, and food and beverages from local favorites including Puesto and Bird Rock Coffee Roasters. Padres Pedal the Cause provides funding for the finest collaborative research teams at Moores Cancer Center at UC San Diego Health, Salk Institute for Biological Studies, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, and Rady Children’s Hospital – San Diego. It is the goal that research funded by Padres Pedal the Cause will lead to increased survivorship and ultimately, a cure. To join the cause or support “Team Ranch & Coast” as we pedal, visit gopedal.org or bit.ly/pedalranchandcoast.

U.S. Sand Sculpting Challenge

August 31-September 2, 2019 | Broadway Pier

The U.S. Sand Sculpting Challenge and Dimensional Art Exposition returns to San Diego’s downtown waterfront for three days of fun, sun, and spectacular scenery. The theme for this year’s event is “Wonder,” paying tribute to the Port’s Wonderfront 2019 events that also include Wonderspaces, an art exhibit running all summer through Labor Day weekend, and the Wonderfront Music Festival, coming in November. The competition will feature 12 Master Class Sculptors, seven from countries around the world and five from the United States. They’ll carve museum-quality sculptures made from only sand and water that can reach up to 15 feet tall and weigh more than 20,000 pounds. ussandsculpting.com

Del Mar Dance for Diabetes

September 7, 2019 | Del Mar Plaza

Enjoy delectable food, an open bar, and dancing under the stars to live music at the second annual Del Mar Dance for Diabetes. Hosted by the Diabetes Research Connection, the event will feature music and dancing from Encore Event Entertainment, including a fun silent dance party to close the night. Prominent local restaurants such as the Brigantine, En Fuego, Il Fornaio, Pacifica Del Mar, Sbicca, Del Mar Rendezvous, and Social Syndicate will be serving food. Young’s Market Company is providing an open bar to all attendees. Established in 2012 by David Winkler and Dr. Alberto Hayek, DRC’s mission is to connect donors with early-career scientists, enabling them to perform peer-reviewed, novel research designed to prevent and cure type 1 diabetes, minimize its complications, and improve the quality of life for those living with the disease. Event chair is Sherry Ahern. 844.484.3372, diabetesresearchconnection.org/dancefordiabetes

Monte Carlo Gala

September 7, 2019 | Private Rancho Santa Fe Estate

The Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego will host its 43rd annual Monte Carlo gala themed “An Art Affair II.” The event will be held at Rancho del Arte, the private Rancho Santa Fe home of devoted arts patrons and ARTnews top 200 art collectors, Iris and Matthew Strauss. This is the second year in a row that the couple has generously hosted the event, and the second year for Iris Strauss, Joan Jacobs, and Karen Cohn to serve as event co-chairs. The over-the-top fête will include fine dining, live entertainment, casino-style gaming, and contemporary art at every turn. Gala attendees will have the opportunity to take curator-led tours of the Strauss’ expansive art collection during the event. MCASD is in the midst of a transformational expansion of its flagship La Jolla campus that will quadruple current gallery space from 10,000 to 40,000 square feet, allowing the museum to continually show works from its outstanding permanent collection in addition to temporary exhibitions. mcasd.org/montecarlo

Cardiff Greek Festival

September 7-8, 2019 | Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church

Travel to a quaint Greek village to enjoy traditional culinary delicacies and music by a variety of live entertainers on three stages. The parish’s youngest members will perform folk dances in traditional costumes, and Father Sitaras will host tours of the church and enlighten guests about the mosaics, iconography, and Byzantine architecture. A marketplace will typify a traditional bazaar featuring Greek imports, pottery, fine jewelry, artwork, cooking demonstrations, and an array of other treasures. The San Diego Padres’ mascot, Swinging Friar, and the Pad Squad will be available for free photos from 1-4pm both days. Attendees can also enter to win a 2019 GLA Mercedes-Benz SUV or $25,000. cardiffgreekfest.com

Seany’s Chefs Fest

September 8, 2019 | Green Acre Campus Pointe

Returning for a second year, this family-friendly event invites guests to come hungry and ready to vote for their favorite offerings by chefs from popular spots throughout San Diego from 12-3pm. Participating restaurants include Herb & Wood, Jsix, Arterra, Grant Grill, and many more. VIP tickets offer additional perks including a welcome cocktail and extra tastings, and attendance for kids five and under is free. Other experiences include an apron station, spice bar, face painting, live music, opportunity drawing, and a knife-work challenge. All proceeds benefit The Seany Foundation’s mission to provide annual camping experiences for kids living with cancer. tdlacerva@theseanyfoundation.org, theseanyfoundation.org

Conner’s Cause for Children Golf Classic

September 9, 2019 | Shadowridge Golf Club

The Conner’s Cause for Children 21st Annual Golf Classic will benefit San Diego families with the monumental task of caring for a child up to 18 years old who faces a life-threatening illness or injury. This year’s event will feature a fun, casual day of golf. Entry fee of $130 includes greens fee with cart, lunch, awards dinner, tee prizes, contests, and more. Founded in 1995 to honor the memory of brave little hero Conner Champ, Conner’s Cause for Children is a one-of-a-kind organization that offers direct financial assistance to local families for a variety of out-of-pocket medical and non-medical costs related to the care of a child with a life-threatening illness or injury. “The beauty of Conner’s Cause for Children is that because we are a local organization, we have the flexibility to quickly respond to a family’s urgent needs so they can focus on taking care of their very sick children,” says Executive Director Carol Del Signore. All proceeds from the annual golf classic go directly to Conner’s Cause families to help ensure their children have access to medical care and basic needs. connerscause.org

Art of Fashion

September 12, 2019 | The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe

Oscar de la Renta, Stella McCartney, Max Mara, Versace, and Saks Fifth Avenue are among the leading international designers and luxury retailers showcased on September 12 when The Country Friends presents the 2019 Art of Fashion in partnership with South Coast Plaza. The runway show also includes the latest looks from the fall-winter collections of Bally, Escada, Moncler and Tory Burch. The event, co-chaired by Elaine Kaminski Becerra and Erika Fetter, honors Ranch & Coast’s Andrea Naversen, the veteran journalist, community leader, and philanthropist. Television news personality and health reporter Sandra Maas serves as emcee. 858.756.1192, ext. 4, events@thecountryfriends.org, thecountryfriends.org

Grand Chef Throwdown

September 13, 2019 | Hotel del Coronado

Cystic Fibrosis Foundation of San Diego has selected restaurateur Bertrand Hug as the recipient of its inaugural CFF Grand Chef Throwdown Icon Award. Hug will be honored at the seaside soiree featuring 30+ San Diego and Baja chefs. The award was created to recognize a community leader who has exemplified integrity and a dedication to excellence. Hug has influenced the San Diego culinary culture for more than three decades, and is an example of uncompromising quality. The progressive evening will bring together local foodies who will present a People’s Choice Award. The “Culinary Council,” consisting of celebrity top chefs and food critics, including Hug, will engage in a blind tasting of dishes from the chefs competing to be presented with the coveted Chef Flor Franco Award for Culinary Excellence. events.cff.org/grandchefthrowdown

Summer Skin Rescue

September 19, 2019 | Art of Skin MD

Led by Melanie Palm, MD, MBA, Art of Skin MD in Solana Beach presents its annual open house event from 5:30-7pm. Enjoy opportunity drawings and gift bags, procedure and product specials, and hosted light bites and refreshments. The clinic will also be debuting its new wing, Body by Art of Skin MD, and offering tours of its new facilities. Space is expected to fill up fast; RSVP by calling Art of Skin MD. 858.792.7546, artofskinmd.com

Strut for Sobriety

September 21, 2019 | Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina

Strut for Sobriety, co-chaired by Liz Crocker and Colleen Ruis Ince, will feature a silent auction and boutique at 10am, followed by a luncheon, awards ceremony, entertainment, and fashion show produced by Gretchen Productions and showcasing fashions from Macy’s and local boutiques. The runway show will feature professional models as well as guest models in recovery. This year’s honorees will be recognized for their efforts to reduce the stigma associated with substance use disorders. The event benefits A New PATH’s efforts to change the perception of addictive illness in order to increase access to quality addiction treatment services. Shirley and Hank Murphy are honorary co-chairs; Geni Cavitt is event emcee. 619.670.1184, anewpath.org

Globe Gala

September 21, 2019 | The Old Globe’s Copley Plaza 

The 2019 Globe Gala, Where Black Tie Meets Tie Dye, will support the theatre’s arts engagement and artistic programs. Recalling an era when Nixon was president and Led Zeppelin was king, guests will look to the rose-tinted past with a theme that echoes that of the soon-to-open Globe world premiere of the new musical Almost Famous by San Diego native and Oscar winner Cameron Crowe. After the performance, dinner and dancing to the music of Play! will rock the plaza until midnight. Proceeds support theatre that connects, enthralls, teaches, and empowers us. Gala co-chairs are Globe Board members Ellise Coit and Karen Tanz. The 2019 gala committee includes Michele Arthur, Terry Atkinson, Peter Cooper, Valerie Cooper, Elaine Bennett Darwin, Nadia Gastelum, David Ohanian, Joanie Polatchek, Jean Shekhter, Rhona Thompson, Pam Wagner, Muffy Walker, and Lynne Wheeler. 619.684.4146, eprisby@theoldglobe.org, theoldglobe.org

An Evening of Changing Lives

September 28, 2019 | Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina

For more than 75 years, Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater San Diego has provided youth with a safe and nurturing environment through a variety of enrichment programs, activities, and services. The organization’s mission is to inspire and enable youth to achieve academic success, build good character and responsible citizenship, and make healthy lifestyle choices. To support this mission, BGCGSD will host An Evening of Changing Lives, which will include cocktails, a three-course dinner, and a live performance by The Fab Four — The Ultimate Beatles Tribute Band. 858.866.0591, ext. 203, aneveningofchanginglives.com

Starry Starry Night

September 28, 2019 | Rancho Valencia

The 17th annual Starry Starry Night, themed “Por Nuestros Niños,” will benefit Voices for Children, a local nonprofit organization which transforms the lives of children in foster care by providing them with volunteer Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASAs). The evening will begin with an elegant cocktail reception with Spanish flair, followed by an exquisite dining experience. Guests will have the opportunity to bid on unique experiences during the live auction and raise their paddles to Fund-a-CASA. The gala will conclude with a lively after-party. New this year, Voices for Children will present its inaugural “CASA of the Year” award, recognizing a volunteer advocate who has displayed exceptional service to children in foster care. The 2019 award recipient, Christie Ranney, has served as a CASA volunteer for 15 children, including three sets of siblings, over the course of 18 years. Gala co-chairs include Annette Bradbury, Lisette Farrell, Katie Sullivan, Haeyoung Tang, and Lise Wilson. 858.598.2271, speakupnow.org, events@speakupnow.org

Tea & Tonic

October 4, 2019 | Fairmont Grand Del Mar

Center for Community Solutions presents its 20th Annual Tea & Tonic, featuring international humanitarian and media host Zainab Salbi, who will serve as the celebrity keynote speaker. As the founder of Women for Women International, a grassroots humanitarian and development organization dedicated to serving women survivors of wars, Salbi has helped more than 480,000 marginalized women rebuild their lives in eight conflict zones. Celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, CCS was started in 1969 on the campus of San Diego State University as the first Women’s Studies Department in the U.S. The organization created an “underground railroad” of private homes helping women and children escape domestic violence. CCS has since expanded to provide a wide variety of prevention and intervention services to eliminate societal conditions that condone and perpetuate relationship and sexual violence, and to promote safety, justice, and healing for those impacted by these crimes. 858.693.2369, shancock@ccssd.org, ccssd.org/tea-tonic-2019

Bertrand Hug: Photo by Vincent Knakal     Strut for Sobriety: Photo by Christina Cavitt