Out & About - Ranch & Coast

Silver Safari Saturday, June 21 marks the date for this year’s Rendezvous In The Zoo (R.I.T.Z), themed Silver Safari: A Sophisticated Adventure, to benefit the Zoological Society of San Diego and help create small bird and mammal habitats in Elephant Odyssey at the San Diego Zoo. The event, chaired by Stephanie McGuire, Janet Traver, and Caroline Wohl, also celebrates the 25th anniversary of R.I.T.Z, and will blend turn-of-the-century elegance with adventure and exquisite cuisine. Exotic animals and their trainers will mingle with partygoers, and a special animal presentation by conservation ambassador Joan Embery will be featured. A gourmet dinner by executive chef Steve Black will be served. This event sells out very quickly. Tickets are $450 per person or $900 per person for R.I.T.Z Circle Seating. For further information please contact reservation chair Marilyn Neumann. (619/287-5435, www.sandiegozoo.org) — Jane Shiomi BioBlitz On May 2-3, Balboa Park will become a venue for a unique type of public discovery — BioBlitz Balboa Park, where working scientists, volunteers, educators, and guests will explore biodiversity as a community. The San Diego Natural History Museum is bringing this event, which has been held in cities around the world, to San Diego for the first time. The goal of BioBlitz is a "rapid biodiversity assessment" that will answer two questions: How many species can be found in Balboa Park in 24 hours? And, what are those species? "Sitting in one of the most diverse counties in the country, San Diego is the perfect venue for a BioBlitz," says Michael Wall, PhD, the museum’s curator of entomology. "We are planning on really wowing the public with the number of species we find in 24 hours." (619/232-3821, www.sdnhm.org) — Jane Shiomi Photo caption: Lynn Hart Muto, Muffy Walker, Lisa Weinreb, and Karen Sheffres Bipolar Benefit It is Muffy Walker’s mission to end a form of mental illness and the stigma often associated with it. Bipolar disorder, also know as manic-depression, is marked by unusual shifts in mood and the ability to function, and can even lead to suicide. Walker’s personal crusade — her youngest son has the disorder — led to the recent formation of the California Bipolar Foundation. The group held its inaugural fundraiser recently at Fairbanks Ranch Country Club, raising more than $140,000 for research, support services, and public education. The foundation presented its first ever Imagine Award to 14-year-old Sam Sheffres of Poway who set up his own Web site to benefit bipolar research (www.samscause.org). Among the much sought-after auction items: a six-week internship at the Burnham Institute for Medical Research headed up by Walker’s husband, John Reed. It was so popular, in fact, it sold three times at bids of $10,000 each. (www.californiabipolarfoundation.org) — Andrea Naversen Las Patronas former chairs honoring Dunn-Edwards Las Patronas Beneficiary Luncheon At a luncheon held at the La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club, Las Patronas (LP) recently distributed checks to the 11 organizations who had been awarded major grants (each totaling $20,000 or more) from 2007 Jewel Ball proceeds, a record-breaking $1,151,443. Those in attendance were welcomed by Las Patronas president Barbara Mulligan, who introduced the 2007 Jewel Ball chair, Kathryn Stephens, and her co-chairs, Lydia McNeil and Caroline Nierenberg. LP past president, Terry Cooper, presented the 2007 Spirit of Giving Award to Dunn-Edwards Paints in recognition of the strong community partnerships critical in helping Las Patronas fulfill its mission to aid the San Diego nonprofit community. — Jane Shiomi, photo by Bob Stefanko SAVE THE DATE Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary Women Of Dedication Luncheon 4/1: The Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary of San Diego County presents the 43rd annual Women of Dedication Luncheon at the Manchester Grand Hyatt, featuring reception, boutique, and silent auction. (619/446-0273, www.sandiego.salvationarmy.org) National Conflict Resolution Center Peacemaker Awards 4/3: The National Conflict Resolution Center celebrates 25 years of successful problem solving at its annual Peacemaker Awards, which recognizes individuals and organizations for their creative and effective collaborations and solutions to crises and conflict. (619/238-2400, ext. 221, www.ncrconline.com) San Diego Home Design & Landscape Expo 4/4-6: San Diego’s top interior design and landscape show celebrates 100 years of home shows as well as the Navy’s centennial in San Diego, packed with more special features, designers, and exhibitors than ever before. San Diego Convention Center. (www.sandiegodesignexpo.com) A Passage In Time Gala 4/5: The George G. Glenner Alzheimer’s Family Centers, Inc. will host an elegant dinner dance at the Hyatt Regency La Jolla at Aventine. Proceeds will benefit The George G. Glenner Alzheimer’s Family Centers’ programs and services. (619/543-4700, www.alzheimerhelp.org) 8th Annual Mickey Miller Memorial Bella Italia At The Bay 4/5: The Ferrari Owner’s Club of San Diego presents a benefit for the Scripps Stevens Cancer Foundation La Jolla. The show is set to feature over 170 Italian super cars from prized makers Ferrari, Lamborghini, and Maserati, including concourse-level Italian classics from well-known Southern California collectors. (www.focsandiego.com) 7th Dos Aguilas Binational Fiesta 4/5: The San Diego National History Museum presents a fundraising event to provide critical support to the museum’s binational education and scientific research programs. Supporters will enjoy gourmet food and beverage tasting stations provided by some of the region’s outstanding restaurants and caterers from both sides of the border as well as live music and entertainment. (619/255-0359, jsaretzki@sdnhm.org) Art Alive 4/11-13: The San Diego Museum of Art’s annual celebration of art and flowers marks its 27th year with a theme of Paris in the Park. The weekend will be filled with exciting activities, programs, and chic parties. Complementing this year’s theme is featured designer Jeff Leatham, artistic director of the Four Seasons Hotel George V in Paris, who will lead the popular floral demonstration/lecture and master class. (619/696-1999, artalive@sdmart.org) Valentino At Valenti 4/12: The Valenti Foundation presents a benefit for homeless and foster children in San Diego County with a Valentino fashion show and entertainment by the legendary Chubby Checker at the Valenti International World Headquarters in Rancho Santa Fe. Funds raised will go towards building A Children’s Village in San Diego’s East County, which will be a new home for more than 200 children who have no home. (858/759-9239, g.ledger@valentiinternational.com) 27th Annual Celebrity Chefs Cook Gala 4/12: Titled Bella Notte, this black tie event benefits the Moores UCSD Cancer Center and takes place at the Sheraton San DIego Hotel & Marina. Guests will enjoy fine wines, dinner, dancing, and mingling with celebrity chefs. (858/822-0023) Share Our Strength’s 21st Annual Taste Of The Nation 4/13: San Diego chefs will gather for a benefit to raise critical funds needed to support efforts to end childhood hunger in San Diego and across America at Hotel Solamar. (www.tasteofthenation.org) Padre Game To Benefit UCSD EyeMobile For Children 4/17: A portion of ticket sales for the Padres vs. Rockies game will help fund a new EyeMobile. (http://sandiego.padres.mlb.com/sd) 11th Annual Hats Off To Children 4/18: The Del Mar Unit of Children’s Hospital Auxiliary presents a luncheon at the Hyatt Regency La Jolla at Aventine, featuring boutique shopping, silent and live auctions, and a runway show by Leonard Simpson. Proceeds will benefit the Ernest Hahn Critical Care Unit at Rady Children’s Hospital. Ashley and Bonnie Garrett are co-chairs. Tickets are $100-150. (619/423-3727) University Of San Diego High School — Cathedral Catholic High School’s 50th Anniversary Gala 4/19: Titled The Golden Don, this event takes place at the Claver Center on the CCHS Campus. Auctions, gourmet dinner, and rousing entertainment to benefit Cathedral Catholic High School. (858/523-4000, ext. 1117, www.cathedralcatholic.org) 2008 Parkinson’s 5K Walk & Fun Run 4/19: NTC Promenade at Liberty Station in Point Loma. (877/737-7576, www.pdasd.org) Rancho Santa Fe Library Guild’s Spring Fashion Show 4/23: At the Rancho Santa Fe Garden Club and will feature the designs of LA designer, Lourdes Chavez. (858/759-9611) 2008 GOPINK! Fashion Show And Silent Auction 4/26: Benefit fashion show featuring local designers and boutiques, fashion show, silent auction, hors d’oeuvres, and complimentary drinks. All net proceeds will benefit Susan G. Komen for the Cure and the National Philanthropic Breast Cancer Fund. (teamgopink@hotmail.com) USS Midway Museum Volunteer Open House 4/26: After a presentation and questions, attendees will be welcome to see the museum on their own. (619/398-8222, lswitzer@midway.org) 9th Annual Sharon’s Ride/Run/Walk For Epilepsy 4/27: Tecolote Shores at Mission Bay Park. (619/296-0161, www.epiepsysandiego.org) Voices For Children’s 16th Annual Golf Tournament 4/28: The Santaluz Club. (858/569-2096, ext. 235, lisaj@voicesforchildren.com) Make-A-Wish’s 20th Annual Golf Tournament 4/28: Takes place at Fairbanks Ranch Country Club; all proceeds will be used to grant wishes to local children with life threatening illnesses. (858/707-9474, www.thegolfclassic.com) 12th Annual Conner’s Cause For Children Golf Classic 4/28: At La Costa Resort & Spa to benefit families with the monumental task of caring for a child with a life threatening illness. Entry fee is $250 per golfer and advance registration is required. (760/804-5948, www.connerscause.org) Heroes & Hemlines: Vista Hill’s 17th Annual Fashion Show Luncheon 4/30: Takes place at the Manchester Grand Hyatt with Carol LeBeau serving as emcee, silent auction, boutiques, opportunity drawing, lunch, fashion show, and program. (858/514-5153, rpeniche@vistahill.org) 4th Annual Gold Medallion Awards 4/30: Takes place at the Manchester Grand Hyatt to recognize culinary excellence throughout San Diego County. (619/297-8200, tsummers@calrest.org) Kids Korps’ Casino For A Cause 5/2: This event honors longtime Kids Korps supporters Sid and Jenny Craig for their passionate belief in helping others. Guests will meet and mingle with Richard Lederer, father of the leading U.S. poker champions Howard Lederer and Annie Duke, whom he taught to play poker at any early age. (858/259-3602, mark@kidskorps.org) Grauer School Spring Gala 5/2: Del Mar Hilton. (760/944-6777) Secret Garden Tour Of Old La Jolla 5/10: The largest annual fundraiser for the La Jolla Historical Society features a tour of seven gardens and homes known either for their coastal views, spectacular location, historic significance, or their stately magnificence. Scores of volunteers, local design teams, artists, and musicians provide a garden fantasy at each location. (858/726-0227, www.lajollahistory.org)		email your calendar listings to: calendar@ranchandcoast.com

		Nick Pavone Fighting Fire As One The Rancho Santa Fe Fire Protection District recently recognized The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe for its assistance and support throughout the duration of the October wildfires. The Inn’s efforts, including housing members of the National Guard and feeding first responders, its continued support of the Fire District were greatly appreciated. To that end, Fire Chief Nick Pavone presented Duncan Hadden and Murray Hutchison with a gift and recognized the Inn’s managing director, Kerman Beriker, as Honorary Fire Chief of the Fire District. — Jane Shiomi

		Sail Raising Hundreds of sailors will set sail off Shelter Island on May 2 for the 10th Annual Leukemia Cup Regatta hosted by the San Diego Yacht Club. The regatta is part of a series of sailing events that last year raised $3.5 million nationwide to fund blood cancer research and provide support for patients and families. Former America’s Cup winner Gary Jobson, a lymphoma survivor, has served as national chair since 1994. This year’s "Honored Skipper" is 11-year-old Austin Gatus of El Cajon who was diagnosed with leukemia two years ago. His courage has inspired the yacht club’s junior sailors as they raise funds to fight diseases that kill more than 50,000 people each year. Among the victims was one of their own, Carl B. Saunders, a junior sailor and member of the Bishop High School sailing team. The winner of the Leukemia Cup receives a trophy bearing his/her name. (858/427-6643, www.leukemiacup.org/sd) — Andrea Naversen

		Pat Price, Lee Peterson, and Jan English An Evening With Lee Peterson Scripps Environmental Advocates (SEA), a volunteer group for the support of Scripps Institution of Oceanography, recently held an event featuring Lee Peterson, world-renowned San Diego underwater photographer, author, and inventor of many underwater camera features. The benefit, held at Art Expressions Gallery, featured wine and appetizers, as well as a presentation by Peterson to help fund a graduate student fellowship at Scripps Institution of Oceanography. Founded in 2000, SEA assists Scripps Institution of Oceanography in public relations and fundraising, and is committed to helping educate the public about the value that Scripps provides in protecting the oceans, coasts, and the atmosphere in San Diego and around the world. — Jane Shiomi

		Alex Cano, Michelle Ball, and Tal Zemer Making Wishes Come True Charriol Boutique in La Jolla hosted a special Valentine’s Day event to benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation of San Diego. Guests enjoyed cocktails and hors d’oeuvres provided by Bamboo Sushi, as well as a Charriol gift with purchase. Twenty percent of sales from the event were donated to the Make-A-Wish Foundation of San Diego. — Jane Shiomi, photo by Bob Stefanko

		Chubby Checker, Irene Valenti, and Graham Ledger V Is For Valenti The Legendary Chubby Checker was in town on Valentine’s Day to present a $100,000 check on behalf of the Valenti Foundation for its upcoming April 12 fundraiser at the Valenti Estate in Rancho Santa Fe. "I flew in to San Diego for one reason," says Checker, "to begin the fundraising effort for The Valenti Foundation’s Tribute to 45 Years of Valentino Fashion. I want to help these kids get off the street and into good, solid homes where they will thrive. And, to accomplish that, we need to raise money — a lot of money." Checker will headline the event, which aims to raise money for A Children’s Village in San Diego’s East County, which will be a new home for more than 200 parentless children. The event will also feature an installation of Valentino’s 45 years of fashion. A Children’s Village is a project of Father Joe’s Villages and will be located at the Flying A Ranch, a 125-acre, pastoral setting surrounded by sweeping mountain views in east San Diego County. The ranch will serve as a home for neglected children where they can discover a world of sunrises and have room to play while receiving the guidance and caring they need to flourish. (858/759-9239, www.valentifoundation.org) — Jane Shiomi

		Renee Daigneault, Cara Ramsey, and Amy Benson A Night At The Oscars Over 200 people attended the the Young Professionals Committee’s second-annual A Night at the Oscars event, which raised more than $3,000 for Big Brothers Big Sisters of San Diego County. While the Oscars played on a large screen overlooking the dining room, guests mingled and enjoyed a hosted martini bar courtesy of Ketel One vodka, heavy hors d’oeuvre provided by Acqua al 2 Ristorante and Urban Solace, and exotic chocolates from Eclipse Chocolat. (www.ypcsd.com) — Ryan Thomas

		Julie Niceswanger, Bill Hickman, Lisa Saldias, and Kristian Gustavson Surfrider Parties For Some Green Last month, Surfrider Foundation held its Party for the Planet celebration, which was hosted by VeeV Acai Spirit and Lexus Hybrid Living, at Stingaree nightclub. VeeV Acai Spirit is a "green" spirit company that donates $1 of every bottle back to the rainforest and is the first certified carbon neutral spirits company in the world. Environmentalist and singer/guest DJ Macy Gray, along with X Games stars Danny Way and Jake Brown, were on hand to help raise funds that will benefit the Surfrider Foundation’s environmental programs. The club was transformed into a green-friendly environment by using glassware instead of plastic cups, energy-efficient lighting, eco-friendly hand soaps in restroom facilities, and recycling bins throughout the venue and at the bar. Climate Clean LLC carbon "neutralized" the party — donations were made to fund environmental energy resources in the amount calculated for what the party would be contributing to the environment. (www.surfrider.org) — Ryan Thomas