(Front to back): Cameron James, Elise Molin, Michelle Pius, Leslie DeGoler, Cathy Polk, and Angie Macaluso in the San Diego Prestige showroom

Stand Up For Rady Children’s
The engines are running hot at the Rancho Santa Fe Unit of Rady Children’s Hospital Auxiliary, where members are busy planning Stand Up for Rady Children’s Cancer Care Center, an Evening With Jay Leno. The February 23 event at The Grand Del Mar will begin with cocktails, a silent auction, and a variety of delectable food station offerings. Guests will then move to theater seating for the live auction, which includes a one-week stay for 12 at a Costa Rica villa; a 30-minute flight in an L-39 Russian fighter jet; a 12-day Holland America cruise and airfare for two; and a four-night stay for two at Canyon Ranch in Tucson via private plane. Cocktails, dessert, and dancing will follow the signature portion of the evening, a one-hour Las Vegas-style performance by Jay Leno. Seating is limited. (858/568-8642)
— Cameron Leigh James, photo by Kristy Ann Mann

Cindy Crawford, Rande Gerber, Ashlee Simpson, and Pete Wentz

The Beat Goes On
It’s no secret that the Hard Rock Hotel downtown is now open for business. First in a chain of festive bashes was the opening party to celebrate the launch of Rande Gerber’s two newest venues — Moonstone Lounge, the rooftop pool bar, and Sweetwater Saloon, the swank hotel lobby bar. The festivities continued several nights later as Nobu Matsuhisa, Robert DeNiro, Meir Teper, and Richie Notar christened the new Nobu restaurant with an opening sake ceremony. But that wasn’t enough — a third exclusive party with a performance by the Black Eyed Peas was then held for Hard Rock condo owners and their guests. If these celebrations are any indication of what’s in store, the Hard Rock is sure to be downtown’s newest hot spot. (619/702-3000, www.hardrockhotelsd.com) — Mia Stefanko

2008 JFS Heart & Soul Gala committee

Heart & Soul Gala 2008
Jewish Family Service (JFS) of San Diego’s Annual Heart & Soul Gala is set to take place on Saturday, March 1, at the Hyatt Regency La Jolla at Aventine. Themed Share Your Heart, the event celebrates the accomplishments of Marsha Berkson, Merle Fischlowitz, and Carole and Jerry Turk. Their belief in the importance of serving the community resulted in JFS’s Hand Up Youth Food Pantry, North County Inland Senior Center, and Turk Family Center. Gala chairs are Felicia Mandelbaum, Nadja Kauder, and Barbara Lubin, with auction co-chairs Jennifer Kagnoff, Jeri Rubin, and Ashley Stone. "Our outstanding committee is hard at work putting together a memorable party, an auction full of exciting prizes, and great entertainment," says Mandelbaum. Entertainment will be provided by The Sacha Boutros Jazz Quintet. All proceeds benefit the programs of JFS. (858/637-3034, www.jfssd.org) — Jane Shiomi

SAVE THE DATE

Laugh For Recovery
1/8: Mental Health Systems Inc. (MHS) presents a fundraising comedy show at The Belly Up to support its mental health and drug and alcohol rehabilitation services. Local stand-up comedian celebrity, Dat Phan, winner of the original NBC’s Last Comic Standing, will headline the event with several other comedians, including funny-man Kenny Kane. (858/481-8140, www.bellyup.com)

11th Annual Patté Awards For Theater Excellence
1/14: Taking place at The David & Dorothea Garfield Theatre on the Jacobs Family Campus of the Lawrence Family JCC, this event is a festive, fun-filled tribute to San Diegao-based theater artists who made the most memorable contributions to the theater community in 2007. (858/362-1348, www.lfjcc.org)

Amadeus 2008
1/19: A black-tie gala celebrating Mainly Mozart’s 20th anniversary and the 252nd birthday of Mozart and to benefit Mainly Mozart’s educational programs and the 2008 Mainly Mozart Festival. Hyatt Regency La Jolla at Aventine. (www.mainlymozart.org)

SuperStar Gala 2008
2/2: Kids Korps USA presents its 2008 gala at Four Seasons Resort Aviara featuring master of ceremonies Larry King, silent and live auctions, dinner, and dancing. (858/259-3602, www.kidskorps.com)

Bravo San Diego
2/9: Taking place at The Westgate Hotel, Bravo connects theatre, music, and dance companies with San Diego’s corporate and private sector community to stimulate the development of funding resources and ensure the long-term stability of San Diego’s arts industry. (www.bravosd.org)

34th Annual Heart & Hand Ball — An Evening In Paris
2/9: Home of Guiding Hands (HGH) presents a gala event at the Sheraton San Diego. Net proceeds benefit San Diegans with developmental disabilities assisted by HGH. (619/938-2854, marcy@guidinghands.org)

San Diego County Credit Union 16th Annual Share Your Heart Mardi Gras
2/9: This fundraiser for the Burn Institute takes place at the House of Blues and features fantastic food, southern-inspired drinks, upscale live and silent auctions, a live band, fortune tellers, and tarot-card readers. Funds raised go to burn survivor support programs such as Camp Beyond the Scars. (858/541-2277, www.burninstitute.org)

The Magic of Music: A Magical Night To Remember
3/8: San Diego Chamber Orchestra presents an elegant, fun-filled evening of dinner, dancing, entertainment, and auctions at the Hyatt Regency in La Jolla. (858/350-0290, ext. 7, mom@sdco.org)

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)