Having a Ball
Sherman Library & Gardens hosted its inaugural Botanical Ball, an immersive experience that blended art, fashion, music and gardens, at its Newport Beach setting on Oct. 4. The sold-out ball, which was held to support the educational programs and initiatives that advance the nonprofit’s mission, raised nearly $400,000.
“As Corona del Mar’s Cultural Hub, Sherman Library and Gardens aims to Grow The Gardens for our community and the generations of tomorrow,” said Scott LaFleur, executive director, Sherman Library & Gardens. “The (funds) we raised together help fuel our home stretch of the capital campaign.”
The ball’s success was made possible by presenting sponsor South Coast Plaza and additional supporters, including Visit Newport Beach, Bentley Newport Beach, Fletcher Jones Motorcars, Casey Lesher Real Estate, Nolet Spirits, Northern Trust, Slater Builders, Anaheim Ducks, OCVibe, Elyzian and Petal to the Meadow Floral Art Studio.
During the event, Anton Segerstrom, partner, South Coast Plaza, C.J. Segerstrom & Sons, The Segerstrom Foundation and his wife Jennifer Segerstrom, The Segerstrom Foundation, were recognized with the first-ever Arnold D. Haskell Award, designed to recognize individuals whose generosity, commitment and passion for horticulture, history and the arts have significantly advanced the mission of Sherman Library and Gardens and enriched the broader cultural landscape.
Heart for Faith and Fashion
Nearly 400 guests gathered Oct. 2 at the Balboa Bay Resort in Newport Beach for the 43rd annual Gentlemen’s Haberdashery, one of Orange County’s longest philanthropic traditions.
The event raised a record-breaking $700,000 in support of the Heart of Jesus Retreat Center in Santa Ana, which is owned and operated by the Sisters of the Society Devoted to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. The funds will support the center’s programs, which offer faith and spiritual growth opportunities for more than 12,000 children, youth and families annually.
Each year, Orange County’s leading executives and community figures take to the runway in a showcase of men’s fashion. This year’s clothing was provided by At Ease for Men, J. Hillburn, St. Croix, Garys and Burns.
This year’s event honored Antonio Cagnolo, owner, Antonello Ristorante, who has modeled in the show every year since its inception.
“Walking in this fashion show for more than four decades has become a tradition I look forward to every year,” said Cagnolo.
Sponsors included Laura Khouri, president, chief operating officer, Western National Group; Mike Hayde, chief investment officer, Western National Group; Melinda and Tony Moiso, chairman, chief executive officer, Rancho Mission Viejo; Gilbert G. Aguirre Family Trust; Greenstone Materials Inc.; Sukut Construction LLC; Westar Associates; Shea Homes; Western National Builders; Aquatic Technologies; Cornerstone Communications; First American Title National Commercial Services and RJM Design Group Inc.
Have a PEEK!
South Coast Repertory hosted its reimagined PEEK! Gala on Oct. 4, transforming its David Emmes/Martin Benson Theatre Center in Costa Mesa into a complete backstage experience.
The evening raised more than $550,000 to support SCR’s production and education programs that serve more than 9,000 students each year.
The Theatre Center was transformed into a backstage wonderland, where loading docks and hallways glowed with string lights, decorative fabrics and warm lamplight. The 150-plus guests, dressed in jazz club chic, enjoyed an al fresco champagne reception before embarking on an immersive backstage tour through scenic, wardrobe and makeup shops.
Gold-level sponsors appreciated private performances by cast members from “Million Dollar Quartet.” Guests later dined on gourmet creations by chef Nick Weber of Populaire at South Coast Plaza, followed by a presentation on the Julianne Argyros State.
“What an honor and privilege it was to chair SCR’s completely reimagined Gala, PEEK! The evening was magical in every way,” said Harmon Kong, co-founder and founding principal, Apriem Advisors and PEEK! co-chair, along with his wife Lea Kong.
Major sponsors included Platinum Hosts Harmon and Lea Kong; Gold Hosts Apriem Advisors, Pacific Life, Sabra Health Care REIT and Elizabeth Segerstrom; and Silver Hosts South Coast Plaza, Stephen G. and Regina Oswald Foundation.
Bits & Pieces
United to End Homelessness, an initiative empowered by Orange County United Way, publicly recognized 30 individuals from partner organizations through its 2025 Unsung Hero of the Year Awards program, for their efforts to help end homelessness for Orange County residents, including Uyn Joo Namkung, career & employment services coordinator, Access California Services; Steffani Maletta, case manager, American Family Housing; Tarshá Turner, business development manager, Chrysalis; Cassidy Beach, compliance associate, Friendship Shelter; Mayra Prevo, domestic violence advocate, Human Options; Jesenya Marcial, manager, CSS housing and case management, Illumination Health + Home; Dr. Kun Chhai Meas, physician, Korean Community Services Health Center; and Allen Burnett, community engagement manager, Project Hope Alliance … Ori-gen, a values-driven insurance and benefits brokerage, has launched the Ori-gen Foundation, a new philanthropic platform that builds on the company’s legacy of giving to strengthen communities through strategic grantmaking and partnerships, focusing on cultural awareness, health and human services, education and community development, minority and small business growth, youth development and emergency preparedness, with the goal of advancing equity, resilience and opportunity for underrepresented and underserved communities …
On Sept. 27, more than 500 participants, including about 30 dogs, gathered in Dove Canyon for the Dove Dash, featuring a 5K, Family 1K and Dog Dash races, hosted by High Hopes to support its scholarship program providing rehabilitation for individuals with traumatic brain injuries, all while enjoying a scenic course, breakfast and community spirit.
