Framing a New Era
A $3 million gift from the Quilter family, longtime Laguna Beach philanthropists, is setting the stage for a new chapter at Laguna Art Museum, marking the largest donation in the institution’s history and establishing its first fully endowed curatorial role.
Funded by Patrick Quilter, founder, Quilter Labs, Chris Quilter (ret.), Ann Quilter, former Laguna Beach Woman of the Year, and Charlie Quilter, founding partner, QSC, the contribution creates the Anna Hills Curator Endowed Chair by the Quilter Family.
The position honors Anna Hills, a founding member of the Laguna Beach Art Association in 1918, who helped lead the effort to secure the land and build the institution that is now Laguna Art Museum and will support expanded exhibitions, deeper interpretation of the museum’s permanent collection and broader engagement with artists and audiences.
“People may be unaware that art enthusiasts often entrust the precious collections they accumulate over a lifetime to the Laguna Art Museum to protect for perpetuity and use for future exhibitions and education,” said Joe Hanauer, principal, Combined Investments L.P, and chairman, board of trustees, Laguna Art Museum.
“The Museum benefits regularly from the thoughtful art contributions from collectors throughout the country. This gift from the Quilter family helps ensure the care and application of these works towards the Museum’s mission will be wonderfully enhanced.”
Celebration of Wine and Life
CureDuchenne raised $1.6 million during its 12th annual Napa in Newport: The Premier Wine Weekend, held at Pendry Newport Beach, bringing the event’s lifetime total to more than $14 million in support of Duchenne disease research and care initiatives.
Sponsors included South Coast Plaza, Parea Travel and Uncharted.
The three-day event, hosted in partnership with Peter Michael Winery, vintner chair of Napa in Newport, featured a series of wine and culinary experiences designed to engage donors and accelerate funding for treatments.
Festivities began with two vintner dinners led by Peter Michael Winery and Simon Family Estate, followed by a black-tie gala showcasing 29 Napa Valley wineries pouring limited-production wines. VIP guests also attended “The Ultimate Pour,” highlighting rare vintages from MacDonald and Fairchild vineyard estates in Napa Valley.
Guests were treated to a multi-course dinner by chef Colin Bedford, Beverly Wilshire, A Four Seasons Hotel, with curated pairings presented tableside by Napa vintners.
“Napa in Newport was an extraordinary celebration of Napa Valley’s finest wines and the incredible generosity of our community,” said Debra Miller, co-founder and CEO, CureDuchenne.
“This event raised critical funds to advance research, expand patient care, and bring a cure to thousands living with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. We’re already looking ahead to 2027, where we plan to create an even more one-of-a-kind weekend filled with rare wines, unforgettable culinary experiences and memorable moments for our guests.”
The event concluded with a brunch finale, with all proceeds supporting CureDuchenne’s research and care programs.
The endowed role is expected to create lasting opportunities for scholarship and public access, reinforcing the museum’s mission while positioning it for long-term growth and community impact.
Dining Delight
On March 22, Illumination Health + Home welcomed more than 430 attendees, supporters and business and community leaders to the 2026 Chef’s Table: An Epicurean Experience, a unique annual gala that offers guests an unforgettable dining experience.
The event, held at the Hyatt Regency Irvine, started with a lively cocktail reception featuring a silent auction and culinary creations from acclaimed chefs, including Rich Mead, Farmhouse, Roger’s Gardens; Adam Navidi, Oceans and Earth; Ben Martinek, Viamara, The Elwood Club; Kevin Meyer, TGIS Catering; Daniel Hohng, The Park Club; David Martin, The Pacific Club; Shachi Mehra, ADYA; and Jose Angulo, Descanso Restaurant.
The evening continued in a transformed ballroom, where guests enjoyed a multi-course dinner curated by chef Kori Sutton, private chef and a “Hell’s Kitchen” winner. The program featured inspiring remarks, a live auction and concluded with an energetic performance by LIVE 61, featuring Mark McGrath of Sugar Ray and Skip Martin of Kool & The Gang and The Dazz Band.
The night raised more than $1.75 million, which will directly support Illumination’s programs, including healthcare and housing access services. These programs provide medical and behavioral healthcare, case management, and comprehensive wraparound services that empower individuals and families to rebuild their lives.
Chef’s Table: An Epicurean Experience was presented by the Bickerstaff Family Foundation. Sponsors included Golden Eagle Foundation; Karen Jordan, event chair, 2026 Chef’s Table: An Epicurean Experience; Experian; U.S. Bank; Jacqueline DuPont-Carlson, CEO, Assured In-Home Care Inc., and her husband Mark Carlson; Haynes Family Fund; Frome Family Foundation; Fisher Phillips; and Kaiser Permanente.
“Chef’s Table is a powerful reflection of what happens when compassion meets action,” said Dr. Pooja Bhalla, CEO, Illumination Health + Home. “Because of our community’s generosity, we can continue supporting access to housing, healthcare and the critical support families need to heal, grow and thrive. Together, we are creating lasting change and restoring hope.”
This year’s gala also recognized two partners. The Bera Family was honored for their multigenerational commitment to education, healthcare access, and community advancement. UniHealth Foundation was recognized for its continued investment in expanding care for underserved communities.
Bits & Pieces
Julian Movsesian, president and CEO, Succession Capital Alliance, was named the 2026 Spirit of Life Award honoree by City of Hope and the National Life Insurance Council for his leadership of this year’s Spirit of Life campaign, which was the most successful to date, raising more than $1.5 million for prostate cancer and diabetes research at City of Hope …
Mentors, business leaders and community champions of Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Orange Coast (BGC Central OC) gathered at the Lido House on March 29 at the 9th Annual Women of Greatness Brunch & Bubbly to honor the women who have positively impacted the lives of Orange County youth and their families, an event that raised more than $74,000, helping BGC Central OC improve its programs and initiatives to nurture future leaders at the Club …
Edwards Lifesciences has named Ronald McDonald House Orange County (RMHOC) the charity of choice for its Global Supply Chain and Quality Summit, bringing together more than 800 employees in a mini “mock” walk on their campus, encouraging employees to get moving and promote cardiovascular health, an effort that aligns closely with Edwards’ mission to help patients with heart disease live longer, healthier lives.
