ENCINITAS, California (Press Release) – The Women’s Auxiliary of Seacrest Village Retirement Communities held its 36th Annual Gala, “Sapphire Jubilee” at the Hyatt Regency La Jolla in honor of Sylvia and David Geffen for their philanthropic impact on the Jewish community on February 1. The event was attended by 350 guests and raised over $350,000 to be used for the provision of charitable care for those residents who, many due to illness or injury, have exhausted their financial resources.
Guests received a Blue Carpet greeting to coincide with the sapphire theme and enjoyed cocktails prepared by the Flairaholiks (juggling bartenders). The evening commenced with a warm welcome by Robert Haimsohn, Chairman of the Board of Trustees followed by Dan Cohen, Master of Ceremonies and Emmy Award winning Morning Anchor of CBS News 8. Haimsohn thanked everyone for their support of Seacrest Village and gave special recognition to the Board of Trustees and Executive staff. Pam Ferris, President & CEO welcomed her colleagues and three VIP tables of Seacrest Village residents who were in attendance.
Honorees Sylvia and David Geffen were moved to tears after watching a brief video including tributes from respected community philanthropists, Jerome Katzin, Melissa and Michael Bartell, Silvana and Richard Christy along with Suzi and Bernie Feldman. Everyone in attendance agreed with a standing ovation that the Geffens have helped to build a brighter and stronger San Diego through their selfless acts of philanthropy and leadership.
The evening continued with an exciting live auction conducted by Mark Drilling of Stokes Auction Group. Highlights included a Sapphire Jubilee Diamond Pendant Necklace, Exclusive Wine Tasting & Cabana Dinner at Vintana Wine + Dine, Alor Diamond Bangle and a Dinner Party in the Private Wine Room of Pamplemousse Grille. A bidding frenzy occurred over the last item, Dinner with the Honorees at their favorite local restaurant, Osterica Romantica.
The auction concluded with a Fund-A-Need to support the financial assistance program for current and future residents who might otherwise have nowhere to call home. Past Gala Co-Chair, Larry Bloch, gave his personal testimony as to why the Resident Assistance Fund is a real priority, and guests responded enthusiastically by raising their bid numbers. Bloch shared the following advice from his mother to inspire the audience to make a charitable contribution to Seacrest Village, “You will never go poor helping out someone in need.”
Guests dined on delicious entrées of filet of beef, seared sea bass or vegan mushroom ravioli. Following dinner the Sapphire Lounge was revealed to the song “Holiday (Madonna Cover)” performed by The Heroes band. Guests were also treated to a lavish dessert buffet and gourmet coffee cart along with casino games and opportunity drawings. It was truly an evening to remember filled with friends, fine food and funds raised dedicated to the residents at Seacrest Village Retirement Communities.
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Preceding provided by Seacrest Village Retirement Communities