2018 Women’s Auxiliary Diamond Anniversary Gala
With origins reaching back to the 1940s, Seacrest Village Retirement Communities has long been a lifeline for seniors in the greater San Diego area. This vibrant, not-for-profit senior housing and healthcare organization operates residential facilities in both Encinitas and Rancho Bernardo , working with more than 400 clients daily through an array of programs and services. The Seacrest Foundation helps support Seacrest Village, to ensure that warm and loving homes will be available for generations to come regardless of individual clients’ ability to pay. The organization has never turned down anyone in need.
The number of seniors requiring help to cover the cost of their food, shelter and care is growing exponentially. This year alone, Seacrest will provide about $2.5 million in charitable care, part of which is funded by private and corporate donations. Since 1979, the Seacrest Foundation Women’s Auxiliary has hosted very successful fundraising galas annually. The 40th such affair was held June 2 at the Hyatt Aventine in La Jolla . Chaired by sisters Anne Nagorner and Suzi Feldman, the event honored their parents, Rancho Santa Fe residents Lee and Frank Goldberg. The popular couple, long noted for their philanthropic efforts, had a special surprise in mind — which would be revealed near the end of the evening.
About 575 guests attended this Diamond Anniversary Gala to celebrate Seacrest’s 75 years of service.
Dan Cohen emceed, and a six-item live auction raised $25,000. After a short video about Seacrest’s services, Lee and Frank Goldberg spoke of the importance of giving back. Their surprise was announced: they would match all donations — up to a whopping $1 million! Their generosity spurred others, who pledged well over $550,000 in the paddle-raise.
As the program concluded, Women’s Auxiliary president Mary Epsten announced that overall, the record-setting event had raised more than $3 million to provide for those who had nowhere else to turn. Celebratory festivities continued with music and dancing till the evening’s end. --Report by Vincent Andrunas
Online: rsfreview.com