Beach and Country Guild’s Dia del Sol to shine light on cerebral palsy

The Beach & Country Guild of Rancho Santa Fe will host the annual Dia del Sol fashion show on Wednesday, Oct. 19 at the Park Hyatt Aviara Resort in La Costa. The “fabulous” annual luncheon, live and silent auction and fashion show event benefits United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) of San Diego.

The favorite part of the event for everyone is the children’s fashion show, featuring children with cerebral palsy.

“There’s not a dry eye in the house,” said member Deanna Murphy. “It’s a great way to bring it back to what we’re really there for, to help individuals who have cerebral palsy have fulfilling lives.”

Co-chaired this year by Nancy Sappington and Cruz Zahran, the theme of the event is “Mystique,” and the professional runway show is being presented by Bloomingdale’s. Longstanding emcee Kimberly Hunt of 10 News will again host the event.

The guild started in 1970 with a few women in Rancho Santa Fe who found out that UCP in San Diego County had no one to help raise funds. They held a tea to raise money and were inspired by the success of their efforts and their events steadily grew larger.

“It’s gotten to the point where UCPSD really counts on the dollars we bring to them,” Murphy said, noting there is a very personal connection between the group and the organization: The president of the guild even holds a board seat on UCPSD. “We see how much every penny means to them.”

United Cerebral Palsy’s mission is to advance independence, productivity and full citizenship of people affected by cerebral palsy. The organization’s mission includes everything from assisting someone in finding their first job, helping a child express himself through technology, to breaking down barriers so all people can fully participate in the community. UCP offers several types of day and employment programs for adults with developmental disabilities, as well as support programs for family members.

The Beach and Country Guild is proud that 100 percent of the money raised at its events stays in San Diego to support the programs provided by the two UCP centers in San Diego and Escondido.

Murphy is a legacy member of the Beach & Country Guild. Her mother, Terri Davis, brought her in to the organization while she was still in college.

“That was about 20 years ago. Just seeing the commitment and dedication these women have, they have nothing to gain but are just so committed to helping somebody else,” said Murphy, who has moved back and forth between the Bay Area and San Diego several times over the years. “I can’t live here and not be a part of it…It’s a part of me.”

Murphy said she is so inspired by the devoted, long-standing membership, including members like her mother (Terri Davis), Lynn Owen, Marlene Gotz, Carole Morrison, Kari Ravazzolo and Dee Gordon and how they are able to give back through events like Dia del Sol.

“The day of Dia del Sol everyone has a glow and it’s just so powerful,” Murphy said.

This year’s live auction will feature big ticket items such as a Mediterranean cruise, a jet to Napa for wine tasting, a retreat in Montana and a dinner cooked by local firefighters. To purchase tickets, visit beachandcountry.org