This year’s Ball theme evoked halcyon days spent in the Island’s sparkling coves, or on hiking trails with spectacular views.
Avalon’s Boy and Girl Scouts greeted guests with cheers of “Welcome to Camp Catalina!” as they made their way up the ramps of the Casino Ballroom. Ivory satin drapes tied with blue sashes created the ambience of entering an elegant tent. Inside the ballroom, live native trees and large faux trees adorned the perimeter of the dance floor. The tables and chairs were draped with navy blue shantung and gold and blue plaid table linens, while whimsical illuminated centerpieces displayed a deconstructed version of s’mores.
“The Ball is the Conservancy’s single largest annual fundraising event for our nonprofit organization,” said Ann Muscat, Conservancy president and CEO. “We are so grateful to the many who came to celebrate with us for the evening, and for their generosity, which funds our mission programs in conservation, education and recreation.”
The auction comprised more than 200 treasures for guests to explore and bid on before and during the dinner. A few of the more popular items included a one-of-a-kind Balthazar bottle, 12-liters, of Rusack’s Santa Catalina Island Vineyards 2010 Pinot Noir; a first edition book signed by Zane Grey and two vintage Catalina Casino Hats that were believed to have been worn by ticket and coat check girls in the Casino’s hey day.
Dinner was a sumptuous three-course gourmet meal in the tradition of a rustic fire-roasted outdoor feast. Chef Paul Hancock, corporate executive chef of the Santa Catalina Island Company, emphasized his “farm to table” philosophy of sourcing local and seasonal products from sustainable producers.
For dessert, guests enjoyed a sweet twist on a camping staple—s’mores that featured layers of graham cracker, bittersweet dark chocolate and melted marshmallow, with a delicate genoise sponge cake garnished with organic cocoa nibs and tangerine zest.
A team of students from Chapman University presented a special wildlife film. The film project, spearheaded by Avalon resident Spencer Creigh included a time-lapsed sunset, stately bison, and rare night footage of a Catalina Island fox balancing on a tree limb.
The live auction kicked off with a generous challenge grant of $15,000 by Helen and James Rosburg. Helen Rosburg is the great-granddaughter of William Wrigley Jr. The gift was specifically earmarked to fund the Conservancy’s fox recovery and bison management programs. Several minutes of rapid-fire bidding met and then exceeded the challenge.
Doors opened for Avalon residents after the live auction for dancing to the sounds of Society Beat, a 16-piece band from San Diego.
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The Catalina Island Conservancy was formed in 1972 and is one of California's oldest land trusts. Its mission is to be a responsible steward of its lands through a balance of conservation, education and recreation. Through its ongoing efforts, the Conservancy protects the magnificent natural and cultural heritage of Santa Catalina Island, stewarding approximately 42,000 acres of land, 62 miles of rugged shoreline, an airport, more than 80 miles of trails, and some 220 miles of roads. Twenty miles from the mainland, the Island is a treasure trove of historical and archaeological sites, and contains numerous rare and endangered animals and plants. Sixty endemic species – and counting – reside on the Island including plants and animals found nowhere else in the world.
For additional information, visit www.catalinaconservancy.org