$772K raised for Mission San Juan Capistrano

► Joe Adams, CEO, Discovery Cube, and Mechelle Lawrence Adams, executive director, Mission San Juan Capistrano, with honorees Joan and Bill Cvengros, chairman, National Retirement Partners

The theme Love Endures was evident throughout Mission Preservation Foundation’s Romance of the Mission gala, with close to 400 guests at historic Mission San Juan Capistrano on Sept. 16.

The black-tie affair raised $772,000, which will support the stewardship of the 245-year-old landmark.

The gala celebrated Orange County philanthropists Joan and Bill Cvengros, chairman, National Retirement Partners. Major underwriting was provided by Kerry and Gavin Herbert Jr., president and CEO, Roger’s Gardens. Roger’s Gardens donated the evening’s floral design and decor while Lugano Diamonds provided ruby and diamond earrings for the opportunity drawing.

Additional drawing items were donated by Inn at the Mission San Juan Capistrano, Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach Resort & Club and Jim Curwood, owner, Buy My Bikes. Valet services were provided by Brand Enhance Parking & Hospitality.

The evening included a live concert in The Great Stone Church featuring Vonzell Solomon and Terron Brooks, both Broadway award-winning artists.

Mission San Juan Capistrano’s historic bells were rung by members of the Juaneño Band of Mission Indians as guests made their way into the Central Courtyard for dinner.

The four-course plated dinner was hosted by Inn at the Mission San Juan Capistrano, with wine pairings provided by Rancho Capistrano Winery for the reception and dinner.