On November 7, the 11th Annual Crystal Ball Gala will take place at Fairbanks Ranch Country Club in support of Casa de Amparo and its commitment to ending child abuse in San Diego County. This year’s gala committee has been hard at work securing more than 100 tempting auction items. “There’s something for everyone,” notes live auction chair Jan Reital. “One item that stirs competitive bidding each year is a private hands-on cooking lesson with Jeffrey Strauss.” Strauss will also prepare a sumptuous dinner for gala guests. Other exciting auction items include an Alaskan fishing expedition, a behind-the-scenes tour at the Navy SEALS training facility, an art and wine vacation experience in Tuscany, and more. Lou and Judy Ferrero are honorary chairs, ProFlowers is the title partner, and committee co-chairs are Judy Keys and Karen Kogut. Individual tickets are $300 per person. (760/754-5500, www.casadeamparo.org)   JANE SHIOMI