Las Patronas will celebrate the 66th Annual Jewel Ball, Passeggiata!, on August 4, from 7pm-1am, at the La Jolla Beach and Tennis Club. As many as 800 guests are expected at this year’s event, which will feature a mid-century Roman theme and décor inspired by films from the late ’50s and early ’60s such as Roman Holiday and La Dolce Vita.
Those hoping to attend are urged to make reservations quickly. Support for this elegant La Jolla tradition has progressed at an exceptionally fast clip this year. The event is expected to sell out soon.
“When the ball is a success, it means more money for our incredibly deserving nonprofits throughout San Diego,” says Elaine Murphy, this year’s ball chair.“The response to this year’s theme has been tremendous. We have many new underwriters, and people attending who have not in the past. It’s going to be a beautiful evening and we are extremely grateful to our sponsors, underwriters, and loyal supporters who have made it happen.”
New this year is a special partnership with Campine Catering, which is providing the food and beverage for a pre-event reception, a special benefit for underwriters who give at a level of $20,000 and above.
The evening will progress much like a night out in Italy. In Rome, “to passeggiata” means to head out, strolling arm in arm through the streets of town, greeting others along the way, for a stylish evening on the town with friends. The Passeggiata typically begins with cocktails, progresses to dinner, and dancing into the early morning in chic restaurants and glamorous nightclubs. This is the experience awaiting guests at this year’s Jewel Ball.
The event will feature two different table settings, one, an elegant bistro in the familiar piazza, the other, a hip ’60s nightclub set among the ruins. The music will span from a hip jazz vibe to high energy Rock-n-Roll.
Led by design chair, Melinda Mahony, the 50 energetic women of Las Patronas have created and painted walls that resemble the faded brick and stone facades of mid-century Italian buildings, complete with iron window grates and light fixtures. The table decorations, created by tables chair, Kathryn Gayner, will be simple and elegant, designed to create the intimate, romantic, candle-lit atmosphere of an Italian restaurant.
The night’s entertainment will include everything from opera to rock and roll, featuring Side Effect, a 14-piece Los Angeles dance band and the house band from local club, Anthology.
This year’s beneficiaires include: Alpha Project for the Homeless, American Red Cross-San Diego/Imperial Counties, Greater San Diego After-School All-Stars, Reuben H. Fleet Science Center, San Diego Hospice, Senior Community Centers, and Zoological Society of San Diego. Requests for invitations can be made via www.laspatronas.com.
