Las Patronas holds 75th Anniversary Jewel Ball at the La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club

Las Patronas held its 75^th Anniversary Jewel Ball at the La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club. Dressed to impress, guests of the gala, themed “Diamonds Are Forever,” were transported into Bond’s world of delicacies, diamonds, and drama. Jewel Ball chair Kathy Lobo, co-chairs Megan Cox and Robyne Daniels, and president Martha Sottosanti welcomed attendees, who enjoyed a cocktail, shaken not stirred, surrounded by inspiring images of 75 years of Las Patronas history. Guests indulged in tray-passed appetizers, while an elegant seafood bar included jumbo shrimp cocktail with gin spiked cocktail sauce, clams casino royal, and oysters Moscow with caviar and crème fraîche. In the sleek poolside patio, premier auction tables featured a wide array of thrilling items awarded to the highest bidder, including travel, sailing, jewelry, and flying adventures fit for an international spy.

Wayne Foster Entertainment called guests to dinner into the dramatically decorated outdoor ballroom with feather-topped colonnade entry, mirrored bars, and lounge seating areas. The clatter of casino chips from the corners invited guests to try their luck against friend and foe. The all-volunteer membership of Las Patronas spent more than a year planning and countless hours building event décor, guided by the creative vision of design co-chairs Lin Foletta and Mio Hood.

Jewel Ball proceeds will fund critically needed capital items for six nonprofit major beneficiaries each receiving more than $20,000, and 45-50 minor beneficiaries each receiving up to $20,000. Since its inception in 1946, Las Patronas has donated over $25 million to more than a thousand charitable institutions in San Diego.