Crystal Cove Alliance Celebrates 10 Years of Spectacular Galas, Opens 2012 Ticket Sales For 'Ocean Treasures'

TUSTIN, CA, August 23, 2012 (Press-News.org) With a focus on ocean conservation at Crystal Cove State Park, the Resort at Pelican Hill presents "Ocean Treasures," Crystal Cove Alliance's (CCA) 10th annual gala on Saturday, Sept. 22. Tickets now are available for the bluff-top soiree, which will showcase innovative education programs focused on ocean conservation in the marine protected areas and reveal the wonders beneath the surface of Crystal Cove's underwater park. Another sell-out event is expected this year - with CCA honoring longtime supporters Gavin and Kerry Herbert.

"Crystal Cove State Park is at the heart of some of our fondest memories - family bike rides along the unspoiled vistas and watching schools of dolphins frolicking along the shore," said Gavin Herbert, president of Roger's Gardens in Newport Beach.

Kerry Herbert added, "Mother Nature has blessed us with a coastline that's been enjoyed for generations as a haven of beauty, serenity and spirituality, and it's both a joy and a responsibility to help preserve its majesty."

While experiencing breathtaking scenery from the bluff-top overlooking Crystal Cove, guests will enjoy a four-course gourmet dinner prepared by the Executive Chefs of The Resort at Pelican Hill, Montage Laguna Beach and The Beachcomber Cafe. In addition to a silent and live auction, Wayne Foster Entertainment will provide live music and the perfect ambiance to dance the night away.

"While we have achieved some incredible milestones since our inception in 1999, our work is far from over, and CCA needs the public's support now more than ever," said Laura Davick, CCA founder and Director of External Affairs. "Our gala is a great way for those who love Crystal Cove to look back and celebrate the many incredible accomplishments we have been able to achieve together while also looking toward a future of continued preservation and conservation."

With two-thirds of CCA's cottage restoration project completed, this year's gala presents a tremendous opportunity for cause-minded companies and individuals from the community to become part of this important organization through various sponsorships and underwriting opportunities. 2012 gala sponsors have the opportunity to help support CCA's ongoing education and public programs, which serve almost one million visitors annually within the Historic District. Sponsorship efforts also help fund CCA's efforts in ocean and open space conservation with an expanded footprint in the El Moro Backcountry and more than three miles of pristine coastline.

Current sponsors and underwriters include: The Resort at Pelican Hill, The Beachcomber Cafe, HKA, Inc. Public Relations, Mikimoto of South Coast Plaza, Montage Laguna Beach, Arnold & Mable Beckman Foundation, Dan & Louise Brigham, Rick & Wendy Aversano, Wayne Foster Entertainment, Exclusive Media Sponsor, COAST magazine, The Beall Family, California Pacific Homes, Dac & Donna Clark, Crystal Cove Beach Cottages, First Foundation Bank, Fostering Executive Leadership/Dr. Tammy Wong, Hexberg Family Foundation, Joan Irvine Smith & Athalie R. Clarke Foundation, Kristalle - Wayne & Dona Leicht, Metz Properties, Keith & Mara Murray, Annette & Bucky Oltmans, Roger's Gardens, Wendy & Fred Salter, UCI Vice Chancellor for Research, Executive Vice Chancellor and Provost, 4LEAF, Inc., Sharlene Baker, Jay Bauer & Jennifer Steele, Mark & Leticia Christy, Mike & Linda Mussallem, Passage West2, Sterling BMW, Glenn & Mindy Sterns, Tredway Lumsdaine & Doyle, UCI School of Biological Sciences, Wendy & Rick Aversano, Deborah & David Lake, AT & T, Jackson Lewis, LLP, Fuscoe Engineering, Inc., Rosalie & Dan Gee, Shelia & Mike Lefkowitz, Soka University, South Coast Plaza, Union Bank, Pam & Jim Young, Jim & ElizaBeth Chapel, The New Home Company, One World One Ocean Foundation, Patsee Ober Photography, Anonymous, Farmers & Merchants Bank, George & Bettina Kallins, Barry & Aimee Porter, Lucy & Rick Rawlins, Maya & Tom Redwitz, Debbie & Frank Rugani, Brian & Laureen Stone, and Nancy & Arn Youngman.

About Crystal Cove Alliance
Crystal Cove Alliance (CCA), the official nonprofit partner of Crystal Cove State Park, is dedicated to preserving the cultural, natural and historic resources of Crystal Cove. Founded in 1999 to stop a planned luxury resort from overtaking the area, CCA rescued the historic site and initiated one of the most successful public-private partnership models in the history of the California State Park system.

Today, CCA has expanded its focus to include all 3.2 miles of pristine coastline, more than 3,700 acres of backcountry habitat and 1,100 acres offshore in the Underwater Park. CCA has turned Crystal Cove into a laboratory for developing innovative educational programs and experiences that promote science and environmental literacy to more than 1.5 million visitors and students each year. CCA's conservation work insures access by a range of recreational enthusiasts while maintaining protection of critical habitat and protecting endangered and threatened species.

The partnership between Crystal Cove State Park and the Crystal Cove Alliance has led to the renovation of 29 historic beachfront cottages now open for overnight stays, as well as historic education programs designed for the public. CCA is proud of the park receiving the prestigious 2007 Governor's Award for Historic Preservation. A leader in fundraising, restoration, education and concession services, CCA is devoted to creating a sustainable future for Crystal Cove. Seventeen historic cottages remain to be restored.

For more information, please visit http://www.crystalcovealliance.org or call the CCA Development Office at (949)376-0900.