Month: November 2011

Colleen Clayton, Andrene Dziubinski, Francine Miley

The women from The Beach and Country Guild really know how to throw a fundraiser!  Based in Rancho Santa Fe, the Beach and Country Guild has over 100 dynamic women who work hard to support our community through various charity events, including the annual Dia del Sol to benefit United Cerebral Palsy (UCP).  They have raised over $2 million in the past 11 years alone!

The event was held right in our backyard at the Grand Del Mar Resort, the only 5 star hotel in Del Mar.  Guests checked in and perused the silent auction tables.  Among the tables were gift certificates to Nothing Bundt Cakes and Dolce in the food and wine section, catered dinners and playhouse tickets in the dining and entertainment, spa packages in health and beauty, birdhouses in the home and garden, a Bret Boone signed baseball in the sports and entertainment, and fun items for pets and kids.

A special table set up for the Fund-A-Toy Program displayed interactive and colorful toys for the children of UCP.  There is a toy library right here in San Diego, which allows the children of UCP to rent out a learning toy to the family for 2 weeks.  “This allows each child to work on visual, hearing, physical and cognitive abilities.  Plus, all kids love a new toy every few weeks,” says UCP representative Mary Krieger.  Guests could spend as little as $25 and purchase a toy for the UCP Library, an easy option for anyone.

Style booths included Links of London, Kate Spade, Karen Miller, Nicole Miller, Jo Malone, Goga by Gordana.  A percentage of items purchased went to UCP.

Next up was the UCP Childrens Fashion Show sponsored by Nordstrom, Fashion Valley.  The kids rocked the stage!

Guest speaker, Jessica Smith, got on stage and spoke to the audience about what it is like to have cerebral palsy.  “You can’t help the body you’re born in, but you have your mind, soul and spirit.  Those are the things that matter,” Jessica said.  Jessica had both hips removed and participated in the fashion show in previous years.  After having a shoulder surgery, she was diagnosed with leukemia.  That afternoon, she shared she has been in remission for 2 years!  After hearing her moving words, the audience stood and clapped at the inspiring woman she has become.  Although Jessica was born with CP, she hasn’t let it control her life.  She leads a more inspiring and accomplished life than many of us.

A live auction of a few big ticket items came after Jessica’s speech.  Trips to Napa Valley, Golf & Spa Getaway, Luxury Retreat it Baja, 7-night Mediterranean Cruise on an exclusive yacht, and Dinner for 6 Prepared by the RSF Fightfighters, a crowd favorite!

The Beach and Country Guild finished up the event with a fashion show, highlighting Lilly Pulitzer, Hugo Boss, Kate Spade, Nicole Miller, and GOGA by Gordana.  To really top it off, the male models poured champagne on their last walk down the runway.  The women loved it!

Real Living’s Dixie Courtney and Susan Williams.