Author Archives: the local dish

Heights Christian Schools

Heights Christian Schools
SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO PRESCHOOL

Heights Christian Schools

While new to the San Juan Capistrano area, Heights Christian Schools are not new to Christian education. HCS has been serving 2,000 students, preschool through 8th grade, in the Brea, Chino Hills, La Habra and La Mirada communities for more than 35 years. And now, HCS is excited to announce the HCS–San Juan Capistrano Preschool. A Grand Opening event is scheduled for Saturday, January 21 from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.

HCS believes a comprehensive preschool education should be age-appropriate and based on solid principles of child development. Each child develops at his/her own pace, so it is important that each student is treated as an individual. Each child is encouraged to progress at his/her own rate toward enriched experiences, self-discipline, and the ability to make wise choices. The HCS program promotes the child’s social, emotional, physical, cognitive and spiritual development. It is the aim of HCS to assist in developing the total personality of each child by providing an educational experience of lasting value.

HCS preschools provide a group setting in which each child can feel secure, learn to separate easily from parents, and interact with other children of the same age in group settings. Throughout each day and every activity, an emphasis is placed on biblical integration of Christian values, and helping students to develop an understanding of God and His love for them. The teacher/student ratio is intentionally low, providing teachers with the opportunity to observe play and creative expression, while providing a balance between child-selection and teacher-guided activities. Additionally, the HCS program prepares students academically for the next level with instruction in language and literacy, math and science concepts, creative expression, self and community awareness, and large and small motor development.

At HCS, learning is fun, and God is number one! Plan to call, click or visit!

HCS–San Juan Capistrano Preschool
31501 Avenida Los Cerritos
San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
949.429.5660 • www.HeightsChristianSchools.org

Heights Christian Schools

OC Parks Annual Parking Pass Available Online

OC Parks Annual Parking Pass Available Online

OC Parks Annual Parking Pass Available Online(Orange County, Calif.) – Give the gift of the great outdoors this holiday season with an OC Parks annual parking pass, now available for purchase online or in person at most OC Parks facilities.

OC Parks annual parking passes make perfect stocking stuffers and allow convenient parking at regional and wilderness parks, as well as all County beach parks. Enjoy hiking, mountain biking, exploring, surfing or rest and relaxation in nature with simple pre-paid parking at all locations. Give the gift that’s ideal for adventurous friends and family.

The OC Parks annual parking pass rates are affordable and accessible. The annual regional and wilderness parking passes are available for $55 to the general public, and $35 for disabled with placard and to seniors 60 years of age and above. A pass for parking at County beaches is available for the same price. Or, explore all OC Parks and beaches with a combination pass available to the general public for $80, or just $50 for seniors and disabled. Distinguished Veterans are eligible for a combination pass at no fee.

Annual passes are available for purchase online and at an OC Parks facility near you. Visit OC Parks online at http://ocparks.com/about/fees/pass to renew or purchase an annual parking pass and for a list of convenient locations. Spend some time in the great outdoors with family, friends and OC Parks all year long.

Ross Legacy Medical Group

Ross Legacy Medical Group

Ross Legacy Medical Group

ross_poemModern Medicine. Traditional Care.

rosslegacy_bulletsWhen Dr. Karl Gebhard, the founder of Ross Legacy Medical Group, was a young boy, Little House on the Prairie was filmed on a horse property near his house in the L.A. area. “It was fascinating to watch famous actors play their roles, but what struck me most was Doc Baker and his vintage doctor’s bag. I wondered if actual physicians still used those doctor’s bags and if they were as much a part of their town and families as the Doc Baker character was on the show,” says Dr. Gebhard.

Many years later, Gebhard was talking to an older physician and noticed he carried a black bag almost identical to Doc Baker’s. He pondered if he had finally met a real life “Doc Baker.” It turned out that he had, and that man was Dr. Ross.

After graduating from medical school and working in several corporate-owned clinics, Dr. Gebhard formed a partnership with Dr. Ross. He wanted to practice family medicine that cares for an entire community, focusing on traditional ideals and a strong work ethic while being innovative and technologically current. When Dr. Ross passed in 2008, Dr. Gebhard promised himself that he would continue that same mission.

Dr. Gebhard feels fortunate to be back at the Mission Viejo location that Dr. Ross founded over forty years ago. He and the team at Ross Legacy Medical Group are proud to serve the families of south Orange County. To schedule an appointment, please call 949.305.0110 or visit RossLegacy.net. Walk-ins are always welcome.

Ross Legacy Medical Group
26922 Oso Parkway, Ste. 380, Mission Viejo
949.305.0110 | RossLegacy.net

The Dish On Holiday Hangs

The Dish On Holiday Hangs

The Dish On Holiday Hangs

Want to chill with Santa this holiday season? We’ve got the DISH  on where you’ll find him in South Orange County. Take a peek at these events for some face time with Mr. Claus and his South Pole peeps.

The Dish On Holiday Hangs

The Dish On Holiday HangsTREE LIGHTING & FESTIVAL
The City’s annual Winter Festival and Tree Lighting returns to La Plaza Park on Saturday, December 3 from noon to 7. New to the event this year is an ice skating rink! The festival includes a craft fair, face painting, a petting zoo, pony rides and cookie decorating. The Christmas Story will be screened with complimentary popcorn immediately following the hot-chocolate-and-cookie-accompanied Tree Lighting at 5:15 p.m. Please remember to bring an unwrapped, new toy for the OC Spark of Love Toy Drive. The City and Capo Care are also holding a Tree Lighting on Monday, December 5 at Pines Park from 4 to 6 p.m. It’s a family-friendly event with crafts, carolers, cookies, hot chocolate and more!

MINGLE AND JINGLE
Holiday in the Harbor spreads the spirit of the season on December 2, 4:30 to 7:30 p.m., at Mariner’s Village, Mariner’s Alley and Dana Wharf.  The celebration features family fun of all kinds, including performances by various characters, holiday crafts, people painting, carolers and visits with Saint Nick. Santa is anxious to hear holiday wishes and is available for photos (bring your camera). The parking and events are free. For more info, call 949.496.6177 or visit DanaPointHarbor.com.

DON’T ROCK THE BOAT
Join boaters from all around Orange County as they light up the holiday season at the Dana Point Boat Parade on Friday and Saturday, December 9, 10, 16 and 17 at 7:30 p.m. This year’s “Under the Sea” theme will certainly have participants diving deep for some “mermaizing” ideas! Make reservations early at your favorite waterside eatery for a warm and comfy spot. Go to DanaPointHarbor.com to learn more.

The Dish On Holiday Hangs

SEA TO BELIEVE
Come aboard the “Sum Fun” for a twenty-minute Harbor Boat Ride with Santa and his helpers. On December 3 and 4 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saint Nick will be on board spreading holiday cheer and taking note of your little one’s holiday wishes. For a $3 donation, the El Camino Real Junior Woman’s Club will happily capture the moment with a keepsake photo. Santa and crew will launch from the Dana Wharf Sportfishing docks. For more information, visit DanaPointHarbor.com.

READ MY LIPS
Holiday Storytelling returns to The Ritz-Carlton on Friday and Saturday, December 2, 3, 9, 10, 16, and 17 from 5 to 6 p.m. in the Eco-Adventure Center. Classic tales will be read aloud to the kiddos followed by a visit with Santa. Donations of a new children’s book are greatly appreciated.

The Dish On Holiday Hangs

TOP DOG
On Saturday, December 3 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., The Pet Project Foundation is excited to host the 5th Annual Santa Paws event. Bring your four-legged friend to the El Torito Courtyard and have a picture taken with Santa for a nominal fee. All proceeds benefit the Pet Project Foundation and the San Clemente-Dana Point Animal Shelter.

BARK YOUR CALENDAR
Join other canines and their companions to sniff and schmooze at The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel’s Yappy Howl-iday Celebration on Sunday, December 4 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The “Big Dog” will be on hand for photos with Fido. In keeping with the resort’s season of giving, guests are asked to bring unopened canned or dry dog food, treats or dog toys to be donated to local animals in need.

RIDE THE WAVE
The Ritz-Carlton is partnering with Surfers Healing to help children with autism through its annual Holiday Surfboard Auction. This year’s auction showcases more than two-dozen boards donated by renowned artists, actors, musicians and surf industry greats. Visit BiddingForGood.com/SurfersHealing through December 31 to place your bid for a great cause.

The Dish On Holiday Hangs

SANTA DELIVERS
The Dish On Holiday HangsOn December 3, San Clemente is the place to be for an action-packed holiday spectacular. The festivities begin with Casa Romantica’s Christmas at the Casa from 5 to 7:30 p.m. featuring letter writing and photos with Mr. Claus, crafts, hot cocoa and cookies, Dickens Carolers and other entertainment. The action continues with Santa’s Village by the Sea at the Community Center from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m. for the annual snow hill, holiday games, cookie decorating, visits with Santa and the tree lighting at 8 p.m. From 6 to 10 p.m., Avenida Del Mar hosts Puttin’ on the Glitz, where mom and dad can get a jump on their holiday shopping and the kiddos can take train rides and watch a holiday movie. For more information, visit San-Clemente.org or call 949.429.8797.

ALL IN A DAYíS WORK
You better watch out, you better not pout…Playschool is decking the halls for a morning of holiday cheer and excitement at the Lil’ Elves Workshop. On December 9, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Santa’s elves are in need of extra special help from your tiny tots to put crafts and games together. Children will sing holiday songs, enjoy special guest appearances from Santa’s helpers, make gifts for family and friends, decorate holiday cookies, and more. The registration fee is $20 per child (ages 3-5) at San-Clemente.org.

PICTURE THIS
Come to The Outlets at San Clemente’s Center Court on December 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, and 16 – 23 from 1 to 7 p.m. and on Christmas Eve from 1 to 6 p.m. for a Photo Op with Santa. Bring the kids and your camera for a complimentary photo and an opportunity to check off your holiday gift list at more than 50 stores.

kid

ON THE BRIGHT SIDE
San Clemente residents and business owners, it’s time to untangle those lights and get ready for your chance to win prizes in the City’s Winter Wonderland Light Decorating Contest. Go to SCChamber.com for a registration form and return it by December 12 to enter. Judging takes place on December 13 from 5 to 8 p.m.

The Dish On Holiday Hangs

girlMAKING SPIRITS BRIGHT
Come to Historic Town Center Park on December 3 at 4:15 p.m. to kick off the festivities with music and other live entertainment before the City’s Tree Lighting Celebration at 5:15 p.m. From there, take the family and head over to Los Rios Park, Zoomars, and the downtown area for free photos with Saint Nick, a puppet show, a Christmas train ride, crafts and extended shopping hours. Zoomars is opening the gates to its petting zoo free of charge and is offering train and hay rides for a nominal fee. Mrs. Claus will entertain children with a holiday story at the O’Neill Museum.

MERRY-ACHIS & MORE
Mission San Juan Capistrano will host Christmas at the Mission on Saturday, December 3 from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Bring the family for a fun evening featuring real snow sledding and a play area (bring mittens!). Kids will have a jolly time visiting with Father Christmas and decorating cookies. Carolers, choirs and chamber music will entertain guests as they enjoy tamales, chili, sweets, cider and cocoa. General admission is $6, $4 for children ages 4-11 and free for members. Visit MissionSJC.com for more event information.

laguna-niguel

MERRY & BRIGHT
Laguna Niguel’s City Hall will brighten up the sky at its annual Christmas Tree Lighting and Holiday Celebration on Saturday, December 3 from 5 to 7 p.m. Join in the countdown to powering up the tree while you keep warm and happy with hot chocolate and cookies. Bring your camera and snap a quick pic with Saint Nick.

LIGHT UP THE TOWN
Laguna Niguel residents can get into the spirit by entering the Holiday Lights Decorating Contest before December 5 at 9 a.m. Winners in each category receive a Visa gift card and a yard sign with bragging rights! The entry form, rules and information are located in the City’s Winter Recreation Brochure or you may go to CityofLagunaNiguel.org for more.

WALK THIS WAY
“Home for the Holidays” is the theme for the City of Laguna Niguel’s annual Holiday Parade taking place on Saturday, December 10 at 10 a.m. This year’s Grand Marshall, Rita Rudner, along with Teen Grand Marshall Brec Bassinger, from Nickelodeon’s Bella and the Bulldogs, will lead the way. The parade includes beautiful equestrian units, patriotic and inspirational military tributes, world-class athletes, spirit-filled youth groups, classic auto clubs, talented marching bands, and some of the biggest attractions in the nation! To learn more, visit LagunaNiguelParade.com.

A LATKE FUN
A blizzard of holiday fun awaits the whole family as Chabad Laguna Niguel and the City host its Chanukah Wonderland and Menorah Lighting on Wednesday, December 29 at 5:30 p.m. The merriment happens at City Hall, with live entertainment, arts and crafts, and traditional Chanukah treats. Go to ChabadLagunaNiguel.com for more information.

Barnoa Wine Company

Barnoa Wine Company

Barnoa Wine Company

by Amy Fox

Barnoa Wine CompanyIn a tucked away corner of San Clemente’s Talega Village Center, an unexpected gem awaits. With a Cheers-like atmosphere that makes locals and even first-timers feel at home, Barnoa Wine Company serves up a quiet spot for relaxing with friends, enjoying delicious small bites and sipping beautiful glasses of wine.

New owner Mike Trebing has expanded Barnoa’s offerings with the addition of a full-time chef, increased menu options, and a well-curated wine shop featuring wines from all over the world with a California-focused selection.

I recently discovered my new favorite wine at Barnoa when I was offered a glass of Obsession. As its name implies, just one sip and you’re hooked on its sweet and refreshing notes. Obsession is one of the newest white wines to make Barnoa’s line-up of 12 whites and 15 reds.

Barnoa’s bites are unique and tasty, bar none. The Nutty Goat offered a mild blend of goat and cream cheese that is sweet (due to its chipotle brown sugar drizzle) and nutty. I dare you to stop at a single bite! The satisfying Pulled Pork Sliders delivered just the right kick and the Deviled Eggs, topped with crumbles of crispy bacon, jalapeños and chives, made a perfect low-carb, protein snack.

To-die-for desserts include Black Russian Chocolate Cake and Vinnie’s famous Lemon Goat Cheese and Blueberry Compote. The off-menu chocolate lava cake was a delicious and decadent way to cap off my experience. The rich, warm brownie covered in whipped cream and berries was irresistible.

Barnoa Wine Company offers a daily Happy Hour from 4 to 6 p.m., Tuesday wine flights, Wednesday Wine-Down (a local favorite for Girls Night Out), and Thursday Wine Tastings (with occasional beer tastings, too). Live music takes place on Friday and Saturday nights.

Check out Barnoa’s Sip & Shop event on December 6, from 4 to 9 p.m., for a fun way to tackle that holiday gift list while having a glass, or two! If you’re looking for a place to party on New Year’s Eve, celebrate at Barnoa with Irish band, Key of Whiskey. Make your reservations today!

Upcoming Third Annual Tri-Give-A-Thon to Support With My Own Two Hands Foundation

Upcoming Third Annual Tri-Give-A-Thon to Support With My Own Two Hands Foundation

Upcoming Third Annual Tri-Give-A-Thon to Support With My Own Two Hands Foundation

Orange County fitness studios combine cycling and yoga to raise money for local nonprofit

San Clemente, Calif. – [Saturday, November 19, 2016]CB CycleBarn® and Pure.Love.Yoga. San Clemente will be hosting the third annual Tri-Give-A-Thon in support of With My Own Two Hands Nonprofit, a Laguna Beach based nonprofit, that provides sustainable solutions to projects in Africa that benefit orphaned and disadvantaged children in need. The charity event raised $1,800 last year for the local nonprofit, with 38 residents participating.

The 2016 Tri-Give-A-Thon will bring together Orange County residents to start at CB Cycle Barn where they will spend 45 minutes spinning for a cause on decked out bikes with donated swag. The participants will set out on a three-mile run to Pure. Love. Yoga., where they will be rewarded with freshly squeezed organic fruits and greens followed by a blissful hour-long yoga class.

“With My Own Two Hands seeks to inspire our communities to help improve the lives of children in need, and this event is a great way to show our community that everyone can make a difference. As a lifelong resident of San Clemente, it is wonderful to see the community come together to help the deserving kids in Africa,” said Lindsey Pluimer, founder and CEO of With My Own Two Hands.

100% of the proceeds from Tri-Give-A-Thon donations will directly support With My Own Two Hands Foundation, helping to provide education, shelter, water and food for orphaned and disadvantaged children in need.

About With My Own Two Hands
With My Own Two Hands Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that is dedicated to improving the lives of orphaned or disadvantaged children in need. With the belief that diminishing poverty must start with the children, the organization’s goal is to provide an education to children in need while making sure they have the necessities of shelter, water, and food. For ticket information, please visit trigiveathon2016.eventbrite.com.

For more information:
Mary Beth Pugh- Operations Manager
Marybeth@WithMyOwn2Hands.org // (949) 315-9856
WithMyOwn2Hands.org

The 42nd Annual Boat Parade of Lights

Dana Point Harbor Welcomes
UNDER THE SEA
42nd Annual Boat Parade of Lights
with Festive Holiday Activities Dec. 2-17

(Dana Point, Calif.) – The County of Orange, OC Parks and Dana Point Harbor invite families to deck the halls “Under the Sea” at the 42nd Annual Boat Parade of Lights. Enjoy festive family activities and celebrations by the waters’ edge on select dates December 2 – 17.

The 42nd Annual Boat Parade of Lights will take place on December 9, 10, 16 and 17 beginning at 7:30 p.m. On each evening of the parade, OC Parks will host free festive family activities throughout Mariner’s Village, Mariner’s Alley and Dana Wharf beginning at 5:30 p.m. Parking will be available at the Doheny State Beach lot for $2 per hour. Free trolleys will be running from 4:30 to 10:30 p.m. and will be dropping off and picking up along Dana Point Harbor Drive. 

The holiday season at Dana Point Harbor kicks off on Friday, December 2 from 4:30-7:30 p.m. with the Holiday In The Harbor Open House at Mariner’s Village, Mariner’s Alley and Dana Wharf. 

Take a boat ride in the harbor with Santa Claus himself on Saturday, December 3 and Sunday, December 4 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Rides launch from Dana Wharf Sportfishing.  

Santa will be available for photos and selfies on Friday, December 2 from 4:30 – 7:30 p.m. and Thursday, December 8 from 3 – 5 p.m. in the El Torito Courtyard and Thursday, December 15 from 3 – 5 p.m. at the Dana Wharf Courtyard. Saturday, December 3 from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. also welcomes Santa Paws, for festive photos with the furry friends in your life.

Get into the holiday spirit this year “Under the Sea” at Dana Point Harbor. Visit DanaPointHarbor.com for more information.

OC Parks manages nearly 60,000 acres of parks, historical and coastal facilities and open space for the County of Orange as part of OC Community Resources. http://www.ocparks.com

U.S. Reclaimed

U.S. Reclaimed | The Local Dish Magazine

U.S. Reclaimed

Vintage Lumber & Wood Works

by Veronica Badzey

U.S. Reclaimed | The Local Dish Magazine

Ben Bonin spent 15 years as a contractor before opening U.S. Reclaimed Vintage Lumber and Wood Works in Laguna Niguel. Traveling throughout the U.S., from Mississippi to New York, Ben and his team repurpose pre-1900s barns, houses and old buildings, saving them from being demolished, burned down or winding up in landfills. Ben’s passion for reusing timeworn materials and artifacts in contemporary ways is expressed in the creative designs, quality products and one-of-a-kind treasures he creates.

Ben’s vision for starting his own company was inspired by his experiences with other reclaimed wood companies. “I wanted a store that was super customer friendly,” Ben says, “where people could walk in, find what they were looking for and talk with an expert without getting the run around.” Ben’s commitment to his customers is paramount and he often develops personal, lasting relationships with many of them.

Ben loves the process and outcomes of working with reclaimed wood because of its beauty, history, and superior quality. In the beginning, Ben and his wife, Bethany, hunted for wooden gems themselves; now they receive calls on a weekly basis from owners who have heard of U.S. Reclaimed and want to sell their old structures. These unique pieces of history are built using, as Ben says, “just about every kind of hardwood that grew in America.” As Ben explains, “The wood we retrieve is first generation lumber from some of the first trees cut down in America. It’s just solid, good wood. Today, everything is farmed, and the trees have lost the natural defenses that keep out bugs and diseases that cause rot.”

Recycled materials from deconstructed buildings provide a seemingly inexhaustible supply of high quality lumber. Newer lumber from farmed trees can’t compare to the beauty and quality of reclaimed wood. “It’s a joy to work with,” states Ben. “It’s more beautiful; you don’t get the same grains, density, and colors from farmed trees that have been cut down six or seven times since the country has started logging.”

U.S. Reclaimed Vintage Lumber offers a design store, lumber yard, and woodworking shop all in one, providing clients with design services, construction, and raw materials for any DIY project. The company has created everything from furniture to flooring, wall paneling, ceiling beams, fireplace mantles and tabletops – even shelving, frames, and sliding barn doors. Ben’s expertise and the shop’s wide range of unique, raw materials ensure that every customer walks away with a truly one-of-a-kind piece no matter the scope of the project.

Many customers will even research the back-story behind their lumber, discovering details of American history from the time when the structure was originally built. “My favorite part of this business,” says Ben, “is traveling and meeting the characters from all these different towns in areas of the U.S. where people don’t normally want to go. Jumping into their way of life for a couple of days is fun and then I get to bring a piece of that back with me.”

Some of his more memorable projects include historical renovations, like the old grain mill tower on Alicia Parkway that was constructed in the early 1900s, or rebuilding the floors of a 19th century church in Santa Ana. Projects like these often require Ben to use the relationships he’s developed to source out reclaimed materials that match those used in the initial construction. He has also designed and outfitted many popular businesses around town. The Cellar restaurant in San Clemente, for example, commissioned Ben to build its bar from reclaimed wine barrels and to create custom wine racks. His newest project, Water Grill in Costa Mesa, features impressive wood beamed ceilings, pillars, and a stunning herringbone patterned floor.

To customize your own unique piece of history, stop by U.S. Reclaimed Vintage Lumber &
Wood Works, located on Camino Capistrano in Laguna Niguel, just off Avery Parkway and the 5 Freeway. For a glimpse of U.S. Reclaimed’s extensive gallery of work, visit USreclaimed.com.

U.S. Reclaimed Vintage Lumber & Wood Works
28052 Camino Capistrano Ste. 103, Laguna Niguel
(949) 364-1207 • USreclaimed.com

Dana Point Turkey Trot

Dana Point Turkey Trot | The Local Dish Magazine

Dana Point Turkey Trot

Strut Your Stuff

Dana Point Turkey Trot | The Local Dish Magazine

The 39th annual Dana Point Turkey Trot is an Orange County Thanksgiving Day tradition attracting 11,000 participants and 6,000 volunteers to Dana Point Harbor. The event includes scenic 5K and 10K courses, a Kids Gobble Wobble race, costume contest, on-course entertainment and a two-day Health & Wellness Expo. From world-class competitors to recreational runners and walkers of all ages, the Turkey Trot provides a family-friendly, fun and active start to the holiday season while helping area nonprofit organizations.

The Turkey Trot has chosen VFW Post 9934 as the local nonprofit beneficiary for this year’s event. A portion of each runner’s registration fee will go toward supporting the VFW’s mission of assisting fellow veterans and their families with unexpected expenses as well as delivering thousands of pounds of food to Camp Pendleton each week.

“We go down to Pendleton and see women lined up with their strollers, waiting to receive the food and supplies that we bring,” said Bob Fowler, post service officer. “The sad part is that we have to; the good part is that we get to. We appreciate the contributions of the Dana Point Chamber of Commerce, the community and all race participants.” Participants can also make an additional donation during the registration process or by visiting TurkeyTrot.com/charities.

Don’t delay, register now and save! Online registration closes on November 21st at midnight. You can register on-site at the Health & Wellness Expo on Wednesday, November 23rd and on race day, Thursday, November 24th. Prices go up $10 for on-site registration. Visit TurkeyTrot.com for event details, registration and to become a race volunteer.

The Diamond Ball

The Diamond Ball | The Local Dish Magazine

The Diamond Ball

November 12 at The Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel
Veterans and Volunteers Honored with an Evening of Inspiration Committed to Changing Lives

Alex & Sierra, winners of The X Factor, will perform at the much anticipated Diamond Ball at The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel on Saturday, November 12. The Diamond Ball is held each year to support The Canine Companions Veterans Initiative.

The evening will also honor veteran Jason Morgan, United States Air Force (Ret.), and his Service Dog, Rue, as well as Anne Roberts, recipient of the Geneva Davis Award, recognizing leadership in individuals who have been ambassadors of Canine Companions’ program and its goals to promote and inspire volunteers and volunteer activity.

“The Diamond Ball is a vital charitable event that draws influential leaders and supporters across our community together to raise funds for The Canine Companions Veterans Initiative,” shares Bruce Brainerd, General Manager of The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel and founder of The Diamond Ball. “With existing and emerging conflicts around the globe, there are an increasing number of veterans returning home in need of these amazing assistance dogs. We are honored to support Canine Companions so they may continue to change the lives of our veterans in need,” he adds.

The Canine Companions Veterans Initiative provides an opportunity for veterans to regain their independence through the support of a Canine Companions service animal. To date, Canine Companions has placed 154 assistance dogs nationally with veterans of 119 active teams that include 39 teams from the Southwest Region. There are also 22 current PTSD study placement teams utilizing the service.

In addition to a four-course dinner, entertainment by Alex & Sierra, dancing, and the Diamond Drop, the gala features live and silent auctions with items including luxury hotel stays, dining packages, golf getaways, fine jewelry, and once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Diamond Ball tickets are $250 per person and sponsorship opportunities are still available. For more information, to purchase tickets, or to become a sponsor, visit www.TheDiamondBall.org.

The Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel
1 Ritz Carlton Dr, Dana Point • (949) 240-2000
TheDiamondBall.org