The Diamond Ball

The Diamond Ball

Get ready to sparkle, shine and give back to some treasured friends. The Diamond Ball, to be held Saturday, November 9th at The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel, is a gala evening with the special mission of raising funds and awareness for animal-related charities. The emotional ties that connect us to the animals we love can oftentimes make the difference in our lives and this wonderful event takes that sentiment to heart.

The 2013 Diamond Ball will support charities whose purpose is to change lives through the assistance of animals. The beneficiaries of this year’s gala are the Wounded Veteran Initiative of Canine Companions for Independence (CCI) and Friends of Orange County’s Homeless Pets (FOCHP).

Veteran’s Day weekend was intentionally selected as the date for The Ball because it’s a time to honor and reflect on those who’ve served our country proudly. Both CCI and FOCHP support the residents of our local community through their work. Having FOCHP and CCI together as beneficiaries solidifies The Diamond’s Ball’s vision that it’s not just about people saving animal’s lives; it’s about how animals save people’s lives, too.

CCI helps injured veterans put their lives back together by providing assistance dogs that play an integral role in a veteran’s ability to regain independence. Established in 1975, CCI has five regional training centers across the country and is recognized worldwide for the excellence of its dogs, and the quality and longevity of the matches it makes between dogs and people. Through CCI’s Wounded Veterans Initiative, veterans with physical disabilities such as hearing loss, limb amputations and spinal cord injuries receive services that may not otherwise be available.

FOCHP aids homeless and unwanted pets by making them more adoptable. Their mission is accomplished through training, veterinary services, and spay and neuter assistance. FOCHP is operated solely by volunteers and 100 percent of donations received go directly back to the needs of their rescued animals.

This extraordinary evening to honor veterans and The Ritz-Carlton’s charity partners will be a night to remember. Tickets are $250 per person and the evening includes a silent and live auction and a four-course dinner presented by Executive Chef Pedro Contreras. The evening also includes The Diamond Drop Extravaganza, an opportunity for guests to donate gems and jewelry in support of the cause. For more information about The Diamond Ball and to purchase tickets, please visit TheDiamondBall.org.