Romance of the Mission Gala Nets $221K for Mission San Juan Preservation

The Mission Preservation Foundation held its spectacular Romance of the Mission benefit gala on the grounds of historic Mission San Juan Capistrano on September 15. Over 450 guests attended the black-tie fundraiser which netted $221,000 towards the preservation of the Mission San Juan Capistrano. A magnificent concert in the ruins of the Great Stone Church featured Tony and Grammy vocalist Heather Headley and San Juan Capistrano residents and philanthropists Sheila and Jim Peterson were honored.

Headley’s moving performance began with an exquisite acapella version of Amazing Grace and culminated with a 12-member choir joining her on stage for a soulful rendition of When the Swallows Come Back to Capistrano followed by My Song and Reach Out and Touch. “I’m humbled and honored to perform in this beautiful, sacred space,” said Headley during the evening’s concert.

Mission San Juan Executive Director Mechelle Lawrence Adams was joined by Mission Preservation Foundation President George O’Connell to celebrate San Juan residents and Orange County philanthropists Sheila and Jim Peterson for their ongoing support of Mission preservation efforts. During the awards presentation, Lawrence Adams commented, “The Romance of the Mission gala is the foundation from which we spring-board to action for the next year. Tonight’s event gives us the financial – and in some cases spiritual and emotional where-with-all to keep up that fight – to do all that we can to make sure that this landmark is never forgotten as a place of inspiration, education and preservation.”

The legendary Mission bells were rung to mark the end of the concert and guests were led through the Resurgam and into the Mission’s Central Courtyard for dinner presented by long-time community partner, The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel. Honored last year for their significant contributions to the Mission, The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel, under the leadership of General Manager Bruce Brainerd, presented a superb four-course plated dinner and generously donated a getaway experience of a two-night stay, dinner and breakfast for two and two 60-minute signature massages (valued at $10,000) as one of the event’s opportunity drawing items.

Lugano Diamonds donated a $5,000 GIA certified 5 carat Orange Sapphire with a $5,000 certificate for a “setting” and Tadashi Shoji South Coast Plaza presented a custom dress experience with the designer valued at $7,500. Proceeds from the opportunity drawing were $21,000.

Joining major benefit gala underwriters Microsemi - Sheila and Jim Peterson and The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel were O’Connell Family Foundation and EJ Tracy.

About Mission San Juan Capistrano

Known as the “Jewel of the Missions,” mission San Juan Capistrano is a historic landmark and museum that boasts of quality permanent exhibits featuring original artifacts as well as traveling and temporary exhibits on a wide variety of topics.

The Mission is also Orange County’s only mission and is a site of inspiration, education, and preservation. The site includes such original buildings as the Serra Chapel, the ruins of the Great Stone Church, and original padres’ quarters.

The Mission was founded on November 1, 1776 by Padre Junipero Serra as the seventh in the chain of the twenty-one California missions established by Spain. Over 70,000 fourth grade students visit the Mission as part of their field trip learning about Early California history.

Mission San Juan Capistrano is owned by the Diocese of Orange. Its separate fundraising and community Board leadership entity, the Mission Preservation Foundation, is comprised of business and community leaders committed to ensuring the long term preservation and viability of Orange County’s only Mission. The Mission receives no funding from either the Church or the State of California and must charge admission funds as a means of providing continued public access.

For more information, visit www.missionsjc.com.

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