CORONA DEL MAR TODAY

Tickets Available for Crystal Cove Alliance’s Annual Gala

Ticket sales have opened for the 10th annual Crystal Cove gala, which will take place Sept. 22 on a bluff overlooking Crystal Cove State Park.

This year’s event — “Ocean Treasures” — will focus on ocean conservation in the marine protected areas of the park, organizers said in a statement.

The event, which is expected to be a sellout, will honor longtime Crystal Cove Alliance 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, in a statement.

The gala includes a four-course dinner, a silent and live auction and live music by Wayne Foster Entertainment.

The Crystal Cove Alliance formed in 1999 to stop a luxury resort from taking over the area, according to the statement.

“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,” the statement said. Seventeen cottages still need restoration.

“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, in a news release statement. “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.”

Along with cottage restoration, the Crystal Cove Alliance’s fundraising has helped sponsor education and public programs. The group also helps fund efforts toward ocean and open space conservation in the park, which has 3.2 miles of coastline, 3,700 acres of backcountry habitat and 1,100 acres offshore in the Underwater Park.

Tickets to the gala are $300. For more information or to purchase tickets, call (949) 376-0900 or click here.