Summer Soirée In the Land of Eternal Summer

In the land of eternal summer (also known as Southern California), we get to experience the warm, arid days and cool, refreshing nights of summer year round. As we’ve been reminiscing on the blast we had during last year’s Summer Soirée, Children’s Bureau’s summer kickoff and chic fundraising event, we’ve already been stirred with anticipation for another amazing night to benefit Children’s Bureau.

Children’s Bureau’s Summer Soirée took place on June 3, 2017 at the charming Oak Creek Golf Club in Irvine. Under the event motto, “Do your part with a giving heart,” we raised $150,000 to provide resources and support for local at-risk families.

The evening began with a cocktail hour during which attendees meandered through Oak Creek’s pavilion, a gorgeous structure of smooth, stony surfaces and villa-inspired architecture. The live band strummed as guests mingled, drank signature cocktails and bid on the silent auction. Auction items resembled the ideal summer vacation: a week in a Cabo San Lucas Timeshare, a private cruise of the Newport harbor, and Disneyland Resort Park Hopper tickets, among others. After the cocktail hour, guests seated themselves at tables adorned with colorful bouquets, all backdropped with supple oak trees. The light but tasty first course indulged the appetite: mixed field greens with blue cheese crumbles, candied nuts, and Julienne apples, all glazed in balsamic vinaigrette. The delectable, hearty second course delighted: macadamia crusted sea bass with tri-colored cauliflower in a lemon-buerre blanc sauce. For dessert, a trio of fresh fruit tart, chocolate dome and cheesecake left any remaining appetite fully satiated.

While guests enjoyed their dinner, they also played fun games for prizes. In the first game, an exciting variation of the classic Heads or Tails, participants chose to place their hands on their heads or tails before the emcee flipped a coin. If the coin landed on heads, the participants with their hands on their heads remained standing while the others sat back down. The emcee led the rest of the players through the gambling until the sole winner walked away with an extra $300 dollars in cash. Another game followed, this one with elevated stakes: the winner would receive a week-long trip to Costa Rica, airfare included. Eligible participants who had purchased a shell necklace, representing their ticket, received a single card from a deck that gave them a 1 out of 52 chance to win an incredible vacation in the Central American paradise. After the emcee Eric Daroca called the winning card, the holder pumped her arms in excitement.

As dusk settled in, the evening wound down with speeches from some of Children’s Bureau’s proven leaders, such as Lori Irving, a volunteer leader and supporter for over 20 years. Lori presented an honoree award to Jones Day for their generous financial support. Through the last part of the program, the fund-a-need activity, guests were also able to make an additional pledge of support for Children’s Bureau’s mission. With the sun hidden behind the rolling hills, and the stars occupying the clear night sky, the event goers spent the remaining night dancing.

We hope you’ll join us for this year’s Summer Soirée on June 9, 2018 to once again celebrate the importance of family, children and community.