Mission Gala Nets $100,000 for Restoration of Church
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Four hundred supporters of Mission San Juan Capistrano gathered for the Romance of the Bells gala dinner on Oct. 2. The $100,000 raised from the $150-per-person event will go toward the restoration of the original Great Stone Church.
Dressed in black tie or early California elegance, guests were greeted by Friends of the Mission founder Joan Irvine Smith as they entered the mission’s main courtyard, which was filled with more than 800 lighted candles.
They dined on Veracruz Zachauil tamale hors d’oeuvres, rancho lamb with nopalito, and bitter chocolate and gold leaf tamales with candied chile verde.
Master chef John Rivera Sedlar developed the menu based on cuisines from the Spanish missions, California Indians, rancheros and cattle drivers.
Entertainment was provided by internationally known maestro Galo Nunez. An original painting by Maria del Carmen Calvo was purchased by sponsor R.J. Brandes for $23,000. (949) 493-4244.
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