The Jewels of San Diego 2016 Gala

The Arc of San Diego’s event The Jewels of San Diego 2016 Gala – America’s Finest City will be held at the Fairmont Grand Del Mar on April 30^th. This will benefit the lives of the disabled by providing them with resources and services to help them with their engagement in the community. At 5:30pm, the evening will begin with a cocktail reception and silent auction. Then, the night will continue on with a world class dining experience as well as live entertainment. 

As it benefits people with disabilities and honors San Diegans’ philanthropic efforts, this black-tie gala will be a rewarding evening. The 7^th annual event is a wonderful opportunity to help deserving individuals prosper by encouraging them to achieve their dreams. Wayne Foster Music & Entertainment will provide outstanding entertainment throughout the evening. You won’t want to miss the philanthropic, entertaining evening. Tickets range from $200 Gold seating to $3,000 for VIP tables seating 10. The Mistress of Ceremonies is Kimberly Hunt, ABC/10 News Weeknight Anchor. The honorary Jewels Chairmen are Phyllis & John Parrish. 

The Arc of San Diego has been providing a variety of life-changing services since its initiation in 1951. When the State of California issued the Letterman Act in 1969, those with developmental disabilities were promised support to become independently respected contributors to their community. The Arc of San Diego has since grown and clung to its mission and empowered over 2,500 children and adults each year. From early childhood development to senior living, there are 2,500 individuals supported by a wide range of services and resources in over 20 locations throughout San Diego County.

The Arc of San Diego publishes Spotlight, a quarterly newsletter that you can sign up to receive. The newsletter is the best way to keep society up to date with the latest happenings in the lives of those with special needs, their families, and their supporters. One example of an Arc of San Diego supporter is Our Place Coffee, a business operated by adults with developmental disabilities and the cover story of Spotlight’s latest issue. "Our Place Coffee is a tremendous opportunity for adults with developmental disabilities to be vibrant, contributing members of the community in which they live," said David W. Schneider, President & CEO of The Arc of San Diego. The coffee cart business currently employs six adults and is appreciated by the community. 

The inspirational story about Our Place Coffee is in sync with the programs offered by The Arc Enterprises and ACES, which helps give people with disabilities a chance to learn work and social skills while earning a paycheck. There are plenty of The Arc San Diego programs covering training, organizational employment (Arc Enterprises), respite, residential, Independent Living Services (ILS), and Personal and Leisure Services (PALS). Over $6,320,000 in wages were earned by individuals with disabilities in ACES programs over the last year. The Arc of San Diego provides direct placement by using disability employment services and short-term support from job coaches. The Arc of San Diego also has a parent/infant program, providing early educational services from children with developmental delays.

For more information about the upcoming Gala, you may contact Jennifer Bates Navarra at (619) 685-1175, ext. 291 or jnavarra@arc-sd.com. You may contact her for more information, ticket inquiries, or sponsorship opportunities.