Fundraiser

Fireworks will light up Laguna’s skies on the Fourth of July. Realtors spokesman Michael Gosselin announced at Tuesday’s council meeting that the Laguna Board of Realtors had voted to donate $5,000 toward the cost and to guarantee all the funds for the show, which had been eliminated from the city budget when revenues dropped and expenditures escalated. “We will hold a fundraiser, the location and time to announced,” Gosselin said. “But we will fund all of it if we have to.” Based on Gosselin’s announcement, City Manager Ken Frank said the council should direct him to sign a $25,000 contract for the show.

Ken Jillson was 38 when he decided to start raising money for AIDS and HIV services. It was 1985 and the country was in the grip of a mysterious, deadly virus that could fell victims? mostly gay men ? in the prime of their lives. ?It was an emergency,? Jillson recalled. ?There weren?t any services or medications [for AIDS and HIV]. There was no cure. People died within 18 months [of diagnosis].? As he worked to help found AIDS Services Foundation Orange County he realized that money ?

Things are coming along at Crystal Cove’s Historic District, where the park is now embarking on “phase two” of a multimillion-dollar restoration project, which will include the Outdoor Education area, House Museum and additional rental and operational support cottages. Laura Davick, founder and president of the Crystal Cove Alliance, said the organization hit a milestone Tuesday, when the bidding process for the phase commenced. Bids are due by Oct. 16. “We’ve had a great year for donations, despite a challenging economy,” she said.

The Boys & Girls Club of Laguna Beach is experiencing a sharp increase in demand for their services, as families struggle to cope with job losses and other financial strains. And although new members are always welcome, it has created a real burden on the club and its staff, who are struggling to attain enough funding from individuals and foundations. “We’re noticing that due to the economic downturn, the need is there because that second parent is going to work that didn’t used to work,” said Elena Mendoza, director of Laguna Beach’s main branch.

The 1st Annual Afghan Cultural Fundraising Festival and Feast with highly acclaimed guest speaker Masaru Emoto, author of the best-seller Messages from Water, will take place from 5 to 9 p.m. on Thursday, June 18, at Khyber Pass — Fine Rugs and Collectables Galley and Cultural Center, 1970 Pacific Coast Highway (at Diamond Street). Dr. Leonard Horowitz, outspoken human health rights advocate and author of more than 15 books on controversial health issues and spiritual wellness, will join Dr. Emoto, whose work was featured in the hit independent film “What the Bleep Do We Know?

If you’re one of those theater-oriented people who complain that there’s never anything to do on a Monday, Laguna Beach’s Gallimaufry Performing Arts has a treat for you. This coming Monday, Gallimaufry will celebrate its fifth anniversary with an evening of festivity at the Irvine Improv, and the tab is only $35. “The cheapest fundraiser you’ve ever been invited to,” comments Steve Josephson, executive director...

Katharine Story and Animal Crackers Pet Rescue Non-Profit Organization are hosting in conjunction with the Laguna Beach First Thursday Artwalk a fashion fundraising event where 10% of all proceeds raised will be donated to the pet rescue efforts of Gina Kantzabedian and Animal Crackers Pet Rescue.  Please join us for cocktails and LIVE entertainment...and a few more surprises, too! When and Where: Thursday, June 4th 5 pm to 8 pm Katharine Story Boutique, 226 Ocean Avenue, Laguna Beach, CA 92651 Who: Katharine Story is a Laguna Beach-based fashion designer.

The Artists? Theater will be swinging March 7. Guitarist John Heussenstamm will perform ?Nothin? But the Blues,? along with the award-winning Laguna Beach High School Jazz Orchestra and jazz singer Jamie Shew during the Fifth Annual Laguna Beach Blues & Jazz Festival at 7:30 p.m. March 7 at the Artists? Theater, 625 Park Ave. The concert benefits school district music programs. Twenty-five members of the high school?s jazz orchestra just returned from Orlando, Florida, where they competed in the Disney Jazz Fest.

Supporters of Laguna Playhouse Youth Theatre were treated to a night of 1920s-era mystery dinner theater Friday and Saturday at the Neighborhood Congregational Church in Laguna Beach. The show, titled ?He Rang the Bell? ? a play within a play with music and dancing ? was performed by members of the youth theater troupe. Tom Shelton, who wrote the show, music and lyrics, played piano accompaniment. Donna Inglima, the Playhouse?s youth theatre director, directed the players with Kelly Herman.