The Crowd: Soka University draws hundreds to Peace Gala

The O.C. is home to a very special university. Ranked among the top tier of liberal arts institutions of higher learning in the U.S., Soka University of America stands above the fray because it is founded upon Buddhist principles of “peace, human rights and the sanctity of life.” On Oct. 8, Soka held its 12th annual Peace Gala at its Aliso Viejo campus, attracting some 500 guests and raising more than $900,000 for student scholarships.

The gala was co-chaired by Joan May and Dita Shemke, who have been serving Soka for 10 years to produce the scholarship fundraising event. A wide cross-section of O.C. business, social and cultural support came together to ensure its financial success. Sponsors included Minora and Kinuko Kogure, Steven and Kumiko MacDonald, Jim and Sheila Peterson, Steve Chi Kong Lee, and Judy Chao Di Chow and Luis and Linda Nieves.

Also front and center for Soka were Allan and Mary Lou Beck, Matilda Buck, Elisabeth Carter, Teiko Cooper, Joe and Junko Perez, Chris Chen, Richard and Misty Fisher, and George and Kazue Elliot.

An evening of dining and dancing was emceed by Madison Ray, with auction duties in the hands of Dawn Marie Kotonis. The guest artist of the night was international recording artist Jose Feliciano, who created an uplifting and inspirational performance that was a classy conclusion to an exceptional evening in South County.

Soka University’s student body consists of 60% American and 40% international students. Qualified students enrolled coming from households with annual incomes under $60,000 receive free tuition.

An evening to remember at the mission

The fall social season in the O.C. would be incomplete without the annual “Romance of the Mission” gala supporting the preservation of Mission San Juan Capistrano. The social crowd converges in the old stone church for what is nothing less than a magical evening under the stars.

Mission San Juan Capistrano was founded Nov. 1, 1776, by Padre Junipero Serra as the seventh mission erected in old California under the auspices of Spain and the Catholic Church. It is considered the most beautiful — the jewel — of the California missions. It has also become a center of faith for some and, for others, a center of history, culture and educational experience.

Thousands of fourth graders visit the site annually, study its history and build replicas of the mission as part of their curriculum. The process has been a decades-long, multigenerational pursuit.

Today the historical background is less based on romantic myth, with emphasis placed on the harsh reality of creating an outpost of European civilization in a very primitive and difficult environment. For many years Padre Serra was portrayed as the kindly and docile father, when in fact he was a driving taskmaster with challenges that had to be met with the resolve of a true pioneer.

The native California population Serra enlisted as the builders of his missions often suffered under his authority. Many died in his service, both from abuse and disease contracted from European settlers.

The legacy, both good and bad, is rich and meaningful. The historic mission building stands as a permanent testament to the founding of the state and its ties to European ancestors and the indigenous people of the land. It is a diverse equation that remains relevant in the modern day.

Upward of 500 donors came together to remember the past and celebrate the future, raising more than $500,000 (gross) earmarked for further restoration projects. Once again the Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel, under the management of Bruce Brainerd, created and served a lavish feast for patrons. Brainerd also serves on the Mission Preservation Foundation Board.

Joining the Ritz-Carlton in creating a major success were significant underwriters George and Eden O’Connell, and E.J. Tracey.

“American Idol” finalist Clark Beckham entertained the crowd by singing many popular hits, including the obligatory “When the Swallows Come Back to Capistrano.”

Pacific Symphony remains a cornerstone of O.C. culture

It’s hard to believe that 10 years has passed since the debut of the Henry and Renée Segerstrom Concert Hall. The respected Pacific Symphony, led by maestro Carl St.Clair, marked the 10th anniversary occasion at the concert hall during the opening the orchestra’s 2016-17 season.

A glamorous black and white dinner celebration at the Westin South Coast Plaza hotel preceded the opening night, as more than 200 VIP guests and symphony underwriters mingled over dinner at a very chic party chaired by the classy Jo Ellen Chatham.

Following dinner, the crowd took their seats in the concert hall for what was the first concert of the Hal and Jeanette Segerstrom Family Foundation Classical Series, which featured piano virtuoso Olga Kern performing Rachmaninoff’s “Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini.” The 38th season of Pacific Symphony opened with style, raising more than $135,000 from underwriters with funds earmarked to support artistic and educational programs.

Following the concert, patrons converged on the Terrace Pavilion deck of the Westin for champagne and dessert. VIPs in the crowd included PBS SoCal’s Maria Hall-Brown, Pacific Symphony President John Forsyte, Associate Concertmaster Paul Manaster, Madeline and Len Zuckerman and Corona del Mar’s Catherine Emmi. Also in the crowd enjoying the beautiful reception were Ernie and Donna Schroeder, Tom Rogers, Sally Anderson, Lynn and Doug Freeman, Tom and Sheila Peterson, Ling and Charlie Zhang, and David and Suzanne Chonette.

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B.W. COOK is editor of the Bay Window, the official publication of the Balboa Bay Club in Newport Beach.