Jazz Moves and Tennis Shoes

What a busy weekend for the HKA team!  Last Saturday marked the start of back-to-back events for us beginning with the  7^th Annual Gala: Prohibition Party and Jazz on the Beach.  The early 1930s theme transformed the cove into an exclusive speakeasy in honor of the beach community’s development during the Prohibition era.  Although I had been looking forward to the gala since I first heard about it, I was absolutely blown away by the turnout.  Over 400 guests attended, many wearing Prohibition-inspired costumes, to support CCA’s mission of preservation and continued restoration of the area as well as the expansion of the nonprofit’s educational programs.   While flapper dresses, feathers and fedoras flooded the beach, my favorite get-up of the night went to Steve Murow pictured below with his wife Jeanne:

Guests embraced the Prohibition theme with 1930s-inspired attire

The party took place on the sand of the cove during the slow coastal sunset. Attendees enjoyed authentic Prohibition cocktails, including classics like, “bathtub gin fizz” and “sidecars,” a three-course menu, based on 5-star hotel menus from the Prohibition era and live entertainment by the Brenna Whitaker Jazz Orchestra who performed early 1900s hits like “It Had to Be You” and “Big Spender.”

Brenna Whitaker takes the stage at the Prohibition Party

As the celebration of Crystal Cove’s remarkable past came to a close, the HKA ladies got ready to trade in their jazz moves for tennis shoes at the Susan G. Komen Orange County Race for the Cure.

Survivors raise their roses in celebration of their strength

On Sunday Sept. 27, swarms of pink took over Fashion Island for the annual Race for the Cure.  Although I had participated in the race in the past, this was the first year I got to experience the Survivor Tribute, during which breast cancer survivors are recognized for triumph over the disease in an incredibly moving ceremony.  As the speakers took the stage, I couldn’t help but to tear up at the amazing strength and courage exhibited by all. Being a part of the 2009 race was nothing short of amazing.  Unless you’ve experienced it yourself, it’s hard to imagine what it feels like to be surrounded by 30,000 people who have been touched in some way by this disease and are truly devoted to finding a cure; it’s inspirational, humbling and hopeful all at the same time.

The HKA staff bright and early at the Komen Race for the Cure

One of my favorite things about HKA is the wonderful non-profit organizations we’re involved with and I am so glad I was able to experience these amazing events.  Stay tuned for more HKA staff recollections coming soon.  In the meantime, check out more from the Orange County Register about the Prohibition Party and Race for the Cure!

The Crystal Cove Alliance is Keepin’ it Covey

*Note: This post has been updated as of June 16, 2009.

From the live band in the corner strumming laid-back melodies to the gourmet buffet table and its surfboard center-piece, the Crystal Cove Alliance isn’t kidding when they say they’re “keepin’ it Covey.”

On Thursday June 4, more than 50 guests gathered for the Sponsors and Underwriters Cocktail Party on the bluff-top deck at Crystal Cove. While it was easy to get distracted by the incredible sunset, it was hard to forget why we were there in the first place, to get a sneak peek at plans for the 7th Annual Crystal Cove Alliance Beach Gala: Prohibition Party and Jazz on the Beach on September 26.

As if a party on the beach isn’t reason enough to be there, the Crystal Cove Alliance has tied in the prohibition theme to recreate the Covey vibe of the 1930s. The gala promises live jazz music, a rum runner boat, vintage cars, prohibition cocktails and the best food around – literally! The party is being catered by local CCA supporters: The Beachcomber Café, Montage Laguna Beach, The Resort at Pelican Hill and The St. Regis Monarch Beach.

These big names aren’t the only proponents of the gala, the Sponsors and Underwriters party raised over $200,000 from a variety of contributors (see complete list below). Regardless of the size of the donations being made, it was clear that people genuinely care about the CCA mission.

The 2009 Annual Gala will provide funds for new educational programs – including Arts in the Park, Science and Nature in the Park (SNAP) and Living History, as well as providing continued preservation of the cove.

Official sponsors of the 7th Annual Crystal Cove Alliance Beach Gala: Cox Conserves, Crystal Cove Beach Cottages, Dan & Louise Brigham, HKA, Inc. Public Relations, Miller Environmental, Inc., Orange Coast magazine, Fostering Executive Leadership—Dr. Tammy Wong, Southern California Edison, Montage Laguna Beach, Vice Chancellors at UCI, Young’s Market Company, First Foundation Bank—Dave & Lynn Rahn, Fritzler Design, Jackson Lewis LLP, Northern Trust, Pam & Jim Young, Roger’s Gardens, Soka University of America and UCI—School of Biological Sciences. Culinary sponsors The Beachcomber Café, Montage Laguna Beach, The Resort at Pelican Hill and The St. Regis Monarch Beach.

Another Happy New Girl

It’s hard to believe that I’m finishing up my fourth week at HKA; even harder to believe that I’m actually contributing to the blog that I’ve followed religiously since applying for the coordinator position back in January. I am so lucky to be here.

When I graduated from California State University, Fullerton last May with my bachelor’s degree in communications, I was naïve enough to think that because someone gave me a diploma, someone else would give me my dream job. It wasn’t long before I was shaken from my reverie due to a highly competitive job market and a perpetually plummeting economy. After months of searching, the hunt started to feel more like internet dating. I found myself apprehensive about every job posting thinking, “Could I really be into you? Would you be interested in me?” Not to mention the rejection (Oh, the rejection!). Until one day, I stumbled upon my soul mate, HKA.

I have absolutely fallen in love with this office and the public relations industry. My co-workers have welcomed me so warmly into an incredible company culture that I am grateful to be a part of. I would be lost without their patience and thoughtful instruction. It is a privilege to be among such an eclectic bunch whose talents and abilities extend far beyond public relations.

From learning the ins and outs of PR to discovering the infamous dessert man (who drops by annually to deliver goodies to the staff), everyday is new and exciting. I can honestly say that I am exactly where I want to be and so thankful that Hilary and the entire HKA staff have given me the opportunity to be a part of this amazing team.