Art & Creativity for Healing’s ‘Diamonds, Denim & Dreams’ Sold-Out Fundraiser Raises $110K

Art & Creativity for Healing held its annual Palette of Colors fundraiser on Saturday, April 27 at the site of Rancho Santa Margarita’s Bell Tower with 200 guests. This year’s Diamonds, Denim & Dreams theme fundraiser grossed $110K with 100% of proceeds supporting the organization’s emotional healing programs through art and creative expression for those living in pain, grief, fear or stress.

“I’m amazed from year to year at the generosity of every one of our donors and supporters of this important fundraiser,” said Art & Creativity for Healing’s Founder/Director Laurie Zagon. “This year’s sold-out event with our diamonds, denim and dreams theme, décor and guest’s support was truly magical.”

The nonprofit’s largest fundraiser of the year, Thanh Cambaliza and Nickie Tran served as event chairs while Elizabeth Kurtz was the auction chair. During the evening program Yumiko Majima was recognized as Volunteer of the Year while Wendy Joy was honored as Teacher of the Year.

A live auction led featured speakers about the organization’s major programs including Wounded Warriors, Troubled Teens, Women Survivors, Unhoused Families in Crisis and Grieving Seniors.

Guests dressed in sparkling western-themed attire enjoyed an expansive silent auction, games and prizes, awards program and live auction. A delicious mac-n-cheese bar and charcuterie spread was followed by a hearty barbecue buffet provided by Canyon Catering while Cocktail Concierge managed cocktails throughout the evening. The lively affair was led by emcee and auctioneer Joe Future with music by DJ Tempoe. The evening concluded with line-dancing instruction.

Major sponsors included Cambaliza McGee LLP, Cara Paynter with Morgan Stanley, Deloitte, IQ Risk Insurance Services, LLC, Ruth & Joseph C. Reed Foundation for the Arts, Sterling Carpet & Flooring and the Ted Aston Family.

For more information about Art & Creativity for Healing, call 949.367.1902 or visit https://art4healing.org/gala.

About Art & Creativity for Healing

Art & Creativity for Healing’s mission is to support emotional healing through art and creative expression for those living with pain, grief, fear or stress. Founded by Laurie Zagon in 2000, the Art4Healing® curriculum contains strictly guided exercises, rather than loosely formatted art sessions. More than 90,000 individuals served by over 40 partner agencies have participated in the exercises specially designed to encourage emotional responses leaving participants encouraged with enhanced clarity and insight.

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Event Co-Chair Nickie Tran, Auction Chair Elizabeth Kurtz, and Event Co-chair Thanh CambalizaPhoto byRick Chatillon

Teacher of the Year Wendy Joy with Arts & Creativity for Healing Founder/CEO Laurie Zagon and Volunteer of the Year, Yumiko MajimaPhoto byRick Chatillon

Ted and Patti Aston with Mark AstonPhoto byRick Chatillon