Romance of the Mission is a Stunning Success

The theme Love Endures was evident throughout Mission Preservation Foundation’s incredible Romance of the Mission gala with close to 400 guests at historic Mission San Juan Capistrano on September 16. San Juan Capistrano residents Joan and Bill Cvengros were honored for their longtime commitment to Mission San Juan at the coveted black-tie affair with gross proceeds of $772K benefiting the care and stewardship of the nearly 245-year-old landmark.

An evening highlight was a spectacular live concert in the Ruins of The Great Stone Church (Circa 1812) featuring Broadway award-winning artists Vonzell Solomon and Terron Brooks. The duo started the set with a moving rendition of the song Shallow followed by an exquisite solo by Solomon of I Will Always Love You. The set included a benefit gala tradition, When the Swallows Come Back to Capistrano and unbeknownst to guests, gospel singers joined the duo for the concert finale of lively songs that had attendees on their feet and dancing in the aisles.

Mission San Juan Capistrano Executive Director Mechelle Lawrence Adams said, “It’s very clear to me, that today, Mission San Juan Capistrano is an architectural embodiment of the notion that Love Endures. We live to leave an impact…to leave something behind…our children and a better humanity, traditions, faith, courage, conviction. We all hope to leave a bit of our love of life behind in something that endures. We are filled with gratitude and hope for the support and love left behind in the collective script here this evening.”

Mission San Juan’s historic bells were rung by members of the Juaneño Band of Mission Indians, Acjachemen Nation Nathan Banda and Michael Gastelum as guests made their way into the Central Courtyard for dinner.

The Most Reverend Bishop Kevin W. Vann said the dinner blessing followed by a superb four-course, plated dinner hosted by Inn at the Mission San Juan Capistrano with wine pairings graciously provided by Rancho Capistrano Winery for the reception and dinner.

Major underwriting was provided by Kerry and Gavin Herbert, Jr. of Roger’s Gardens who donated the evening’s floral design and decor while Lugano Diamonds, Newport Beach provided dazzling ruby and diamond earrings valued at over $15K for the opportunity drawing. Additional drawing items were generously donated by Inn at the Mission San Juan Capistrano, Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach Resort & Club and Jim Curwood of Buy My Bikes, San Juan Capistrano.

The original painting Mary Pickford’s Wedding by Charles Percy Austin (dated 1924) from the Mission’s Museum Collection was beautifully displayed in the Resurgam during the evening and a 2022 reproduction was added as an opportunity drawing item.

A special Adopt-a-Class Scholarship Program matching pledge of $25K was announced by donor Jon Cobain and valet services were provided by Brand Enhance Parking & Hospitality.

For more information or to learn about how to pledge for next year’s gala on September 15, 2023 or to get involved, contact Mechelle Lawrence Adams at 949.234.1311 or visit www.missionsjc.com.

About Mission San Juan Capistrano

Known as the “Jewel of the Missions,” Mission San Juan Capistrano is a historic landmark and museum that features exhibits, five-language audio tour, festivals and public programming. As Orange County’s only mission, the site is home to Serra Chapel, the Ruins of The Great Stone Church (circa 1796) and original padres’ quarters.

Founded on November 1, 1776, by Saint Junipero Serra as the seventh of 21 California missions established by Spain, Mission San Juan Capistrano is owned by the Diocese of Orange and receives no church or state funding. The Mission Preservation Foundation, comprised of business and community leaders, is its fundraising entity committed to ensuring education, preservation and its long-term historic and religious significance.

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