10 Questions: Jeanne Jones celebrates all life’s goodness

Jeanne Jones is the author of 33 books and a highly sought-after menu consultant. Her column, “Cook It Light,” is syndicated and reaches 30 million readers throughout the United States, Canada and the Caribbean each week. Locally, she has served on many boards for both the arts and scientific research.

Jeanne has been the recipient of several awards, including the Salvation Army Woman of Dedication, the Living Legacy award, the Gold Star from the Performing Arts League, the Cool Woman from the Girl Scouts, and was honored by the American Heart and Stroke Association as a Legendary Woman of the Heart.

She has been, and still is, one of the Jewels supporting the ARC of San Diego, and has been a long-time supporter of the Timken Museum of Art. Jeanne is co-chairing (with Jessica Cline) the Timken’s Orange & Black Ball, Saturday, Oct. 29

What brought you to La Jolla?

I was a living in Mexico City where I owned a weight-loss business, creating all of my own recipes. I wanted to turn them into a healthy cookbook. However, in order for it to be published, I was required to move back to the United States. I grew up in Newport Beach and had always loved coming to La Jolla. Since this was just an interim move for me, I decided to move to La Jolla before moving back to Mexico City. Instead I got married and stayed here and have never regretted it.

What might you add, subtract or improve in the area?

I would improve the roads and clean up all of the trash beside them.

Who or what inspires you?

I’m inspired by Adelle Davis, Dr. Doris Howell and good health in general.

If you hosted a dinner party, whom (living or deceased) would you invite?

Audrey and Ted Geisel, Escoffier Julia Child, President Teddy Roosevelt, author Vince Flynn, my husband Don Breitenberg, and myself.

What entertainment do you recommend?

The best movie I’ve seen recently is “Midnight in Paris.” I am currently reading a Daniel Silva book.

What is it that you most dislike?

Dishonest people.

What do you do for fun?

Travel and go to plays and movies.

What would be your dream vacation?

London Theatre.

What clothing item in your closet will you never part with?

My mother’s big, black raincoat.

What is your philosophy of life?

Live for today and hope for a great future.

Editor’s Note: There are two ticket options for the Orange & Black Ball Oct. 29: $500 for the full gala (6 p.m. to midnight), and $100 for the after party (8 p.m. to midnight). Guests are encouraged to embrace the Halloween spirit and draw inspiration for their costumes from the Timken’s collection. For more inspiration, guests can view the Neiman Marcus-inspired digital Look Book: bit.ly/2ce1Ue7

By enjoying the ball, guests will support the Timken programs, such as Creative Engagement (using art expression veterans process intense emotions and memories often too difficult to convey in words), ARTSonTour (art integration for schools in low-income communities), Creative Choice (creative art allows this at-risk population in Juvenile Hall a healthy vehicle to communicate their thoughts, ideas and feelings with others) and many more programs.

For tickets, call Julie Cappa at (619) 239-5548, ext. 100 or visit timkenmuseum.org/calendar