2017 Las Patronas Jewel Ball nets $900K, new members inducted, 2018 ball theme revealed at luncheon

Las Patronas’ 2017 Jewel Ball, “Taking Flight,” held Aug. 5 at the La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club, netted $902,278 to distribute to San Diego nonprofits.

The proceeds were announced at the group’s New Member luncheon, Oct. 20 at the La Jolla Country Club, where 12 women were welcomed into the La Jolla-based philanthropic organization.

Ball funds raised will be distributed to these major beneficiaries: A Reason To Survive (ARTS), Center for Community Solutions, International Rescue Committee in San Diego, La Jolla Playhouse, Lawrence Family Jewish Community Center, National Conflict Resolution Center, Reuben H. Fleet Science Center, Scripps Mercy Hospital, Mercy Hospital Foundation, Urban Corps of San Diego, and Voices for Children.

Dozens of minor beneficiaries will also receive funds.

The new members are: Julie Bubnack, Kathrine Cassidy, Jessica Castagnola, Julie Garrie, Mio Hood, Megan Jones, Tammy Kearney, Andrea Kosky, Michelle Le Greca, Tiffany LaMarche, Keri Robbins and Sarah Winter.

In announcing next year’s theme, Jewel Ball chair Jennifer Edstrom reflected on a trip she took to Mexico City when her husband (then fiancé) was trying out a new job he was considering.

“It was one of those experiences that tested me. Every day, Matt would get up and go to work and I was on my own. So I explored the City by myself, visiting floating gardens and watching folkloric dancing,” she said.

“While I was there, I was determined to visit Frieda Kahlo’s house. I went to what is now the Museo Frida Kahlo, but was once the house she and Diego Rivera built together, La Casa Azul. I fell in love with the space and the aesthetic they created there. La Casa Azul is eclectic, colors are saturated and contrasted. There is ancient artwork near paintings and murals that could grace the finest museums in the world. I was enchanted. In the end, Matt did not take the job in Mexico City, but I left there in love.

“When I think about the members of Las Patronas and Frida Kahlo, I think there are a lot of similarities: We take what is rough and make it beautiful. We see needs in our community and we work to create beauty and strength out of them. Frida was the ultimate girl boss and Las Patronas has that same fortitude. For this year, Frida will be our Patron Saint, if you will, and the theme for the 72nd Jewel Ball is named for her final painting, ‘Viva La Vida.’ ”

Viva La Vida is set for Aug. 4, 2018 at the La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club. Learn more at laspatronas.org