Las Patronas’ Jewel Ball relives 1920s, gives back to community

Charlie Chaplin, Buster Keaton and a slew of other cool cats and flapper gals filed into the La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club last Saturday to relive the great American Jazz Age.

The outdoor space was transformed into a 1920s speakeasy, minus the Prohibition. The cocktails flowed freely, the band hit all the high notes, and the dancers who performed the Charleston were as dazzling as the terrace seating that overlooked the mural of the New York City skyline.

Las Patronas did nothing short of puttin’ on the Ritz at its 62nd Jewel Ball themed “Speakeasy.” Irving Berlin would have been proud.

As the A-listers approached this roaring good time, they were greeted with camera flashes and a lineup of vintage backdrops – 1915 and 1927 Packards, a 1927 Cadillac limousine, a 1927 Star and a 1929 Durant, among other beauties.

During the cocktail hour, sushi from Cafe Japengo and appetizers from Roppongi were served inside the zebra lounges. Dinner was provided by the Hyatt Regency La Jolla. Microgreens in radicchio cups were followed with filet mignon. Tres Leches with strawberry sauce and blueberries satisfied the sweet tooth in everyone. The entire feast was presented on tables decked out in glamorous red, black and white decor.

The 50 members of Las Patronas, an all-volunteer philanthropic organization, worked for almost a year to put this event together. Of the nearly 80 nonprofit organizations that receive funds from Las Patronas, 14 will receive major grants – more than $20,000 – from the proceeds raised this year. Major beneficiaries include La Jolla Historical Society, La Jolla Music Society, Moores UCSD Cancer Center, San Diego Opera, Diversionary Theatre, Scripps La Jolla Heart Center and Christian Community Theater.

Since its inception in 1946, Las Patronas has donated more than $12 million to nearly 1,000 charitable institutions in San Diego. The past five Jewel Balls have raised more than $1 million.

Among the “Speakeasy” attendees were Caroline Nierenberg, Jewel Ball chair, and Nico Nierenberg; Jewel Ball co-chairs Jennifer Greenfield and Tracy Lyon; Jewel Ball designer Julie Matibag; Mayor Jerry Sanders; Tracy and Dr. Kevin Calhoun; Karina Lion and Thom Tullis; Carol Walter; Jim and Linda McInerney; Laurie Allen; Erin and Keith Wyer; Maree and Michael Mossmer; Sally Corson and Steve Schreiner; Tami Tucker; Lisa Schroeder; and Brad and Chris Fox.