Navy SEALS show their class

The La Jolla Debutante Committee received the poster above from deployed U.S. Navy Seal Team 3 as a thank you card for hosting a Mother’s Day brunch for their wives and children at the Hotel Del Coronado earlier this year. The party brought a lot of joy to the 600 guests in attendance, according to committee member Joan Kearney. Impressed by the magic of the moment, the hotel even kicked in a donation to cover some of the expense.

“We used 140 high chairs, staffed a busy photo booth, did a lot of face-painting, and watched the joy emanating from hugs with beloved costumed characters, like Elmo,” Kearney said.

Since its founding in 1958, the debutante committee has raised and donated more than $2.5 million to charitable organizations serving children. In light of the difficult economy, the debutante’s annual ball was canceled this year and the luncheon for the military wives was planned instead.