Stella Maris fundraiser

Stella Maris Academy held its annual fundraising gala recently at the Hyatt Regency, La Jolla. As Msgr. Lyng (“Our Guiding Star”) noted in the program, “SMA is a very important part of the life of Mary, Star of the Sea Parish, which is an important part of life in La Jolla.” Msgr. Lyng was honored during the evening for all his efforts on behalf of the Academy.

“As I say so often,” Msgr. Lyng noted, “we at Stella Maris can only build on the Christian Foundation laid by the parents in the home. Please keep up the good work and we will continue to do our best.”

The festive evening featured a cocktail reception and silent auction, followed by a sit-down dinner in the ballroom. Ruth Varonfakis earned kudos for chairing the event, with her hard-working committee. Among the many supporters on hand were Janet Shanks, Sheri and Peter Anastasi, Neil and Elizabeth Balmert, Brian and Catherine Coe, John and Janet Devaney, Jim and Dana Irwin, Ellie Vivino, Saad and Lillian Nadhir and Jerry and Cathie Dolan.