Crystal Cove Conservancy Raises $950,000 for Education and Conservation at 27th Annual Endless Summer Soirée
Endless Summer Soirée tablescape. (PC: OC Event Photos)
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
More than 200 supporters gathered at Crystal Cove State Park to celebrate conservation, community, and STEM education.
Crystal Cove State Park (Oct. 5, 2026) — Crystal Cove Conservancy welcomed more than 200 guests to the blufftop of Crystal Cove State Park’s Pelican Point on Saturday, Oct. 3, for its 27th Annual Endless Summer Soirée. The annual celebration raised $950,000 to support The Conservancy’s STEM education programs and its ongoing work to protect and preserve Crystal Cove State Park.
Set against panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, the evening brought together supporters, community leaders, and conservation partners to celebrate Crystal Cove and the collective work to ensure its natural, cultural, and historic resources endure for generations to come.
From left: California Natural Resources Secretary Wade Crowfoot; California State Parks Director Armando Quintero; Crystal Cove Conservancy CEO Hallie Jones; Crystal Cove Conservancy Board Chair Teddie Ray; and California State Parks – Orange Coast District Superintendent Scott Kibbey. (PC: OC Event Photos)
Guests enjoyed vintage cocktails, live music, and an elegant al fresco dinner. A live auction and paddle raise supported The Conservancy’s STEM education programs, followed by dancing under the autumn sky.
Among those in attendance were California Natural Resources Secretary Wade Crowfoot; California State Parks Director Armando Quintero; U.S. Representative Dave Min; Fifth District Supervisor and Vice Chair of the Orange County Board of Supervisors Katrina Foley; and Laguna Beach Mayor Mark Orgill.
The evening also marked the first Endless Summer Soirée with Hallie Jones serving as CEO of Crystal Cove Conservancy. Jones, who assumed the role in August, reflected on the community of supporters, partners, and volunteers whose commitment makes The Conservancy’s work possible.
Hallie Jones, CEO of Crystal Cove Conservancy, welcomes guests to the 27th Annual Endless Summer Soirée. (PC: OC Event Photos)
“Crystal Cove isn’t just a place,” said Jones. “It’s a community of people who show up to protect the places they love, through small moments that make a big impact. Tonight’s Endless Summer Soirée was a wonderful celebration of that commitment, set against the backdrop of the Pacific Ocean and surrounded by coastal sage scrub. We’re honored to carry this work forward together.”
Guests bid on one-of-a-kind experiences during the live auction and came together for an enthusiastic paddle raise. Together with sponsorships and other contributions, the evening raised $950,000 to support The Conservancy’s education, conservation, and historic preservation programs.
Guests raise their paddles in support of Crystal Cove Conservancy’s programs. (PC: OC Event Photos)
“California State Parks and Crystal Cove Conservancy have shared a steadfast commitment to protecting one of the most unique places along the entire Pacific Coast,” said Quintero. “This flourishing partnership has evolved from restoring historic bungalows that, in essence, allow visitors to time travel back to the 1920s, to providing world-class education experiences while conserving the state park’s incredible natural and cultural resources. I am so very grateful for this partnership, which has served as a model not just in the California State Park System but at parks throughout the country.”
Guests pose for a photo at Crystal Cove State Park. (PC: OC Event Photos)
Each year, students — including thousands from Title I schools — come to Crystal Cove State Park for hands-on experiences that take learning beyond the classroom. Students explore tidepools, restore native habitat, code environmental sensors, build environmental robots, and work alongside scientists and educators to investigate real-world questions within the Park.
The Soirée also supports The Conservancy’s broader work in conservation and historic preservation, helping protect the extraordinary natural and cultural resources that make Crystal Cove State Park a place of discovery, connection, and inspiration.
Guests enjoy the open sky during cocktail hour before the program. (PC: OC Event Photos)
“Crystal Cove is one of California’s most beautiful places and a powerful reminder that we can protect the environment, preserve our history, and provide incredible outdoor recreation all in the same space. I’m deeply grateful for The Conservancy’s leadership, which helps people and nature thrive together in this extraordinary place,” said Crowfoot.
As The Conservancy looks ahead, funds raised at the 27th Annual Endless Summer Soirée will expand opportunities for students and the community to engage with Crystal Cove while advancing the conservation and preservation work needed to protect the Park for generations to come.
Coriander band entertains during cocktail hour. (PC: OC Event Photos)
This year’s Endless Summer Soirée was made possible through the generosity of its sponsors and supporters, including:
Doug and Eva Le Bon Foundation; Michael and Stacy Schlinger Foundation; Anonymous; Michael and Tricia Berns; Christine L. Carr LoveLight; The Cheng Family; Michelle and Tim Dean; S. Parsons Family; Karen and Eric Steen; Glenn Bozarth; Jacquie and Michael Casey; Laura Davick; Bonnie Gregory; Hexberg Family Foundation; Pam and Sandy Munro; Teddie Ray; Wendy and Fred Salter; Sally and Michael Schreter; The Robert R. Sprague Foundation; Stradling; Doniel and Jerry Sutton; Whittier Trust; Monette and Steve Zotovich; Mandy and Jayson Boyers; Diana and Gareth Evans; Bonnie and Pat Fuscoe; Judi Gorski; Dr. Barbara Hamkalo; Kerry and Gavin Herbert; Jackson Lewis P.C.; MacGillivray Family Foundation; Goran Matijasevic; Jim Moloney and Erin-Walsh Moloney; Mara and Keith Murray; Annette and Joe Oltmans; Jenny and Will O’Neill; Teresa and Dr. Eric Ontiveros; Ann and Eric Smyth; Marci and Arlo Sorensen; Laura Tarbox; TDL Law; Shelley Thunen; Jill and Larry Tucker; Weber Christensen + Heinrichs; and Keiko Sakamoto and Bill Witte.
Additional in-kind support was provided by Meriam Braselle; Mark Christy; Brian Dobbin Inc.; The Gregorys; Jody and Richard Swinney; Mammoth Mountain; Newport Landing Sportsfishing; Fork, Knife + Spoon Catering; The Ranch at Laguna Beach; The Resort at Pelican Hill Newport Beach; Zotovich Vineyards and Winery; zpizza; The Magic Castle; Buchanan Brand + Design; Rebecca Arguello; Val Carson; Quinlan Cooney; Robin Hall; Laurie Hendricks; Jeff Horn; Michael Obermeyer; Jeff Sewell; and Kimberleigh Wood.
The full sponsor list is also available at crystalcove.org/soiree.
Autumn sunset at the Endless Summer Soirée. (PC: OC Event Photos)
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About Crystal Cove Conservancy
Crystal Cove Conservancy is the nonprofit partner of Crystal Cove State Park. Through education, conservation, and preservation, The Conservancy helps protect the Park’s natural and cultural resources while inspiring the next generation of conservation leaders. During the 2025–26 school year, its education programs served 8,715 students from 105 schools. The Conservancy also works with educators and welcomes community members through public programs, conservation initiatives, and opportunities to explore the Park’s history. For more information, please visit crystalcove.org.
Media Contact:
Jessica Arnaldo
Marketing & Communications Manager
Crystal Cove Conservancy
jessica@crystalcove.org