THE CROWD:Ocean Institute fundraiser attracts locals

The fifth annual Jazz in January celebration benefiting the Ocean Institute in Dana Point unfolded over a two-day celebration that attracted a large contingent of support from Newport-Mesa as well as all of Orange County. The very popular party featured the talents of Rick Braun, renowned trumpeter, and Richard Elliott, a saxophonist who tours with Natalie Cole, the Pointer Sisters and Melissa Manchester. The two concerts raised significant dollars in support of the Ocean Institute and its programs aimed at students in kindergarten through 12th grade. Organizers expect to net more than $120,000 from the two events this season.

Chairing Jazz in January, which actually took place the first weekend in February, was Tim McMahon, senior vice president of Grubb and Ellis Retail Services Group in Orange County. McMahon has championed the Ocean Institute cause helping to organize the Jazz in January fundraiser for five years. The fundraisers have raised more than $335,000 to date. Young's Market Company hosted the first reception in conjunction with Coastal Creations Catering along with Tony's Cafe and Bakery providing a reception that included wine tasting, appetizers and desserts in advance of the performance by Braun and Elliott.

The second night was the big dinner show, which featured award-winning fare prepared by celebrated local chefs. Participating in the dinner presentation was the St. Regis Monarch Beach and Spa, the Ritz Carlton Laguna Niguel, the Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort and Spa, and the Montage Resort and Spa in Laguna Beach. In addition, two Newport hotels, the Fairmont and the Island, contributed to the gala dinner and concert. The sellout crowd paid $400 per person to sample the asparagus crab salad, smoked salmon cheesecake with caviar, foie gras mousse, and so much more created for this epicurean and musical event.

In the crowd were Daniel T. Stetson, president and chief executive officer of the Ocean Institute, with his wife, Roxanne, Deborah and Andy Meyer, Chris and Michele Sahm, Tony and Diane Wetherbee, Steve and Sue Tucker, and Peggy and Ed Lynch. Also present were Lauri and Rick Taylor, John and Choi Warner of Newport Beach, Bruce Miller and his wife, Hope, and also of Newport Beach, and former L.A. Rams Pro-Bowl lineman Rich Saul and his wife, Eileen.

A live and silent auction helped to raise the tally of support thanks to the generosity of local vendors, including participation from the Newport Meat Company, Antonello Ristorante of Costa Mesa, Carol McMahon Design of Corona del Mar, Morton's the Steakhouse Costa Mesa, and Toshiba America Business Solutions to name only a few. Committee members deserving recognition include Robert Beaulieu, Sally Coombe, John Treiber, Lisa Metz, Reinhard Neubert, Jens von Gierke, Barbara Merriman, and Sheri Karpinski.

The Ocean Institute is a nonprofit learning center dedicated to increasing awareness and understanding of the ocean environment. More than 100,000 local students participate annually in Ocean Institute programs. For more information on the work of the Ocean Institute, go to www.ocean-institute.org .