News Summary
Newport Beach hosted a glamorous fundraiser, ‘Soiree on the Bay’, at R.D. Olson’s residence to support the Balboa Island Museum. Approximately 100 attendees enjoyed an evening of entertainment, fine food, and wine, all aimed at preserving community heritage. The event underscored the importance of fundraising for the museum’s future projects and its role in connecting the community with its coastal legacy.
Newport Beach recently played host to a glamorous fundraising event, “Soiree on the Bay,” aimed at supporting the Balboa Island Museum. The gathering took place at the residence of R.D. (“Bob”) Olson and attracted approximately 100 guests on a picturesque summer evening. The event was designed to generate funds for legacy exhibits and year-round programs offered by the museum, ensuring its ongoing operations and ability to connect the community with its coastal heritage.
Guests arrived at the event via the Balboa Island Ferry, which was uniquely rerouted to dock at Olson’s residence. Upon arrival, attendees were greeted by soothing saxophone music floating across Newport Harbor, setting a celebratory tone for the evening. As they ascended a dock and passed a beautiful private white sand beach, guests gathered around an infinity pool, preparing for a night of entertainment and community spirit.
The event was organized by Olson, along with partners Seymour Beek and Cynthia Shafer, who coordinated the planning and sponsorship efforts. Staff from Olson’s Lido House Hotel provided bartending and serving services, ensuring that attendees received top-tier service throughout the evening. Balboa Island Museum Chief Executive Shirley Pepys welcomed the friends and supporters of the museum, highlighting the importance of community involvement and fundraising efforts.
The “Soiree on the Bay” was not just a fundraiser; it was declared the summer party of the season in Newport Beach. Guests indulged in delicious food, fine wine, and spirits while enjoying exceptional service orchestrated by Olson and his dedicated team. Notable attendees included Newport Mayor Joe Stapleton, former Mayor Keith Curry, and a variety of prominent community figures such as luxury real estate agent Nick Gannon, and O.C. Supervisor Katrina Foley.
Other distinguished guests included Lauren and Kory Kramer, Tony Pyle, and Darcy Hadlan. Shirley Pepys attended the celebration with family members, including Tiffany Pepys Hoey, René and Stan Lowe, Catherine Lowe, and Max Pepys. As the evening progressed, guests relaxed on outdoor furniture on the Olson estate lawn, enjoying stunning sunset views over the water.
The event also drew attention from Newport Beach City Councilmembers, such as Michelle Barto and Robyn Grant, along with many of the museum’s devoted donors, including Steve Zotovich, Maralou Harrington, and Mike and Pam Howard. Bob Olson’s son, Sutton Olson, was also among the attendees.
Shirley Pepys underscored the significance of fundraising events such as the “Soiree on the Bay” for the museum’s future projects, including potential building purchases intended to further the preservation of Balboa Island’s rich history. The Balboa Island Museum aspires to resonate with future generations about the community’s coastal legacy, making these fundraising initiatives crucial for its sustainability.
The event successfully gathered collective momentum to ensure that the Balboa Island Museum continues to serve as a cultural landmark and a testament to the history and heritage of the Newport Beach community.
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Additional Resources
- Los Angeles Times: Soiree on the Bay
- Newport Beach Independent: Cowboy Carnival
- Los Angeles Times: Balboa Island Museum Plans
- Newport Beach Independent: Museum Moves
- Los Angeles Times: Denim and Diamonds Fundraiser
- Wikipedia: Balboa Island
Author: STAFF HERE COSTA MESA WRITER
The COSTA MESA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECostaMesa.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Costa Mesa, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the OC Fair, Concerts in the Park, and Fish Fry. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Costa Mesa Chamber of Commerce and Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Orange Coast, plus leading businesses in retail, fashion, and technology that power the local economy such as Vans, Experian, and South Coast Plaza. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, HERESanDiego.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
