News Summary
The Balboa Bay Club hosted its 27th annual Gentlemen’s Smoker, raising over $2 million for the 1221 College Scholarship Fund. The prestigious event featured fine cigars, culinary delights, and prominent local figures, including Mayor Joe Stapleton. Fundraising efforts emphasized supporting local students, with further recognition given to sponsors and contributors. The scholarship fund’s cumulative achievements now exceed $2 million, showcasing its significant impact on Newport-Mesa graduates.
Newport Beach, California – The Balboa Bay Club celebrated the 27th anniversary of its Gentlemen’s Smoker on September 11, raising over $2 million for the 1221 College Scholarship Fund. The esteemed event attracted over 250 attendees and was highlighted by the participation of Newport Beach Mayor Joe Stapleton.
The Gentlemen’s Smoker offered an exquisite combination of fine cigars, spirits, and culinary delights curated by Executive Chef Diego Bernal of the Balboa Bay Resort. Attendees enjoyed a featured “Soul of a Lion” Cabernet Sauvignon from Daou Vineyards as well as an assortment of premium spirits. The atmosphere was enhanced by guests dressed in nautical navy blue and white attire.
Co-chairs of the event, John Wortmann and Kory Kramer, focused on the fundraising purpose throughout the evening, emphasizing the importance of supporting the 1221 College Scholarship Fund. The scholarship fund, which has benefited local students from Newport-Mesa Public High Schools, has raised a cumulative total of over $2 million to date. This amount has positively impacted numerous local graduates.
During the evening, special recognition was given to the Presenting Sponsor, Ferrari Newport Beach. Representatives from the sponsor, including Stefano Sbettega and Gilberto Medici, were in attendance along with notable local supporters like Steve Rosansky, Tom Johnson, Mark Larson, and former Mayor Will O’Neill.
The well-organized event required substantial planning from a dedicated team that included Managing Director Cindy Racco and event planners Inga Winkler, Katie Pool, Nick Guzzella, and Melanie Hertrick. Their efforts created an engaging atmosphere that combined enjoyment with a purpose, celebrating not only the event but also the achievements of the scholarship recipients.
In addition to the funds raised during the Gentlemen’s Smoker, a related event recently awarded $150,000 in grants to 24 high school graduates from Newport-Mesa, further demonstrating the reach and impact of the scholarship program. Over the last 25 years, the 1221 Scholarship Fund has awarded more than $1.8 million, ranking as the largest private/public scholarship fund in the Newport Mesa community.
Continuous support from major sponsors and donors has proven vital to the success of the 1221 Scholarship Fund, allowing it to thrive and provide significant financial assistance to students. The event included an awards ceremony honoring the scholarship recipients, where the students expressed gratitude towards their families and mentors who supported their journeys.
The name of the 1221 Scholarship Fund is derived from the Balboa Bay Club’s address on Coast Highway, symbolizing its strong ties to the local community. The female members of the Balboa Bay Club have been key in planning events that support scholarships, dedicating year-round efforts to ensure their ongoing success.
With the combination of local support, exquisite offerings, and effective fundraising efforts, the Gentlemen’s Smoker not only served as a memorable experience but also as a critical fundraising event that underscores the commitment to educational advancement for students in the Newport-Mesa area.
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Additional Resources
- Newport Beach Indy: Balboa Bay Club’s Gentlemen’s Smoker
- Los Angeles Times: Annual 1221 Balboa Bay Club Scholarships
- OC Register: Newport Mesa Graduating Seniors Awards
- Wikipedia: Newport Beach, California
- Encyclopedia Britannica: California
Author: STAFF HERE COSTA MESA WRITER
COSTA MESA STAFF 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.
