THE CROWD:On a mission to raise preservation funds

The mission bells were ringing as the crowd arrived.

It’s a tradition. Every year, the bells herald the arrival of the guests who converge on Mission San Juan Capistrano for a September celebration of conservation for the ancient California structure.

They call the affair “Romance of the Serra Chapel,” and it is a love affair between the old stone relic and the citizens of O.C. who are passionate about preservation.

This year, more than 450 preservationists helped raise $175,000 for the cause. One of the most rewarding aspects of this gathering is the annual dose of satisfaction that is enjoyed by all who return — like the swallows — to Capistrano to witness the progress made each year as the old stone church is retrofitted, rebuilt and returned to its original native California splendor.

One of the O.C.’s most prominent and philanthropic couples, William and Willa Dean Lyon of Coto de Caza and Newport Beach, served as honorary chairs for the most-successful gala, which began with a reception in the Mission Gardens and was followed by a wonderful concert in the Great Stone Church headlined by Grammy-Award winning artist Melissa Manchester.

The singer was awe-struck by her surrounding, expressing her own joy performing in the ancient building.

Following the performance, dinner was served al fresco in the Mission Courtyard adorned with candlelight and moonlight.

The Ritz Carlton Hotel Laguna Niguel graciously prepared, served and underwrote the four-course dinner that was accompanied by wines selected and underwritten by Southern Wine & Spirits.

Major donors to the mission event also included Art and Gaye Bircher, Jim and Rachel Everett, Myron and Mozelle Sukut, Wylie and Bette Aitken, John and Denise McGraw, Walter and Mary Frome, Tony and Melinda Moiso and Gary and Donna Urban, to name only a few.

Special thanks goes to the dedicated gala committee, which included a very long list of generous patrons. Leading volunteers were Madeline Swinden, Diana Arrigoni, Mozelle Sukut, Barb Beier and Georgianna Hales.

Spotted in the crowd was Joan Irvine Smith, who served as honorary chair of the event in 2004 and has been a major donor and patron in support of the restoration.

Smith’s son Morton and his wife Marianne joined brother Jim Swinden and his wife Madeline in support of their mother and the mission project.

Also on hand for the very elegant party were Bruce and Sara Verble, Marc and Tracy Weintraub, Jack and Shelly Wronka, Jean Stern, William Sullivan, Rita Snyder, Paul and Nancy St. Pierre, Barbara Roppollo, Terry and Suzanne McCardle and Hubert Laugharn.

The perfect evening was capped with the gift of a red velvet rose given to each lady as the crowd departed the mission.