AROUND TOWN - June 27, 2008

Sanchez to keynote Crosscultural event

Rep. Loretta Sanchez will be the guest of honor at a benefit event supporting South County Crosscultural Council’s humanitarian programs from 4 to 7 p.m. July 20 at the home of Herb and Mary Rabe in Laguna Beach.

The cost is $75 per person or $125 per couple.

Sanchez will be speaking 6 p.m.

For reservations, call David Peck at (949) 497-3936. Donations can be mailed to the Crosscultural Council, P.O. Box 520, Laguna Beach, CA 92652.

Gallery hosts China earthquake benefit

Mandarin Fine Art Gallery is holding a silent auction to raise money for China earthquake relief efforts from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. July 12.

Bidding will begin at 7 and end at 9. Appetizers and wines will be served. All proceeds will go to The Red Cross International Relief Fund for Sichuan Earthquake. Mandarin Fine Art Gallery will donate part of its sales proceeds on the event night to the fund.

A suggested donation of $25 per person is appreciated. Checks should be payable to the Red Cross International Relief Fund for Sichuan Earthquake.

The gallery is located at 1294 S. Coast Hwy. To reserve a spot, call (949) 376-9608 or e-mail info@mandarinfineart.com. For more information, visit www.mandarinfineart.com.

Two Girl Scouts looking for donated school supplies

Two Laguna Beach Girl Scout cadettes, Emily Rubino and Katy Fleming, are asking for donations of school supplies for Mary Fay Pendleton School located at Camp Pendleton. This collection is for the 2008-09 school year.

Some of the basic supplies needed are Crayola markers, crayons, whiteboard markers, glue sticks, pencils, Hi-liters, Manila file folders, wide-ruled paper, plastic pencil boxes, card stock, Lakeshore and Scholastic Gift Cards.

For a complete list, pick up a flier at Church by the Sea, 468 Legion Street and drop off items through July at the same address. For more information, e-mail adoptaschooldrive@yahoo.com.

Cruise raises funds for marine mammals

The Pacific Marine Mammal Center Sea Lion Sunset Harbor Cruise is set to sail July 24 from Newport Harbor. The Endeavor Yacht, 2901 W. Coast Hwy., will depart at 6 p.m. and return at 9 p.m.

The event will feature a three-hour harbor cruise, supper buffet, live band, opportunity drawing, silent auction and cash bar. The highlighted opportunity drawing prize is a seven-night stay at a condo in Palm Springs located directly on a golf course.

Tickets are $40 per person or $30 for groups of 10 or more. Reservations must be made in advance, as space is limited. Send checks to Pacific Marine Mammal Center, 20612 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, CA 92651 or call (949) 494-3050.

Pacific Marine Mammal Center is a nonprofit organization to rescue, medically treat and rehabilitate pinnipeds and cetaceans that strand along the Orange County coastline due to injury or illness.

Each year the center treats up to 250 marine mammals including California sea lions, Pacific harbor seals, Northern elephant seals, Northern fur seals, and various small cetaceans.