Briefly In Education

Baseball team in need of donations

Local athletes need donations to buy vital equipment and maintain their playing field.

The Laguna Beach High School Baseball Boosters Club is looking for community donations to purchase baseballs to replace those lost throughout the year, and to replace infield dirt.

Last year, about two dozen baseballs were lost each week from foul balls and home runs, while 60 tons of dirt was needed.

To make a donation, or to get more information on becoming a LBHS Baseball DirtBall supporter, email Christina Basile at c.basile2@cox.net. Checks can also be sent to: P.O. Box 545, Laguna Beach, 92652.

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Young women honored at Debutante Ball

Two dozen young women donned white gowns to be honored for their philanthropic service at an annual ball in front of family and friends.

The Laguna chapter of the National Charity League hosted its 24th annual Debutante Ball on Dec. 29 at the Ritz Carlton Laguna Niguel to honor 24 of its members, who are now in college, for their volunteer and league service.

The ball is the culmination of a six-year commitment to serving the community through the National Charity League, a nonprofit organization of mothers and daughters dedicated to community involvement. Girls can join the National Charity League in seventh grade.

“Through the mother-daughter relationship, National Charity League develops strong women leaders serving and impacting communities today and for generations to come,” said Janan Pisano, president of the Laguna chapter, in a prepared statement. “After their six years of philanthropy work, these girls develop a life-long dedication to serving others. For example, one of our past debutantes pursued a career in medicine specializing in treating children with brain disorders, which was inspired by her many years in NCL as a counselor for Special Camp for Special Kids.”

The honorees included Jacqueline Adams, Bridgette Alvarez, Alaina Arthur, Katie Bick, Tara Rose Cassano, Zoe Chichelo, Jordan Davis, Marley Donenfeld, Eden Frost, Olivia Fuchs, Sarah Gleason, Amanda Graceffa, Matilda Keane, Katie Keith, Monika Laird, Samantha Larsen, Allison Leibold, Melena Masson, Brynne McGovern, McCaully Patch, Emma Plotnik, Meredith Randol, Taylor Rudaitis and Nina Thornton.

The young women have served with organizations such as the Special Camps for Special Kids, the J.F. Shea Therapeutic Shea Riding Center, Friendship Shelter, Orangewood, South County Senior Services and the Boys and Girls Clubs.

The Laguna chapter has more than 300 members who commit nearly 12,000 hours annually volunteering.

— Britney Barnes