RANCHO SANTA FE — The Beach & Country Guild is preparing for its 47th Annual Dia Del Sol luncheon soiree slated for Oct. 19 at the Park Hyatt Aviara in Carlsbad. This year, its theme is entitled, “Mystique.”
It’s estimated that 250 to 300 guests will be in attendance. The Rancho Santa Fe based nonprofit has been in existence since 1970 and they consider Dia Del Sol as one of its primary fundraisers.
Its mistress of ceremonies in previous years and once again this year is television anchor Kimberly Hunt.
According to Deanna Murphy, who serves as the publicity chairwoman, their organization’s primary objective and purpose is to raise money to support United Cerebral Palsy San Diego (UCPSD). The efforts of UCPSD afford help and services to those touched by cerebral palsy as well as other disabilities.
“We take pride in knowing that all funds raised stay right here in San Diego County, therefore providing significant help in our own backyard, versus being diluted and distributed through a large national organization,” Murphy said. “The Guild is an all-volunteer organization of women whose primary fundraising effort is Dia Del Sol, which began as an at-home ladies luncheon and has now grown to a highly-anticipated annual event that hosts between 250 and 300 guests.”
Murphy shared that Dia Del Sol consists of a gourmet lunch punctuated by a silent auction, live auction and fashion show.
“The highlight of the event is the children’s fashion show, which features child models affected by cerebral palsy. Many of our models have been longtime participants of our event, giving our guests an incredible opportunity to witness their growth and change over the years,” she said.
Murphy went on to say that other program features will include a guest speaker who will provide a deeper understanding about cerebral palsy, stories of empowerment, and how UCPSD changes lives through support, physical therapy, and much more.
Over the years, Dia Del Sol has transformed from a charming ladies’ tea to an anticipated event. Murphy describes it as having grassroots beginnings.
“Dia Del Sol grew to become a large event that remained, until recent years, hosted at a private estate in Rancho Santa Fe. The day began with a guided tour of the home followed by the event’s main festivities,” she said. Murphy added, “Until the final few years at a private residence, the Guild took pride in managing every aspect of the event, including preparing and serving the food at the event.”
In recent years, Murphy explained how the venues have transitioned to the Fairbanks Ranch Country Club, Fairmont Grand Del Mar, and now the Park Hyatt.
Although the venues have changed, Murphy said that their all-volunteer group still manages as much as possible of the entire event to ensure a maximum net donation to UCPSD.
In addition to Dia Del Sol, another fundraiser the Beach & Country Guild takes part in includes Regale in the Ranch, which takes place in the spring. In December, the nonprofit also champions a holiday party.
With Dia Del Sol approaching, both first-time and longtime attendees will be delighted with the silent and live auction. Murphy shared that their wide-ranging silent auction items were curated by their dedicated members across categories including dining and entertaining, sports and recreation, kids and pets, beauty and fitness, home and garden, and travel.
Following a gourmet lunch, Murphy said, a full-scale fashion show featuring fashions from first-time fashion partner, Bloomingdale’s Fashion Valley, as well as the heartwarming children’s fashion show, will take place.
“Our event has a way of making devoted return supporters out of first-time guests,” Murphy said.
To learn more about the event or Beach & Country Guild, Murphy invites all to visit beachandcountry.org. Ticket sales are expected to go live on their website Aug. 1.
