Grace’s Place Foundation’s 1st “Starlight GALA” was the event of the summer as there was a full house at Sessions Retreat & Hotel. Success! A dedicated community effort helped to bring the event to life. Janet Grace, founder of Grace’s Place, shared their vision of creating empowering programs and tools to help women and children rebuild their self-esteem, self-confidence, and envision their next steps in life. Most importantly, they aim to instill a strong determination so they “Never Go Back.” The “Starlight GALA” filled the venue with food, drink, celebratory music, a live and silent auction, and inspirational stories that tugged on everyone’s heartstrings and purse strings. Thanks to the generosity of the funds raised through auction items donated by our amazing Big Bear community, Grace’s Place Foundation is on its way to fulfilling its vision of a conscious community coming together for the greater good of women and children affected by domestic violence.

“Our event was a tremendous success,” Grace said, “And we couldn’t have done it without the support of our Big Bear community, our friends, family, and businesses.” The following is a list of donors to whom our Foundation extends heartfelt gratitude for making this inaugural event a success. A special mention of thanks to owners Frank Caruso & Sydney Smith of Sessions Retreat and Hotel, who donated the venue for the “Starlight GALA” — a beyond generous donation. Frank and Sydney also presented Grace’s Place Foundation a check for $1,700 raised through the Cub Crawl, the second fundraising event they produced, supporting many of the Big Bear restaurants that participated. We also extend our deepest thanks to our generous sponsors, Kristine Yoshida of Summit Dental, Dan Raddatz at Bear Valley Printing, and Dan Steadman & Ted Trentman of BigBear.TV.

Special thanks go to our Platinum Sponsors: Big Bear TV, Bear Valley Printing, Sessions Retreat & Hotel, and Summit Dental; Silver Sponsors: Elks Lodge, Lion’s Club, Moose Lodge, North Shore Improvement Group, Rotary Club, and Soroptimist; and Other Sponsors: AAUW, Big Bear Chamber, Big Bear Disposal, Big Bear National Ski Patrol, Bear Valley Community Hospital, Bear Valley Education Trust, DOVES of Big Bear Lake, Knights of Columbus, Sierra Club, Trails Association, and The Lighthouse Project.

Our gratitude extends to our Donors and Volunteers: 572 Social, Action Zipline, Alpine Slide, Altitudes Massage & Spa, Angel Velasquez, Animal Communicator, Apples Bed & Breakfast, Art in the Woods, Barrel 33, Bear Valley Printing, Big Bear Alpine Zoo, Big Bear Auto, Big Bear Cool Cabins, Big Bear Fire Department – Big Bear Firefighters, Big Bear Golf, Big Bear Home and Garden, Big Bear Lake Pet Supplies, Big Bear Marina, Big Bear Mountain Resort, Big Bear Mtn Brewery, Big Bear Prime Meats – Mike & Carol Chilcoat, Big Bear Ski Resort, Big Bear Snow Play, Big Bear Vacations, Big Bear Women Authors – Syd Blue, Lori Brookes, Janet Grace, Kristie Walker, Cabin Fever, Canna Massage, Captain John’s Fawn Harbor & Marina, Captains Anchorage, Carey Dunn, Chirp, Kristie Walker, Christina Marmolejo, Collective Rewind, Crows Nest, Daniel Mobile Massage, Dank Donuts, Debra Johnson, Debra Smith, Delagos, Divine Equine, Erin Smith, Facials by Carrie, Fawnskin Jewelry – Nancy Walker, Fun n Sun, Gift Shops – Matt Scriven, Goldsmiths, Gonzalez Garage, Hacienda, Holloway Marina, Hood Growers, Horse & Carriage Ride, Interiors – Tena Decker, Janet Grace, Jeanine Martin, Jeep Experience, Juniper Lounge, Kelly Ohlson, Kirby Custom Carvings, Knotts Berry Farm, Kristine Yoshida, Laurie Halverson, Legit Labeling, Linda Theirault, Lori Brooks, Lori Conrad, Los Angeles Angels – Rober Frasco, Moonridge Coffee, Mountain Meadow Seniors, Mountain Mobile Massage & Spa, Mountain Munchies, Mountain Room Escapes, Mountain Yoga Center, Murrys, Natures Elements, Nuts & Things or Nut House – Cindy Depree, Okooran, Peppercorn Grille, Queen Bee Store, Rebecca Hinton, Rileagh Chase, Rileagh T Chase Coaching, Robinhood Resort, Rustic Mtn Choc, Santana Mavericks, Scentsy, Self Heal with Liz, Session Retreat & Hotel, Sid Blue, Sister My Sister, Sonora/Old Country Inn, Staters Bros, Summit Dental, Super Store, Sweet Basil Bistro, The Copper Q, Vanessa Garcia, Village Sweet Shoppe, Vons, Walgreens, Wing Jeweler, Yoga Festival, and Yvonne Phillips. More loving thanks to Peggy Baldwin for her beautiful music that added to the ambiance of the evening.

To all attendees and volunteers, a heartfelt thank you! Without your support, this event would not have been the success it was. If you are interested in learning more about Grace’s Place Foundation or want to get involved in this great compassionate cause.