Sparks Fly

THE PARTY
San Diego philanthropists gathered at The Grand Del Mar to support the UC San Diego Moores Cancer Center and highlight advances made in the fight against cancer. Guests were invited to light candles in honor of loved ones affected by the disease. A whopping $2.1 million was raised.

THE PEOPLE
Megan Hilty, of Broadway and television fame, gave a stunning vocal performance that dazzled guests, including some of San Diego’s finest scientific minds: Dr. David Brenner, dean of the UC San Diego School of Medicine; Dr. Scott Lippman, director of the Moores Cancer Center; and UC San Diego Chancellor Pradeep K. Khosla. Speeches by gala co-chairs Cam and Wanda Garner kicked off the program, which also included inspirational stories from patients.

BEST IN SHOW
Among the lavish auction items were a custom-designed 10.14-carat Colombian emerald ring, a staycation at The Grand Del Mar and a private chef experience with Jeffrey Strauss of the Pamplemousse Grille. For guests who were still in celebration mode, the event continued with Spark After Dark, an afterparty with a DJ, desserts and (even more) cocktails. -Photos by Tim Hardy