2025 Romance of the Mission Benefit Gala
The most exclusive gala benefit hosted in Orange County. Features a pre-concert reception, extravagant entertainment in the Ruins of the Great Stone Church and the most romantic dinner in the Grand Central Courtyard.
Underwriting Opportunities UNDERWRITE THE GALA MAKE AN UNDERWRITING GIFT OR DONATION OPPORTUNITY DRAWING TICKETS JOIN WAITING LIST PROVIDE IN-KIND SUPPORTTicket Information
TO GET INVOLVED:
1. Underwrite the Event/Attend the Underwriting Party on May 27, 2026:
Please contact Mechelle Lawrence Adams at (949) 234-1311 or email mlawrence-adams@missionsjc.com.
2. Purchase Opportunity Drawing tickets:
Please contact Mariela Martinez at (949) 234-1312 or email mmartinez@missionsjc.com.
3. Join Waiting List for Limited Available Tickets ($1,000 each):
Please contact Mechelle Lawrence Adams at (949) 234-1311 or email mlawrence-adams@missionsjc.com or Mariela Martinez at (949) 234-1312 or email mmartinez@missionsjc.com.
4. Support the Event and the Cause:
Please consider making a one-time donation to support the Mission www.missionsjc.com/donate.
5. Provide In-Kind Support such as an Opportunity Drawing Item or Service:
Please contact Mechelle Lawrence Adams at (949) 234-1311 or email mlawrence-adams@missionsjc.com.
Ticket Policies
TICKET SALES FINAL
Ticket sales are final. Mission San Juan Capistrano is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization. It requires immense effort and administration to process ticket orders. We are unable to accommodate refunds or exchanges. Thank you for your understanding.
EVENT CANCELLATION POLICY
Should there be conditions related to weather, rain, emergency or other conditions beyond control of Mission staff that should necessitate cancellation of the event, tickets will not be refunded. Please consider the cost of your tickets a charitable donation in support of Mission San Juan Capistrano, historic California landmark #200 and 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization #33-0833283.
Event Information
Friday, September 18, 2026
6:00 IN THE EVENING
Reception in the Mission Gardens
Entrance through the Mission Gate House, 26801 Old Mission Road
Black Tie attire, no denim please
7:00 IN THE EVENING
Concert in the Ruins of the Great Stone Church, circa 1812
CANDLELIGHT DINNER TO FOLLOW
Mission Central Courtyard
Hospitality and Catering Services Provided by
Inn at the Mission, San Juan Capistrano.
Decor and design services generously given by Roger’s Gardens.
2025 Romance of the Mission Honorees
Myron Sukut and Mozelle Sukut Ph.D.
The Board of Directors of the Mission Preservation Foundation is pleased to announce that this year’s event honors Myron Sukut and Mozelle Sukut Ph.D. for their for their many contributions to Mission San Juan Capistrano. Dr. Mozelle Sukut was instrumental in creating the Artifacts Council and Gardening Angels at the Mission and organizing several World Weaving Expos to celebrate their arts. She was on the City’s Cultural Heritage Commission and is currently on the City’s 250th Anniversary Celebration Committee. Myron Sukut previously served on the Mission Preservation Foundation Board.
“Myron and I take exceptional pride in being long time advocates for all things good in San Juan Capistrano. It has been a special joy for us to see the Mission emerge from challenges in the past to become the centerpiece of a thriving, meaningful community. We were especially happy to support the Mission’s impact on children’s learning about cultures and history. We both believe Mission San Juan Capistrano is worthy of support and are happy that our efforts have helped it to grow and become a vibrant place serving the community,” says Dr. Mozelle Sukut.
Registry of “Romance of the Mission” Honorees
2024 – Claudia and Randy Redwitz
2023 – The Walker Family, Farmers & Merchants Bank
2022 – Joan and Bill Cvengros
2021 – Dame Connie Spenuzza and Dr. Peter Spenuzza
2019 – Carol and Don Dorkowski
2018 – Madeline and James Irvine Swinden
2017 – Sheila and James Peterson
2016 – The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel
2015 – Bette and Wylie Aitken
2014 – El Viaje de Portola
2013 – Mike Hagan
2012 – Jan and Honorable H. Warren Siegel
2011 – Reverend Msgr. Arthur A. Holquin
2010 – Gilbert G. Aguirre
2009 – Congresswoman Patricia Bates
2008 – Father O’Sullivan
2007 – EJ Tracy
2006 – General and Mrs. William Lyon
2005 – Richard J. O’Neill
2004 – Joan Irvine Smith
2025 Romance of the Mission Musical Artist
Abi Carter, Singer-songwriter
The 2025 concert in the Ruins of the Great Stone Church will feature singer-songwriter, Abi Carter. After charming judges, audiences, and voters during her journey on Season 22 of American Idol, singer-songwriter Abi Carter went from hopeful auditioner to season winner in a matter of weeks. With the release of her 2024 album, ghosts in the backyard, the Coachella Valley native officially introduced herself as a confident, layered artist in her own right.
The nostalgia-ridden 10-track LP is a narrative, story-driven collection of music that allows listeners to get to know the person behind the powerful voice that won over millions during her Idol journey. Abi wrote on every song on the project, processing her own youth from a distance in the hopes that others might feel encouraged in their own journeys.
“When I wrote this album, it was therapy for myself,” Abi said. “I was trying to work through what I was feeling and thinking, and it was cathartic for me. If other people can feel that and relate to my emotions, that would be ‘mission accomplished’ — even if it just reaches one person.”
The second-oldest in a family of seven kids, Abi was raised in a musical household. Growing up, she sang just about anywhere she could, but it was learning piano that changed the trajectory of her life. Her skill on the instrument is near virtuosic and remains infused into every aspect of her music-making process, including the genre-blending elements of ghosts in the backyard.
Abi refuses to let herself be boxed in. She embraces influences like Phoebe Bridgers, Manchester Orchestra, Gracie Abrams, and Renee Rapp, playing with indie-pop, folk, and cinematic drama throughout her discography. Regardless of genre elements, it’s the raw earnestness to Abi’s voice that consistently sets her apart — it’s something that can only be informed by performing from the very bottom of one’s soul. Abi is the rare artist that exists in the crossover of being born with natural talent and having the technical skill set to back it up.
“I believe in the things I sing,” she confirms. “I try not to sing just because it sounds pretty; the best singers connect with what they’re saying. That’s what moves people.”
Registry of “Romance of the Mission” Gala Musical Artists
2024 Artists – Forte
2023 Artists – Lyric
2022 Artists – Vonzell Solomon and Terron Brooks
2021 Artist – Loren Allred
2019 Artist – Steve Tyrell
2018 Artist – Jackie Evancho
2017 Artist – Heather Headley
2016 Artist – Clark Beckham
2015 Artist – Scott Coulter, Lee Lessack, John Boswell
2014 Artist – David Burnham
2013 Artist – Susan Egan
2012 Artist – Davis Gaines
2011 Artist – Rod Gilfry
2010 Artist – Robin Follman
2009 Artist – Benise
2008 Artist – Nyle Wolfe
2007 Artist – Michael Amante encore
2006 Artist – Melissa Manchester
2005 Artist – Michael Feinstein
2004 Artist – Michael Amante
2025 Opportunity Drawing
From Our Friends – Great Opportunities
Radiant Cut Enamel
Drop Earrings
Lugano
Value $22,000
A modern take on timeless elegance, these dramatic drop earrings
showcase 2.43 carats of radiant-cut diamonds set in 18K white gold,
beautifully contrasted by sleek black enamel accents.
A thoughtful balance of refinement and contemporary design.
VIP Birthday Party Package
Gifted by Discovery Cube OC/Discovery Cube LA
Value $10,000
3 hours of exclusive after hours use of Discovery Cube Orange County or Los Angeles for up to 400 attendees, plus 2 science demonstrations, 2 party hosts, exclusive access to Sea Lab and Dino Quest (Orange County location) or exclusive and unlimited access to the Eco Adventure Carousel (Los Angeles location) and complimentary parking. Catering not included.
Stay and Play Package
Gifted by Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach Resort & Club
Value $5,350
Two-night stay in a resort view room, complimentary resort fee and valet parking, dinner for (2) at AVEO Table + Bar ($200 dinner value), daily cabana rental, daily breakfast for two and round of golf for two.
Stay and Play Package
Gifted by Inn at the Mission, San Juan Capistrano
Value $4,000
Includes a two-night stay (1 bedroom villa), dinner for (2) at Ysidora ($200 dinner value) and (2) 50 minute spa treatments ($600 value). *Restrictions apply
Stay and Play Package
Gifted by Lee Morcus
Value $3,500
A Chef’s Multi-Course Wine Dinner at Kaiser Grille Palm Springs for a party of six guests and Three Double Occupancy Rooms at the Hilton Hotel Palm Springs for an evening. *Restrictions may apply.
Stay and Play Package
Gifted by Sunstone Hotel Investors Inc.
and Terri and Doug Pasquale
Value $3,400
One-night stay at the Hyatt Regency San Francisco and two-night stay in a king bedded room at the Four Seasons Resort and Residences in Napa Valley.
*Restrictions Apply
Painting Package
Value $1,800
Morning Light at the Mission
16×20″ in Oil
Framed
www.davidimlay.com
A Bicycle
gifted by Jim Curwood, Buy My Bikes
San Juan Capistrano’s Local Bike Shop
Value $1,599
RadExpand 5 Electric Folding Bike
Presented by the Mission Preservation Board of Directors
George O’Connell, President
Wylie A. Aitken
Darren O. Aitken
Trevor Baird
Vicky Carabini
William Cvengros
EJ Farrell
Kerry Herbert
Reverend Monsignor J. Michael McKiernan, Pastor
Reverend Monsignor Arthur A. Holquin, Retired
Paul Mikos
Anthony R. Moiso, Founding President
Dame Connie Spenuzza
Seth R. Teigen
Christine M. Walker-Bowman
2025 Gala Committee
Kerry Herbert
Vicky Carabini
Laura Freese
Evonne Morton
Daisy Funk
Jan Siegel
Lisa Renee Baker
Laura Baratta
Mechelle Lawrence Adams
Stephanie Montes de Oca
Kristin Bolda
2025 Romance of the Mission Underwriters
Eden and George O’Connell, O’Connell Family Foundation
Melinda and Tony Moiso, The Moiso Family
EJ and Michael Farrell
Dame Connie and Dr. Peter Spenuzza, Spenuzza Velastegui Family Foundation
Bette and Wylie A. Aitken
Laurie and Darren O. Aitken
Kerry and Gavin S. Herbert Jr., Roger’s Gardens
Chris and Bill Griffith
Inn at the Mission San Juan Capistrano
Deanna and Robert Saint-Aubin
Lugano
Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach Resort & Club
Brite Ideas
Gilbert Aguirre
Vicky and Michael Carabini
Joan and Bill Cvengros
Jeanne and Greg Baird, Trevor’s at the Tracks
Tiffany and Trevor Baird, Trevor’s at the Tracks
Farmers & Merchants Bank
Juaneno Band of Mission Indians
The Irvine Museum – Commemorative Gift
D Lighting
Sonance Foundation
Carole Follman and Adam Follman
Lisa and Brad Freer – Champagne and Spirits
Frome Family Foundation
I.S. Wong Foundation
Reata Glen Retirement Community
Jeanne and John Sawyer
Jan and Honorable H. Warren Siegel
Nancy and Greg Silver, GMU Engineers and Geologists
Tucker Ellis, LLP
Myron Sukut and Mozelle Sukut Ph.D
Sukut Construction, LLC
Discovery Cube Foundation / Discovery Cube Orange County
Sylvia and Kyle Franson, Rancho Capistrano Winery – Wine Sponsor
Everett Dorey LLP
Evelyn and Dr. Alfred J. Ferrari
Carolyn and Juan Y. Forster
Carol and Dr. Anthony Grisanti
Suzanne and Terry McCardle, The McCardle Charitable Fund
Marianne Miller
Kathy and Sam Perricone
Liz and Dan Priest, Las Golondrinas
Maria Galindo, Las Golondrinas
Tracie and Brian Sullivan
Carol and Dr. Anthony Grisanti
Signature Elevated Rentals
Providence Mission Hospital
Gretchen Augustyn
Brand Enhance Parking & Hospitality – Valet Services
Rancho Capistrano Winery
Claudia and Randy Redwitz, Redwitz Inc
Lisa and John Rough
Nancy and Paul St. Pierre – Wine Sponsor
Laura and James Baratta
Reverend Monsignor J. Michael McKiernan
The Dirk Family
Beverly and Dr. Bruce Nickerson
Terri and Doug Pasquale, Sunstone Hotel Investors, Inc.
Jeanne and Bryan Stirrat – Resurgam Passageway Décor
Beth Daley Ullem and Scott Ullem
Advanced Real Estate
Lisa and Victor Gonzales
Andrea and Steve Johnson
Pam and Scott Looney – Official Program
Chris Lobo, Native Hands Wine – Wine Sponsor
Kathleen and Dr. Sam Roth – Invitations and Postage
Kathleen Korner
The Alvarez Firm
Mission Brewing
Lyn and Timothy Carlyle
Constance Callan and Mark Karpenko
Stephanie and Kevin Finn
Michelle Monique and Elias “Lee” Morcus
Gabriel Serrato and Byron Rabin Esq.
Phil Ramsdale and Marian O’Neill
James Irvine Swinden
Ehren Weidenkeller and Andrew Fiala
Susan and Mark A. Brown
Dr. Jacqueline Dupont
Lisa Renee Photography
David Imlay
Drs. Donna and Ken Friess
Gabriel Ferrucci
Tom Baker Photography
Laura Freese
Jordan Crum
Joseph Busch
Mechelle and Joe Adams
Ana Castro
Daisy and James Funk
Mary Jane Foley
Larry Lawrence
2025 Romance of the Mission Partners and Supporters
Event Partners
Eden and George O’Connell,
O’Connell Family Foundation
Tony and Melinda Moiso,
The Moiso Family
Support Mission San Juan Capistrano and Save!
Member benefits include free daily admission and other exclusive perks.
: Join