The iconic bells of historic Mission San Juan Capistrano echoed through the starry night of Sept. 14 as The Mission Preservation Foundation held its annual “Romance of the Mission” benefit gala. The nearly $600,000 raised at the event will go not only to support the preservation of Orange County’s only mission but for the cultural and educational programming that runs throughout the year, too.
A record number 500 guests attended to hear platinum recording artist Jackie Evancho sing a moving version of “O Mio Babbino Caro” in the Ruins of The Great Stone Church and other songs that made her an “America’s Got Talent” finalist in 2010. Evancho admitted she had to learn one new song for the performance that evening though: the concert tradition, “When the Swallows Come Back to Capistrano.” VIP guests joined her in a brief reception after the concert, before joining others in the Mission’s Central Courtyard for the four-course plated meal presented by the Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel.
But before that, Mission Preservation Foundation President George O’Connell recognized Madeline and James Irvine Swinden. Madeline co-founded the Friends of the Mission in 1996, is founding chair of the benefit gala and serves on the Mission Preservation Foundation board. James is founder of The Irvine Museum and a devotee of California history and art. “Our work here is far from over,” said Madeline as she and her husband received the honor.
