Crystal Cove Conservancy welcomed more than 200 guests to the blufftop of Crystal Cove State Park’s Pelican Point on Saturday, Oct. 3, for its 27th Annual Endless Summer Soirée.
The annual celebration raised $950,000 to support The Conservancy’s STEM education programs and its ongoing work to protect and preserve Crystal Cove State Park.
Set against panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, the evening brought together supporters, community leaders, and conservation partners to celebrate Crystal Cove and the collective work to ensure its natural, cultural, and historic resources endure for generations to come.
Guests enjoyed vintage cocktails, live music, and an elegant al fresco dinner. A live auction and paddle raise supported The Conservancy’s STEM education programs, followed by dancing under the autumn sky.
Among those in attendance were California Natural Resources Secretary Wade Crowfoot; California State Parks Director Armando Quintero; U.S. Representative Dave Min; Fifth District Supervisor and Vice Chair of the Orange County Board of Supervisors Katrina Foley; Laguna Beach Mayor Mark Orgill, and Newport Beach Councilmember Joe Stapleton.
The evening also marked the first Endless Summer Soirée with Hallie Jones serving as CEO of Crystal Cove Conservancy. Jones, who assumed the role in August, reflected on the community of supporters, partners, and volunteers whose commitment makes The Conservancy’s work possible.
“Crystal Cove isn’t just a place,” said Jones. “It’s a community of people who show up to protect the places they love, through small moments that make a big impact. Tonight’s Endless Summer Soirée was a wonderful celebration of that commitment, set against the backdrop of the Pacific Ocean and surrounded by coastal sage scrub. We’re honored to carry this work forward together.”
Guests bid on one-of-a-kind experiences during the live auction and came together for an enthusiastic paddle raise.
“California State Parks and Crystal Cove Conservancy have shared a steadfast commitment to protecting one of the most unique places along the entire Pacific Coast,” said Quintero. “This flourishing partnership has evolved from restoring historic bungalows that, in essence, allow visitors to time-travel back to the 1920s, to providing world-class education experiences while conserving the state park’s incredible natural and cultural resources. I am so very grateful for this partnership, which has served as a model not just in the California State Park System but at parks throughout the country.”
Each year, students — including thousands from Title I schools — come to Crystal Cove State Park for hands-on experiences that take learning beyond the classroom. Students explore tidepools, restore native habitat, code environmental sensors, build environmental robots, and work alongside scientists and educators to investigate real-world questions within the Park.
The Soirée also supports The Conservancy’s broader work in conservation and historic preservation, helping protect the extraordinary natural and cultural resources that make Crystal Cove State Park a place of discovery, connection, and inspiration.
“Crystal Cove is one of California’s most beautiful places and a powerful reminder that we can protect the environment, preserve our history, and provide incredible outdoor recreation all in the same space. I’m deeply grateful for The Conservancy’s leadership, which helps people and nature thrive together in this extraordinary place,” said Crowfoot.
As The Conservancy looks ahead, funds raised at the 27th Annual Endless Summer Soirée will expand opportunities for students and the community to engage with Crystal Cove while advancing the conservation and preservation work needed to protect the Park for generations to come.
Crystal Cove Conservancy is the nonprofit partner of Crystal Cove State Park. Through education, conservation, and preservation, The Conservancy helps protect the Park’s natural and cultural resources while inspiring the next generation of conservation leaders. During the 2025–26 school year, its education programs served 8,715 students from 105 schools. The Conservancy also works with educators and welcomes community members through public programs, conservation initiatives, and opportunities to explore the Park’s history.
For more information, please visit www.crystalcove.org.
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