Honored rider Lizzy Shelly is congratulated by her father, Damon.
Kacey and Chayne Chaldu have fun on the dance floor.
Karyn Shelly bids on a luxe prize.
Karyn Shelly bids on a luxe prize.
The Brazilian-inspired bash gets moving with colorful stilt walkers.
The Brazilian-inspired bash gets moving with colorful stilt walkers.
When guests aren’t perusing the 190 hot silent auction items on display, they watch entertainers perform fiery feats.
When guests aren’t perusing the 190 hot silent auction items on display, they watch entertainers perform fiery feats.
Kacey and Chayne Chaldu have fun on the dance floor.
Sean Howard with Cassie, Penny and Jon Fosheim
Some 426 equestrians lasso upward of $745,000 at The Shea Center Gala.
THE PARTY For the past 25 years, The Shea Center has helped the disabled through its therapeutic riding programs; many of its clients take their first steps at the venue. It’s a striking impact, and the 426 guests who attended the annual ball (dubbed Sheanivale) at the Montage Laguna Beach feted the nonprofit’s history with all the flair worthy of such a legacy.
THE GUESTS The bash heated up with an alfresco reception on the lawn. Fire blowers sizzled, and samba dancers paused for photos with co-chairwomen Allyson Constantino and Pam Moellenhoff, among others. The carnival continued in the ballroom, with VIPs such as Eden and George O’Connell bidding on everything from vacays to dinners (a chef’s table experience for 12 at Studio went for $12,000) and toasting those whose support is boundless—like the Shelly family of Irvine BMW.
THE HIGHLIGHTS To that end: Honored rider Lizzy Shelly shared her experiences with Shea and her future plans—she hopes to be a teacher’s aide. Perhaps that’s why the gala galloped off with a tally of more than $745,000. –Kristen Schott; photos by Brian Carter of Pixel That! Photography
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