As Lisa Bhathal Merage and Marta Bhathal prepare to co-chair Segerstrom Center for the Arts’ Candlelight Dinner & Concert, their familial bond takes center stage.
Growing up in Newport Beach, Lisa Bhathal Merage remembers attending countless performances at Segerstrom Center for the Arts with her parents, founders of RAJ Capital, the asset-management firm behind RAJ Swim and the NBA’s Sacramento Kings franchise. She then paid close attention as her mother, Marta Bhathal, became immersed in the center’s inner workings as a member of the board and Angels of the Arts women’s support group. Lisa went on to follow in her mom’s charitable footsteps, meanwhile, serving as president of the Key Club and a board member of Newport Harbor Art Museum’s young professionals group while attending Corona del Mar High School. “For years, I observed my mom develop lasting friendships with other Angels,” says Lisa, “with the common bond of a love for the center and the performing arts.”
Fast-forward to today, and Lisa (now part owner of the family business and a member of Angels of the Arts herself) is combining forces with her mom to co-chair Segerstrom Center’s 46th annual Candlelight Dinner & Concert fundraising gala Dec. 6, where the highlight will be a performance by Prince’s former band, The Revolution. “As a mother-daughter team spanning two generations, we tried to make sure we have entertainment to appeal to our guests, who make up both generations,” says Lisa, whose mom has chaired the affair four times previously. In addition to dancing to The Revolution, the night also will include a private performance by Steve Martin and the Steep Canyon Rangers. “We also have some fun digital surprises in store, as well as Insta-worthy moments,” adds Lisa. “We are trying to balance the Candlelight traditions and still bring in some new, modern twists!” A family affair, indeed. 5:30pm, tickets from $3,000 at 714.942.6247
Photography by: Ashley Barrett | Shot on location at Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall
