What better way to get spectacular views under a star-studded sky while contributing to a worthy cause than by attending the fourth annual “Cabrillo Under the Stars” from 6:30 to 10 p.m. Saturday, June 2 at 1800 Cabrillo Memorial Drive.
Sponsored by the Cabrillo National Monument Foundation, the fund-raising gala offers a rare opportunity to enjoy San Diego’s only national park, Cabrillo National Monument, after dark as monument gates usually close at 5 p.m.
“By attending the event, you help fund a wide range of scientific and educational programs no longer funded at our park by the federal government,” said Foundation President John Martinez.
Noting the Cabrillo National Monument Foundation has been in existence more than 60 years, Martinez added the organization “has supported the park with funding for  its interpretive and educational programs … It was with this purpose that Cabrillo Under the Stars came into being.”
“Cabrillo Under the Stars is also the chance to treat yourself and friends to a great party at a stunning location,” said Martinez pointing out Stars “is our single largest fundraising event of the year serving to highlight efforts such as Ecologik, a platform for underrepresented young girls (ages 9-16) who show specialized interest in the natural and technical sciences, but lack opportunity to explore these careers; and our Community Outreach Program, which last year exposed the wonders of the Park to 17,000-plus local school children, many underprivileged.
An array of San Diego’s top food purveyors will provide tastes of favorite dishes. An array of San Diego’s top food purveyors will provide tastes of favorite dishes: Sample BO-beau’s signature Brussels sprouts, grilled swordfish tacos from The Fish Market, traditional beef colorado from the Old Town Tequila Factory and decadent desserts from Barons and the Little Lion Cafe. 
Toast the evening with a local craft beer or glass of wine. Take home a special treat from from the silent auction with prizes including a catered sailboat cruise around San Diego Bay, season passes to the Del Mar Race Track’s Clubhouse, or even a pair of prime seats at Elton John’s upcoming San Diego concert.  The mission of CNMF is to support and fund interpretive, cultural, historical, scientific and educational programs and activities at Cabrillo National Monument. The Foundation relies solely on revenues generated by the bookstore in the Visitor Center at the park, visitor convenience services, and the membership program to fund such things as the park visitor user guide The Cabrillo Journal, printing of the park brochure, subscriptions and books for the park library, living history programs and scientific research.
Special events like the Whale Watch and Intertidal Life Festival in January, Parks and Open Spaces in June, NPS Founder’s Day in August and the anniversary of the Old Point Loma Lighthouse in November are funded by the Foundation, as well as the education program that supports development, printing and distribution of materials used in conjunction with local schools and busing for students from economically-disadvantaged schools to visit the park. 
Tickets cost $75 for the general public, $60 for Foundation members. 
This event sells out every year. Purchase tickets at www.cnmf.org or call (619) 557-5450, ext. 4570.