Cabrillo Under the Stars, the annual fundraiser benefiting Cabrillo National Monument held Saturday, May 18 inside and outside the monument, was a sellout and a huge success.

Guests at the 21-plus event got to experience first-hand San Diego’s only national park at night during this once-a-year event while supporting one of the area’s natural and historic treasures.

“This year’s event featured Gilbert Castellanos and some of San Diego’s finest jazz musicians from the Young Lion’s Jazz Conservatory, which were one of the highlights of the evening,” said Emily M. Moore, Cabrillo National Monument Foundation’s executive director. “It is metaphoric having the Young Lions play this event since part of Cabrillo National Monument Foundation’s goal is to help connect future generations to the park. That is truly the purpose of this event, to increase awareness and raise funding so we can continue to support the programs and projects that preserve Cabrillo National Monument for future generations.”

Added Moore: “I feel like we succeeded in bringing in new members from Point Loma, the greater San Diego community, and even from as far away as Minnesota and Washington, D.C., who had previously not been engaged with Cabrillo National Monument, as well as many of our existing donors, some of whom have been supporting the foundation for 10, 15, 20, even 30 years. Marrying these groups of people in a larger effort to support the foundation … Yes, our event was a great success.”

Perched on the tip of Point Loma, soiree guests delighted in a variety of tasty fare and tastings from local brewers and vintners while enjoying lively music under the stars. Attendees also interacted with park rangers, sponsors, and donors about ways they can help make an impact to continue park discovery, youth education, and volunteer support programs at Cabrillo National Monument.

Noting Cabrillo National Monument Foundation is the official nonprofit partner of Cabrillo National Monument. The group’s mission is to inspire people to support programs that preserve the rich cultural and natural treasures and enhance the visitor experience at Cabrillo National Monument.
For more information about the funding Cabrillo National Monument Foundation provides to the park and becoming a foundation member, visit cnmf.org.