On Saturday, June 6th, under the clear skies of Rancho Santa Fe, the Pop the Cork Committee members, Laura Applegate, Laurnie Durisoe, Nadya Locke, Tracy Mitchell, Julia Salman and Carol Towne created the perfect backdrop for the annual "Pop the Cork" soirée, an exclusive cocktail reception that brought together San Diego patrons and community advocates for a delightful afternoon dedicated to the arts.  Susan Davey and Debbie Rider, the PoP Masterpiece Gala Co-Chairs, Carrie O’Brien, the PoP President, and Kim Alessio, the Gala Silent Auction Chair greeted the guests as they arrived.

The vibrant gathering served as one of the high-energy kickoffs and fundraisers building momentum for the Patrons of the Prado’s upcoming major summer gala, Club Masterpiece, scheduled for August 1, 2026.  The proceeds from this gala benefit the Museums of Bal Boa Park and Bucks4Buses.  Over 40,000 children have the opportunity to experience museum field trips to Bal Boa Park because of the funds raised by Patrons of the Prado.

Setting the Stage for a Haute Havana Night

This Rancho Santa Fe Pop the Cork event captured the spirit of a Havana summer celebration. Guests mingled across expansive terraced lawns enjoying artisan bites, together with crisp daiquiris, and selected wines.

While the June 6th gathering was all about effortless Southern California elegance, it offered attendees an exciting, exclusive preview of the sultry sophistication awaiting them later this summer.

Once a year on a starlit summer evening, the Patrons of the Prado all-volunteer organization orchestrates the most anticipated benefit of the season to raise funds to support educational and cultural centers on the Prado in Balboa Park. 

On Saturday, August 1, 2026, the historic Spreckels Organ Pavilion will be completely transformed. Patrons of the Prado invite the community to join them as they reimagine the golden era of Cuba at Club Masterpiece, promising an unforgettable evening dubbed "One Haute Havana Night." The gala will celebrate an iconic era of glamour, rhythm, and romance—all while honoring Joan and Irwin Jacobs and the enduring legacy of San Diego's beloved Balboa Park. Visit us at PatronsofthePrado.org

The evening's success directly benefits a distinguished roster of nine world-class arts, science, and cultural institutions that define San Diego’s cultural landscape.

Photography by Gilda Adler