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VIEW 2026 ROMANCE OF THE MISSION PHOTOS

To make a gift of support of education and preservation programs, secure opportunity drawing tickets, offer an opportunity drawing package for the gala, or join the waiting list, please contact Mechelle Lawrence Adams, Executive Driector at (949) 234-1311 or mlawrence-adams@missionsjc.com.

TO GET INVOLVED:

1. Underwrite the Event:
Please contact Mechelle Lawrence Adams at (949) 234-1311 or email mlawrence-adams@missionsjc.com.

2. Purchase Opportunity Drawing tickets:
Please contact Jena McKinley at (949) 234-1326 or email jmckinley@missionsjc.com.

3. Join Waiting List for Limited Available Tickets ($1,000 each):
Please contact Mechelle Lawrence Adams at (949) 234-1311 or email mlawrence-adams@missionsjc.com or Mariela Martinez at (949) 234-1312 or email mmartinez@missionsjc.com.

4. Support the Event and the Cause:
Please consider making a one-time donation to support the Mission www.missionsjc.com/donate.

5. Provide In-Kind Support such as an Opportunity Drawing Item or Service:
Please contact Mechelle Lawrence Adams at (949) 234-1311 or email mlawrence-adams@missionsjc.com.

Ticket Policies

TICKET SALES FINAL
Ticket sales are final. Mission San Juan Capistrano is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization. It requires immense effort and administration to process ticket orders. We are unable to accommodate refunds or exchanges. Thank you for your understanding.

EVENT CANCELLATION POLICY
Should there be conditions related to weather, rain, emergency or other conditions beyond control of Mission staff that should necessitate cancellation of the event, tickets will not be refunded. Please consider the cost of your tickets a charitable donation in support of Mission San Juan Capistrano, historic California landmark #200 and 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization #33-0833283.

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Event Information

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2026 Romance of the Mission Honorees

The Juaneño Band of Mission Indians, Acjachemen Nation
with Tribal Chairman Nathan K. Banda representing

The Mission Preservation Foundation is proud to announce that this year’s Romance of the Mission will honor the Juaneño Band of Mission Indians, Acjachemen Nation as the original stewards of this land and builders of Mission San Juan Capistrano.  Nathan Banda, Tribal Chairman and tenth generation descendant of the historic Rios family of San Juan Capistrano who also serves as an official bell ringer for the historic Mision San Juan Capistrano will represent the Tribe at this event in honor of his ancestors, elders, tribal council and nation at large. 

“It is with profound humility and gratitude that I accept this honor on behalf of the Juaneño Band of Mission Indians, Acjachemen Nation. This recognition is not about one individual or a ceremonial title; it is about honoring our Tribal Nation and the enduring legacy of our ancestors.”

Registry of “Romance of the Mission” Honorees

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2026 Romance of the Mission Concert Artist

Tony Award-winning Artist Sutton Foster

The 2026 Romance of the Mission will feature an intimate concert in the Ruins of the Great Stone Church headlined by Tony Award-winning artist Sutton Foster.

Sutton Foster is an acclaimed American actress, singer, and dancer renowned for her Broadway performances and multiple Tony Award-winning roles. She won her first Tony for “Thoroughly Modern Millie” (2002) and a second for “Anything Goes” (2011). Foster has starred in “The Drowsy Chaperone,” “Shrek the Musical,” and “Violet,” “Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street,” “The Music Man,” and most recently “Once Upon a Mattress.”

Foster earned widespread acclaim for her role as Liza Miller on the hit TV series “Younger” (2015–2021). She is also an accomplished singer, often performing in concert and releasing albums that highlight her Broadway roots and love for jazz and pop music. With her extensive stage credits and television success, Sutton Foster remains a beloved and influential figure in both theater and entertainment.

Additional music will be featured throughout the evening, with performances by the Birdsong Men of the Juaneño Band of Mission Indians, Acjachemen Nation, a Spanish flamenco band, a Bolero band, a special guest gospel choir, and dinner music by Decades, creating a truly immersive and celebratory experience.

Registry of “Romance of the Mission” Gala Musical Artists

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2026 Opportunity Drawing

From Our Friends – Great Opportunities

Jewelry Package
Gifted by Winston’s Crown Jewelers
Value $35,000

14K White Gold Burmese Ruby Heart on a Diamond Tennis necklace.
Necklace contains 7.11 carats of Round Brilliant cut diamonds VS1-VS2.
Featuring a 2.35 carat Burmese Heart shaped Ruby.

VIP Birthday Party Package
Gifted by Discovery CubeOC
Value $10,000

Invite up to 400 friends and family to celebrate the next special birthday at Discovery Cube Orange County with private after-hours exclusive access to the entire facility, two live demonstrations, and party hosts to keep your party rolling smoothly.
Catering not included.

Stay and Play Package
Gifted by Sunstone Hotel Investors Inc.
and Terri and Doug Pasquale
Value $5,000

Two-night stay in a King Bed Room at Four Seasons Resort and Residences in Napa Valley and a one-night weekend stay in a Bay View Balcony King at
Hyatt Regency San Francisco with Regency Club access for two and
valet parking for one vehicle.
*Restrictions/conditions apply.

Garden Series Outdoor System
Gifted by Sonance Foundation
Value $4,500

Ideal for outdoor areas up to 3,500 square feet, the Sonance Garden Series is the perfect balance of performance and simplicity in an outdoor audio system. Includes a Sonos amplifier, 8 staked satellite speakers, one in-ground subwoofer, and a wiring harness for simple installation.
*Does not include installation. Must be claimed within 1 year of winning.

Stay and Play Package
Gifted by Inn at the Mission, San Juan Capistrano
Value $3,700

 Two-Night Complimentary Stay (1 Bedroom Villa), including Valet Parking, Destination Fee, Dinner for (2) at Ysidora ($200 dinner value) and Reserved Lounge Pool Seating with Exclusive Amenity.

Stay and Play Package
Gifted by Gabriel Serrato-Buelna and Byron Rabin
Value $2,800

A six night stay at Paleta House in Beautiful San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, for 4 adults, with round-trip transport for 4 people with a private driver to and from Leon or Querétaro airports. Includes a beautiful “Welcome to Paleta House” gift upon arrival of artisanal cheeses, fruit, and wine. Plus $1,000 mad money to use during your trip.

Electric Bike
Gifted by Buy My Bikes San Juan Capistrano
$2,000

Description coming soon!

The Ultimate Car Weekend Package
Gifted by Capistrano VW Mazda
Value $450

Enjoy a weekend of your choice in the first-ever, Volkswagen ID. Buzz!

Jewelry Package
Gifted by Karen Thorp & Richard Goul
Value $12,900

Originally from Traditional Jewelers of Newport Beach, this 18K yellow and white gold bracelet with 200 diamonds pave set down the center.
Total diamond weight is approximately 3.50ct. with an average grade of G-VS-SI. 

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Presented by the Mission Preservation Board of Directors

George O’Connell, President
Darren O. Aitken
Wylie A. Aitken
Trevor Baird
Vicky Carabini
William Cvengros
EJ Farrell
Matt Harrison
Kerry Herbert
Reverend Monsignor J. Michael McKiernan, Pastor
Reverend Monsignor Arthur A. Holquin, Retired
Anthony R. Moiso, Founding President
Dame Connie Spenuzza
Seth R. Teigen
Christine M. Walker-Bowman

2026 Gala Committee

Kerry Herbert
Vicky Carabini
Laura Freese
Daisy Funk
Jan Siegel
Lisa Renee Baker
Laura Baratta
Marnie Bloom
Evonne Morton
Anna Maria Bouey
Mechelle Lawrence Adams
Stephanie Montes de Oca
Kristin Bolda

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2026 Romance of the Mission Underwriters

As of September 1, 2026

$100,000
O’Connell Family Foundation

$50,000
The Moiso Family
Jon E. Cobain Trust
Anonymous Donor

$30,000
Winston’s Crown Jewelers
Kelly & Justin Alvarez, The Alvarez Firm
Brite Ideas
Laurie & Darren O. Aitken
Bette & Wylie A. Aitken
EJ & Michael Farrell
Dame Connie & Dr. Peter Spenuzza
Chris & Bill Griffith
Inn at the Mission San Juan Capistrano


$25,000+
Jeanne & John Sawyer
Gilbert Aguirre
Dr. Anthony & Carol Grisanti
Kerry & Gavin S. Herbert Jr., Roger’s Gardens
Andrea & Steve Johnson
Deanna & Robert Saint-Aubin

$15,000
Vicky & Michael Carabini
Joan & Bill Cvengros
Farmers & Merchants Bank
Lisa & Matt Fletcher, Tucker Ellis LLP
Frome Family Foundation
Juaneño Band of Mission Indians, Acjachemen Nation
Pam & Scott Looney
Jan & Honorable H. Warren Siegel
Nancy & Greg Silver, GMU Engineers and Geologists
Sonance Cares / Sonance Foundation
Myron Sukut & Mozelle Sukut, Ph.D.
Terri & Doug Pasquale, Sunstone Hotel Investors, Inc.

$10,000
Brand Enhance Parking & Hospitality (Valet Services)
Discovery Cube Foundation/Discovery Cube OC + LA
Everett Dorey LLP
Evelyn & Dr. Alfred J. Ferrari
Carolyn & Juan Y. Forster
Sylvia & Kyle Franson, Rancho Capistrano Winery
Jane Myra & Robert Franz
Lisa & Victor Gonzales
The Irvine Museum (Commemorative Gift)
Kaiser Permanente
Flor & Dr. Douglas Krahn
Suzanne & Terry McCardle, The McCardle Charitable Fund
Marianne Miller
Beverly & Dr. Bruce Nickerson
Kathy & Sam Perricone
Lisa & John Rough
Tracie & Brian Sullivan
Karen Thorp & Richard Goul

$8,000+
Finn Construction and Development Inc.
Charles Leisure
Randy & Claudia Redwitz/Redwitz, Inc.

$6,000+
Gretchen Augustyn
Barb & Don Beier
D Lighting
Sally & Bill Green
Kathleen & Dr. Sam Roth (Resurgam Passageway)
Signature Elevated Rentals
Jeanne & Bryan Stirrat (Program Sponsor)

$5,000+
Evonne & Mark Morton (Décor and Supplies)
Anonymous Donor
The Dirk Family
Andrew C. Lara
NKB Legacy Trust
Beth Daley Ullem & Scott Ullem

$3,000 – $4,000
Chris A. Lobo, Native Hands Wine
Precision Wallcovering & Painting
Shea & Ryan Allen, Boulderscape
Nancy & Paul St. Pierre
Sara & Jim Sullivan
Gabriel Serrato-Buelna & Byron Rabin

$1,000+
Buy My Bikes Inc.
Mission Brewing
Capistrano Volkswagen Mazda
Laura & James Baratta
Charlotte and Fred Barry
Susan & Mark Brown
Joseph Busch
Andrew Fiala & Ehren Weidenkeller
Drs. Donna & Ken Friess
Lisa & Robert Marrujo
Drs. Linda & James Pierog
James Irvine Swinden
Mechelle & Joe Adams
Lisa Renee Photography
Trevor Baird, Trevor’s at the Tracks
Mary Jane Foley
Daisy and James Funk
Monsignor Arthur A. Holquin
Nanette Buccola
Lynn & Michael Joseph
Phil Ramsdale
Teeter Romero
Nicole & Seth Teigen
Harry Witt
Tom Baker Photography
Laura Freese
Janice W. Galt
Larry N. Lawrence
Siren Song Studios

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2026 Romance of the Mission Partners and Supporters

Event Partners