Fun Zone Festival for Balboa Island Museum raises $50,000

Three hundred guests attended the Balboa Island Museum’s annual fundraiser, a carnival themed party held last Friday at the Balboa Fun Zone that was sold out, according to organizers.

The Fun Zone Festival featured live music, food stations from local restaurants, a silent auction, a bumper car-photo booth, carnival games and a stilt walker.

There were also retail exhibitors selling a variety of items, ranging from balsamic vinegar to custom jewelry and artwork. They donated 20% of their sales to the museum for the opportunity to gain exposure and sell their goods inside the building.

From left, Kim Rossall, owner of Balboa Island Gallery with artisans, Chuck and Diana Rogers during the Balboa Island Museum Fun Zone Festival Friday night.

(Susan Hoffman)

Among the retail exhibitors was the newly opened Balboa Island Gallery.

“It’s a way to gain visibility within the community and let them know there is a fine art gallery on Agate Avenue,” said Kim Rossall, gallery owner and island resident. “We also wanted to support Balboa Island Museum and Fun Zone.”

The $150 per person ticket price included two drink tickets, four carnival game tickets and food. Guests mostly dined outdoors at tables that were set up on the raised patio where they could enjoy the live music.

Mr. G’s, Giuseppe Accardi, front and helper, Hajar serve Sicilian pizza and lasagna to attendees during the Balboa Island Museum Fun Zone Festival Friday night.

(Susan Hoffman)

Balboa Island resident, Bob Olson, said he especially liked the venue chosen for the party. “The Balboa Island museum connection is a great revival between the fun zone and the museum.”

Irma Grime, also of Balboa Island, said the event was even better than she’d expected, with its “food, entertainment and camaraderie with my neighbors.”

To top off the evening, which raised $50,000, Orange County District 2 Supervisor Katrina Foley presented the museum with a check in the amount of $20,000 on behalf of the District Two Arts Related Small Business & Non-Profit Grant Relief Program.

From left, Shirley Pepys, Julia Argyros, Supervisor Katrina Foley, David Beek and Dennis Bress pose with a $20,000 donation check from Orange County District 2 during the Balboa Island Museum Fun Zone Festival Friday night.

(Susan Hoffman)

According to Shirley Pepys and Ellen Goodman, who publicized the event, the museum has exceeded its $100,000 fall fundraising goal, have so far raised $125,000.

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