CHOC Walk in the Park at the Disneyland Resort

After a brief hiatus due to COVID-19 and a reimagined experience in 2022, CHOC Walk in the Park is back! This is the most important (and the most magical) fundraiser of the year, benefitting Children’s Hospital of Orange County. CHOC Walk celebrates its 33rd anniversary with a return of the 5K (approximately 3 miles), which begins on Main Street, U.S.A at Disneyland and continues throughout the park and into Disney California Adventure Park.

Through their partnership with the Disneyland Resort, family, friends, patients, and supporters of CHOC can walk together to support one of the most important pediatric healthcare systems serving the children and families of Orange County (and Southern California). This magical, meaningful fundraiser seeks to raise funds for healthcare programs, education, and research benefitting CHOC.

For the first time since 2019, the popular fundraiser “CHOC Walk in the park,” presented by Disneyland Resort, returns as an in-park 5K to raise funds for Children’s Hospital ofOrange County(CHOC), a pediatric healthcare system serving children and families in Orange County and beyond. The event, now in its 33rd year, officially returns in the early morning hours of Sunday, August 20, 2023, when enthusiastic fundraisers will begin their approximate three-mile course, starting on Main Street, U.S.A. From there, they will continue through Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park, encountering fun, delightful, and whimsical surprises along the way, all culminating in a festive finale before the parks open to the public. This year’s event is expected to include 350-400 teams with participants from across the U.S, Canada, Mexico, Australia, and Japan.

As a parent and a nurse, this is one of the most important fundraisers that I support every single year. I have an immense passion for health, particularly the health of children, and I have experienced first-hand the level of expertise and care that is demonstrated by the providers at CHOC. Through this magical partnership with the Disneyland Resort, they have helped to raise $42 million to support children and their families at CHOC. Walt Disney was an active, supportive, caring neighbor and CHOC Walk embodies what he believed and is a continuation of his legacy.

CHOC Walk Special Events

Leading up to CHOC Walk, on Sunday, August 20, 2023, there will be several events designed to get you excited about the 5K fundraiser and support CHOC.

Gwen Stefani at Honda Center: For the first time in over 15 years, Gwen Stefani returns to the Honda Center Stage for a 30th Anniversary Concert on September 9, 2023. Tickets start at $30 and $2 of every ticket sold will be donated to CHOC. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit HondaCenter.com.

Minnie Walk: Do you have a child who is unable to complete the 5K CHOC Walk in the Park? Minnie Walk is held at CHOC on Wednesday, July 26th at 1000.

Chick-Fil-A Cookie Day: On August 9th, 2023, visit any participating Orange County, California, Chick-fil-A restaurant and purchase a Chocolate Chunk Cookie, Chocolate Chunk Cookies (6-count) or a Chocolate Chunk Cookies Tray. All proceeds will go to benefit CHOC Hospital. Visit Chick-fil-a.com for a list of Orange County locations or order your cookie trays at 714-685-1707.

How to Support CHOC Walk

The best way to support CHOC Walk is to register to participate in the 5K walk through the parks at the Disneyland Resort. The minimum amount needed to fundraise to participate is $150. A nonrefundable registration fee of $15 is due upon completion of registration. You will have until August 19th, 2023 to complete the minimum fundraising amount. It should be noted that there is a limited number of spots available for CHOC Walk this year so be sure to register early!

If you are unable to participate in CHOC Walk this year, you can donate directly on their website or support a local team.

For fundraising tips, visit CHOCWalk.org.

Beastly Ball at the Los Angeles Zoo

The animals are the stars of this event, which fuses some of the best of L.A.’s Food scene with live entertainment, animal keeper talks, and a silent auction. The purpose of the Beastly Ball’s fundraising gala is to support the L. A. Zoo and Greater Los Angeles Zoo Association’s shared mission to save species and connect people with nature.

Back in person, the L.A. Zoo invites locals and visitors to celebrate wildlife, wild places, and their conservation at the annual Beastly Ball. The evening begins with immersive animal experiences, entertainment, and fare from iconic L.A. eateries. Joel McHale will emcee the evening with the evening culminating with dance, carousel rides, desserts, and more.

This year’s honorees include City City Councilmember Tom LaBonge, who will be honored posthumously with the Betty White Conservation Hero Award for his unwavering support of the L.A. Zoo and surrounding Griffith Park. LaBonge’s contributions include leading the effort to bring Reggie the alligator to the Zoo after being captured in Harbor City’s Lake Machado; building institutional support for the state-of-the-art Elephants of Asia habitat; and playing a pivotal role in the creation of L.A. Zoo Lights, now an annual tradition for Los Angeles residents and visitors. During his tenure, he also expanded Griffith Park by 500 acres, helping preserve precious wildlife habitats.

Former GLAZA Trustee Diann H. Kim will also be honored for her work and dedication to helping shape the future of the Zoo. Kim brought decades of legal expertise and knowledge to her role, helping create GLAZA’s strategic plan. In addition, she has made significant financial contributions through animal naming gifts and a leadership donation that spurred fundraising for the planned Angela Collier Garden at the Zoo.

Beastly Ball Tickets and Fundraising Information 

Beastly Ball tickets are now on sale for $1,500 per person, with individual and corporate sponsorship opportunities at higher levels also available. Beastly Ball will be held at the Los Angeles Zoo, located at 5333 Zoo Drive in Los Angeles’ historic Griffith Park at the junction of the Ventura (134) and Golden State (5) freeways. Free parking is available. For tickets, information about mobile bidding, and additional information, visit www.lazoo.org/beastlyball or call (323) 486-4253. 

The gala begins “Down Under” in the Australia section and makes its way through the zoo’s beautiful grounds. Participating L.A. eateries include Little Sister, Momed, Yakumi, Luminaries, El Cholo The Original, Pink’s Hot Dogs, and many more. Libations from Sammy’s Beach Bar Cocktail Company, WhistlePig Whiskey Co., Lalo Spirits, and others will be served. The evening will conclude with desserts by McConnell’s Fine Ice Creams, Milk Jar Cookies, John Kelly Chocolates, and Krispy Kreme. 

For more information about Beastly Ball at the Los Angeles oo, or to learn more about the zoo’s efforts in wildlife conservation, public education, and immersive experiences connecting people with nature, visit LAZoo.org.

Like Water for Chocolate

This three-act ballet is set to an original score by Joby Talbot and was inspired by Esquivel’s novel. Set in 19th-century Mexico, the ballet tells the story of Tita, a young Mexican woman who is overwhelmed by a sense of duty and family tradition, unable to marry her love until her mother dies. Tita’s only way of expressing her emotions was through food. Her forbidden love has far-reaching and devastating consequences.

Like Water For Chocolate is presented by the Center and American Ballet Theatre with six performances scheduled from March 29th through April 2nd. This will be the first audience in the country to experience this magical Mexican love story through the art of ballet.

Like Water for Chocolate, the original novel sold more than 4.5 million copies across the globe and has been translated into more than 30 languages. The ballet was choreographed by Christopher Wheeldon, who visited Mexico for extensive research and development of the scenario. Joby Talbot’s score features a guitar, percussion, and Mexican instruments like the ocarina.

Like Water for Chocolate Tickets and Showtimes

Tickets for American Ballet Theatre’s Like Water for Chocolate start at $29 and can be purchased online at SCFTA.org, at the Box Office at 600 Town Center Drive in Costa Mesa, or by calling (714) 556-2787.  The performance schedule is as follows:

Segerstrom Hall
 
March 29 – April 2, 2023
Wednesday, March 29 at 7:30 p.m.
Thursday, March 30 at 7:30 p.m.
Friday, March 31 at 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, April 1 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, April 2 at 2:00 p.m.

For more information, visit SCFTA.org.

Mean Girls on Broadway

Mean Girls debuted on Broadway in 2018 and features a book by Tina Fey, which was based on her screenplay for the original film. Like the film, the story focuses on a teen girl navigating her way through the social hierarchy of a modern American high school after being homeschooled by her parents while they were conducting research in Africa. As the new girl at school, Cady Heron is challenged to rise to popularity by taking on The Plastics, a trio of frenemies led by Regina George. When Cady devises a plan to end Regina’s reign, she learns that “you can’t cross a Queen Bee without getting stung.”

Featuring high energy, and clever humor with inside jokes reminiscent of the film, Mean Girls will take you back to the hit film. With original songs, side-splitting dialogue, and a phenomenal cast, Mean Girls fuses humor and nostalgia into a feel-good musical you’ll love.

Mean Girls on Broadway Tickets and Showtimes

Mean Girls on Broadway will perform at Segerstrom Center for the Arts March 7-19, 2023. Tickets start at $28 and are available at online at SCFTA.org, at the Box Office at 600 Town Center Drive in Costa Mesa, or by calling (714) 556-2787.

You can also enter the Mean Girls lottery online at LuckySeat.com. A limited number of $36 Lucky Seats to select performances will be sold to winners of a random drawing. After creating a Lucky Seat account, enter the lottery before Friday, March 3rd, and/or Friday, March 10th, 2023. Drawings will be held at 11 am PT on the Fridays listed above. For more information visit LuckySeat.com.

Orange County Restaurant Week

Orange County Restaurant Week is the region’s most celebrated culinary event and features nearly 150 local restaurants. For fifteen years, the weeklong event has introduced locals and visitors to some of OC’s finest dining.

During OC Restaurant Week, participating Orange County restaurants will offer special three-course menus, many with a cocktail or signature item at no additional charge. Each restaurant will showcase its best offerings by talented chefs who personalize each menu to reflect their individual culinary style. Participating restaurants will offer prix-fixe menus within the following price categories: lunch for $15, $20, or $25, and dinner for $25, $35, or $45. Participating restaurants are listed on the website by name, location, and price, to help foodies find their ideal dining experience.

Orange County Restaurant Week takes place from March 5th through March 11th, 2023. I absolutely love exploring new restaurants during this annual event and I appreciate the varied styles of dining including casual, family-friendly, upscale, and even fine dining venues.

This year, the Cocktails of Restaurant Week will be highlighted to complete dining experiences, and many participating restaurants will offer Breakfast for Dinner options. Additionally, OC Restaurant Week will highlight the following dining experiences:

• Family-Friendly Dining
• Vegetarian Dining
• Breakfast and Brunch
• Cocktails of Restaurant Week
• Date Night
• Luxe Dining

Cocktails Of Restaurant Week

Many participating restaurants will showcase a special OC Restaurant Week cocktail for $10-19.

OC Restaurant Week Launch Party

OC Restaurant Week begins with the official VIP Launch Party on Saturday, March 4th from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Marriott Irvine Spectrum.  Guests attending the launch party will have the unique opportunity to experience an array of bites prepared by some of the most innovative OC Restaurant Week participants. Tickets for the event are available for purchase on OCRestaurantWeek.com. Please note that guests must be 21 years or older to attend.