Cindy Williams to be guest emcee at Mission Ball

OCEANSIDE — Cindy Williams of TV’s “Laverne and Shirley” will be the celebrity emcee for the 24th Annual Mission San Luis Rey Heritage Ball, “Heritage of the Bells,” on Saturday, August 25. One of the premier events in North San Diego County, this festive evening is a “fun-raiser” allowing the mission to carry on an educational, historical and cultural presence in the greater community while offering guests a most memorable evening.

Sumptuous cocktails in the Sacred Garden will be followed by a gourmet dinner prepared by chefs from Outback Steakhouse and Hunter Steakhouse. Delectable desserts will be prepared by a member of the mission staff (trained in French pastry making) and dancing ’til midnight will be to the music of Society Beat, a 16-piece big-band orchestra playing selections to delight all musical preferences. Organizers guarantee incredible food, a very short program and a fun evening that will be the talk of the town for months.

The support of foundations and friends make possible the preservation, conservation and maintenance of this most beautiful landmark mission. All proceeds this year will be used for the restoration of the bells in the bell tower and carrying on the historical, educational and cultural legacy of Mission San Luis Rey.

Without fundraising events and donations, repairs and upkeep would be virtually impossible. Restoration and preservation of this 209-year-old National Historic Landmark, which is visited each year by more than 25,000 fourth grade schoolchildren who study the mission’s significance in the development of early California history, is vital.

Reservations to this wonderful evening under the stars are now being accepted. To receive an invitation, or for more information, call (760) 757-3651, ext. 146.