The Scene: The glitter of rare gems matched the sparkling smiles of regional business and civic leaders who gathered in a subtly lit downstairs gallery of the San Diego Natural History Museum to ring in the Dos Aguilas (Two Eagles) gala. A public expression of the museum’s commitment to binational understanding, education and partnership, Dos Aguilas celebrates the rich cultural history of the Greater Baja California Peninsula.

After enjoying a convivial cocktail reception, set against the splendor of gems and minerals featured in the museum’s All That Glitters exhibit, guests moved to the museum’s main floor for an elegant dinner and riveting performance by Malashok Dance, followed by dancing till midnight. A two-tiered price structure ensured that no one had to miss the fun, with the whole occasion benefiting the museum’s outstanding binational research and education programs.

Who Was There: Among the 400 guests who turned out in support of the museum’s visionary mission were John and Brigit Ford, Sharon and Larry Wasserman, Becky and Bob Clelland, John and Ofelia Alksne, Karen Delaurier, Marisa LaBelle, Martin Goebel, Susan Laarman, and Dede and Ron Carslon. Event co-chairs Eleanor Navarra and Marie Tahan Daniels led a parade of well wishers gravitating to the evening’s beloved Honorees, Yolanda Walther-Meade and Yolanda S. Walther-Meade. The dynamic mother and daughter duo set a gracious tone for the gathering, welcoming museum supporters – among them John and Nina Malashock, Jim Dawe, Bill and Lori Walton, Jessie and Joy Knight, and Dan and Megan Broderick – with their signature warmth and charm. Supervisor Ron Roberts and museum CEO Mike Hager had fun catching up with friends old and new, while members of the Walther-Meade family -- George, Rosa, Nancy and Elsa -- savored the magic of the celebration.

The Cause: Established in 1996, the Biodiversity Research Center of the Californias focuses the museum’s research on the biology, ecology, paleontology, and geology of the Baja California/Southern California region. A major emphasis is placed on developing binational research collaborations between U.S. and Mexican scientists, who have led numerous expeditions to Baja California and the Sea of Cortes.

The Good-Hearted: An enthusiastic contingent of board members, such as Peter Kovacs, Ronne Froman, Matt Hom, Steven McDonald, Darlene Davies, Susan Evanco, and Jeff Witt joined museum staff in saluting major sponsors Christy Walton,Rancho La Puerta, Eleanor and Jerry Navarra, and Deborah Szekely. Their generosity was matched by donations of epicurean tastings, libations and desserts from a host of local food purveyors, including The Marine Room, La Diferencia, Downing Family Vineyards, The Wild Thyme Company, and Allure Chocolat.

The Creative: Museums provide a stunning backdrop for special events. A talented band of vendor partners embraced this fact, collaborating with the 2011 Dos Aguilas Event Team to weave a spell of timeless sophistication over this year’s gala. Inspired by a palette of rich purple and brilliant gold, the regal décor reflected the ideals that have guided the museum’s aspirations throughout its 136-year history. Special thanks to Rae Florae, A Perfect Table, Event Technology Services, and Kent’s Bromeliad Nursery for their invaluable creative contributions, as well as to Jose Luis Campos and Grupo ODESSAwhose musical artistry captured the evening’s vitality.

Get Involved: If you would like to share your passion for bringing others closer to nature, sign up as a volunteer! http://www.sdnhm.org/volunteer/index.php Choosing the museum as the venue for your next special event is also a wonderful way to support the museum’s inspiring mission. More information is available at: http://www.sdnhm.org/venue/index.html

For more event photos, go to: CAUSE