Book lovers gathered at the Hyatt Regency La Jolla at Aventine to take part in The Storybook Ball, a holiday celebration of the wonder of reading. Inspired by United Through Reading’s mission to connect families through literature, The Storybook Gala illuminates the organization’s special relationship with San Diego’s military community.

Utilizing the power of video, United Through Reading makes it possible for parents to read to their children from desert camps in Afghanistan, US Navy ships and submarines, as well as USO outposts all over the world.

Who Was There? The hotel’s airy, Italian-Renaissance-inspired architecture provided the perfect backdrop for this fanciful holiday ball. Retired Rear Admiral Ken Slaght, Rear Admiral Stephen Loeffler and Lieutenant Steve Lewis were counted among the dozens of service men in the crowd attired in classic black tuxedos festooned with service medals and colorful ribbons delineating their distinguished military service. They mingled among a crowd of well-wishers, including Denise and Gene Blickenstaff, Tom Caughlan, Christine and Jon Baker, Gayle and Joe Maize, Dr. Jay Choe and his sister, Katelyn, Van Ridgeway, Michael Craig and Louise McCready (proud mom of Pearl Jam guitarist Mike McCready.) Tim Flynn and his wife, Nicole (she’s a member of the hardworking gala planning committee) marveled at the wonderful turnout, while United Through Reading ambassadors Cathy Spetter, Tricia Schuler and Leilani Stone engaged attendees in conversations about their passion for literacy. As effervescent Event Chair Carol Raiter navigated the cocktail reception, sharing hugs and words of thanks with attendees, Mark McKinnon and Michael Evans watched the festivities unfold with their lovely daughters Callie and Kennedy.

The Cause: United Through Reading connects families facing physical separation by facilitating the bonding experience of reading aloud together. The organization’s nationally-acclaimed programs provide opportunities for emotional bonding that relieve the stress of separation and instill a love of reading by providing opportunities for family members to read aloud to children on DVD. These programs bring far-away family members back home for a little while each day, helping transform what might otherwise be tentative family re-introductions into joyous reunions.

The Good-Hearted: Media partners KUSI and San Diego Home/Garden Lifestyles Magazine collaborated with a dynamic team of event sponsors to bring the magic of the Storybook Gala to life. Special thanks to Target, BEA Systems, Tri West Healthcare Alliance, Wavestream, Northrup Grumman, Cubic Corporation, Onix Networking, ProFlowers and the Veterbi Family for making this year’s gala a resounding success.

The Creative: Auctioneer Bill Menish’s charming banter and colorful, rapid-fire descriptions of the evening’s lineup of silent and live auction items animated the evening’s festivities. Tenacious top bidders vied for an array of alluring live auction prizes, including a VIP guided tour of Googleplex, an autographed guitar donated by legendary Pearl Jam guitarist Mike McCready and a whimsical storybook playhouse designed by St. Denis Architects and built by VanBerg Construction.

Get Involved: United Through Reading is sustained by the passion, energy and talents of nearly 500 volunteers who contribute more than 250,000 volunteer hours to the cause of connecting far-away family members with their loved ones through literature. Volunteers are invited to support the organization’s three reading programs: Transitions, Military and Grandparents. If you would like to become a United Through Reading volunteer, please visit their Website to complete an online volunteer application.

(For more event photos, go to CAUSE.)