We’re excited to welcome you to this year’s Celebration of Second Chances on Saturday, September 19 at the Del Mar Country Club!

This year, we’re introducing a more relaxed, reception-style Celebration, giving guests more opportunities to mingle, enjoy great food and drinks, explore the event, and connect with friends—all while raising critical funds for the animals and programs of Rancho Coastal Humane Society.

Here’s what to expect!

 

What is included with my ticket?

Your ticket includes everything you need to enjoy the evening:

• Open bar
• All food throughout the evening
• Complimentary valet parking
• Live entertainment and event experiences

You’ll also have plenty of opportunities to support the animals through our raffle, silent and live auctions, and Fund-a-Need.

 

What does “reception-style” mean?

Rather than a traditional seated, plated dinner, guests will be free to move throughout the ballroom and living room, enjoy food and beverage stations, browse the silent auction and raffle, explore activities, and mingle throughout the evening.

There will be many cocktail-height (belly bar) tables for dining and gathering, along with lounge seating, chairs, and a limited number of open dining tables with seating available on a first-come, first-served basis.

 

Will there be places to sit?

Yes! There will be lounge furniture, individual chairs, and a limited number of open dining tables with seating throughout the venue. However, general admission seating is not assigned or guaranteed, and there will not be traditional dining seats for every guest at the same time.

If having a dedicated seat is important to you—or you’re attending with friends and want to ensure your group can sit together—we recommend reserving a table for six.

 

What is included with a reserved table?

Reserved tables offer an upgraded experience and a dedicated home base for your group throughout the evening. Each table seats six and includes:

• A traditional 48-inch round dining table with chairs reserved for your group
• Premier placement near the stage
• Wine service at your table
• A special gift for each guest

If you enjoy mingling and moving around, a general admission ticket is a great fit. If you prefer guaranteed seating with your group, a reserved table is the way to go!

 

What can I expect from the food stations?

Guests will enjoy a variety of thoughtfully prepared vegetarian dishes served from stations throughout the event, allowing you to explore different dishes at your own pace while continuing to enjoy the evening.

The menu will feature hearty vegetarian entrées, seasonal accompaniments, appetizers, artisan breads, and beautiful market-inspired displays.

As always, the entire Celebration menu will be vegetarian.

 

Will there be vegan and gluten-free options?

Yes! In addition to our vegetarian menu, we will be sure to have vegan and gluten-free options available for guests.

If you have questions about a specific dietary need or allergy, please contact us in advance at events@sdpets.org.

 

What time should I arrive?

We recommend arriving at 5:00 p.m. so you have plenty of time to check in, grab a drink, enjoy the food, browse the silent auction and raffle, and explore everything happening throughout the venue before the formal program begins at 7:00 p.m.

The silent auction and raffle are only open until 7:00 p.m., so you’ll definitely want to give yourself time to enjoy them!

 

Will I be able to see the stage?

The ballroom doors will remain completely open, connecting the ballroom and living room into one large event space.

Because this is a reception-style event, not every location will have a direct view of the stage. Three monitors will be positioned throughout the venue so guests can follow the program. Reserved tables will have premier placement near the stage.

 

What will the evening’s program include?

We’re keeping the formal program short and meaningful—approximately 7:00–7:45 p.m.

The program will include a special presentation honoring Pam and Jerry Cesak, our Fund-a-Need paddle raise, and a curated live auction featuring a small handful of exceptional packages.

 

When are the silent auction and raffle?

The silent auction and raffle will be open from 5:00–7:00 p.m.

Guests can browse and bid on silent auction packages and enter to win raffle baskets throughout the first portion of the evening. Final bids and raffle entries close at 7:00 p.m., so be sure to get yours in before the program begins!

 

What else will there be to do?

Plenty! Guests will enjoy live piano music throughout the evening, along with fun experiences including a Mystery Book Pull and stations highlighting the programs and services of Rancho Coastal Humane Society.

You’ll have the chance to meet and chat with the RCHS staff and volunteers behind our work, learn more about our programs, and see how your support makes a difference for animals and the people who love them.

 

Can I bring my dog or pet?

As much as we love them, please leave your four-legged guests at home for this one! Personal pets are not permitted at the event.

Don’t worry, though—we’ll have a few special animal guests joining us throughout the evening, so there will still be opportunities to get your animal snuggles in!

 

What should I wear?

Cocktail attire is encouraged. Think polished and festive—no tuxedo or ball gown required!

Cocktail dresses, midi dresses, dressy jumpsuits, skirts and elevated separates are all great choices. Suits, sport coats, dress shirts, slacks, and similar attire are also appropriate. Ties are welcome but not required.

Please note that sandals and baseball caps are not permitted at the Del Mar Country Club.

Most importantly, choose something you’ll feel comfortable wearing while mingling and moving throughout the evening.

 

Is parking available?

Yes! Complimentary valet parking is included with every ticket, so simply pull up and let the valet team take it from there.

 

What if I have an accessibility need?

We want all of our guests to be able to comfortably enjoy the Celebration. If you have an accessibility need or require an accommodation, please contact us in advance at events@sdpets.org so we can do our best to assist.

 

What is the Celebration really all about?

Giving animals a second chance!

Every ticket purchased, auction bid made, raffle ticket bought, and paddle raised helps Rancho Coastal Humane Society provide lifesaving care and programs for animals and the people who love them.

The format may be new, but the heart of the Celebration remains the same.

We can’t wait to celebrate with you on September 19!

 

Have another question?

We’re happy to help! Please contact our Events Team at events@sdpets.org with any additional questions about the Celebration.