If you thought you heard the sounds of opera coming from the Casino last Saturday night, it wasn't the heat - it was a surprise for the 530 Island residents, and guests from all over the Southland, and even from out of state, who attended the 13th Annual Catalina Island Conservancy Ball.

The surprise came halfway through the Ball when Randy Gordon, CEO of the Long Beach Chamber of Commerce was about to start the live auction. Three members of the performance group Anonymous Artists, had blended in with the crowd, assuming the appearance of waiters and a manager. One "waiter" interrupted Gordon, saying that this was his last day on the job, and he always wanted to sing in the Casino. It wasn't long before all three performers had the crowd enthralled with selections from Italian opera. They even led the audience in a rousing sing along to "We are the Champions" by Queen.

The surprise added to the fun as supporters of the Conservancy helped raise funds for the Island's ecological restoration.

The ball grossed more than a half a million dollars, with net proceeds going to the conservation and restoration of Catalina Island's Wildlands, following the disastrous fire that destroyed nearly 5,000 acres. "We are proud to say that after expenses, every penny raised at the Ball will be spent on the Conservancy's conservation, recreation, and recreation programs," said Ann Muscat, Conservancy President and CEO. "Following last year's fire, the 2008 Ball was a special and memorable celebration of one of the world's great ecological treasures."

This was the first year the Ball was hosted by the Conservancy. Since 1998, ten Southern California yacht clubs have taken turns hosting the gala. This year, 22 yacht clubs lent their support to ensuring the Ball's success.

"Our yacht club partners are an integral part of the Conservancy team," Muscat said. "We are always delighted to have their participation in all that we do."

The Catalina Caballeros, the Conservancy equestrian support group was on hand. Eighteen Caballeros and their wives shared tables decorated with cowboy gear and miniature bales of hay. Of course, the gentlemen, dressed in their best boots, blue jeans, bolo ties, belt buckles and hats for the occasion.

Muscat also thanked her Ball Co-Chairs, Jim Brown, Jane Trevor Fetter and Blanny Hagenah.

Just before the doors opened for the Ball, a Pre-Ball Sponsor Party was held at Casa del Monte, Philip and Helen Knight Wrigley's stunning 1927 hillside home in Avalon, newly restored by its current owners Alison Wrigley Rusack (Philip's granddaughter) and her husband Geoffrey Claflin Rusack.  The Rusacks, who own Rusack Vineyards in the Santa Ynez Valley, were also major sponsors of the Ball.

Guests mingled in the historic homes' spacious living room with breathtaking views of Avalon below, and on the poolside deck.  Other major Sponsors included Jane Trevor Fetter and Thompson Fetter; Blanny Avalon Hagenah; Richard and Marine Knowles of Spirit Equestrian; Paxson H. and Susan Offield; and Debi and Norris Bishton of NOARUS Auto Group. 

The decor of the beautiful Avalon Ballroom featured unique centerpieces on all 93 tables, consisting of charred branches from the May 2007 fire. The branches were adorned with twinkling lights and representations of birds and butterflies to signify the return of wildlife to the burn area.

Surrounding the branches were live seedlings grown at the Conservancy's James H. Ackerman Native Plant Nursery in Middle Ranch representing the renewal of the Island's flora following this spring's very forgiving rains that have helped native and endemic plants flourish.

The Casino's celebrated dance floor was filled all night long.  The evening started off with the Pete Jacobs Swingtet during cocktails, followed by Pete Jacobs and his Wartime Radio Revue, which filled the historic Casino ballroom with the sounds of Glenn Miller, the Dorsey Brothers, and the Andrews Sisters among many others.  After the live auction, the band reconvened as The Class of '69, playing Motown and classic rock favorites through the end of the night.

For more information visit www.CatalinaConservancy.org