Women of Chapman, a vibrant group of philanthropic-minded women strongly dedicated to a program of service to Chapman University, hosted their 38th Annual Christmas at The Ritz event on Dec. 14, 2024, raising over $305,000 to support Chapman.
“It was a beautiful day to celebrate Chapman University!” said Women of Chapman event chair Kristi Jacob. “In our traditional fashion of 38 years, together with friends and family, we had a wonderful time raising a record amount for our students.”
The funds raised from this year’s Christmas at The Ritz will support multiple initiatives, including the Women of Chapman Student Hardship Assistance Fund and the Harry and Diane Rinker Health Science Campus.
The 309 guests who attended the holiday luncheon at the Balboa Bay Resort in Newport Beach were welcomed with remarks by Women of Chapman President Lisa Hallaian, event chair Jacob, and Chapman President Daniele C. Struppa.
To enhance the festive atmosphere, Chapman hosted both alumni and current students from the College of Performing Arts with caroling, a jazz duo, and a string quartet.
Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students Jerry Price introduced a current Chapman student who has benefited from the Student Hardship Assistance Fund. The student delivered an emotional speech about how receiving this assistance allowed her to continue her education.
In addition to hearing firsthand how their contributions impact students, attendees participated in live and silent auctions featuring exciting prizes, St. Nick’s Picks raffle drawing, and a paddle raise mission moment.
Jacob expressed her gratitude to her 30-member committee for making the benefit successful, stating, “I am honored to be a part of this amazing community.”
Christmas at The Ritz is Women of Chapman’s premier and sole fundraising event and has been an Orange County tradition since 1986. This glamorous and festive holiday luncheon was previously held each December at The Ritz Restaurant in Newport Beach until its closure. The event returned this year to Newport Beach and featured the same special menu as the original venue from which the event gained its name.
Other notable gifts from Women of Chapman have included:
- Women of Chapman Endowed Student Filmmaker Fund, which supports senior film projects for students in Dodge College of Film and Media Arts
- Women of Chapman Central Park at the Harry and Diane Rinker Health Science Campus (coming soon)
- Women of Chapman Gallery of Science in the Keck Center of Science and Engineering
- Women of Chapman Stage in the Marybelle and Sebastian P. Musco Center for the Arts
- Women of Chapman Grand Foyer in the Digital Media Arts Center
- The Fashionable Women of Chapman Rotunda Boardroom and Terrace in Marion Knott Studios
- The Fashionables Courtyard and Sacred Mound Garden in the Fish Interfaith Center
- The Fashionables Terrace in the Leatherby Libraries
- Dr. Albert Schweitzer public exhibit in Argyros Forum
- Scholarship support over the years to World Campus Afloat/Semester at Sea and later to Chapman’s general scholarship fund
Although the event has concluded, you can still support Women of Chapman by applying for membership or donating online today.
