Dinner to benefit arts programs

Organizers are calling the upcoming Costa Mesa mayor’s dinner a “first-class event” that will raise funds for local arts programs.

“The Art of Leadership” celebration, a first for Costa Mesa, is April 25 at the Samueli Theater within the Segerstrom Center for the Arts, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa. The festivities begin at 5:30 p.m.

Organizers are hoping to net at least $30,000 from the event, with Costa Mesa and Estancia high schools’ art programs each receiving $10,000, and PBS SoCal and Segerstrom Center’s art programs each receiving $5,000.

“Most cities have a mayor’s dinner that’s usually to fund something important in the city,” said Mayor Jim Righeimer. “It’s a way to put together the state of the city address and also at the same time raise money … in the City of the Arts, you want to make sure that’s funded.”

The event is being presented by the South Coast Metro Alliance and Costa Mesa Chamber of Commerce, in conjunction with PBS SoCal and the Segerstrom Center. A Beatles-themed performance by Mesa and Estancia students precedes the dinner.

For more information, visit https://www.artofleadershipcelebration.com or call (714) 435-2109.

—Bradley Zint

Twitter: @bradleyzint