Misty lights up St. Regis

Misty May-Treanor smiled after reading a name from a raffle Sunday night at the St. Regis Monarch Beach Resort.

Matty!” she shouted, “referring to her husband, Matt Treanor, the winner of a free manicure and pedicure during a raffle for the Heart of a Marine Foundation.

May-Treanor was the special host of the 13th annual Sand Sculpture and Tree Lighting Ceremony at the St. Regis.

The three-time Olympic gold medalist and her husband thought it was best to give back the free mani-pedi and redo the drawing.

It made sense. The volleyball champion and her husband were there to give as part of the free public event at the luxury hotel.

Several families packed the grand lawn, with a gorgeous sunset serving as a backdrop. The Dana Hills High School choir sang. Kids lined up for a photo with Santa.

And, May-Treanor helped out with the raffle in a humble tone.

“This is an honor for such a magical tradition,” the former Newport Harbor High standout said.

It was her first time hosting such an event, and she found it special. Christmastime has always been her favorite; she’s the type to play the holiday music right after Thanksgiving.

May-Treanor said she has a lot for which to be thankful. So much that she doesn’t really want anything for Christmas.

“I already have all that I want,” May-Treanor said.

These are good times for the volleyball star and her husband.

May-Treanor told the Daily Pilot, during an interview before the event, that she is about three months pregnant with her first child.

With her agent, Tom McCarthy, sitting next to her, she talked about her pursuit of a coaching career possibly being put on hold.

“This has given me a new perspective,” said May-Treanor, 36, who is a volunteer coach of the USC women’s sand volleyball team. “It just puts everything in a new light.”

Matt Treanor, 37, said he is wanting to play baseball and will pursue his goal as a free agent.

“This is very exciting for us, for sure,” Treanor said later, just before his wife said his name during the raffle. “This is an amazing blessing.”

The couple, who have been married for nine years, said they were waiting for the right time to start a family since their schedules have often conflicted. That time is now, they said.

Treanor laughed when asked if the baby would grow up to play volleyball or baseball.

He said the couple want their child to be well-rounded and have interests beyond sports.

“Misty loves music and loves to sing,” he said.

Well, does she love to dance?

“Yeah, everyone knows about that already,” he said, referring to his wife’s stint on “Dancing with the Stars.”

Her time on the show was short; she suffered an Achilles injury. Before, she had said she wanted to return to the show.

“They had their chance,” she said. “I’m over it.”

She’s busy with volleyball clinics, events like the one Sunday and preparation for motherhood. Next month, she’s set to be zookeeper for a day at the San Diego Zoo. It’s typical of her personality and sense of humor.

She was willing and excited when the St. Regis reached out to her to host Sunday night. She flipped the switch to light the tree accompanied by two children, Madison and Makenna Murphy.

She was first introduced at the sand sculpture, where she encouraged children to place sand dollars to signify their wishes.

Money raised from the event goes to the Heart of a Marine Foundation to help with its wishes. The foundation supports U.S. armed forces veterans and their families with donations of medical support, financial assistance, comfort and encouragement.

The foundation became a part of the event through McCarthy’s network, said Barbara Matsukes, the director of marketing and public relations for the Heart of a Marine Foundation.

McCarthy also represents Sean Parnell, the best-selling author of “Outlaw Platoon,” his candid take on fighting the war in Afghanistan. Parnell spoke at special event for the Heart of a Marine Foundation a few years back.

Roy and Georgette Frank attended the tree-lighting event Sunday. They established the Heart of a Marine Foundation in their son’s honor: Phillip Frank was killed April 8, 2004, in Iraq.

The Franks live in Elk Grove Village, Ill. Georgette Frank enjoyed the festive atmosphere of the event and was delighted by the great turnout.

“We are so blessed,” she said. “God is so good.”