Beyond A Dream Gala Supports Breakthrough T1D Research in Orange County

Breakthrough T1D Greater Orange County, formerly JDRF, will gather supporters on March 14 for the Beyond A Dream Gala to raise critical funds for research focused on curing, preventing and treating type 1 diabetes. Chaired by Nancy Mienik, Claire Squier and Mara Wilkie, the evening brings the community together for a night of entertainment and meaningful giving in support of the organization’s mission.

The Norton family will be recognized as the Fund A Cure family, sharing the story of their daughter Ellie’s diagnosis and their ongoing commitment to advancing Breakthrough T1D’s work to accelerate life-changing breakthroughs for people living with type 1 diabetes and its complications. Ellie’s mother, Jillian Norton, has become deeply involved with the Greater Orange County chapter and advocates for continued research and support for families navigating life with the disease.

“Our why is simple! When your 2-year-old is diagnosed with a disease that has no cure, there is nothing you won’t do to fight for one. Breakthrough T1D is accelerating groundbreaking research and advancing real, tangible type 1 diabetes cures, while also giving us something just as powerful: real hope that feels closer than ever. A cure for Ellie is finally on the horizon and it’s truly emotional to say not ‘if’ but ‘when.’ The gala is such an exciting time to celebrate our little warrior and the hope that Breakthrough T1D is providing to so many families!”

The event will feature silent and live auctions, entertainment by Sergio Vellatti and the organization’s signature Fund A Cure program, in which 100 percent of tax-deductible contributions support priority research areas such as cell replacement and disease-modifying therapies. Tom Riles will serve as auctioneer.

“We are thrilled to come together for this year’s Beyond A Dream Gala to raise funds to help improve the lives of those who face type 1 diabetes every day,” said Michelle Popoff, Southern California Territory Executive. “This event is an opportunity for our chapter to celebrate the T1D community as well as distinguished individuals and companies who not only donate funds but who also invest their time in supporting the mission to fund critical research that will lead to scientific breakthroughs and ultimately cures for T1D.”

For more information on event details including sponsorship, donation and ticket options, auction preview, advance registration, and volunteer opportunities, please visit [url=http://www.breakthrought1d.org/southernca/OCGala2026]http://www.breakthrought1d.org/southernca/OCGala2026[/url] or contact Alex Hines at the Greater Orange County Chapter at (714) 732-2334 or AHines@BT1D.org.

LA Opera Young Artists in Concert at Musco Center

Musco Center for the Arts presents LA Opera Young Artists in Concert on Friday, March 13, 2026, at 7:30 p.m.

The evening offers a rare opportunity to experience the next generation of operatic talent through a showcase of artists from LA Opera’s Domingo Colburn Stein Young Artist Program. Since its founding, the program has identified and prepared exceptional singers who have gone on to appear on the world’s most prestigious stages, including the Metropolitan Opera, La Scala, Royal Opera House, San Francisco Opera, Deutsche Oper Berlin, and the Bayreuth Festival.

Performers represent the program’s newest class of emerging stars, artists who receive intensive training while appearing in mainstage roles, covering principal singers, and performing in dedicated concerts and productions.

The concert features an evening of arias and scenes accompanied by piano.
Runtime is approximately 90 minutes.

Tickets start at $20. For tickets and more information, visit muscocenter.org.

415 North Glassell St., Orange, CA 92866 | 714.997.6812

Spring Returns to The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch

Tickets are now on sale for one of Southern California’s most anticipated spring traditions, The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch, opening Sunday, March 1, 2026. For 10 weeks, the annual attraction invites guests to wander 55 acres of Giant Tecolote ranunculus in full bloom, with sweeping fields of large, double-petaled flowers in vivid seasonal color.

From March 1 through May 10, nearly 80 million flowers will blanket the rolling hills of North San Diego County in 13 shades of red, pink, orange, yellow and white. What began in 1965 as a small ranunculus farm has grown into a beloved spring destination, drawing visitors from across the country to experience one of the most photographed floral displays in the United States.

The 2026 season introduces new local pop-up vendors, with rotating weekly shops including Lofty Coffee, Sugar Bear Sweets and Fox Point Farms, offering more ways to support local businesses while exploring the grounds. The Butterfly Encounter has been expanded with a new 1,000-square-foot greenhouse housing hundreds of butterflies, including exotic varieties such as the Blue Morpho and the Emperor Birdwing, giving guests a closer look at these striking species.

Live music and wellness programming return with performances by the Bayou Brothers, Cool Rush and Michele Lundeen, along with Sunset Meditation and Sound Healing sessions and Flower Flow yoga classes. Seasonal events and hands-on experiences include wine tasting, Joyful Flowers featuring the Japanese art of Ikebana, flower crown and basket workshops, Tea in the Garden and more.

Iconic attractions continue for 2026, including the American Flag of Flowers, tractor wagon rides, artist gardens, the sweet pea maze, Santa’s Playground, Carlsbad Mining Company and U-Pick Blueberries, available Mondays and Tuesdays based on availability.

Admission must be purchased online in advance. Tickets are $27 for adults, $25 for seniors 60 and older and military, $17 for children ages 3 to 10, and free for children under 3. Season passes are $57 for adults, $52 for seniors and $33 for children. Additional experiences include wagon tours for $8 for adults and $4 for children, and the Butterfly Encounter for $8 for adults and $4 for children. Group tours and private events are available year-round.

For tickets and details, theflowerfields.com

Visitor Information: The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch is at 5704 Paseo Del Norte in Carlsbad.