An Evening of Connection and Compassion in Aliso Viejo

An evening of spirit communication and philanthropy is set for Friday, May 1, bringing together connection, healing and community support at the Aliso Viejo Country Club.

Master Channeler Oracle Maureen will share messages of love and closure from the Other Side during a special program that also raises awareness for equine-assisted therapy and the role horses play in supporting speech therapy, mental health and addiction recovery. Proceeds benefit The Shea Center for Therapeutic Riding.

The evening begins at 6 p.m. with a reception featuring hors d'oeuvres and cocktails, followed by a group reading at 7 p.m. Guests will then enjoy a seated dinner with wine service, concluding with dessert and closing remarks. Tickets start at $150 per person, and reservations are required at RazzberryReadingsAVCC

The event is organized by Angels Among Us Foundation, with all proceeds supporting therapeutic riding programs that help individuals facing a range of physical and emotional challenges.

At the heart of the evening is Razzberry, a therapy horse whose calm and intuitive nature supports participants in building confidence, emotional awareness and trust. Through programs at The Shea Center, horses like Razzberry provide a unique form of connection that complements traditional therapies.

For those unable to attend in person, a virtual group reading with Oracle Maureen will take place on May 7 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. via Zoom. Tickets are $55 per person, with proceeds also benefiting the cause. Reservations, at VirtualRazzberryReadings

Space is limited for both events. For reservations or more information, visit AAUF.org/Razzberry or call 949-933-5504.

A Night at Knife Pleat Paired With South Coast Repertory’s Eat Me

South Coast Repertory and Knife Pleat are teaming up for a limited culinary and theatre experience that pairs a Michelin-starred meal with select performances of Eat Me, the world premiere comedy by Talene Monahon.

The collaboration brings together one of the country’s leading regional theatres and one of Southern California’s most celebrated dining destinations for an experience that blends cuisine and live performance.

“Pairing dinner and a show is about as classic as a great night out can get. Pairing fine dining at Knife Pleat and a world-premiere comedy about obsessing over food is an invitation to participate in a meta-theatrical experience of art imitating life,” said Suzanne Appel. “Artistic Director David Ivers and I found in Knife Pleat’s Chef Tony Esnault and Restaurateur Yassmin Sarmadi co-conspirators in the expansion of theatre’s artistic possibilities. Our aim with this pairing is to create a unique experience that, from table to stage, captures our deeply human need to nourish our bodies and our souls.”

The $275 per person package begins with a 5 p.m. prix fixe menu at Knife Pleat, followed by premium tickets to a 7:30 p.m. performance. Upcoming dates include April 14, April 16, April 18, April 23, April 24, April 25, April 29, May 1 and May 2. Each evening is limited to 16 guests, with a maximum of six per party.

Eat Me centers on a group of food-obsessed characters navigating appetite, identity and connection. The play was inspired in part by Gourmand Syndrome, a rare condition linked to an intense fixation on fine food.

Knife Pleat, led by Tony Esnault and Yassmin Sarmadi, has held a Michelin star since 2021. The restaurant brings contemporary French, ingredient-driven cuisine to the penthouse level of South Coast Plaza.

Reservations are available through South Coast Repertory at scr.org or by phone. Subscribers may add the dining experience to existing tickets for $195, plus any applicable upgrade fees.

Sender One Expands With New Aliso Viejo Location

Sender One is celebrating the grand opening of its sixth Southern California location, Sender One Aliso Viejo, on Saturday, April 18.

The daylong celebration includes local vendors, a live DJ, raffles and a ribbon-cutting ceremony. Guests can explore the new space with a $20 day pass and try the climbing walls, whether they are first-timers or experienced climbers. Kids and families can also check out Sender City, an interactive climbing area designed just for them.

Sender One Aliso Viejo Grand Opening Party
Saturday, April 18, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
26505 Aliso Creek Road, Aliso Viejo
Free to attend. RSVP here. 

All ages are welcome, with activities and experiences for every level.