Photography Credit: Frank Salas Photography

A symphony for the senses will take center stage at The Drake restaurant in Laguna Beach on April 23rd. The Drake Gives committee chairs, including Lourdes Nark, Wendy Tenebaum, Lucy Donahue, Jerry Mandel, and James Cueva, bring heart, soul, and meaningful community connection to this beloved annual fundraiser, which raises funds to support music education in our local underserved public schools. Thinking globally and acting locally, The Drake Gives, founded by Alec Glasser, has raised over $750,000 in funding to date, resulting in 17,000 students gaining music education. Transforming lives and creating generational change through the “Power of Music,” The Drake Gives is more than a 501(c)(3) nonprofit – it is a transformative organization that connects students to creative opportunities that support academic growth, social-emotional development, and a lifelong connection to music that elevates wellbeing.

When Jerry Mandel, former President and COO of the Orange County Performing Arts Center (now Segerstrom Center for the Arts), was asked why he believes that music education is critical for youth, he shared, “Music education is so important for every young person. Not necessarily that they’ll become musicians, but because it teaches them so many vital skills and discipline alongside a way to go about doing things of high-quality. Music enhances their lives, and many of the skills they learn through music education are transferable to other areas of life.” Mandel, who is UCI Vice Chancellor Emeritus and is currently serving as Senior Advisor to the Vice Chancellor of Advancement at UCI, also shared, “I’ve spent a career in presenting great music at a number of performing arts venues. I’ve loved every minute of it. Now in the last phase of my life, I have gone back to being a musician, and that has been so special and beneficial to me at this stage of life. I couldn’t imagine being alive and not being involved in music.”

Lourdes Nark, who has been a dynamic force behind The Drake Gives’ fundraisers and so many other successful nonprofit events, was asked how music has had a meaningful impact on her life, to which she shared, “Music has been part of the soundtrack of my life — woven into family gatherings, friendships, celebrations, and quiet personal moments. It has a way of bringing people together across generations and creating memories that last forever. Some of the moments I treasure most are tied to songs shared with loved ones, where music helped us feel connected.” Reflecting on songs that inspired her, Nark noted, “One song that has always inspired me is 'Lean on Me' by Bill Withers. Its message is simple but powerful — that we all need support sometimes, and that being there for one another makes us stronger. It reminds me that music can express care, empathy, and connection in a way that reaches people instantly and deeply.”

James Cueva, Boutique Director at Vacheron Constantin, connected with music as a child and is cultivating that same appreciation for music now with his own family. “Music impacted my life at an early age through the environment I was raised in. My parents were surrounded by friends who were musicians and singers, and our home often became a gathering place for dinner parties where their friends and acquaintances would showcase their talents. Those nights were filled with live performances, storytelling, and creative energy, making music feel less like entertainment and more like a shared language. Being exposed to that atmosphere taught me to appreciate artistry, collaboration, and the emotional power of music. Music continues to influence my life in meaningful ways. My husband owns Cueva Entertainment, a company that provides music for luxury hotels, restaurants, and nonprofit organizations, making music a part of our everyday world both personally and professionally. At home, that influence carries on through our children, who play piano, drums, and clarinet.”

Wendy Tenebaum, a true difference maker in our community who has been involved in the fabric of impactful nonprofit work for many years, shared with us the artist who instantly elevates her mindset. “Any Elton John song from the 70’s immediately puts me in a fantastic mood. It reminds me of a time when everything seemed perfect in the world.” Inspired to see The Drake Gives continue to serve its mission, Tenebaum noted, “Music education is paramount to a well-rounded education because it boosts cognitive development, improves academic performance in subjects like math and reading, and strengthens social-emotional skills. It enhances memory, attention, and language abilities, while providing an outlet for creativity.”

Lucy Donahue, the newest member of the Drake Gives committee, keeps two songs close to her heart. “#41 by Dave Matthews Band - I ran an entire marathon to that song. Its rhythm carried me mile after mile — steady, reflective, and deeply motivating. For me, it represents endurance, focus, and the quiet strength required to keep going when something feels difficult. Music has the extraordinary ability to push us beyond perceived limits. That experience reminded me that the right song at the right moment can shift your mindset entirely. Also, ‘In the Mood’ by Glenn Miller is extraordinarily special to me. It was my grandmother’s favorite song. A few years ago, after breaking her hip on Christmas, she committed herself to rehabilitation with one goal in mind — to be able to swing dance to “In the Mood” at her 96th birthday. And she did. Watching her move across the floor to that song was one of the most powerful demonstrations of resilience I’ve ever witnessed. Both experiences remind me that music is more than entertainment — it’s motivation, memory, healing, and connection across generations.”

The Drake Gives 6th annual soiree, an intimate and highly curated fundraiser, will showcase culinary creations and musical masterpieces. Guests will unite at Laguna Beach’s iconic Drake restaurant on April 23rd at 5:30 p.m.for a soulful fundraising celebration that will indulge the senses through an immersive dining experience. Limited tickets are available – learn more HERE.