The Drake Gives 6th Annual Fundraiser Strikes a Powerful Chord in Laguna Beach
Photos courtesy of Frank Salas
An evening centered on music, philanthropy, and community impact unfolded on April 23, 2026, as Laguna Beach’s The Drake hosted the 6th Annual Drake Gives Fundraiser—an event that continues to build meaningful momentum year after year.
This year’s celebration marked a significant milestone for The Drake Gives, with $150,000 raised in a single evening. Since its founding in 2021, the organization has now contributed more than $900,000 toward expanding access to music education, placing it on track to surpass the $1 million mark at its 2027 event.
The setting reflected the elevated tone of the evening. Guests were welcomed into a richly styled space layered in deep burgundy hues, a design concept brought to life by Elite OC Productions. The ambiance paired seamlessly with a thoughtfully executed multi-course dining experience by Chef Paul Gstrein, complete with curated wine pairings that highlighted the restaurant’s culinary precision.
Energy remained high throughout the evening, thanks in part to returning auctioneer Zack Krone, whose dynamic presence drove an engaging and successful live auction. Still, the most impactful moments came not from the stage production, but from the students whose lives are directly influenced by the organization’s work.
Performances by student musicians from Savanna High School offered a powerful reminder of the program’s reach. As beneficiaries of The Drake Gives’ funding, their talent and dedication resonated deeply with attendees. The evening took a more personal turn when parents Elena and Keith Carraby shared firsthand how access to music education has shaped their son’s experience—an emotional highlight that underscored the event’s purpose.
Founder Alec Glasser also addressed guests, reflecting on his own introduction to music through public school at age 12. His story reinforced the organization’s mission: that access to music can open doors, build confidence, and create lasting change. His message was echoed by the 2026 committee chairs—Lourdes Nark, Wendy Tenebaum, Lucy Donahue, James Cueva, and Jerry Mandel—each sharing their personal connection to the cause and its broader impact.
The evening concluded on an upbeat note with a live performance from David Aldo, drawing guests to the dance floor and closing the night with a sense of celebration and shared purpose.
As Glasser noted during the program, the organization has already supported more than 17,000 local students—an achievement that reflects both community generosity and a growing commitment to arts education. With its sights set on reaching—and exceeding—the $1 million milestone, The Drake Gives continues to expand its influence, one student at a time.
About The Drake Gives
The Drake Gives is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization focused on increasing access to music education, particularly within underserved public schools. Through funding for instruments, instruction, and creative programming, the organization supports both academic and personal development for students.
Founded by restaurateur and philanthropist Alec Glasser, the initiative is rooted in his own experience with music education and its lasting impact. In addition to its local efforts, The Drake Gives collaborates with the University of California Irvine on the Alec Glasser Center for the Power of Music & Social Change, advancing research and expanding the role of music as a tool for connection and growth on a broader scale.
