Photos by Shar Higa

Not many nights do you get to say to turn to your wife and say, “I was thinking tonight we’d go to L’Opera…and Legends, and George’s Greek, and Naples Rib Co,” and the list goes on.  But that’s why the food is always one of the centerpieces of Jewels of the Night, Long Beach State’s annual fundraising soiree that was in its 16th incarnation last Saturday night. 

And aside from the walk-up buffets from Long Beach’s finest eateries, there were the auction tables, with Dirtbags jerseys autographed by current MLBers, football jerseys signed by Terrell Davis; and there’s the chance to rub elbows with the people who make the university’s athletics go, from players and coaches to fundraisers and coordinators.

On one night, all of those people take off their uniforms, get dressed up, and eat until they can’t walk.  And at the end of the night, Long Beach State athletics is a good stretch closer to knowing it’s financially fit for the next year—judging from Saturday night’s huge turnout, this year looked to be more of a success than last year’s big showing, even.  Event chair Bruce MacRae looked happy at the end of the night, which is usually a good sign.

Here’s a few photos from Saturday, and if you missed it this year, be sure and keep your eyes open next May for the 17th annual Jewels!

Collection of classic cars outside the Pyramid

The band insured 49er fans would feel right at home, with their normal soundtrack

The one night a year that the hoops get shoved into a corner in the Pyramid

Plenty of space—you know it was a good night for the university, since all those seats were filled

Some of the ample auction offerings

Sure, there were plenty of big names in local athletics—but the Chick-fil-A cow is a show-stopper