Every year, the Teddy Ball transforms San Diego’s holiday season into something truly extraordinary. Held on November 30, 2024, at the Hyatt Regency La Jolla, this black-tie gathering brought together San Diego’s top leaders, influencers, and philanthropists with a shared mission to make the holidays brighter for children in need. Hosted by Cruise 4 Kids (C4K) with live music from DJ Alex Shen and featuring Michael Sartain as the MC, the event combined glamour, entertainment, and a tangible impact that resonated far beyond the evening.
Each attendee arrived dressed in their finest and carrying a new teddy bear, a gesture that translates into comfort for thousands of underprivileged and sick children. Organizations such as Father Joe’s Villages and the Boys & Girls Clubs of San Dieguito distribute these bears to ensure that every contribution creates a meaningful moment of joy during the holiday season.
The Visionary Behind the Teddy Ball
The Teddy Ball is the creation of Cruise 4 Kids founder Nino Venturella, a San Diego entrepreneur with a passion for crafting events that deliver both impact and entertainment. Since 2011, Venturella has redefined how philanthropy is approached, designing fundraisers like the Bunny Ball and the Cruise 4 Kids Car Show to be as engaging as they are effective. These events stand out not only for their creative and interactive formats but for the tangible results they deliver to the community.
The Teddy Ball, in particular, reflects the organization’s commitment to blending philanthropy with an unforgettable experience. Every aspect of the event, from the glitzy red carpet entrance to the carefully curated performances and entertainment, was designed with purpose. The goal was to make attendees feel part of something bigger, connecting them to the mission in a way that is both meaningful and memorable.
The impact extends far beyond the event itself. The teddy bears collected are distributed to a wide range of organizations in time for holiday gifting, including Autism Tree Project Foundation, Boys & Girls Clubs of San Dieguito, Miracle Babies, Easter Seals, Creative First Impressions, Promises2Kids, Father Joe’s Village, Jewish Family Services, and other local churches and orphanages.
Leaders in Action
Central to the success of the Teddy Ball was the support of “The Hosts,” a group of industry leaders recognized for their professional accomplishments, community involvement, and exceptional character. These individuals, spanning various fields, help extend the event’s reach by distributing tickets to their networks, creating a night of giving and unforgettable memories.
This year’s hosts included notable names such as A. King Aminpour of Attorney King, Julianna Arrant of Pacific Sotheby’s International Realty, and Shawanda Dorantes of Beauty Lounge Medical Spa. Their collective effort enhanced the event’s visibility and reinforced its community-driven ethos.
Sartain, The Charismatic Force Behind the Teddy Ball’s Energy
Michael Sartain has built a reputation as a dynamic leader who brings energy and focus to every project he takes on. Known as a podcast host, content creator, and founder of Men of Action, Sartain is equally dedicated to giving back through philanthropy. With over a decade of experience hosting charity events, his ability to engage and inspire was on full display at the Teddy Ball.
Sartain conducted red carpet interviews, kept the energy high throughout the night, and made sure the focus stayed on the event’s mission. His approach blends charisma with authenticity, creating an atmosphere where guests feel connected to the cause while enjoying the night’s festivities. Sartain’s leadership kept the event running smoothly and motivated everyone in the room to play their part in making a difference. With him was Jocelyn Vice, TV and Entertainment Host, getting the scoop on what’s happening at Teddy Ball.
A Night of Elegance, Entertainment, and Impact
The Teddy Ball has become a benchmark for how charity events can seamlessly blend purpose and celebration. The red carpet entrance, complete with photographers, adds a layer of sophistication, which creates an atmosphere that draws San Diego’s elite and philanthropists together under one roof.
Entertainment is a defining feature of the Teddy Ball, with live music, samba dancers, and freestyle fashion shows carefully curated to keep the energy high. Special guests included Makenna Austin, model and media personality Maria Carla Cadotte, King Aminpour, Shawnda Dorantes, Jasmine David, and more. At the center of the venue is the iconic Teddy Pit—a striking visual representation of the event’s mission, with thousands of donated teddy bears ready to bring comfort and joy to children in need.
The VIP experience takes the evening to a higher level and provided exclusive opportunities for attendees to network with community leaders and philanthropists, enjoy bottle service, and engage in private lounges. Silent auctions, raffles, and live art performances offered additional ways to participate in the cause.
Turning Charity into a Celebration That Inspires Change
Through events like the Teddy Ball, Nino Venturella and the night’s MC, Michael Sartain, have proven that philanthropy doesn’t have to be boring—it can be as dynamic and exciting as it is impactful. When you have the right people and the right cause, the result is a holiday tradition that inspires generosity while leaving a lasting mark on the community.
The Teddy Ball is a call to action, a celebration of giving, and a reminder that even small gestures can create meaningful change. To stay updated on the Teddy Ball and other Cruise 4 Kids events, visit theteddyball.com.
