On March 14, more than 150 guests attended the Fresh Start Surgical Gifts soiree overlooking Morgan Run Golf Course in Rancho Santa Fe.

“Fresh Start Surgical Gifts provides free, world-class reconstructive surgery and related services to disadvantaged children and young people with physical deformities caused by birth defects, accidents, abuse or disease,” said Nancy Kelly, development director.

“Children come from across the United States and all over the world to receive the gift of a fresh start.”

Since its inception in 1991, $17 million has helped 4,800 children and young people undergo life-changing surgical transformations.

Celebrity co-hosts and emcees for the evening Alfonso Ribeiro and Grant Show were delighted to be there.

“This is my sixth year hosting this event and I love doing it because it’s all about the kids,” Ribeiro said.

Other celebrities and professional athletes who took part in the fundraiser were Marcus Allen, Hank Bauer, Bucky Brooks, Willie Buchanon, Darren Carrington, Vince Coleman, Danny Farmer, Marshall Faulk, Michael Haynes, Rob Heidger, Seth Joyner, David Justice, Patricia Kara, James Lofton, Ursula Mayes, Craig McEwen, Tina Mickelson, Phil Nevin, Jeffrey Nordling, Leslie O’Neil, Andre Reed, Sam Scarber, Mike Scifres, Junior Seau, Pete Shaw, Lauren Shiohama, and Craig Whelihan.

Guests perused abundant silent auction tables. However, the Morgan Run Club & Resort full membership was the buzz.

Jason Lawhead served as auctioneer.

During the evening, patient Juan Hurtado delivered inspirational words after reconstructive surgeries to his cleft lip and palate. He thanked Fresh Start for making his dreams come true.

Event sponsors included EDCO Waste & Recycling Services, Marcus Allen All Stars Helping Kids, Inc., Davlyn Investments, Dowling & Yahnke, Godes & Preis LLP, The Handlery Hotel & Resort and MLSM.

Members of the 2010 Golf Classic Committee were chair Vanessa Jackson, Brian Ferguson, Jason Finley, Mike Gainey, Jim Godes, Rob Heidger, Mike Kozlowski, Pete Lassalette, Annette Legaspi, Pete Lizarraga, Pete Middleton, Erik Moore, Cindy Reed, and John Rubey.