Four-time Grammy Award winner Pat Benatar may be best known for her iconic 1980s singles like “Heartbreaker” and “Hit Me With Your Best Shot,” but it turns out she also has a soft spot for helping kids in need. Along with her guitarist husband Neil Giraldo, Benatar will perform an acoustic concert on Wednesday, June 2 from 6:30 to 10 p.m. at Promises2Kids’ annual outdoor Summer Concert Gala at the La Jolla estate of the foundation’s honorary co-chair, Joan Waitt. All proceeds will benefit Promises2Kids, a San Diego-based nonprofit committed to fighting child abuse through prevention, education and advocacy. The evening will begin with an elegant dinner prepared by chefs from the Hyatt Regency La Jolla, and continue with Benatar and Giraldo’s first local acoustic set in the twilight overlooking the Pacific Ocean. In addition to the gourmet meal and intimate performance, guests will be invited to bid on unique silent and live auction packages that include jewelry, a private box at the Del Mar Racetrack, golf and lunch at the San Diego Country Club, a night out downtown — complete with a stay at St. James Hotel’s presidential suite — Cohn Restaurant gift certificates, and tickets to a San Diego Padres game. Last year, Jewel performed at the gala and helped raise nearly $200,000 to help prevent child abuse, said Promises2Kids CEO and former two-term San Diego mayor Susan Golding. “We have no doubt that this year’s magical night featuring a rare acoustic performance by Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo will exceed that number,” Golding said. Promises2Kids was founded in 1981 as the Child Abuse Prevention Foundation, and is also known as the Polinsky Children’s Center Foundation. The foundation has offered services and resources to help eliminate child abuse and neglect for 29 years. Tickets cost $250 per person for general admission, $475 for the VIP reception, and $2,750 for a table sponsorship. To purchase tickets or to learn more information about the event and donation opportunities, call (858) 427-1112 or visit www.promises2kids.org.
