Saturday, October 18, 2025, at 6:00 p.m.

Carl Nolet Sr. Hospitality Center, Aliso Viejo, CA

Join us for a hauntingly elegant night filled with live entertainment, spirited cocktails, decadent bites, dinner, and dazzling costumes at MenAlive’s annual fundraiser- The Ghostly Gala. This unforgettable celebration brings together friends, supporters, and community members to raise vital funds for our programs and performances.

Dress in your most bewitching attire, bid on thrilling auction items, and enjoy a night away—because when the spirits come out to play, you won’t want to miss a moment. All proceeds help keep our music alive and our mission thriving.


2025 Rich Cook Community Bridge Award Recipients

MenAlive is honored to present Paul Doyle, Liz Hawkins, and Jeanna Pepper with the Rich Cook Community Bridge Awards.

The Rich Cook Community Bridge Awards are presented annually to honor those in the community who have made a positive impact in and for the LGBTQ community. The award continues to recognize distinguished community members who personify MenAlive’s mission of “informing, bringing healing, joy, friendship, and building bridges to the public at large.”

PAUL DOYLE

Since 2007, Paul Doyle has been the creative heartbeat behind MenAlive’s productions, serving as lighting designer and producer for more than 50 unforgettable shows. His artistry and dedication have elevated every performance, from intimate outreach events to grand appearances at the Hollywood Bowl and Disney Hall, ensuring each moment on stage shines—literally and figuratively.

More than a volunteer, Paul has been a cornerstone of the MenAlive family. His behind-the-scenes leadership, meticulous attention to detail, and unwavering commitment have shaped the very fabric of our performances and strengthened our mission to inspire through music and community.

Beyond MenAlive, Paul lent his talents to the Pageant of the Masters in Laguna Beach, working in the Men’s Wardrobe and Sculpt Departments. A graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Business Data Processing, Paul spent 24 years as a Senior Managing Consultant in IBM’s Business Resiliency Group. Now retired, he enjoys life in Palm Springs, traveling the world, indulging his passion for theater, and embarking on countless cruises.

Paul’s impact on MenAlive—and the joy he has brought to our audiences—embodies the spirit of the Rich Cook Bridge Award.


JEANNE PEPPER

Jeanne Pepper, an attorney, activist, philanthropist, and advocate for marginalized communities, is the co-founder of the BlazeitForward Movement. Following the tragic murder of her son, Blaze Bernstein, in 2018, she channeled her grief into a powerful force for change, becoming a prominent voice for victims’ rights and an ardent supporter of the LGBTQ+ community. Her personal connection to the arts stems from her son’s profound involvement; as a gifted creative writer and student at UPENN and before that at the Orange County School of the Arts (OCSA), Blaze’s passion for creativity helped Jeanne realize the vital importance of providing safe places for young people in the LGBTQ+ community to be creative.

In this spirit, she celebrates the OC Gay Men’s Chorus, finding immense joy in seeing gay men sing together without fear, bringing their unique and beautiful voices to the world. Her work, a testament to turning personal tragedy into a mission of hope and promoting her son’s legacy of kindness, inspires others through her podcast, PeppTalks With Jeanne, to find their own ways to connect, inspire, and change the world with abundance and love.


2024 HARMONY PHOTO GALLERY

Many thanks to our photographer, Jay Cambare.


MENALIVE Season Sponsor

 
 

Rich Cook Community Bridge Award Recipients

2024 Alex Mohajer, Jeff Whittiker
2023 Katie Porter, Bob Gunn
2020/2022 G.C. Brad Brafford, Dr. Karyl Ketchum, Al Roberts
2019 Felicity Figueroa, Karen Zfaty
2018 Carl Jordan, Mike Fuhr
2017 Joe Hodulik, Sarah Kasman
2016 Bao Nguyen

2015 James Vaughn
2014 Rich Cook
2013 Miguel Conniff, Laura Kanter
2012 Robin Voss, Pearl Jemison-Smith
2011 Dr. Max Schneider & Ron Smelt, John Chiang, Dan Choi
2010 John Alexander, Barbara Venezia, Bruno Serrato, Katherine Darmer