Alabaster International sets Orange County debut event for May 15

By AI, Created 10:12 AM UTC, May 20, 2026, /AGP/ – Alabaster International will introduce itself to Orange County on May 15 with a fundraiser and evening program at Deli Nerds in Costa Mesa. The event will support the nonprofit’s work in East Africa and Sri Lanka and help build momentum for a September gala.

Why it matters: - The Costa Mesa event gives Orange County residents a first in-person look at Alabaster International’s work. - Proceeds will support healthcare, nutrition and education programs for women and families in underserved communities across East Africa and Sri Lanka. - The event also serves as a lead-in to the organization’s September 12 fundraising gala.

What happened: - Alabaster International will host Her Light & Legacy | An Evening with Alabaster International on May 15 at Deli Nerds in Costa Mesa. - The event marks the organization’s first formal introduction to the Orange County community. - A dine-out fundraiser will run all day, with 10% of all food purchases at Deli Nerds benefiting Alabaster International. - The evening program runs from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. - Admission is complimentary, with optional giving opportunities available in advance and onsite. - Space is limited, and advance RSVP via Eventbrite is encouraged.

The details: - Guests will get light bites, champagne and remarks from founder Shannon Fernando-Rubera. - The event will include time for connection and curated experiences designed to introduce Alabaster’s work in a local setting. - Featured activations include the Wall of Women, which highlights stories from women impacted by Alabaster’s programs. - Guests can also take part in the “I Believe in Her” card experience. - Attendees may enter raffle drawings, bid on select silent auction items and contribute directly to the organization. - Alabaster International advances locally led programs built for long-term sustainability. - The organization works in underserved communities in East Africa and Sri Lanka. - Fernando-Rubera founded the organization in 2012. - Fernando-Rubera is a family nurse practitioner and TEDx speaker. - Her work has led to clinics, maternity centers, food security initiatives and education programs that continue under local leadership.

Between the lines: - The event is structured as both a fundraising night and an awareness push, giving the organization a way to deepen local support before its larger gala. - The emphasis on women’s stories and community-led development signals that Alabaster International is trying to make its global work feel personal and accessible to local donors. - Fernando-Rubera’s quote framed the mission around connection and the ripple effects of supporting women with resources. - “This isn’t about distance, it’s about connection,” Fernando-Rubera said. “When women have access to the resources they need, the impact doesn’t stay local, it ripples outward. It’s about recognizing that we all have a role in that.”

What’s next: - Orange County attendees can support the organization by dining at Deli Nerds on May 15, attending the evening program or making a donation. - The organization will continue building momentum toward its September 12 fundraising gala. - More information is available at the organization’s website.

The bottom line: - Alabaster International is using a local Costa Mesa debut to turn awareness into support for its global, community-led programs.