An Evening of Giving: The Classique Gala 2026 for Meals on Wheels

An Evening of Giving: The Classique Gala 2026 for Meals on Wheels

There are evenings that remind you why you love the place you call home. The Classique Gala 2026 was one of them.

Last night, I had the privilege of attending the Classique Gala at the stunning Inn at Spanish Bay in Pebble Beach, in support of Meals on Wheels — an organization whose quiet, steady work touches lives across the Monterey Peninsula every single day. It was a night of beauty and generosity, but more than that, it was a night that captured the spirit of this community I’m so fortunate to live and work in.

More than a meal

Meals on Wheels serves more than 700,000 meals each year, and while that number is remarkable on its own, what stays with me is everything those meals represent. For so many of our neighbors, a meal delivered to the door is also a moment of connection — a familiar face, a kind word, and the reassurance that someone is thinking of them. It is nourishment in the fullest sense. Supporting an organization that cares for our community with such devotion was a true honor.

A table to remember

One of the joys of an evening like this is seeing creativity and craftsmanship come together, and our table — set against the beautiful backdrop of Spanish Bay — was nothing short of magnificent. I’m deeply grateful to the talented designers who brought it to life: Sarah Hackforth of Fionna Floral, whose florals were simply breathtaking, and Elizabeth Ross of Element Events, whose vision and artistry made the setting unforgettable. Their work was a reminder that beauty, thoughtfully created, has a way of bringing people together.

The generosity of the Monterey Peninsula

Having a background in the arts, I’m always drawn to the details — the design, the atmosphere, the way a room feels when it’s filled with purpose. But what moved me most was watching so many people from across Carmel-by-the-Sea, Pebble Beach, Pacific Grove, and Carmel Valley come together for a shared cause. This community’s generosity is something I never take for granted. It’s one of the reasons I feel so fortunate to help people find their place here.

As a Realtor with Compass on the Monterey Peninsula, my work is about more than homes — it’s about the community those homes are part of. Evenings like the Classique Gala remind me how special that community truly is.

I left the gala grateful: for a wonderful evening, for the organizations and individuals who made it possible, and for the chance to give back to a place I’m so lucky to call home. ❤️

Michelle Hammons is a luxury real estate agent with Compass, serving Carmel-by-the-Sea, Pebble Beach, Pacific Grove, and Carmel Valley. Deeply rooted in the Monterey Peninsula community, Michelle brings a fine-art eye and a genuine love of this coastline to every client she works with. Whether you’re thinking of buying or selling, she’d love to connect — reach out anytime.