Each February, long before the first whistle sounds on Super Bowl Sunday, something extraordinary begins in Newport Beach. It is not a celebrity red carpet, although celebrities do attend. It is not a high-profile charity gala, although it raises critical funds. It is a gathering unlike any other in Southern California: The Crisp Family Super Bowl Event, now
entering its fifteenth year of honoring the men and women who safeguard America’s freedom.
While this celebration is not open to the public, it has become one of Orange County’s most
meaningful traditions, powered entirely by sponsorships from individuals, companies, and foundations who believe in giving back to those who give everything.
A Tradition Born from Gratitude
The event began with one simple question from Gary and Julie Crisp, founders of Crisp Imaging: How can we personally thank the Marines who serve our country? Years ago, after hearing stories of local families inviting active-duty Marines into their homes during the holidays, the Crisps decided to do something big and memorable. A Super Bowl party, they thought, would be the perfect way to express appreciation in a fun and uniquely American way.
What started in their Coto de Caza home soon grew beyond the backyard. After moving to Corona del Mar, the Crisps partnered with American Legion Post 291 in Newport Beach, which has now hosted the event for nearly a decade.
A Once-in-a-Lifetime Day for Heroes
Today, the scale is astonishing: 300 active-duty Marines are bused in for the celebration, and more than 200 veterans, many from American Legion posts across the region, with a strong presence from Newport Beach Post 291, gather for a day created entirely for them. The event features Big-Screen TVs, cigars, massages, haircuts, celebrities, pro athletes, live music, the USC Marching Band, Lucha Libre wrestling, a mechanical bull, yacht and limo rides, Las Vegas gaming, world-class entertainment, a live DJ, a halftime raffle, food, and more.
For many attendees, especially young Marines preparing for deployment, this event is more than a break from routine. It is a memory that carries them through long nights, unfamiliar landscapes, and the weight of their duty. The atmosphere is electric. The gratitude is mutual. And the emotional impact is immense. For the Marines attending, this experience is a powerful reminder that their service matters and that their community stands with them. Veterans share a similarly heartfelt response, reconnecting with fellow service members and feeling honored for sacrifices that often go unrecognized.
Why This Event Matters
The event directly benefits the Dana Point 5th Marine Regiment Support Group, a nonprofit dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for Marines, veterans, and their families. Beyond the financial support, it sends a clear message: Orange County stands with its military community.
Local news stations, regional magazines, and national outlets have increasingly highlighted the event’s positive impact. The excitement, the celebrities, and the entertainment all draw attention. But the heart of the story has always been the Marines themselves.
Sponsorship: The Only Way to Attend and the Most Powerful Way to Give Back
Because this event is not open to the public, the only way to be part of this extraordinary day is through sponsorship. Sponsors enjoy premium visibility, media recognition, logo placement, and the invaluable opportunity to attend the event in person alongside hundreds of military heroes.
Sponsorship levels offer a range of benefits such as invitations to the event, media publicity, logo placement on banners and signage, the ability to include items in gift bags, and opportunities for special military acknowledgments.
An Invitation to Make an ImpactThe Crisp Family Super Bowl Event is, at its core, a love letter to those who serve. It is a reminder that freedom is never free. And it is a chance for the Orange County community and supporters across the country to stand shoulder to shoulder with the brave men and women who protect our way of life. Those interested in sponsoring or contributing have the opportunity to be part of a powerful tradition, one that uplifts morale, builds community, and sends Marines into deployment knowing they are appreciated, celebrated, and supported. For more information, visit https://danapoint5thmarines.com/Crisp-Super-Bowl.
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