Organizers hope that an “over-the-top” Super Bowl party at the America Legion Harbor Post 291 on the Balboa Peninsula will be something several hundred Camp Pendleton Marines who attended the Sunday event will “remember for the rest of their lives.”

The event, hosted by Gary Crisp and his wife, Julie, who own the Costa Mesa-based Crisp Imaging, Inc., had planned everything from an insane amount of food to games, yacht sailing through Newport Bay and limo rides to the Wedge, along with live music performances.

And, of course, there was Super Bowl LIX to watch.

Gary Crisp said that when it came time for the kick, the Marines would have already enjoyed activities such as massages, playing video games, bull riding and wrestling, but each year, “they’re pretty pumped about the game.”

The Super Bowl party, now in its 14th year, is the Crisps’ way of giving back to the service members for all their sacrifices to the country, he said. His father and two brothers served in the Army.

“We wanted to create a signature event, ‘the perfect day,’ for these guys and gals that risk their lives,” Crisp said. “We wanted to be grateful and humble and create a spectacular day they never forget.”

The couple held their first party when they lived in Coto de Caza. Crisp said it started as a way to share their large home with 80 servicemembers. Now, there are at least 300 Marines invited who arrive via touring busses from Camp Pendleton.

Crisp said he is thankful to the American Legion for holding the event on its grounds and the couple also partners with the Dana Point 5th Marine Regiment Support Group, which supports the regiment based on Camp Pendleton’s north end and invites the Marines to come for the festivities.

In addition to the several hundred Marines, about 200 veterans are also invited.  Crisp said the interaction between the old and young service members is always a joy to observe.

The day starts early with breakfast – a donut station is hugely popular – and a slew of activities. There are also opportunities to win cash, football memorabilia and other raffle prizes.

Lunch and dinner are served and mixed in between the events are featured speakers, including celebrity athletes, actors and commanders from Camp Pendleton.

A Polynesian dance performance was planned for after the game as the Marines got back on the bus.

In all, the extravaganza costs about $150,000 to put on. Money comes from the Crisps, along with other friends, family members and companies that want to help out.

The Crisps also regularly support the Dana Point 5th Marine Regiment Support Group, with its mission to provide for Marines and sailors deployed from and stationed at Camp Pendleton and their families.

Last year, the Crisps donated $25,000 to the group which supports the 5th Marine Regiment. The group’s president, Terry Rifkin, said she appreciates the Crisps’ putting on a “spectacular day” for the Maries.

She said money given to the group supports the needs of the Marines and their families and provides Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners. The group also helps with meals at recruitment events and warrior conferences.

“It’s a day to love on these guys,” Crisp said of the Super Bowl party. “It’s a day where they can escape, have fun, be with buddies and let the whole community appreciate them.”

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