Sexy Bartenders Raise Funds for Literacy

13 Saturday Apr 2013

Posted by in Event Coverage

≈ Leave a Comment

Tags

, , , , , , , , , , ,

8sJbsPtzMNyigkE8VfAmV6DqPW2HgmbhN3mYAUwdyl0It was quite the night – the “Libations for Literacy” bartending challenge benefiting the Literacy Project Foundation. Four young professionals graciously offered their services  to raise money for the foundation, whose mission is to enable at-risk and disadvantaged youth to increase their reading skill levels.

The fun evening, held at Brasserie Pascal at Fashion Island, saw the first shift of bartenders – Vanessa Moore of Rexxi Real Estate in Newport Beach, and Brett Lawrence of Rancho Las Lomas, take the reins in the ultimate cocktail war. Whoever collected the most tips won the challenge and raised money for the nonprofit. Lawrence confessed that his favorite drink was Jack Daniels on the rocks. “Whatever Frank Sinatra drank, I drink,” he joked. Moore, his partner, said she was a waitress in college and made drinks occasionally. “I make a great Salty Dog,” she smiled.

The second shift saw Danielle Drucker of OC Public Relations and Dan Korpman from Anfield Capital Management gather at the bar in matching outfits. I must say, they were adorable! Drucker, a self-confessed first-time bartender, said the restaurant’s bartender Sean Burns taught her how to make a French margarita. Her partner (and boyfriend, I might add) Korpman said his favorite drink was an Old Fashioned, “which I probably can’t make,” he joked.

Brasserie Pascal Chef Pascal Olhats was close at hand, giving support to the contestants. He remarked, “They’ll probably be fried by the end of the night!” Foundation Program Coordinator Kimberly Vig kept things moving, as did restaurant GM Herve Laveaud for the 125 guests.

LPF President/CEO Sue Tucker got the idea to do the fundraiser after she attended a bartending challenge that Serving People in Need hosted at A Restaurant. Her good friend Barbara Eidson of Island Hotel fame, where she holds court as Community Relations Director, and her husband Kyle participated. I attended that night, as Barbara and Kyle are good friends, and the two were certainly slinging the cocktails! It was a hoot! I don’t remember who won, but a good time was had by all.

The results? The Drucker/Korpman team won, with $1,000 raised for the cause, which will enable 10 kids to receive LPF’s reading program at no cost. I overheard Tucker talking about some future challenges – perhaps a Bastille Day challenge. Stay tuned…

Selected photos: Robert Rooks Photography

Libations1-01Libations2-01Libations3-01Libations4-01

Talented Chefs Work Their Magic for Homeless

09 Tuesday Apr 2013

Posted by in Event Coverage

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

IMG_3479I always look forward to gourmet feasts created by our local Orange County chefs, and believe me, those guys and gals are talented! One of my favorites is the annual fundraiser that event coordinator Kristin Martin orchestrates that is held at the Balboa Bay Resort and benefits different nonprofits each year. The charity receiving the nearly $300,000 net proceeds for their mission to break the cycle of homelessness this year was the Illumination Foundation at the “Table for 10″ benefit. Kristin knows all the chefs, and this year she drew 25 chefs to volunteer their time and resources to create their signature cuisine tableside for 250 guests.  I have to tell you, not only was the food sumptuous but the table decor, with each restaurant vying to outdo the other, was stunning, with extravagant table linens, exquisite floral arrangements, the finest china and crystal, and special gifts for each guest.

The Balboa Bay Club & Resort’s executive chef Josef Lageder was Host Chef, and no one is more welcoming than Lageder, to chefs and guests alike. Don’t get me wrong, he wants to create an absolutely fabulous meal and is certainly competitive, but he is also one of the nicest people you’ll ever meet. Since his table was next to Roy’s Hawaiian Fusion Cuisine, where I was seated, I did sneak over a few times to sample his fare. His roasted veal rib eye with porcini mushroom risotto was divine!

Roy’s chef Blaine Villasin, a native Hawaiian, orchestrated a very creative menu, with each course representing a different island. Nearly all the courses were fish related and very tasty. We each departed with Roy Yamaguchi’s “Roy’s Feasts from Hawaii” cookbook, a delightful gift since I love to cook!

I want to make sure the participating chefs and their restaurants are mentioned, as everyone involved really gave it their all for the fundraiser. Kudos to honorary chef Yves Fournier from Andrei’s Conscious Cuisine & Cocktails, Brian Doherty from Bambu at The Fairmont Newport Beach, Lewis Butler from the Center Club, Marcel St. Pierre from Club 33 at Disneyland, Joe Magnanelli from Cucina enoteca, Austin George from du bois, David Shofner from Dublin 4 Gastropub & Wineworks for Everyone, Alfonso Ramirez from Pinot Provence, Jason Quinn and Ryan Carson from Playground, Louis Jocson from Red Table, Manny Gomez from Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse, Paul Bauer from Sevilla Restaurant and Tapas Bar, David Fune from Splashes at Surf & Sand Resort, Marco Romero from Starfish Asian Coastal Cusine, Rayne Frey from Tabu Grill, Alfred Prasad from Tamarind of London, Casey Overton from The Loft at Montage Resort & Spa, Ashley Santo Domingo from Rock-It Bar at Whole Foods Laguna Niguel, Ryan Adams from Three Seventy Common Kitchen+Drink, Sean Ramirez from Tommy Bahama Island Grille, Michael Webb from Vue Restaurant, and Adam Navidi from Oceans & Earth Restaurant.

Illumination Foundation founder and CEO Paul Leon, who founded the nonprofit in 2007, stated proudly, “We have helped more than 2,000 homeless off the streets and into permanent housing with a staff of 43 full-time employees, who include nurses, doctors, social workers, and mental health and intense trauma therapists.” Presenting Sponsor Wells Fargo’s Jack Toan, who is a five-year IF board member, shared that the cause was personal as his wife was at one point homeless when she and her family left Vietnam to emigrate to the United States. A performance by the Illumination Foundation Children’s Choir brought smiles and tears alike and when Eli Turetsky, President of Lamborghini Travels, presented each child with a Lamborghini model car, cheers erupted.

MC and auctioneer DawnMarie Kotsonis revved things up for the live auction, which featured many chef dinners, again, thanks to the generous chefs and restaurants, as well as a much-sought-after getaway to Disneyland Resort. My table mates Sam and Pamela Auriemma were one of two (it sold twice!) to buy it for $4,400. In a complete surprise, IF’s Katie Rootlieb, who is Director of Communications and Development, won the raffle prize, a pair of 18k gold diamond earrings from Black Starr & Frost. Guests departed with a stuffed grab bag of goodies, too numerous to mention, but many of them edible!!

Selected photos from Bob Hodson Photography

illuminations1illuminations2illuminations3illuminations4illuminations5illuminations6illumintations7

JDRF Gala Lights the Way

02 Tuesday Apr 2013

Posted by in Event Coverage

≈ Leave a Comment

Tags

, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

IMG_3452I loved seeing the young people lining the reception entry and the stairs to the grand ballroom at the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation’s Dream Gala at The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel. Their sweet smiles belied the fact that these kids all have type 1 diabetes, so it really brought the message home. Living with having to take insulin every day of your life in order to stay alive is a message that JDRF Orange County takes to heart, and every year they host a black-tie gala in order to raise money for research to find a cure for the dreaded disease.

This year’s effort was especially meaningful with its “Lighting the Way to a Cure” theme, which was beautifully carried out featuring chandeliers as a decor element. A 15-foot three-tiered glass case sparkling with three glittering chandeliers on the terrace and the huge crystal ballroom chandeliers banded in burnished yellow dupioni silk were spectacular. The dinner table linens in black, platinum or a charming dahlia print were the backdrop for the stunning floral centerpieces using the ball’s signature colors – black, white and yellow – with many of the tables centered by four-foot black candelabra with white tapers and yellow electric flickers. Kudos to Linda Young’s Elite OC Productions for the effort!

The 370-guest gala, which was emceed by the ever-popular and terrifically humorous Bill Peters, whose day job is Louis Vuitton’s client relations director at its South Coast Plaza store, honored JDRF’s Dream Guild, founded in 2005 by Jennifer Condas, Elyse Roberts and Adrienne Thomas. The “fashionistas in stilettos,” as Peters calls the 100-member support group, have donated more than $1million to JDRF through hosting luxury fundraising events. Peters recognized the guild’s presidents, including founding president Jennifer Condas, Ann Winthrope, Julie Hellmers, and current president Donna Longo. Wells Fargo, California Region, was also recognized for its support, with Executive Vice President Mark Brennerman accepting the honor.

Gala chair Cindi Morales thanked her advisory committee – Condas, Hellmers and Heather Madden, all of whom have chaired the fundraiser – auction chairs Beth Bidna and Christina Ferguson, cuisine chairs Analisa Albert and Pamela Lowry (dinner was superb!), wine auction committee Bob Loewen, Eric Seedman and John Stoner, and her entire gala committee.

Nicole Johnson, Miss America 1999, was guest speaker. Diagnosed in 1993 with type 1 diabetes, Johnson wears an insulin pump and has helped raise more than $26 million for diabetes research over the years. Her inspirational message touched hearts as she related she was told when she was diagnosed that she should avoid stress and never plan on having children. The crowd erupted in applause when she introduced her seven-year-old daughter Ava and announced she was receiving her doctorate in Public Health in two weeks from the University of South Florida. Johnson closed singing a stirring rendition of “That’s Life,” the song she sang when she was crowned Miss America.

Other highlights included 12-year-old friends Katherine Hellmers and Caroline Brewster sharing that they had raised $500 for JDRF selling “Kiss Diabetes Good-bye” mistletoe during the holidays. The luxury-packed live auction saw Christina Ferguson win the opportunity to design her own Burberry Bespoke trench coat for $4,750 and Missy Callero win the Saks Fifth Avenue Day of Fashion and Fun for 10 ladies for the same price. Not to be outdone, Missy’s husband Chris Callero won the boxed wine set of Sine Qua Non for $4,000. Greg Bates went all out for wife Joanne Leatherby by spending $5,000 on a pair of shoes monthly for six months (not to exceed $700 per pair) from Neiman Marcus Fashion Island and a monthly lunch for six months in its Mariposa Restaurant. It was announced that Private Trade Winds, who has offered fabulous trips for five years running to the gala’s auction, was offering 20% of net sales proceeds to JDRF from trips booked with them. Delighted opportunity prize winners were announced featuring a Jaeger LeCoultre watch, Montblanc bracelet and South Coast Plaza $1,000 gift certificate and valet pass.

Guests departed with an elegant crystal votive from Neiman Marcus, and net proceeds were later reported to be $450,000 for research to help find a cure for type 1 diabetes.

Psst…Peters gave a “Happy Birthday” shout-out to Dream Guild member Pame Schmider, who looked gorgeous in a beautiful pink-themed gown.

Selected photos: Carla Rhea

jdrf1-01jdrf2-01jdrf3-01jdrf5-01jdrf4-01

Orange County’s Dancing Stars Enchant!

27 Wednesday Mar 2013

Posted by in Event Coverage

≈ Leave a Comment

Tags

, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

IMG_3425I must tell you, I was really impressed with the volunteer dancers who had the courage to say they would dance at the Assistance League of Newport Mesa’s Sixth Annual “Dancing with Tomorrow’s Stars” charity fundraiser last Saturday night. Because the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation’s gala was the same night, I traveled to The Grove of Anaheim Saturday afternoon in black-tie attire to see the dancers perform at the dress rehearsal. I was blown away!

First out was Riviera magazine’s handsome Publisher Chris Gialanella dancing a fox trot with dance pro Natalie Shulz to the legendary “Singin’ in the Rain,” dressed in bright yellow raincoats, of course! Their snappy jive number was no less impressive. When I asked Chris how he felt about the experience, he said, “I never thought I’d be 24 again!” Next up was gorgeous Shawn Harris, a former Miss USA and Miss Universe Pageant winner and Emmy-nominated actress, who dazzled with her foot work in both her salsa and tango routines with pro Danas Jaksevicius. Harris confessed to taking jazz and tap lessons as a kid, but had no ballroom experience. “I couldn’t say no,” she said. “It has been so much fun!” Gordon Orsborn, partner with PSG Advisors Co. Ltd. and sales director for the online real estate auction marketplace FRE.com, confessed he took former Angels pitching star Chuck Finley’s place with a little push from one of the other dancers, Stephanie Argyros. Admitting he only knew how to surf before the experience (he had a great tan!), the tall, lithesome contestant danced a very credible Argentine tango and a freestyle Texas two-step with Nicole Eden (I loved the lead-in theme from The Good, the Bad and the Ugly for their Texas two-step!).

The above mentioned Stephanie Argyros, whose mother Julia Argyros was named Best Female Dancer at the first ALNM dance evening, told me, “My mother has wanted me to do this for a long time. It’s completely out of my comfort level, but I’ve learned a lot.” Stephanie danced a great fox trot with Auris Petrulevcius in a stunning red, backless gown and wore a white Cher-like costume for her Disco number, the Bee Gees’ “You Should Be Dancing.” Ray Eldridge, a commercial real estate professional with Fortune 500 company CBRE, had a lot of courage to dance a freestyle cha cha showing the famous Ganghum Style moves. “It is a lot harder than it looks,” he said. He and his partner Alessia Minaeva also danced an Argentine tango. Kudos for both efforts! And, lastly, Elizabeth An, famous in these parts as COO of AnQi By Crustacean at South Coast Plaza, only decided to dance two weeks ago after feeling well enough after an extended bout of bronchitis. “My doctor gave me the ok, so I flipped a coin and got two cortisone shots,” she said. “I just couldn’t let the charity down.” I can only tell you that she was amazing! Her fox trot and rumba with Eddie Alba were both elegant, seductive and fiery.

Also at the rehearsal was event chair Laura Schubert, who joked, “Just don’t ask me to dance,” and the evening’s honorary chair Sara Guggenheim Jarrett was backstage cheering everyone on. She danced at last year’s competition and won the Fan Favorite award with the most votes. I also greeted Register columnist Barbara Venezia, who looked fabulous in a stunning ruffled bodice gown! She was later joined by business man Bob Miller as the show’s emcees.

I later found that the sold-out fundraiser drew 430 guests and netted $270,000 for the Assistance League’s programs helping underprivileged children in the community. The results? The judges awarded Best Female Dancer to Elizabeth An and Best Male Dancer to Chris Gialanella, while Stephanie Argyros won Fan Favorite. I must tell you, I thought they were all winners. There was a lot of guts and dedication on that stage!

Photos by Sandy Zimmer and Justin Berkobien

dwts1-01dwts2-01dwts4-01dwts3-01dwts5-01

ARTrageous ROCK Gala Rocks!

26 Tuesday Mar 2013

Posted by in Event Coverage

≈ 2 Comments

Tags

, , , , , , , , , , ,

IMG_3322Once again, the student performance at the Orange County School of the Arts’ annual gala, this year themed “ARTrageous ROCK,” was spectacular! The talent at this 26-year-old tuition-free public charter school, known for its award-winning arts and academic programs, is really impressive. Several of its recent graduates attended, including Kaitlyn Jenkins, class of 2010, who plays Bettina “Boo” Jordan on the popular show Bunheads with Broadway star Sutton Foster. I LOVE the show and am an avid follower, so meeting Kaitlyn was a real treat. She looked adorable in a strapless black mini with a fuchsia tulle overskirt (see photo).

Many of the more than 500 guests included members of OCSA’s foundation and advisory boards, as well as its board of trustees. The formal cocktail reception, which gave guests the opportunity to bid on some tempting silent auction items, was followed by a tasty dinner (loved the white chocolate guitar with the red velvet cake dessert!) interspersed with the student and alumni performance, which featured 250 students and alumni performing a blend of classic, contemporary and symphonic rock music. I heard some amazing vocalists, pulsating guitars, powerful percussion, superb dancers, and a full symphony orchestra perform some of rock’s most recognizable anthems – from Queen’s “We will Rock You” and Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believein’” to a Rolling Stones Tribute, “Born to Be Wild” and the iconic “Juke Box Hero/I Love Rock N’ Roll” finale.

Auctioneer Jim Nye led a spirited live auction, which saw a rock sell for $2,000 to OCSA supporters Valerie and Hans Imhof and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to have a walk-on part in a Bridge 2 Broadway production being developed by Tony Award-winning producers Pamela and Tim Kashani (Memphis and Hair) sell for $5,000 – twice! – to OCSA parents Cynthia and Martin Howard and OCSA parent Peggy Haidle. OCSA donor Cleo Bluth grabbed the Ultimate Disney Resort experience for $4,500, which included tickets to “Dancing with the Stars” and lunch with, you guessed it! – Kaitlyn Jenkins from “Bunheads.” OCSA parents Ronit and Gil Benjamin won the private jet donated by Michael Harrah of Caribou Industries for a Las Vegas getaway for $16,000, while Sue and Ralph Stern opted for the Napa Rose dinner for 16 guests for $17,000. The one thing I’ve learned about OCSA supporters – they are passionate about the school!

Nina Herzog, OCSA Music & Theatre Conservatory class of 2009, performed in the show and later shared her passion for the school, saying, “OCSA gave me the confidence to be myself and the support to be who I became.” She has since graduated from UCLA in three years with degrees in Musical Theater and Psychology, making the Dean’s and Latin Honors lists, recently founded a non-profit that tutors autistic children, has recorded with Tony Ward-winning composer Jason Robert Brown, and is writing her own music. Following her testimony, the Fund-A-Dream portion of the evening raised $242,636, led by a challenge grant of $50,000 from OCSA supporters Marybelle and S. Paul Musco. Net proceeds were later tallied at an impressive $590,000 for the cause.

OCSA Founder and Executive Director Ralph Opacic took the stage to announce that the evening’s rock drummer Harley deWinter and his band Un D Vided had been named “Best Youth Artist” at the Orange County Music Awards that same night. The talented student is in the Instrumental Music Conservatory/Commercial Music Program, class of 2015.

Nice Aside: I noticed the table behind me at the dinner contained four young ladies and what looked like their parents and maybe some family members. Sure enough, when I introduced myself and inquired, it was the Britt and Bob Michaelian and their four daughters. They told me proudly that their eighth grade daughter Maya was an OCSA student. I had to take their photo. It was a magic moment! That, in short, was the essence of the evening. The people of Orange County can be very proud of OCSA, its award-winning programs and the amazing students who are being educated and trained there.

Selected photos: Cheryl Walsh/AltSenior Photography

ocsa1-01ocsa2-01ocsa3-01ocsa5-01ocsa4-01

Wine Sharing for a Good Cause

23 Saturday Mar 2013

Posted by in Event Coverage

≈ Leave a Comment

Tags

, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

104Wendy and Larry Tenebaum were such gracious hosts, welcoming 200 CASA supporters to their elegant Pelican Hill home for a share-and-donate wine party. The occasion was CASA’s Wine Kick-Off Party for its Celebration of Children Black & White Ball scheduled for May 18th at the Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort.

I can tell you one thing – this group knows their wines! Elizabeth An, CASA supporter and COO of AnQi By Crustacean at South Coast Plaza – and the evening’s caterer – brought a 2006 French bordeaux – Vosne Romanee Grand Cru – valued at $700! I also spotted a 1981 Opus One signed by Robert Mondavi and Baron Phillippe de Rothschild valued at $400. No slouch either was the $150 bottle of 2008 Sea Smoke “Ten” pinot noir, the $300 bottle of 1996 Dom Perignon or the $100 bottle of 2010 Caymus cabernet. It was that kind of night! All these superb wines and many more will be part of CASA’s silent and live auctions for the ball.

Chairing the lovely affair were CASA supporters Wendy Tenebaum, Britt Meyer, Nancy Eaton, and Lourdes Nark. They encouraged guests to buy opportunity tickets and those who did wore flashing red heart necklaces, which made for a colorful evening! They also announced that three florists had donated arrangements for the evening, and the committee would choose one of them to do the ball. The generous florists included Enchanted Florist, Paul Fenner Floral Design and Floral Designs by Joe Sorachana. Also recognized were the wine sharing party sponsors, which included AnQi, Damiani, Riviera magazine, Bello Winery, and Landy Family Vineyards. The two wineries poured some of their best wines for the soiree.

CASA’s Chief Development Officer Susan Kirkland raved about the Black & White Ball’s auction and thanked the many CASA supporters, “who make it great,” she said, especially auction co-chairs Daryl Nelson and Nancy Eaton. She also recognized ball co-chairs, Cathy Frandsen, Jeanina Esparza and Lourdes Nark. CASA CEO Gene Howard introduced the ball’s 2013 Children’s Champions, Carol & Jon Demorest, and CASA board member John Stratman, who is Sr. Director of Public Affairs & Brand Communications at Kaiser Permanente, shared why Kaiser supports CASA, saying, “Our support goes to helping create a family structure for these kids.”

The winners of the opportunity prizes culminated the evening (although many guests were having such a good time, the party continued into the night) and saw Elizabeth Hansen win the Napa Valley Bello Winery package and Mitra Nasab the Landy Family Vineyards package, which included a tour of the vineyards in Healdsburg. Damiani, a respected Italian jewelry line, donated two pieces of jewelry, an 18k gold necklace won by Veronica Navarretta and a sterling silver and silk cotton bracelet won by Soogie Kang. Smiles abounded!

Photos: Robert Rooks

cws1-01cws3-01cws4-01cws2-01cws5-01

Childhelp Luncheon Inspires!

21 Thursday Mar 2013

Posted by in Event Coverage

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

, , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

161 ch copyHow could you not be touched when Erin Runnion speaks about her daughter Samantha’s murder 10 years ago and how she has picked up the pieces of her life to launch The Joyful Child Foundation to prevent such horrors happening to other children? Honored with Childhelp Orange County’s “Children’s Friend Award” at the nonprofit’s 27th annual “Through the Eyes of a Child” luncheon at the Newport Beach Marriott, Runnion lauded Childhelp’s work, saying, “There is a cycle of violence we have a responsibility to stop, and Childhelp does that.”

Another highlight of the benefit held at the Newport Beach Marriott was Maks Chmerkovskiy. You remember the Ukranian/American dance champion and pro on “Dancing with the Stars,” right? Maks is a new Childhelp Ambassador and, as such, spoke to the 360 rapt attendees about his passion for the nonprofit. “There is a purpose to celebrity,” Maks said, “and now that I’ve been introduced to Childhelp, I’m glad to help.”

Still another event highlight was the South Coast Plaza-produced-and-presented runway fashion show. Spring fashions for men and women were showcased by Brooks Brothers, DKNY, Diane von Furstenberg, Escada, Faconnable, Saks Fifth Avenue, St. John, and Ted Baker. And, in the reception, models wearing the latest Bally shoes and handbags were featured on raised platforms. South Coast Plaza’s Director of Community Relations Kathryn Cenci, who coordinated the fashion show, was thanked for her efforts with a beautiful bouquet of flowers by the luncheon co-chairs.

Childhelp national board member and event donor chair Patti Edwards spoke about the state of child abuse in the country. “Five children are dying each day from child abuse and every 10 seconds there is a report of abuse,” she said. Edwards said Childhelp, now in its 54th year, has the only national child abuse 24-hour hotline in the country and along with its residential treatment centers, children’s advocacy centers, therapeutic foster care, group homes, and special villages in Beaumont, California and Culpeper County Virginia for the worst cases, “is making a difference in the lives of abused, neglected and abandoned children. However,” she continued, “We need you now more than ever.”

It looks like guests stepped up to the plate because net proceeds of $250,000 were later reported for the effort. Among those making it happen were Childhelp’s Orange County President, Kristen James, and the event committee, which included Nancy Cardin, Jacquie Casey, Mary Allyn Dexter, Joy Estrada, Jennifer Kite, Katherine Meredith, Diana Miner, Dale San Filipo, Joyce Simon, Gina Van Ocker, Debra Violette, Nancy Whitlock, and Shan Womack.

A delighted longtime Childhelp supporter Perla Pergis won the coveted South Coast Plaza $2,500 shopping spree and one-year valet pass.

Selected photos from Ann Chatillon and fashion photos from Donato Sardella

ch1-01ch2-01ch3-01ch4-01ch5-01

Mancini Daughter Wows Philharmonic Crowd

19 Tuesday Mar 2013

Posted by in Event Coverage

≈ 2 Comments

Tags

, , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

DSC_0194“Pink Panther” cocktails were just the ticket at the Philharmonic Society of OrangeCounty’s annual gala, “An Evening with Mancini,” at Segerstrom Center’s Samueli Theater. The late celebrated composer Henry Mancini, who won four Academy Awards, 20 Grammys and two Emmys, has a daughter named Monica Mancini, who is obviously cut from the same cloth. She may not be a composer, but she can certainly sing. And, sing she did at the 160-guest benefit that was a musical tribute to her legendary father. With a fantastic seven-piece band opening with her father’s iconic jazz theme from The Pink Panther film series (it’s the 50th anniversary), the double Grammy-nominated singer stole everyone’s hearts with her smooth-voiced renditions of “Moon River,” “Days of Wine and Roses,” “Charade”, “Two for the Road,” and “Meggie’s Theme” from The Thorn Birds mini-series, among many others. I spoke with Ginny Mancini, Monica’s mother, who had a stint as a notable studio singer in her own right. “Monica is carrying on the tradition,” she said proudly.

The elegant affair – how could it be anything but elegant with Mancini’s music? – showcased the theater transformed into a sumptuous dinner palace with rectangular antique mirrored tables as well as tabletops covered in sheer silver crinkled silk. The all-white florals – roses, tulips, hydrangeas, and white lilacs – were spectacular, with bowls of floating gardenias the ultimate touch. Add to that four-foot crystal candelabra with real tapers and sparkling Lucite chairs, and guests were transported. Kudos to Sunny Ravanbach of White Lilac for the transformation! Kudos also to Patina Restaurant Group for the scrumptious dinner and to Heitz Cellars for the superb wines.

The live auction saw some wonderful offerings, with Philharmonic board member Dave Rosenberg walking off with two of the best – Philharmonic Society President and Artistic Director Dean Corey’s and his wife Kaley’s dinner for six in their home (billed as the last auction dinner offered by the gourmands before Dean’s retirement in 2014) and a superb wine trio including a 1986 Chateau Mouton Rothschild, 1985 Krug Champagne and a 1988 Chateau Y’Quem. Corporate Sponsor Mikimoto offered a gorgeous Akoya cultured pearl necklace, which was won by Philharmonic supporters Paul and Lilly Merage. The Fund a Need portion of the auction saw guests raise $67,500 for the the Philharmonic’s “Strike Up the Band!” program, whereby instruments are put into the hands of schoolchildren. Following the announcement by Dean that an anonymous donor had proposed a $1 million challenge grant that would match new and increased gifts through June, 2014 in honor of the Philharmonic Society’s approaching 60th anniversary year, guests jump started the campaign by bidding another $67,500.

Gala chairs Marsha Anderson and Marta Bhathal (a Mancini fan, it was her idea to do the tribute) headed an illustrious committee, including board chairman Sabra Bordas. Guests departed with a bottle of Heitz Cellar Sauvignon Blanc and an offer of 10% of anything purchased at Mikimoto South Coast Plaza before April 30th designated for the nonprofit. The bottom line? More than $175,000 was netted (excluding the challenge grant monies) to benefit the Philharmonic Society and its nationally recognized Youth Music Education programs. Hear! Hear!

Selected photos: Peggy O’Donnell

phil1-01phil2-01phil3-01phil4-01phil5-01

Huell’s Legacy

16 Saturday Mar 2013

Posted by in Event Coverage

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

huellI must say the tribute to the late Huell Howser at Chapman University, to whom he left his legacy, was a day I will always cherish. Huell was such a special man and a powerful presence in his unassuming way. God really blessed him with an amazing way of relating to people, as he did in every episode of his beloved California’s Gold television series.

The day, which Chapman titled, “A Golden Legacy: Celebrating the California’s Gold Collection and Scholarship Fund and the Huell Howser Television Archive,” was open to the public and saw an estimated 2,000 people visit the Chapman campus to honor this special man. Beginning in Memorial Hall, Chapman President Jim Doti brought tears to my eyes more than once as he spoke about Huell’s genuine enthusiasm for life and the world around him. Doti said Huell had discovered Chapman in 2007 when he had invited him to tour the campus after he had missed doing so after filming a California’s Gold segment in Old Towne Orange, “thus kindling a mutual love-fest between Huell and our university community,” Doti said. That bond, Doti continued, prompted many generous donations, including show memorabilia, papers, two houses (including Huell’s famous Volcano House near Barstow), his collection of “found objects,” and his tapes of his more than 900 episodes of California’s Gold. In a video filmed when Huell spoke at the university last year, he said, “When I first walked onto Chapman, it was an immediate transformational experience for me. I knew this is where I wanted to leave my legacy.”

Another generous gesture Huell made to Chapman was to establish a student endowment, and junior Mayra Gonzalez, the first in her family to attend college, was introduced by Doti as the first California’s Gold Scholarship recipient. Another touching moment was when Doti presented Huell’s posthumous honorary doctorate to the legendary broadcaster’s cameraman Luis Fuerte, who was with him for 12 years.

I found that Huell was a successful journalist before he came to live in California, fell in love with the state and decided to launch a television program lauding the Golden State. He was a former national correspondent for Entertainment Tonight and served high-profile stints as a TV reporter in New York City and Los Angeles. Interestingly, before his television career took off, he had been an aide to former Sen. Howard Baker, R-Tenn. But, it was California that won his heart, and many of the people he featured on those California’s Gold episodes attended the tribute to him at Chapman. The Hutton Sports Center drew people to meet Slater Barron, “The Lint Lady,” Bunny Museum proprietor Candace Frazee, whistling champ Carole Anne Kaufman, and the Soap Museum’s Dali Yu. Food samplings from Huell’s favorite eateries were offered, including Los Angeles’ iconic hot dog purveyor, Pink’s Hot Dogs, which featured a chili cheese dog called the “Huell Dog,” Village Pizzeria in LA, Stan’s Corner Donut Shop in Westwood (Huell’s favorite was the peanut butter stuffed donut), and Fosselman’s Ice Cream in Alhambra.

Guests could also tour Leatherby Libraries and see a re-creation of Huell’s office with his desk and editing bay and enjoy a display of memorabilia and fan gifts, as well as view pieces from his personal art collection he called “found-art” from his many travels. I must tell you, the day was cold and rainy, but it didn’t stop Huell’s many fans from standing in that long line outside the library.

It was also outdoors that I saw the “American,” a restored 1902 horse-drawn steam fire engine, sponsored by the California State Firefighters’ Association. I talked with Coto de Caza resident Dave Hubert, whose wife Barbara gave him the fire engine on their 25th anniversary, and he restored it with their son Mark. You’ve probably guessed by now that Huell came to Orange County and did a California’s Gold episode with the Huberts and the restored fire engine. I loved grabbing a photo with Dave and the fire engine’s Dalmatian, “Blaze.” And, I loved even more the saying on the side of the fire engine, “Have fun in Heaven, Huell. We are now expecting a program called ‘Heaven’s Gold.’” And, that, my friends, is the essence of this extraordinary man!

Selected photos from Huell Howser Productions and Chapman’s John Saade

howser1-01howser2-01howser3-01howser4-01

‘Friends, Fashion and Fun’ at CASA

14 Thursday Mar 2013

Posted by in Event Coverage

≈ Leave a Comment

Tags

, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

???????????

You’d be hard pressed to find a more fashionably dressed group of ladies than those gathered at Court Appointed Special Advocates’ (CASA) “Friends, Fashion and Fun” event at South Coast Plaza. The day started with a champagne reception at Jo Malone, where the store’s Account Executive Jeanina Esparza encouraged guests to try a spritz of the fragrance company’s featured scent for spring – Red Roses. Also popular was another featured scent for spring, Earl Grey and Cucumber, which was launched for a limited time a few years ago and sold out immediately. Brought back by popular demand, it is now part of the Jo Malone permanent collection.

The next stop was a delicious lunch at AnQi By Crustacean, where bare-chested models sold raffle tickets to very willing guests, and dancers from Asher Entertainment revved up the energy with some sexy Dancing with the Stars moves. Event co-chairs Lourdes Nark, Cathy Frandsen and Jeanina Esparza took center stage to welcome everyone, thank their committee members and announce CASA’s upcoming Celebration of Children Black & White Ball, scheduled for May 18th at the Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort. Frandsen, who is licensee and owner of MaxMara South Coast Plaza, announced that the ball’s goal was $1 million and that CASA supporter Damiani, represented by its Vice President Silvia Damiani, had committed $25,000 to the ball. She then announced that MaxMara would also commit $25,000 to the cause. Frandsen introduced three members of CASA’s executive committee, who she said were responsible for her joining CASA’s mission of helping break the cycle off child abuse through volunteer advocates, who speak up for children lost in the overburdened foster care system. The women she introduced are also CASA advocates and were Wendy Tenebaum, Britt Meyer and Carol Demorest. In closing, Frendsen said to everyone, “These kids would not have a voice without your support.”

A stunning fashion show followed on the restaurant’s glass runway, which ran the length of the restaurant, and featured fashions from MaxMara and the new Barbara Bui boutique. Barbara Bui’s General Manager Liz Tate and MaxMara’s West Coast Vice President Stacey Solomita introduced the show, which showcased a large black and white influence, neutrals and dashes of luscious color. Skirt lengths were mini to knee-length, pants were cropped, leather is still in the game, and prints impacted. A white Barbara Bui sheath with a deep V-neck outlined in a snake embellishment was a knock-out, and a MaxMara coral sheath with a chiffon drape took my breath away.

The opportunity prizes were quite the draw, with Heather Singarella winning the Jo Malone $750 beauty set and private party, while Tracy Schroeder won the AnQi crab dinner for four. The winner of the Barbara Bui “Moon” hot pink handbag, whose name was not recorded, was delighted, and a very surprised Lourdes Nark won the MaxMara Sportmax metallic blue suede “Dahlia” bag. Smiles abounded!

French Champagne and macaroons awaited guests at the Barbara Bui store for further shopping, and MaxMara’s sweet confections – loved the chocolate mousse!! – with fabulous coffee and tea put the final seal on the day. All three retailers generously offered 15% of the day’s sales to CASA, and AnQi’s COO Elizabeth An announced at lunch that any lunch or dinner through the following week would garner 15% for CASA.

Kudos to CASA’s Chief Development Officer Susan Kirkland for her efforts in the event’s success and to Linda Young’s Elite OC Productions, who was responsible for the concept and planning of the entire event.

Photos: Robert Rooks

casa1-01casa2-01casa3-01casa4-01casa5-01casa6-01

Follow

Get every new post delivered to your Inbox.

Join 80 other followers