The Crowd: Women with 20/20 vision

The elegant Langham Huntington hotel in Pasadena welcomed some 300 lovely ladies for the 37th annual Luminaires benefit luncheon on behalf of the Doheny Eye Institute.

Among the crowd, dressed in pastel shades of spring, was a contingent of Orange Coasters, including Ollie Raydos Lynn, Caroline Kinkle, June Teal and Marilyn Roberts. Also front and center for Doheny were Barbara Barnes, Gail Titus, Winnie Reitnouer and Rary Simmons.

Co-chaired by Shirley Goldsmith and Suzanne Sposato, the afternoon at the Langham was billed as “Hollywood Revisited.” The committee created a marvelous video and live performance showcasing vintage costumes combined with the music of legendary films to set the appropriate tone.

The ballroom was dressed in black, white and gold, with floral centerpieces of white calla lilies and white hydrangeas rising out of tall, clear vases.

Following a luncheon featuring a duet of grilled salmon and a medallion of beef, guests were treated to a musical review of “old Holly glamour” produced by Greg Schreiner. The wardrobe creations of legendary stylists such as Edith Head, Adrian, Walter Plunkett, Irene and Helen Rose were featured to the delight of the audience.

Formed in 1975, the Luminaires were first led by president Mary Crary. Today, Lucy Hilands leads the organization, which raised an impressive $80,000 at the recent spring luncheon. Funds will assist the Doheny Eye Institute in its ongoing work in “restoring, preserving, and improving human eyesight through vision research and ophthalmic services.”

Doheny VIPs in attendance included Dr. John Irvine, Dr. Alfredo Sadun, Dr. Neda Shamie and Dr. Rohit Varma. Also in the crowd were Mary Cooper, Niki Nikias, wife of USC President Max Nikias, Anne Ryan, wife of Dr. Stephen Ryan, president of the Doheny Eye Institute, Marissa Goldberg, Anna Ganahl and Kathleen Duncan.

THE CROWD runs Thursdays and Saturdays. B.W. Cook is editor of the Bay Window, the official publication of the Balboa Bay Club in Newport Beach.