The Crowd

B.W. Cook

Lanterns twinkled their candelabra-like electric glow in the dark early

evening. A bluster of wind off the Pacific Ocean sent arriving guests

dashing down the entrance walk of the handsome French-Mediterranean

estate on the Newport Main Channel. They had come to the home of Jeanette

Segerstrom, hostess and benefactor of the upcoming Children’s Hospital

Follies.

As the arriving crush entered the formidable double-front doors, Eve

Kornyei and Lana Chandler held arms outstretched. It was a time for warm

hugs and strong handshakes. The two blond community beacons were chairing

and assisting in the underwriting of the Segerstrom reception.

Also at the door was Jeanette’s daughter Sandy Daniels, another very

active CHOC volunteer and community activist. The big welcome was

certainly deserved. Donors arriving down the wind-swept walk had come

with checkbooks in hand, many volunteering $5,000 and more to support

Children’s Hospital and the follies production being created by local

public relations executive Gloria Zigner.

The midweek cocktail reception was charming and gracious. The crowd

attributed the warmth to Segerstrom, resplendent in a royal blue dinner

suit. Welcoming the gathering to her formal residence, newly constructed

in recent years and designed by the lady-in-residence, Segerstrom said,

“I don’t talk very well [as a result of a past illness], however I am so

happy to have all of you in my home for such a wonderful cause. Helping

children is simply the most important thing we can all participate in

together.”

More than 100 handsome guests applauded as the dinner was served.

Actually, the affair was not a dinner party, per se. However, the

Segerstrom table was overflowing with magnificent food prepared by Alan

Greely of Newport’s Golden Truffle. Platters of cheese and fruit,

seafood, and exquisite gourmet tortes were enjoyed by one and all.

Cocktails accompanied the buffet, served on the bay front terrace under

the protection of a white tent with clear panels rolled down to afford

all the nighttime maritime view. Many commented on the romantic

atmosphere of the home as they enjoyed the food, wine and the

conversation at tables on the terrace.

Suddenly, the serene atmosphere was accentuated by a few chosen words

from Zigner and CHOC Follies co-chairs Leslie Cancellieri and Michael

Cipolla. Then, it was time to sing.

Stepping up to the black, glossy grand piano in the Segerstrom living

room, Mia Maffei was first to show off her vocal ability. Michael Cipolla

joined the musical review, as did Rick Reiff and a host of other talented

locals who love music and the follies.

Sheriff Mike Corona was in the crowd, along with Supervisors Tom Wilson,

Todd Spitzer, Cynthia Coad and Chuck Smith. John Vaughn, director of the

follies, gushed as he told the crowd how much he loved his job.

“I visited the hospital, saw the children, met the people behind the

follies and quietly asked God to give me this job,” said Vaughn, now in

his fourth year as director of the event, which has raised more than

$500,000 for the hospital.

Zigner chuckled when she hears that Vaughn asked God for the job. Maybe

God had his hand in the hiring: “I know that we’re thrilled to have him,”

she said as the crowd applauded the affable Vaughn.

This year’s production is being billed, “Fabulous Fables and Twisted

Tales” and it will debut March 31.

Follies sponsorship chairs include Linda Grace Kearns, Chad Kearns and

Richard Wordes. On hand for the Segerstrom underwriting party were Paul

and Cathy Cimoch, Jerry and Maralou Harrington, Meldrim Burrill, Larry

and Myra Kirschenbaum, Richard and Avonelle Kone, Stan Hanson, Jay and

Barbara Magness, Tom and Debbie Newmeyer, Sandy and Harriet Sandhu,

Arthur Voss, Ann Stern, Pam Young, Len and Madeline Zuckerman and

Kathleen Green.

A perfect evening to launch a wonderful community project.* B.W. COOK’S

column appears Thursdays and Saturdays.