The Crowd

B.W. Cook

Henry Segerstrom has been named chairman of the Business Committee for

the Arts, a national nonprofit organization founded in 1967 by David

Rockefeller.

The mission of the organization is to unite community business forces

with cultural objectives. The results of this effort, over the past 30

years across America, are staggering. In financial terms, the committee

raised some $27 million from business donors in 1967. The present level

of monetary involvement tops $1.16 billion.

Segerstrom is the second individual from the West Coast to head the

organization. Robert O. Anderson, former chairman of Atlantic Richfield

Co., was at the helm from 1970 to 1972.

It is not the fact that Segerstrom is a Californian that matters. What is

notable is Segerstrom’s very passionate commitment to culture in the

Orange County region. This is abusinessman who knows that the positive

future of this community largely depends on the investment we make in the

arts, performing and visual.

Judith Jedlicka, president of the committee, said, “Segerstrom’s ability

to convey to other business leaders how essential the arts are to

recruiting and retaining employees, the educational achievement of

children, and attracting new business, conferences and tourism to the

area, will greatly enhance BCA’s efforts to build partnerships between

business and the arts throughout the country.”

Locally, the BCA is headed by the dedicated Betty Moss, who has worked

for many years to foster business participation in the local cultural

scene.

Recently, Henry and Renee Segerstrom joined Moss and several hundred

local leaders for the annual Orange County BCA dinner and awards ceremony

held at the Newport Marriott Hotel and the Ritz Restaurant.

*

Ronna Shipman, Newport Coast resident and Orange County activist, has

been honored with The Salvation Army’s 1999 Spirit of Giving Award. A

recent January confab of The Salvation Army Advisory Board found Warren

Johnson, assistant Orange County coordinator for The Salvation Army,

presenting the award to Shipman, “for her efforts to aid in the cause of

caring for the needs of the low-income and disadvantaged people in Orange

County.”

“Shipman’s personal support of those in need in Orange County over the

years is unmatched,” Johnson said.

*

And speaking of unmatched commitment, Hoag Hospital will honor Patti and

Jim Edwards at the annual Sweetheart Ball on Feb. 12. The 552 Club, in

support of Hoag, will produce this 10th annual Valentine event once again

at the tony Four Seasons Hotel, Newport Beach.

The $500 per couple dinner dance will raise funds for the Hoag Heart

Institute, the hospital’s cardiac program. For more information, call

(949) 574-7208.

*

On the same evening, another significantly romantic event will unfold at

the Balboa Bay Club, Newport Beach. The Sound of Music Chapter of the

Guilds of The Orange County Performing Arts Center will throw their “Love

and Romance” Valentine’s Ball.

The evening will be chaired by Kelly Hague with major underwriting for

the evening coming from the Edward Crocketts, the John Hagues and Diane

Palumbo. Organizer Patsy Marshall reports that the evening will feature

an “out of this world” silent auction, with opportunities including trips

on private jets to worldwide destinations of choice.

Sound of Music patrons include Harriet and Sandy Sandhu, Arthur Voss,

Jodi and Martin Greenbaum, Ann and Mike Howard, Eve Foussard, Dennis and

Joanne Schwary, Stan Hanson and Eve Kornyei.

For more information on love and romance, Sound of Music style, call

Marshall at (949) 720-0334.