The Crowd -- B.W. Cook

The formation of the Orange County Literary Society, a chapter of the

nonprofit California Literary and Prologue Society, was announced

recently in Newport Beach. The Orange County Literary Society is

co-sponsored by Northern Trust Bank, KOCE-TV and a host of other

responsible businesses in the community with the goal of promoting

interest in and awareness of contemporary literature.

The society will sponsor readings, presentations and personal

appearances of noted authors. Betty Mower, president of Northern Trust

Region commented, “The primary intent of the Literary Society is to raise

funds through annual membership dues to promote literacy in this

community as well as work with local schools.’

Mower continued, “Students from local schools are invited to attend

each literary luncheon, which includes hands-on time with the featured

author.”

The program is part of Northern Trust’s corporate philosophy of giving

back to the community. Mower has called upon local activists including

philanthropist Joann Leatherby to assist the volunteer board to promote

the literary society.

Michael Cunningham, author of “The Hours,” will appear Jan. 9 at

Northern Trust’s Newport Beach office in Fashion Island, to discuss his

work. “The Hours,” named after Virginia Woolf’s early working title for

“Mrs. Dalloway,” weaves several tales dealing with a single day in the

lives of Cunningham’s characters.

This session follows a November meeting of the Literary Society that

featured Carl Sferrazza Anthony, who addressed the local crowd on his

newest book, “The Kennedy White House: Family Life and Pictures

1961-1963.” Previously, famed author Mary Higgins Clark was on the roster

and organizers are promising an impressive list of speakers for the

coming year.

Creme de la Creme Catering joins the cause, serving their fine

culinary presentation in conjunction with each program. For more

information on supporting the Orange County Literary Society, please call

Mary Cook at (949) 717-5558.

* * *

Jennifer Norton reports that the Orangewood Children’s Foundation

raised $240,000 at the recent annual Orange Blossom Ball. The gala

benefits Orange County’s abused and neglected children through the

efforts of the long-standing and much-respected Orangewood Children’s

Foundation.

The recent event, attended by more than 550 local guests, celebrated

the 20th anniversary of community giving. Founding chairman Gen. William

Lyon was honored at the nostalgic evening presentation along with fellow

Orangewood founders, including Supervisor William Steiner, Christianne

D’Ambrosio, Tom Powell and Dale Paisley.

Community activist Patricia Poss, an Orangewood Foundation board

member, chaired the evening with support from Patti and Jim Edwards, John

and Merry Hagested, Eric and Shirley Pepys, Alex and Deborah Borjas,

Donna Phelps, and newswoman Vikki Vargas.

* * *

Balboa Pavilion was the perfect setting for the Hoag Hospital 552 Club

Juniors’ party. The 552 Club Juniors, a wing of the very involved 552

Club in support of Hoag Hospital, is comprised of young adults ages 21 to

39 also dedicated to this very important community trust.

The 552 Club Juniors holiday party has become an annual tradition on

the Orange Coast bringing together hundreds of young professionals both

single and married, paying $55 per person to toast the holiday spirit and

to do some good for Hoag. Funds raised this year will benefit the new

Women’s Pavilion, a major undertaking set to break ground in the not too

distant future.

Holiday revelers enjoyed the Balboa Pavilion buffet, the music of Blue

Machine, a silent and live auction and an awards presentation honoring

many of the young people for their continued support of the hospital. To

find out more about the 552 Club Juniors, call Kelly Smith at (949)

760-5921.

* THE CROWD appears Thursdays and Saturdays.