The Crowd -- B.W. Cook
Lovers and strangers came together in celebration for Valentine’s Day.
More than 200 guests filled the waterfront dining room of the Bahia
Corinthian Yacht Club in Corona del Mar for a valentine supper of stuffed
Cornish game hen and filet of sole. Toasts and tributes were made to both
newlyweds and longtime lovers celebrating with generations of family
members in attendance.
One of Newport Beach’s most philanthropic residents, Jim Emmi,
escorted his wife, Catherine, joining Al and Tally Penhall, Joe and Joyce
Ursino, Steve and Jan Sutherlan, Gary and Sharon Grimes, and Barry and
Nancy Levy. Good wishes were sent to Don Cole and Judy Gmur on the
announcement of their engagement. Also in the Valentine’s evening crowd
were Dr. Carolyn Hardy, Jim Kerrigan, Aida Hobson and Dave Lamb.
* * * *
The prestigious Walter Knott Service Awards, in conjunction with
Goodwill Industries of Orange County, were presented to three most
deserving residents whose lives exemplify the Walter Knott spirit of
service to community. At a sold-out luncheon recently, Rex Hudler,
Anaheim Angeles sports broadcaster and former member of the Philadelphia
Phillies; Diana Schuur, two time Grammy Award-winning jazz vocalist; and
Dan Keplinger, artist, were recognized by the greater Orange County
community.
Hudler, whose son Cade lives with Down syndrome, has become a national
advocate for people with disabilities. Schuur, blind since birth, is
known for her dedication to those facing a world of darkness. Keplinger,
who starred in the Academy Award-winning documentary “King Gimp,” has
become widely recognized for his art and service to community. Goodwill
Industries’ Denise Desmond commented: “These individuals are leading the
way for people with disabilities. They make the world a better place for
all of us.”
Walter Knott, the Orange County pioneer who, with his wife, founded
Knott’s Berry Farm, devoted his time and resources to improving the
Orange County standard of living. Goodwill Industries was among his
favorite endeavors, and his spirit is exemplified by its mission
statement: “Goodwill Industries of Orange County provides people with
disabilities the opportunity to achieve their highest level of personal
and economic independence.”
The awards were sponsored by Russell and Mildred Knott, Rogers and
Barbara Severson, Richard Cole, R. William Buster, Doy Henley, Alexander
Nalle, Betty Belden Palmer, Parker Kennedy and John Ward.
* * * *
The American Heart Assn.’s 21st annual Heart to Heart Gala, chaired by
Heidi Miller, will take place May 10 at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in
Irvine. Organizer Patrice Poidmore and the heart committee are calling
the event “And The Beat Goes On.”
The American Heart Assn.’s Heart to Heart Gala will be a black-tie
evening bringing together both the corporate world and local society for
an evening of dining, dancing, fund-raising and entertainment. Poidmore
reports that the evening, with tickets selling at $300 per person and up,
will direct proceeds to fund research, education and community services
aimed at preventing heart disease and strokes.
The popular local bandleader Wayne Foster is set to provide the music.
Reservations are available by calling (949) 856-3555.
* THE CROWD appears Thursdays and Saturdays.
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