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.