The Crowd -- B.W. Cook
Angelitos de Oro, one of the longest sustaining charitable
organizations in Orange County, gathered its considerable human resources
for a spring luncheon and confab at the Center Club in Costa Mesa.
Angelitos supports Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Orange County. The group,
which numbers only 50 members by charter, is a powerful community force
that has been working quietly behind the scenes for more than four
decades.
The annual meeting and luncheon actually celebrated 40 years of
community service from women who have formed a close-knit bond with the
region, and with one another. Most importantly, their fund-raising has
enabled countless young people to experience the positive influence of a
mentor in their lives, broadening opportunities, expanding horizons and
opening doors once closed.
Addressing the luncheon crowd was outgoing Angelitos President Patty
Sue Glasgow. Introductions were made, dating back 40 years, of all the
presidents of the group, many of whom were in attendance, including the
beautiful Patricia Groth, who sadly lost her distinguished husband, Jack,
only two weeks ago.
Patricia and Jack were a couple who represented the very best of
Orange County. Transplants from the East Coast, together they were quiet
supporters of many worthwhile endeavors, never seeking recognition or the
limelight for their goodwill.
Jack Groth was a fine man whose presence will be missed in the
community. Patricia will carry on with his spirit in her heart, helping
to make a difference as they once did together. She was surrounded by
friends and supporters, including Beverly Ray, Marilyn Wooten, Gigi
Spragins, Darby Manclark, Judy Threshie, Arden Flamson, Catherine Thyen,
Hope Carroll and Billur Wallerich.
Another of the distinguished Angelitos alumni in the crowd was Helen
Starling. The incoming president of Angelitos, Carolyn Garrett, welcomed
old friends to the gathering, which was highlighted by two touching
speeches by a big brother and a big sister working within the program in
Orange County.
The Angelitos de Oro has raised and donated more than $2 million in
support of Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Orange County.
* * *
The American Heart Assn., fighting heart disease and stroke, produced
a spectacular Orange County gala raising an impressive $350,000 to fight
America’s No. 1 killer, heart disease.
They called the affair, appropriately, “And The Beat Goes On,” as the
black-tie crowd turned out in force at the Hyatt in Irvine for the event
chaired by the dedicated Heidi Miller.
Working with a cross-section of community and corporate volunteers and
sponsors, including PacificCare, Tenet Health system, Pfizer, Hoag
Hospital, Kaiser Permanente, Pricewaterhouse Coopers LLP, House of
Imports, and John and Donna Crean, Miller and her committee produced a
disco theme night on the Orange Coast.
With additional support from American Heart Assn. advocates Patrice
Poidmore, Riva Gebel, Shelly Profenius, Wendy Kuran, Harriet Wieder,
David Wooten, Jeffrey Kaylor, Samuel Goldstein, Peter Lawrence and Robert
Greenberg, the evening was dedicated to saving lives.
* * *
Another of the small, yet powerful and hard-working, local charitable
groups, 44 Women for Children, which supports Orangewood Children’s
Foundation, held major events this month, including sponsoring a rock
concert at the Arrowhead Pond that featured Newport Beach’s Sugar Ray.
The Calling, which has held the No. 1 position on the pop charts for
weeks, shared the stage with the talent of veteran Pat Benatar. Before
the show, some 200 supporters of the Orangewood Foundation for Children
gathered at the Wet Seal store in South Coast Plaza to “rock the plaza”
as a thank-you for the sponsors of the major rock concert that organizers
billed as “Bringin’ It Home 4 Orangewood Kids.”
The cocktail reception was hosted by Wet Seal and South Coast Plaza,
represented by Billur Wallerich. Forty-four Women For Children is chaired
by Susan Samueli, with able support from Vice Chairwoman Sally Clark and
committee members Mary Barth, Keri Doyle, Diane Coon, Betsy Flint, Susan
Kinsey, Barbara Knapp, Regina Manian, Carolyn McInerney, Elsa Martinez
Phillips, Nancy Vos and Sherri Winkler.
* THE CROWD appears Thursdays and Saturdays.
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