Surgeon Gen. Satcher visits Newport

Dr. David Satcher, the 16th surgeon general of the United States,

addressed Planned Parenthood at an annual event billed as “A Future

with Choice.”

Two hundred and fifty guests converged upon the Hyatt Newporter

for dinner and to hear the keynote address by Satcher, preceded by a

speech by Rep. Loretta Sanchez.

A national advocate of comprehensive sex education, Satcher has

served under former President Bill Clinton and President George W.

Bush.

His position, while controversial, stresses the importance of sex

education as a tool to prevent unintended pregnancies, as well as

sexually transmitted diseases in the adolescent population.

Jon Dunn, president and CEO of Planned Parenthood, joined

Newport-Mesa patrons including Susan Gimbel, David and Karla Fields,

Joanna Muir, and Martin and Elaine Weinberg, as well as corporate

sponsors PacifiCare and Churm Publishing.

Planned Parenthood’s annual Choice Award was bestowed upon

longtime supporters Teddie and Michael Ray.

ROOSTERS CROW

The Roosters’ Monte Carlo Night 2002 raised a smashing $260,000

for Orange County children’s charities.

Lorna Luft, the daughter of the late Judy Garland, returned to

Orange County for a second year to perform her dazzling nightclub act

as the centerpiece of the black-tie party that attracted more than

600 guests.

Proceeds from the evening, held at The Grove of Anaheim, will be

divided among a number of charities aimed at helping disadvantaged

children in the community.

Chaired by Michael Cipolla, the event was attended by singer Jana

Nordstrom, Sheriff Mike Corona, Rep. Christopher Cox and Deana

Martin, with husband John Griffeth.

Martin, who is the daughter of the late entertainer Dean Martin,

served as the evening’s honorary chair and mistress of ceremonies.

An emotional highlight of the evening included the presentation of

an American flag that was flown Sept. 11, 2002, in Washington, D.C.

to Gary Draper for his outstanding service to the Roosters’

organization. Draper is credited with raising more than $1 million

for the many charities involved.

OPERA BALL

The 20th Opera Ball, benefiting Opera Pacific, debuts tonight in

the Grand Ballroom of the Disneyland Hotel in Anaheim. The gala

celebration has been created around the theme of a Strauss waltz.

The counsel general of Austria, Peter Launsky-Tieffenthal, will

preside over the evening, along with Opera Ball chairwoman Donna

Bunce. Martin Hubbard, executive director of Opera Pacific, will join

artistic director John DeMain for a glamorous black- or white-tie

evening sponsored in part by Cartier.

Bunce reports that organizers have created a spectacular evening

that will transform the ballroom into a winter wonderland. Decor

chair Karen Elliott, working with cuisine co-chairs Cynthia Boragno

and Ruth Ann Evans, is busy making sure that the final touches are

perfect for tonight’s ball.

Opera Ball committee members include Electa Anderson, Laila

Conlin, Sandy Segerstrom Daniels, Ruth Ding, Catherine Emmi, Jacque

Heebner, Deborah Mars, Jeannie Moriarty, Susan Segerstrom Perry, Ann

Stern and Nancy Sorosky.

* THE CROWD appears Thursdays and Saturdays.