Supporting the Art of Dining

Harbor Island’s glamorous Debbie Simon will host the Art of Dining

XVI committee kick-off tea on Jan. 21 at her landmark neoclassic

French limestone mansion fronting Newport Harbor. The afternoon

reception will bring in the major supporters of the Orange County

Museum of Art, who are planning what is one of the most prestigious

social occasions of the year on the California Riviera.

In its 16-year history, Art of Dining has raised millions for the

museum and has gained a national reputation as a soiree with purpose.

The leading ladies and gentlemen in the community have fronted the

affair, attracting luminaries in the art world, the business

community and political and entertainment circles to the annual

party. The food, decor, ambience and the entertainment is always

original and first class.

The surprises for Art of Dining XVI will no doubt be unveiled at

Simon’s tea next week. To support Art of Dining, call Laurie McGahey

at the Orange County Museum of Art, (949) 759-1122.

BIG BROTHERS/BIG SISTERS

Tim Strader Jr. has been named president of the Orange County

chapter of Big Brothers/Big Sisters. Serving as a member of the board

of directors since 1995, Strader has been instrumental in assisting

Big Brothers/Big Sisters fund-raising through work as executive

committee vice president for a number of golf tournament

fund-raisers.

“Tim has increased our golf matches from 185 in 1995 to over 700 this year,” said Pat Williams, Big Brothers/Big Sisters executive

director. “He has also recruited very valuable board members to the

organization.”

Strader, the son of prominent local philanthropists Susan and Tim

Strader Sr., is a commercial real estate executive and Newport Beach

resident who believes “There are so many children out there who are

lacking the support of a caring adult and every child deserves a

positive role model.”

Strader is married to Camille and is the father of two boys,

Timothy III and Andrew.

PLANNED PARENTHOOD

Friends For Planned Parenthood will join forces Jan. 22 for a

winter luncheon commemorating the 30th anniversary of Roe vs. Wade.

The Pacific Club in Newport Beach will host the luncheon reception,

called “Don’t Let History Repeat Itself.”

Jon Dunn, president and CEO of Planned Parenthood, will discuss

the challenges facing citizens concerning reproductive rights in

America today. The featured speaker will be Terry Altweiss on the

subject of parents communicating with children about sexual issues.

Friends for Planned Parenthood is led by a steering committee that

includes locals Jackie Ballard, Pat Cox, Joann Larson, Phyllis

Wallace and Sandra Wright. For more information, please call Laura

Loustaunau at (714) 633-6373.

LOS AYUDANTES GOLF TOURNEY

Los Ayudantes, in association with City 60, an auxiliary of the

Children’s Museum of Orange County celebrated their 30th annual

gourmet dinner raising $40,000 for the organization. Los Ayudantes is

a group of men and women who have championed a number of charities

and a variety of causes over three decades in Orange County.

At the event were Newport-Mesa citizens Alex Parker, City 60 vice

president, Bob Cristiano, Los Ayudantes president, and Diana Tomei,

City 60 president.

* THE CROWD appears Thursdays and Saturdays.