Channels turn to benefit CHOC

“As The Channels Turn,” a musical romp through TV Land, will debut

March 14 for Children’s Hospital of Orange County. CHOC Follies VII,

executive produced by Newport’s Gloria “Ziegfield” Zigner will

present an “all-star local cast” making fun of the small screen.

Given the new reality craze hitting the airwaves, some of the old

shows look like Pulitzer material. Nevertheless, Zigner, in

association with Lois Augustine, John Vaughan, Doug Austin and Lee

Martino, will stage the benefit for children on March 14 and 15 at

the Grove of Anaheim. To reserve your tickets, call (714) 532-8690.

MIGHTY CHARITABLE ACT

They were all “ducked-out” for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation

dinner at the Hyatt Regency, Irvine. The Mighty Ducks of Anaheim

helped organizers raise in excess of $343,000 to fight cystic

fibrosis, and then served as celeb waiters to boot, delighting the

crowd of more than 500 locals.

Bob Waltos, in association with the Northwestern Mutual Financial

Network/The Waltos Group, was the title sponsor of the evening, as he

has been since inaugurating the fund-raiser for disease in 1999.

CELEBRATION OF CHILDREN

“Celebration of Children” scored a 10 for Court Appointed Special

Advocates. A black-tie gala last week at Newport’s Sutton Place

attracted a “dressed to impress” crowd intent on making a difference

for abused and neglected children facing the judicial system without

advocacy.

Kylie and Doug Hodge were honored as the 2003 Children’s Champions

for their generous support of CASA. Gary Vincent and Timothy Hay were

also honored, and Cathy and Maury Jacques were named Advocates of the

Year. The special corporate honoree and sponsor was State Farm

Insurance.

The evening attracted 380 guests and raised more than $300,000.

Spotted in the crowd were chairmen Fred Port and Chris Massey and

chairwoman Lucie Moore, along with dedicated volunteers John

O’Malley, Glen and Susan Schafer, Linda Port, Frances and Rich

Gadbois, Dee Ogawa from American Airlines, and Jack Griffith from

Deloitte and Touche.

Glamorous Newport Coast couple Bob and Marie St. John Gray added

their support to CASA, along with Lynn and Bruce Fetter, Lori and

Robert Cole, PIMCO’s Bill and Nancy Thompson, and Buzz and Julie

Howting.

* THE CROWD appears Thursdays and Saturdays.