Coming together in support of the arts

Four dedicated Newport women -- chairwoman Janet Ray, Vesta Curry,

Nora Jorgenson Johnson and Elizabeth Vincent -- attracted more than

700 local guests in support of the Orange County High School of the

Arts.

The annual gala, which unfolded last week at the Hyatt Regency

Huntington Beach Resort, was billed as “The Roaring ‘20s and All That

Jazz.” The evening netted in excess of $300,000, which will be used

by the Orange County High School of the Arts to support its

conservatory programs.

The black-tie gala evening began with an underwriter’s cocktail

reception that attracted benefactors John and Sandy Daniels, Blakney

Boggs, Jim Lewis and Peggy and Rick Stephens.

As the crush arrived, they were introduced to an auction that

included more than 300 items gathered by dedicated moms and dads of

OCHSA students. The auction fever continued after dinner with a live

auction helping to bring in additional funds.

The “Roaring ‘20s” theme came from an original production written

and directed by the school’s artistic director, Susan Egan, a former

Broadway actress. A major finale paid a musical tribute to American

composer Irving Berlin.

Now in its 16th year, the Orange County High School of the Arts

attracts students from all over Southern California providing a

unique atmosphere for the development of promising young artists and

performers.

Prominent members of Newport-Mesa society supporting the gala were

Donna and Ronald Phelps, Madeline and Len Zuckerman, Grace and Brad

Ellis, Katrina and Tony Wong, Elva and James Copeland, Sally

Crockett, Laurence Eisenberg, Mike Gordon, Ken and Lida Gerenraich,

Craig Ferniss, Mike Mekjain, Martha Newkirk and Kate and Jay St.

Clair.

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South Coast Plaza and St. John Knits presented the annual fashion

show and luncheon in support of the Guilds of the Orange County

Performing Arts Center.

The 25th annual celebration held at the Hyatt Regency Irvine

brought together some 800 guests donating $125 per ticket and more in

support of the most significant aspect of Orange County’s cultural

life, the Performing Arts Center.

The striking Patrice Poidmore served as the chairman for the

fashion show and luncheon, which opened with a late morning reception

and continued with a spectacular runway show featuring the spring

2003 collection of St. John.

Among the classic knit fashions displayed were a selection of

Capri pants fashioned out of soft white shimmer fabric. Another

feminine eye-catcher were the flowing chiffon pants, which received

applause from ladies in the audience.

The ruffle was very much a part of the 2003 line being used as the

trim on a full-length coat along with blouses, skirts and pants. The

colors of the St. John season include vibrant coral, soft sea breeze

celadon, plenty of black and white and a touch of twilight pink.

Dignitaries in the crowd included founding Center Chairman Henry

Segerstrom, Center President Jerry Mandel and Gerrie Goodreau,

chairman of the Guilds of the Center.

A major part of the event included the introduction of the past 25

years of chairmen emeriti. To the applause of the sizable crowd, the

ladies were introduced and formed their own impressive lineup. The

honored in attendance included Betty Belden-Palmer, Carol Wilken,

Patricia Rowley Robertson, Joann Boswell, Ciel Woodman, Shari

Esayian, Janice Johnson, Fiona Tudor, Marlene Short, Sue Feldman,

Janette Kleist, Diana Conner, Micky Shannon-West and Patrice

Poidmore.

The Guilds of the Center comprise nearly 2,000 members in 33

chapters. They were the first, and remain the largest support group

of the Orange County Performing Arts Center.

Supporting Poidmore in creating the successful event were

dedicated committee members Shari Esayian, Betty Beldon-Palmer, Carol

Wilken and Ciel Woodman, to name a few.

Spotted in the crowd were Rita Gunkel, Joan Williams, Reta

Hawkins, Janie Kingsley, Joyce Urone, Louise McClintock, Mary Lou

Coleman, Lyla Rogers, Anne Neish, Judy Kelley, Linda Bourne, Theo

Slack and Diane Cruzen.

* THE CROWD runs Thursdays and Saturdays.