Festival of children was a success

B.W. COOK

The second annual Festival of Children, held in association with

South Coast Plaza and chaired by Sandra Segerstrom Daniels, ended its

monthlong run this week in Costa Mesa. The event was a tribute to

Orange County’s concern for the well-being of its youngest citizens.

Significant funds were raised benefiting a cross-section of

children’s charities such as Children’s Hospital of Orange County,

Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric Aids Foundation, Make-A-Wish Foundation,

Special Olympics, Newport Sports Museum and the Boys and Girls Club.

Perhaps most importantly, the series of events sent a strong

message to both young and old about human values: respect, dignity

and sharing. Seminars were held on subjects of health, wellness,

education, sports, literacy, arts, entertainment and safety.

And plenty of celebs were made part of the fun. Among the high and

the mighty participating were U.S. Olympians John Macready and Tasha

Schwikert. Former California Angel and Baltimore Oriole Bobby Grich

joined the celebration, as did Sam Bam Cunningham of the New England

Patriots and Rod Carew, another former California Angel.

Former Los Angeles Rams players Ron Brown and Leroy Irvin were on

hand, as was Kim Anderson, a former Indianapolis Colt. Recording

artist Christopher Cross and Tami Nichole Farrell, Miss Teen USA

2003, also participated.

In addition to South Coast Plaza, the events were sponsored by

CHOC, Disneyland, Volvo, KOCE-TV. Arrowhead Pond, Borders, Amtrack,

and Cox Media.

A VIP reception attended by some 1,000 local guests, held in a

tent adjacent to South Coast Plaza kicked off the celebration,

underwritten by BVLGARI and Ermenegildo Zegna.

* THE CROWD appears Thursdays and Saturdays.