Benefit for homeless nets large turnout

B.W. COOK

The Village Crean on Newport’s Back Bay hosted an annual dinner party

that raised $50,000 for the Mercy House, an organization dedicated to

Orange County’s homeless.

As a swing band entertained, more than 250 guests, friends and

family toasted the work of Mercy House over kind words from its

founder, Father Jerome T. Karcher. He attended the fundraiser with

his parents, Carl and Margaret Karcher of Carl’s Jr. fame. Also in

the crowd were Lisa Bist, Mike Garcia and Jose Solorio.

LAURA’S HOUSE

Max & Co., a fashion division of MaxMara, presented a fashion show

to benefit Laura’s House, a shelter for victims of domestic violence.

The recent holiday luncheon unfolded at the Montage in Laguna

Beach, with the Max & Co. models coming from the South Coast Plaza

MaxMara boutique, impressing local women with the individual designs

of the trend-setting line. The Laura’s House benefit attracted a

cross-section of active supporters dedicated to eradicating the

domestic violence in the community, as well as providing support for

victims and their families.

Orange County Superior Court Judge Pamela Iles was the honored

guest and speaker at the fashion luncheon. Iles has dedicated her

career to the prevention of domestic violence and child abuse.

DINNER DANCE

Plans are underway for the 14th annual Valentasia, a romantic

dinner dance benefiting Santa Margarita Catholic High School.

Chaired by Ann and Craig Rommel and Ginni and Kent Valley, the

event is set for Feb. 7 at the Balboa Bay Club & Resort in Newport

Beach.

Also supporting the affair are Rea Ansari, Jennifer Beck, Leah

Carroll, Tricia Donahue, Patty Hamilton, Karen Lynch, Cindy Newman

and LuAnn Wilson, to name only a few of the large, dedicated

volunteer committee planning the vintage clothing/black tie optional

party.

Dinner and dancing at the Bay Club to the impressive Jay Sterling

Orchestra will fill an evening highlighted by a live auction. All

funds raised are earmarked for new technology at the Catholic school.

For information and reservations, call (949) 766-6080.

* THE CROWD appears Thursdays and Saturdays.