An edgy, fashionable fundraiser

B.W. COOK

The Donna Karan collection dazzled the ladies of O.C. at the recent

annual fashion luncheon on behalf of the Guilds of the Orange County

Performing Arts Center.

A full house of 550 well-dressed patrons of the performing arts

converged at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Irvine to celebrate spring

and toast some 2,000 guild members in eight regions of the county,

comprising 33 incredible chapters of support.

“The guilds are vital to the center, their contribution is

significant,” center president Jerry Mandel said. “Without their

financial support and creative input, the center would be at a

tremendous disadvantage. They make a major difference.”

Guilds president Bev Sandelman was on hand to greet the crowd.

Expressing heartfelt thanks to South Coast Plaza and the Donna Karan

Boutique for their underwriting, Sandelman said, “We feel that this

participation confirms the prestige, respect and importance that the

center and Orange County commands throughout the country, not only in

the realm of the performing arts, but also as an influential player

in the world of business and style.”

The fashion show luncheon, with tickets selling for $125 per

person, was chaired by Linda Thauer and Patrice Poidmore, director of

special events for the center. The event raised $65,000. Following a

festive late morning “meet and greet” reception, guests entered the

Hyatt ballroom for the edgy fashion show followed by luncheon.

The annual event is a time for old friends and new to enjoy the

common purpose of supporting the expanding role of the performing

arts in Orange County. Sandelman’s grand statement was correct. The

center has gained national attention as part of the burgeoning

reputation of a community that has transformed from lima bean fields

to a world-class center of finance, tourism, retail and the epitome

of the 21st century American lifestyle. Meanwhile, the center

expansion continues on target, with the recent announcement that

Elizabeth Segerstrom, wife of Henry Segerstrom, will chair the gala

opening of the new concert hall and other expanded facilities in

2006.

* THE CROWD appears Thursdays and Saturdays.