Frenzy of fashion storms in

B.W. COOK

The Donna Karan spring collection took the crowd by storm last week

as Toby’s House, a residential care and counseling facility for

pregnant women, hosted a fashion show event of the line in from New

York. More than $45,000 was raised -- a record-breaker for Toby’s

House -- from a gathering of some 250 guests, many from the

Newport-Mesa community.

Newport’s chic Carmela Phillips, chairwoman of the dynamic

charitable group known as the Harvesters, supported the fashion

extravaganza at the St. Regis, Monarch Beach, along with fellow

Harvester Jana McGrath. Phillips and McGrath were joined by Kathryn

Glassmeyer, director of community relations for South Coast Plaza,

coordinating with Donna Karan New York, represented by Stuart

Winston.

The high-energy day included a big-time raffle, with tickets being

sold to the largely female audience by the handsome firemen of The

Orange County Fire Authority. Long-stemmed exotic calla lilies

adorned ecru-colored linen clad tables in the St. Regis ballroom. The

elegant creme-on-creme setting was a classy backdrop for a ladies’

affair aimed at assisting new mothers in need of help.

Kathleen Eaton, founder and executive director of Toby’s House,

was on hand to meet and greet the supportive crowd. Eaton was joined

by Margie Wakeham, executive director of Families Forward, and

Carolyn McInerney, assistant to O.C. Supervisor Tom Wilson, helping

to get out the Toby’s message.

Local ladies making a difference included Ali Woodard, credited

with much of the success of the event, Arlene Gahl, Deborah Larson,

Eva Harrison, Joan Hansen, Mary Raybun, Shelly Camera and Trisha

Juenemann.

Proceeds from the luncheon and fashion show, including money

raised through a lively auction, will assist Toby’s House providing

shelter, food and clothing to adult pregnant women in crisis.

Lana Chandler, representing Toby House, said, “At Toby’s House

residents are offered a comprehensive range of counseling services.

These services include baby and child care classes, childbirth

education and life skill guidance. Professional counseling is also

provided on a one-on-one basis.

“The women may stay through their nine months of pregnancy and

approximately six months after their children are born. Residents are

offered assistance in obtaining permanent housing, employment,

continued education and child care. Toby’s House is committed to

offering residents all the tools they need to become a self-reliant,

productive member of their community.”

For more information on Toby’s House, call Trisha Juenemann at

(949) 493-4551.

* THE CROWD appears Thursdays and Saturdays.