Spring into fundraising spring

B.W. COOK

They called it “Spring into Spring,” a special afternoon at the

Balboa Bay Club and Resort that filled the grand ballroom with guests

in support of the Assistance League of Newport-Mesa. The annual

luncheon welcomed Marni Nixon, “the voice of Hollywood,” sharing

showbiz “insider” stories of her career as a voice-over artist and

singer dubbing in vocals for such stars as Audrey Hepburn in the

classic musical film “My Fair Lady.”

Costa Mesa’s Corinne Black, a longtime devotee of the league,

served as special events chair for the affair, which raised an

impressive $68,000. Funds will be donated to Assistance League

projects in the community. Also on hand to welcome the crowd was Jean

Loomis, president of the Assistance League of Newport-Mesa.

The Balboa Performing Arts Theatre Foundation held a reception at

the MJW Gallery in support of the Balboa Theatre renovation. Mark and

Claudia Roxburgh Tyson hosted “cocktails at the gallery” welcoming

the local crowd including Nancy Gardner, Sharyn and Peter Buffa and

Mary Lonich, executive director of the Balboa Performing Arts Theatre

Foundation.

A gala opening party introduced the community to the 2004

Philharmonic House of Design. More than 200 guests toured the

European-style estate in Nellie Gail Ranch, an equestrian area of

Laguna Hills. Organized by a cross-section of Orange County support,

including designer Marianne Kreter of Newport Beach, the opening

night tour was followed by a glamorous patron’s dinner at the St.

Regis Monarch Beach Resort. The overall opening event was coordinated

by the Coto de Caza Committee of the Philharmonic Society with Susan

Di Lauro and Susie Tierney at the helm. Other prominent Newport-Mesa

citizens supporting the effort were Shirlee Pruitt and Sabra Bordas.

For information on the House of Design, which runs through May 25,

call (714) 840-7542.

* THE CROWD appears Thursdays and Saturdays.