A night under the starlight

B.W. COOK

The perfect early summer evening under the stars unfolded at Fashion

Island, and they appropriately called it “Ferragosto.”

Named after a traditional Italian summer festival, Ferragosto

Fashion Island on June 5 was all about raising funds to support the

Orange County Chapter of Childhelp USA. Hosted once again by the

generous Stefano Albano of Tutto Mare restaurant, the crowd was

presented with an out-of-this-world feast of Italian delicacies.

Fabulous grilled meats and fish were offered along with every

imaginable side dish. Party revelers strolled the outdoor festival,

sampling foods, examining auction items and dancing to the lively

Motown music which had the crowd moving to the “temptation” beat.

This was the 11th annual Ferragosto for Childhelp, co-chaired this

season by Debra Violette and Rene Leeson. Once again, the most

generous Newport couple, Anwar and Mary Ellen Soliman, were named

honorary co-chairs for their underwriting support of the evening and

of Childhelp USA in general.

Major support for the affair, as well as hours of volunteer time

to plan it, came from Christine Bren, Pam Butler, Kim Doud, Patti

Edwards, Lindah Miles, Carol Packard, Pam Pharris and Eileen Saul.

Additional kudos to Jana Shuler, Nancy Whitlock, Susan Whitlock and

Julie Whittington.

* THE CROWD appears Thursdays and Saturdays.