Giving money for a rosy future

B.W. COOK

It was a magical evening filled with hope. The 21st annual gala

benefiting the Cystic Fibrosis Guild of Southern California netted in

excess of $324,000 to fund research and services for those afflicted.

Super-dedicated organizers, including the guild’s board president

Sue Hook and husband Dave Hook of Newport Beach, arranged for two

songwriters from Nashville, Dean Dillon and Aaron Barker, to fly in

and perform their song “65 Roses” for the crowd. Why? Because

afflicted children often pronounce Cystic Fibrosis ... 65 Roses.

Tears ran down cheeks in the audience of black-tie attired supporters

in the ballroom of Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel in Anaheim.

Hosted by radio personality Shawn Parr, the evening was a mix of

celebrity and sentiment. Mackenzie Rosman, a young actress who plays

“Ruthie” on the popular television series “7th Heaven” took the stage

to help Parr with the auction. Rosman’s stepsister Katelyn Salmont

suffers from the disease. Parr and Rosman auctioned off a visit to

the set of “7th Heaven,” sparking a frenzy of support. The winning

bid of $5,500 came from Valerie Torelli and her husband Bob Aronson.

A strong showing of support from the Newport-Mesa community

contributed to the success of the event. Working with gala chair Sue

Hook were Gail Isen, Catherine Griffin, Myra Ross, Carol Kanofsky and

Anne Butcher. Charlene Goetz and Debbie Hambright brought in major

auction gifts with Cindy Gotoski and Mary Zollman handling raffle

duties. Additional kudos to Diane Stovall, Karen Hall and Dean

Gerrie, who were in charge of the party design.

This year’s event paid special tribute to Ron and Pat Harris for

their extraordinary support of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. The

couple received the Breath of Life Award for years of volunteer

service, coupled with a financial commitment that has helped make a

difference in the lives of young people fighting the disease.

“Forty percent of young people fighting CF now live over 18 years,

and the average life expectancy is now 33.4 years,” Sue Hook said.

“Funding from events such as this one and support from people like

Ron and Pat Harris, honored here this evening, are pushing the

research model. There is an exciting clinical trial in the works

coming up on a drug called Curcumin that will hopefully produce good

news.”

For many in the crowd, hope is a powerful word. With children

suffering from a disease that clogs the lungs, keeping organs from

properly functioning and eventually leading to fatal lung infection

-- new drugs are of vital importance. It was an evening to share

personal experiences and to bond together in the fight.

One shining star of the night was Stacy Motenko, who recently

graduated high school and is heading off to college. The beautiful

young woman addressed the crowd, updating the community on her

progress and battle with the disease. The room was full of love and

support for Stacy.

Among those honoring Stacy and the evening for Cystic Fibrosis

were Diane and Art Fulman, Vern and Diane Hoffenberg, Bob and Nancy

Myers, Shelly and Darlene Hoffenberg, Helene and Milt Wagner, Art and

Robin Rosen, Jeff and Robin Gormin, Pat and Martin Brody, Ed and

Dixie Arnold, Pat Hitchcock O’Connell, Don and Becky Baylor, Ron

Levenson, Don and Mary Louise Brisbin, Barbi and Fred Tesch, Cheryl

and Howard Altman, Carol and Myron Kanoksky and Seymour Berkowitz.

P.S. Attention Newport Harbor High Grads of ‘72-’75! It’s time for

your 30th (plus and minus) reunion. A no-host cocktail party is

planned at the Cannery at 6 p.m. Friday, and the big event will take

place at 6 p.m. Saturday at the Balboa Bay Club and Resort, Newport

Beach. You won’t want to miss seeing all the old gang and listening

to the music of HONK.

Now, does that take you back? For more information and ticket

information, go to www.thirtyplusone.net.

* THE CROWD appears Thursdays and Saturdays.