Big Kahunas come out for the children

B.W. COOK

Everyone there was a big Kahuna.

More than 400 hula-attired Newport-Mesa folks converged on the

Hyatt Newporter for the annual Crean Clambake. Co-chaired by three

Newport gals with maximum aloha spirit -- Peggy Goldwater Clay, Lana

Chandler and Eve Kornyei -- the summer evening by the tropical Hyatt

pool was another winner for the Children’s Bureau of Orange County.

Netting more than $141,000 for the children serviced by the

abuse-prevention and treatment agency, the party kicked off with a

major martini bar hosted by Grey Goose Vodka. The crowd examined a

silent auction at sunset, sipping ‘tinis and chatting up friends.

Across the pool, which was filled with fabulous floating balloons

flowers and candles, Tom Thumb and the Hitchhikers played rock n’

roll (not too Hawaiian) and the flower-laden patrons danced the night

away before, during and after dinner.

A succulent lobster buffet was presented by the Hyatt, including

an array of salads and even grilled Hawaiian chicken to add to the

culinary choices. Table favors were generously donated by fashion

purveyors Thierry Mugler and L’Oreal. Working the outdoor room were

Children’s Bureau event committee members Shari Ciko, Jennifer

Condas, Sarah Corrigan, Nancy Dahl, Yolanda De La Paz, Jackie

Dorrance, Margaret Kirby, Heather Klein, Barbara Magness, Darby

Manclark, Kris Mauger, Beth Shields, Missy Stern, Irene Tomkinson and

Maureen Zehntner.

Donna Crean founded the OC Chapter of The Children’s Bureau in

1992. With roots in Los Angeles, it is one of the oldest non-profits

in Southern California, dating back more than a century. In addition

to the generosity of founders Donna and John Crean, underwriting for

the event came from a wide cross section of private and business

support. Some deserving mentions are South Coast Plaza, Washington

Mutual Commercial Banking, the Disneyland Resort, PacifiCare,

Comerica Bank, Sodexho, Union Bank, AcrA Aerospace and Impac Funding

Corporation.

As the event reached its crescendo, TV anchor and emcee Ed Arnold

auctioned off the big ticket items, such as the use of a BMW or Mini

Cooper for one year, provided by Crevier, and a seven-day cruise for

two on the Holland America Line.

Spotted in the crowd were supporters Rosine Ackerman, Bill and

Judy Berry, John and Jennifer Condas, Ron and Betty Dominguez, Karen

Elliot, Marty and Heather Klein, Fernando and Olga Niebla, Mary Pon,

and Ted and Jillyn Verdon.

* THE CROWD appears Thursdays and Saturdays.