Time to cook up support for March

B.W. COOK

The March of Dimes will host its third culinary event Sept. 8 at the

St. Regis Monarch Beach Resort.

Formerly known as the “Star Chefs” of Orange County, the party is

now being called “A Taste of The Palate.” And what a taste it will be

under the supervision of acclaimed chef Azmin Ghahreman, who has

invited a host of local experts from Newport-Mesa and other O.C.

dining hot spots to prepare their specialties for the crowd.

Ghahreman is also coordinating the perfect vintages to accompany the

tasting of fine food.

This year’s extravaganza is being co-chaired by Jodie Carroll and

Barry Porter with corporate support from their respective companies,

Gateway Computers and Merrill Lynch. Bayshores resident and insurance

executive Jean Macino, a dedicated March of Dimes supporter and

former event chair, will be rallying Newport-Mesa donors to assist

March of Dimes programs preventing birth defects and helping local

infants with any and all health issues.

Tickets are $250 per person and may be reserved by calling Jenny

Smith at (949) 305-5262.

The “Race for the Cure” returns to Newport this fall, where it

began 13 years ago in honor of Susan G. Komen, who died of breast

cancer at age 36. A sponsor’s reception will unfold Sept. 23 at

Turnip Rose in Costa Mesa in advance of the Sept. 26 event, which

will take place once again at Fashion Island.

“It is the largest 5K event in California dedicated solely to

raising money for breast cancer,” said communications representative

Sally Coombe.

The pre-event reception will honor dedicated local businesses and

individuals who make a difference. Some of the corporate sponsors

include the Ralphs-Food 4 Less Foundation and Robinsons-May stores.

Barbara Purks and Marie Blash will co-chair the Komen reception in

Costa Mesa with assistance from Newport’s Lorrie Tuerk, Harriette

Watson, Betty Winek, Jane Hill and Heather Gilbert. Organizers hope

to raise $1.5 million at the Fashion Island 5K race. To join in,

please call (714) 957-9165.

It’s ducky derby time.

More than 5,000 spectators will be watching 10,000 rubber ducks

float down the “Lazy River” Oct. 3 on behalf of the Children’s

Bureau, Orange County. The 11th annual “Mighty Ducky Derby” at Wild

Rivers Waterpark in Irvine is sponsored in part by Washington Mutual,

United Parcel Service and other corporate donors assisting the

Children’s Bureau care for young boys and girls who are victims of

domestic abuse.

Established in 1987 in Orange County with great love and financial

support from Newport’s Donna Crean, the bureau continues a long

tradition of family support and child services that started more than

a century ago in Los Angeles. Today, more than 9,000 children in this

county alone are considered at-risk and are served by the bureau.

The day at Wild Rivers will include food, fun and entertainment

for the entire family. A $75 donation will make you a V.I.D. (Very

Important Duck). To make a reservation, or to adopt a rubber duck for

the race, please call (714) 517-1900, Ext. 678.

* THE CROWD appears Thursdays and Saturdays.