Candy Cane Ball helps children in need

The longest running holiday ball in Orange County marked a 57th anniversary recently on behalf of the Assistance League of Newport-Mesa. The 2005 Candy Cane Ball, presented by the Junior Auxiliary of the League, unfolded at the Newport Harbor Yacht Club. Chaired by Jane Owen and supported by co-chairs Susan Callas and Elizabeth Martino, the party included more than 200 guests in holiday black-tie and glitter who sipped martinis with candy cane swizzle sticks on the terrace of the venerable old yacht club overlooking Newport Harbor.

The glistening moon over the rippling water served as a stunning backdrop for the Friday evening soiree, which attracted a mostly young, 30- to 40-something crowd of Newport-Mesa professionals following in the philanthropic footsteps of several generations of people who have supported the charitable endeavors of the Assistance League over five decades. It’s called tradition. Carrying the torch. An impressive $75,000 was raised by the generous crowd, benefiting league programs serving local children and their families.

Owen has served the league by presiding over the Candy Cane Ball for two years.

“I’m thrilled that funds raised from this event literally clothe children in our own community,” she said. “Funds also provide dental care to needy children. I’m honored to chair this party.”

Another of the league programs that benefits from the Candy Cane Ball is known as the Bell Scholarship. Guests raised $2,500 to fund the scholarship, which is used to provide school clothing for local children. Donors are asked to provide a $50 grant used to buy a back-to-school wardrobe for a needy child. Funds raised at Candy Cane will directly help 50 more local children.

Dedicated Assistance League supporters included Jim and Tammy McKennon; James and Cindy O’Leary; Tim and Jane Owen; Jay and Marijane Palchikoff; and Thomas and Valice Peyton.

Also in the crowd were Nader and Cheryl Shah; Dale and Christy Shepherd; James and Valen Treadaway; Steve and Sheila Zamucen; Bruce and Jill Ayres; Jeff and Jennafer Kaplan; David and Cassie Conant; and Bob and Tammi Cluck.

Founded in 1940, the Assistance League of Newport-Mesa enters its 66th year serving needy children in the community.

* THE CROWD runs Thursdays and Saturdays.