Sophisticates dress up at Mi Place

The Sophisticates of the Assessment Treatment Services Center gathered for cocktails, conversation and a shopping extravaganza at Mi Place in Corona del Mar on Feb. 2. The well-dressed gals who call themselves the Sophisticates gather frequently to raise money for the center.

The evening event began with cocktails at sunset hosted by Mi Place fashion icons Iris Frankel and Mary Rubenstein. The respected duo kicked off the evening with a generous $2,500 donation to the center and also pledged 10% of Mi Place’s pretax sales between Jan. 26 and Feb. 9. More than $40,000 in merchandise was sold at the reception alone, adding $4,000 to the first-night take for the center.

The event was co-chaired by Corona del Mar’s social queen bee Eve Kornyei and her lovely partner in crime, Grace Thelen. Also working for the cause were Sophisticates Debbie Newmeyer, Susan Becker and Christy Netro.

Fashion designer Cynthia Rose was the guest of honor -- and the hit of the night -- as many in attendance tried on her clothes and chatted with her. Rose flew in from New York just for the event. Meanwhile, Chef David catered the party to the delight of more than 200 guests gathered inside the boutique and under a tent.

Martinis flowed, Josef Yasher played his classical guitar, and Cynthia Rose garments flew out the door -- all to benefit the kids and families served by the Assessment Treatment Services Center. Spotted in the crowd were Melissa and Dave Arnold, Christi Bettingen, Debra Braeger, Linda Citrano, Margaret and Al Clark, Sally Crockett and Penny Fox. Also on hand were Martha Green, Sheila Jacobs, Paula and Michael Macko, Carol and Ron Pontremoli, Kathie Porter and Mary Varella.

Coming up on March 6, the Sophisticates will present a spectacular spring fashion show in partnership with St. John, Orange County’s legendary design house. The Hyatt Regency Irvine will present the event, pulling out all stops. They’re calling the presentation “Timeless Elegance -- An Afternoon with St. John.” Tickets are $160. For reservations, call Christy Netro at (714) 730-6529.

Remember this slogan: “Arrest the Problem -- Not the Child!” The Assessment Treatment Services Center, a United Way organization, provides free counseling to divert youth from paths of antisocial and potentially criminal behavior. For more information on the center, call (949) 756-0993 or e-mail info@atsc4kids.org.

* THE CROWD runs Thursdays and Saturdays.