THE CROWD:It’s ‘aloha’ to music and the arts

The mood was definitely “aloha”. The ladies of the Big Canyon/ Spyglass Hill Philharmonic Committee held a summer party that was billed as “Polynesian Paradise.” Hula skirts were swinging and orchid leis were abundant, as Park Prive in Costa Mesa was transformed into South Sea splendor to raise funds for the Philharmonic Society of Orange County.

“This is for the children of Orange County,” said Jacque Heebner, adding, “Our committee is dedicated to exposing children to music, affording them the opportunity to experience great artists performing here and opening their minds and hearts to the world of music and the arts.”

Chaired by the very dedicated duo Darby Manclark and Joan Stevens, the Polynesian party raised in excess of $70,000 to support the music education of local children. Park Prive staff served hors d’ oeuvres to the arriving crowd, which included local stand-outs Terry and Carl Brick; Margaret and Al Clark; Laila and Bill Conlin; Kaley and Dean Corey; Carol and Jerry Gates; Marilyn and Everett Gust; Ollie Hill; JoAnn Mix; and Craig Brown. The popular local band Tom Thumb and The Hitchhikers (not exactly Polynesian, but Don Ho was booked) brought the crowd to the dance floor as a candlelight dinner was served by Patina restaurant.

Committee members supporting Manclark and Stevens were Martha Green and Cathy Lowden, who did a masterful job decorating the tables with candles and perfect tropical florals. Also ensuring success were Jaqueline Lokka, Caroline Miller, Christel Shar, Mary Osterhout, Kathryn Smith, Gloria Osbrink, Jacque Heebner and committee president Bobbitt Williams.

The Philharmonic Society of Orange County and its various committees such as Big Canyon/ Spyglass Hill have contributed to local music education in the O.C. for 50 years. Some 2 million children have benefited from the outreach that has lasted due to the volunteer efforts of more than 1,000 local women and men who have made sure that music thrives in both public and private schools.

Also contributing to the success were CC and Claude Whitney; Patricia and Alex Sytnyk; Donna and Nick Shubin; Barbara and Paul Penrose; June and Terry O’Neill; Carol and Don Julien; and Barbara and Ben Harris.