THE CROWD:Five Crowns dinner serves people in need

The Five Crowns Restaurant in Corona del Mar welcomed 100 guests of Serving People in Need. The summer luncheon raised an impressive $19,000, which will assist people in Orange County with housing needs, as well as offer job training aimed at guiding individuals and families on a path toward self-sufficiency.

Newport Beach celeb attorney Leigh Steinberg served as guest speaker at the sold-out confab. Chaired by Chloe Blom, the luncheon attracted local VIPs, including Paul Salata, Dennis O’Neil, Matt and Betsy Cooper, Brad and Patti Benson, and Karen Nichol.

Also on hand were Kathy Duffy, Paul Irving, Patti Drotter and Dick Crawford, chairman of the Serving People in Need board, and Jean Wegener, executive director of the group.

Serving People in Need serves some 800 families and individuals in Orange County each year. The organization commits to stay with the client for a period of two years to enable them to make significant progress in changing their lives for the better.

Newport’s Lana Chandler reports that Toby’s House, a Costa Mesa-based charity offering pregnant women and their children shelter, raised more than $70,000 at a jewelry fashion show and dinner event held at Park Prive.

Attended by 200 local citizens, the tally this year was triple what was donated last year. Ali Woodard, Toby’s House vice president, was thrilled, thanking all in attendance for their generous spirit and recognizing underwriters, including Bvlgari and Ferragamo boutiques of South Coast Plaza.

Big honors of the night went to South Coast Plaza for its support over many years. Kathleen Eaton, Toby’s House founder and executive director, was on hand welcoming and praising volunteer of the year Melanie Christensen for her awesome care and assistance. Joachim Splichal and his Patina Group served a medallion of beef for dinner, as a raffle of luxury items donated by local merchants brought in additional funds for the cause.

In the local crowd were generous donors Gaye and Art Birtcher, Shelly and Al Camera, Patti and Jim Edwards, Kathy and Paul Neff, Pat and Otis Cranford, Jessica and Sanford Edward, and Jana and Greg McGrath.

Toby’s House is open to all pregnant women 18 and older in search of assistance. They are welcome to stay during their entire pregnancy and for six months beyond the birth of their child. For more information on Toby’s House, call Ali Woodard at (949) 723-1926.