THE CROWD:Sophisticates go-go psychedelic

It was all about the “Men of the OC” as the ladies known as the Sophisticates, in support of the Assessment Treatment Service Center, threw a holiday party that was, shall we say, very colorful. The theme was 1960s chic, complete with Pucci print dresses, go-go dancers in men’s shirts and patent leather boots, and even a joke wall fashioned after the popular ‘60s TV show “Laugh-In.” Event chairs Denice Mock and Marsha Willis invited guest of honor Gordon Wiles, the original director of “Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-In” television show, who delighted the crowd with nostalgia. Wiles’ wife, Joyce Morton, even provided original photos from the 1960s TV production displayed to set the party’s tone.

The big sponsor of the evening affair was the Fladeboe Automotive Group, which hosted “The Men of the OC” event in its Volkswagen Showroom in Irvine. Auto legend Ray Fladeboe joined the fun along with Glen Fladeboe, who served as master of ceremonies with auctioneer Chuck Dreyer. They managed to raise significant dollars for the Sophisticates. Thanks to the generosity of local merchandise donors, including Gary’s Newport Beach; the Mirage, Las Vegas; Duffy Electric Boats; Charriol Jewelry; the Ritz Carlton; Bachelor Gulch Colorado; and many more. More than $20,000 was raised.

Newmeyer & Dillon LLP, Pacific Summit Energy, Commerce Energy and Pravda Vodka also sponsored the event. Saltwater Events catered, with Donna B’s Cookies serving incredible cupcakes and cookies for dessert.

There was also live dessert as the ladies in the crowd went “ga ga” in their go-go boots for the male models parading the Fladeboe showroom to the disco beat of disc jockey Peter Papadopoulous. Mark Gavranovic from Charriol and Ryan Burns, a professional Ford model, hit the makeshift runway showing off the latest men’s fashions from Gary’s. Tom Newmeyer, husband of Sophisticate Debbie Newmeyer, joined Michael Corrigan, husband of Sophisticate President Sarah Corrigan, on the fashion runway. Also modeling to the hoots and hollers of the crowd were Ben Bonnet, Britt Huycke, Devon Nixon, Gil Alvandi, Joe Ferrentino, John Gates and special guest of honor Wiles.

Spotted in the Sophisticates crowd were Penny Fox and Ron Calame, Paula and Michael Macko, Denice and Brian Mock, Nancy Olson and Eric Putnam, Debbie and David Schweickert, Katie Willis, Laurie Woodruff, Dawn Spengler, Francine Wittenberg Cashen, Linda Lamitie, Devon Nixon, Jacquelene Putney and Susan Becker.

On March 19, the Sophisticates will celebrate 25 years of serving the community through the Assessment Treatment Service Center with the Silver Anniversary Spring Luncheon and Fashion Show to be held at The Balboa Bay Club & Resort. St. John will front the gala event. For more information, contact Francine Cashen at (949) 735-5641 or e-mail francashen@cox.net.