THE CROWD:Introducing 11 Newport Harbor debutantes

The Children’s Home Society of California presented the 47th Newport Harbor Debutante Ball introducing 11 young women to local society. Some 300 guests in formal attire converged upon the Ritz Carlton in Laguna Niguel for the candlelit rite of passage. Co-chaired by Tracie Sullivan, Leslie Lynch, and Mary Pennington, all previous debutantes themselves, the evening was a warm gathering of community with an underlying message of service to others. Brian Sullivan, husband of co-chair Tracie, served as master of ceremonies, introducing the proud young ladies in white ball gowns, their escorts and mothers. Kay Davis, president of the Children’s Home Society Auxiliary, said the organization will celebrate 60 years of service to the Newport-Mesa community in October.

Children’s Home Society works to assist children in need, concentrating on providing “secure, loving, and healthy living environments” to enable children at risk to find a path to a better future life. The society supports such programs as child care, family support, shelter care, foster family care and group home care. A generous patron made a $25,000 donation to the society at the debutante ball.

The debutants are Courtney Lee Crisp, Shelley Allen Diefenbach, Briana Haley Galloway, Sarah Frederick Geocaris, Stephanie Leigh Geoffroy, Kara Kimberly Jones, Sophie Alice Loyd, Katherine Ellen Moosmann, Brittany Nicole Paul, Allisa Danielle Sparks, and Erica Lauren Yacoel.

The Orange County Museum of Art debuted a major show of the work of Chuck Close, one of America’s most celebrated contemporary artists. Some 100 works by Close are on display through April 22. The exhibition opened earlier this week to a VIP reception hosted by the museum board of trustees. The show, titled Process and Collaboration is a unique glimpse into Close’s vision. Terrie Sultan, director of the Blaffer Gallery at the University of Houston, led a docent tour of the exhibition. For more information, call the museum at (949) 759-1122 or go to www.ocma.net.

Achievement Rewards for College Scientists held a seventh annual awards dinner at UC Irvine’s Arnold and Mabel Beckman Center. UCI Chancellor Michael Drake was on hand along with distinguished UCI professor Carl Cotman, director of the UCI Institute for Brain Aging and Dementia to make the special presentations to the honored guests. Chaired by dedicated Newport social activist Donna Phelps with support from the most charming and accomplished France Campbell, president of the organization, the evening welcomed some of the best and brightest hope for our collective future.

Founded in 1957, a local chapter of the organization began in Orange County seven years ago, and has awarded 80 scholarships. On a national scale, the organization has awarded more than $57 million in grants, supporting 10,996 scholars in 46 colleges and universities throughout the country. To get involved, contract France Campbell at https://francecampbell @znet.com or go to the organization’s website at www.arcsfoundation.org /OrangeCounty.

Beverly Ray Parkhurst, chairman of International Bay Clubs Inc. and Henry Schielein, president of the Balboa Bay Club in Newport Beach hosted a champagne birthday party last week in Duke’s Place at the club for jazz pianist Page Cavanaugh. A giant chocolate cake shaped like a grand piano was wheeled into Duke’s, ablaze with candles to mark the milestone.

Cavanaugh was in character as he replied to the question, “What do you want for your 85th birthday?” “I want to be 84,” he said as the crowd roared.

The man who played for the great singers of the 20th century, including Frank Sinatra and Doris Day, received a surprise $1,000 birthday check from Ray and Schielein to kick-start a campaign to secure Cavanaugh a star on Hollywood’s Walk of Fame. In the meantime, Cavanaugh and his trio keep the music playing, also marking 10 years of performances at the Balboa Bay Club.

On another musical note, Jazz in January, the annual event of the Ocean Institute takes place this weekend. Artists Rick Braun on trumpet and Richard Elliot on saxophone are set to perform. Opening night is Friday and features a wine reception and concert. The event is limited to 300 guests, and there are still a few seats available — $65 for open seating and $95 for reserved seating.

Proceeds benefit the worthwhile effort of the Ocean Institute to teach about and preserve our Pacific Ocean environment. For reservations, call (949) 496-2274, ext. 412.