THE CROWD:Art exhibition benefits AIDS foundation

Chat Noir in Costa Mesa was host to an art exhibition to benefit the AIDS Services Foundation Orange County. The event brought out the Newport-Mesa crowd to meet artist Alex Hernandez at a Sunday evening show and supper at the popular Costa Mesa French-themed dining room.

Hernandez, raised in Orange County, knows too well the pain and worry of a family fighting AIDS. His father struggles with the disease. The artist approached the foundation to donate his work for sale at the reception, with proceeds benefiting both AIDS research and support services for those afflicted.

His exhibition at Chat Noir was entitled “As I See It,” a collection of images reflecting the impact AIDS has on families in this community. As guests mingled in Chat Noir’s “Moulin Rouge Bar,” sharing David Wilhelm’s signature cocktails, the usual pleasant conversation turned serious, focusing on what can be done to make a difference in the lives of those with AIDS. To get involved, check out www.ocasf.org for more information on the foundation’s work and its upcoming AIDS Walk Orange County, which is planned for the first Sunday in June.

Many people are surprised to learn that heart disease is the No. 1 killer of women. It’s not just a man’s problem. The American Heart Assn. of Orange County has led the charge to get the message out to women that they must pay attention to the risks of heart disease. To this end, some 600 women will gather Feb. 6 at The Hyatt Regency Hotel, Irvine for a luncheon symposium being called “Go Red For Women.”

The event will honor Dr. Shalizeh Shokooh of the Orange County Heart Institute and Research Center. Panel discussions will offer expert advice on the prevention of heart disease. Proceeds will benefit numerous programs sponsored by The American Heart Assn.

Chapman University will welcome Steven T. Katz of Boston University as he speaks on the Holocaust. Katz will present a lecture, “Jewish Resistance During the Holocaust,” at 7 p.m. Feb. 8 in Memorial Hall on the Chapman campus.

The session is free and open to the public. In keeping with the lofty and commendable Chapman ideal of value-based education, audience members are respectfully requested to bring canned foods to donate to the Second Harvest Food Bank feeding the hungry in Orange County. For more information, call Mary Platt at (714) 628-7271.

Do you have fine art, perhaps stored in a closet, with no desire to display the work? Southern California Art Projects and Exhibitions is creating an opportunity for locals to donate fine art from their collection to be sold, with proceeds benefiting non-profit organizations. Contact Jeannie Denholm or Diane Nelson at (949) 723-3406 or check out the organization’s website at www.scapesite.com

Susan Ballou reports that the Junior League of Orange County will again sponsor “Tournament by the Sea,” a golf event to be held March 30 at the Monarch Beach Resort. Mara Hampton will chair the second annual golf fundraiser for the league, which is expected to attract a diverse field of participants.

“The number of working women in the League has grown and this golf event is a great opportunity for both women and men to enhance business and personal relationships while supporting a worthwhile charitable cause.” Said Hampton.

That’s the essence of golf, for sure. Call Ballou at (949) 261-0823 for more information on the event.