THE CROWD:Fashion-show fundraiser helps at-risk kids

It was a grand 25th anniversary celebration for the Sophisticates in support of the Assessment Treatment Services Center. Nearly 450 beautifully dressed women and a few fortunate gentlemen converged upon the Balboa Bay Club for a spring fashion show and luncheon raising $150,000 to help fund the counseling services of the Assessment Treatment Services Center diverting local area youth from anti-social behavior leading to potential legal challenges. The group’s mission is “Changing young lives.”

Over 25 years of fundraising for the Assessment Treatment Services Center, the Sophisticates have donated $2.2 million to the program. With a local membership of 150 dedicated volunteers, many of whom have been associated with the group since its inception, the recent fashion event attracted community support from many sectors of society. Best of all, 100% of the proceeds will go to the Assessment Treatment Services Center as the cost of the affair was underwritten by generous donors.

Chaired by the lovely Lisa Hallaian, the party featured, for the second year in a row, fashions by the house of St. John. The American luxury apparel label, based in Orange County, showcased its spring 2007 line to the delight of the appreciative audience. Adding to the excitement of the runway presentation was Mark Alan Harmon, celebrity stylist who emceed the show for St. John. Harmon is a contributor to NBC’s “Your LA,” providing inside tips on fashion and current style.

Bruce Fetter, chief executive of St. John was on hand for the show, commenting, “We are honored to be working with the Sophisticates. Their generous support of ATSC [the Assessment Treatment Services Center] and their dedication to children and families embodies core values that are important to St. John.”

Inasmuch as fashion and fashion shows in particular are more about artistic statement than a display of wearable threads, St. John manages to please the crowd by providing both. The spring line, featuring the classic St. John knit suit was infused with a selection of bold-patterned sleeveless dresses and ink-washed denim slacks expanding the look of the very traditional line without compromising the integrity of the brand. Floral embroideries on both the knits and on new leather entries were applauded.

The spring collection is inspired by the color palette of California, including the rich tones of coral, lemon grass, citrine, and orchid.

The ladies were thrilled with the show, commenting on the desirability and wearability of the line.

In the crowd were hard working volunteers including Lula Halfacre, Francine Wittenberg Cashen, Zee Allred, Donna Anderson, Fran Applegate, Desiree Berry, Deborah Bridges, Diana Bromily, Carol Campbell, Shari Ciko, Lori Contant, Donna Crean, Sally Crockett and Sandy Segerstrom Daniels. Also supporting the Assessment Treatment Services Center were Kathleen Duffy, Jayne Lally, Cathy Lowden, Barbara Magness, Denice Mock, Debbie Newmeyer, Pamela Paul, Nancy Olson, Marsha Orlin, Carol Primm, and Catherine Thyen.

Founded in 1974, the Assessment Treatment Services Center has helped some 13,000 children and families. This year more than 300 more at-risk children will find the counseling that will hopefully change their lives for the better.

The Sophisticates remain a major source of the funding that makes this all happen. Social action at work to make a difference for young people who will be the recipients of the next generation of the American ideal.